Need Recommendations: Credit Cards for Weekly Travel

Card Recommendation Request Forum
1

Hi everyone! I’m starting a new job in January that will require weekly travel, and I’m trying to figure out the best credit card combinations to use. Currently, I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but since I’ll be traveling frequently, I’m looking for more travel perks like lounge access, rental car upgrades, etc.

I’m torn between the Amex Platinum, which offers amazing travel perks but has less attractive points compared to the Capital One Venture X + Savor combo. While the Capital One cards provide more points and still grant Hertz upgrades, the Amex Platinum’s lounge access is tempting, especially if the food provided is good. It could save me a lot on airport food and drinks.

I’m looking for any advice or thoughts on which route to take. Thank you!

2

The Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) has unlimited priority pass lounge visits, while the Amex Platinum only allows 20 visits. You also get rental car upgrades with Avis and National, plus emergency medical and dental insurance.

What more could you want?

3

@Finnian
The appeal of the Amex Platinum for me would be the Centurion Lounges. Priority Pass lounges don’t hold much value for me.

4

Merrick said:
@Finnian
The appeal of the Amex Platinum for me would be the Centurion Lounges. Priority Pass lounges don’t hold much value for me.

If you’re primarily looking for access to Amex lounges, your best options are the Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum. Neither card typically provides substantial value for most people because it’s tough to cover their high annual fees with typical spend. This is similar for CSR, which mainly offsets its fee with Lyft Pink and Dashpass. So your concern seems more about the value of travel perks than just points.

5

@Finnian
I’m aiming to balance travel perks with maximizing points since I’ll be traveling frequently.

6

Merrick said:
@Finnian
The appeal of the Amex Platinum for me would be the Centurion Lounges. Priority Pass lounges don’t hold much value for me.

What are the main cities you will be visiting? Not all airports have a Centurion Lounge, so if your goal is lounge access, airline membership may be more beneficial than credit card access.

7

@Finnian
Additionally, the CSR offers 3x points on dining. If you want more lounges, you could consider the Chase United Infinite card for access to Star Alliance lounges. Alternatively, the Delta Reserve card gives you lounges and an annual companion pass.

Also, consider hotel cards. The Chase Marriott Boundless card currently has an excellent sign-up bonus, or you might look at the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant card.

Wyndham cards are also worth considering; they’re often underrated.

8

@Finnian
Has the Platinum always had a limit on lounge access? I’d only heard about limits concerning Delta and Chase Sapphire lounges, not the Centurion or Priority Pass lounges.

9

Just a heads-up: lounge access can be crowded, with long wait times and lines. Your per diem might be better spent at a restaurant or coffee shop, or even at a less busy gate.

I’d suggest reconsidering the rental car upgrade—often you’ll just end up with larger models that are inconvenient to park.

I recommend keeping your current card for a few trips before deciding how your needs change.

10

@Ryan
I mainly want to avoid long lines when picking up rental keys. Does the CSR not offer that? I saw that Capital One provides Hertz President’s Circle upgrades.

11

Merrick said:
@Ryan
I mainly want to avoid long lines when picking up rental keys. Does the CSR not offer that? I saw that Capital One provides Hertz President’s Circle upgrades.

Anyone registering an account with Hertz should receive the benefits regardless.

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Template for Card Recommendation Requests:

Please use the following template for optimal recommendations:

  • Current cards: (list cards, limits, opening date)
    • e.g., Amex BCP $8,000 limit, May 2019
    • e.g., Chase Freedom Flex $10,000 limit, June 2021
  • FICO Score: e.g., 750
  • Oldest account age: e.g., 5 years 6 months
  • Chase 5/24 status: e.g., 2/24
  • Income: e.g., $80,000
  • Average monthly spend across categories:
    • dining $800
    • groceries: $400
    • gas: $100
    • travel: $100
    • other: $30
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  • What’s the purpose of your next card? e.g., Building credit, balance transfer, travel, cashback
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13

Are you traveling domestically or internationally? Do you have a preferred airline?

14

Channing said:
Are you traveling domestically or internationally? Do you have a preferred airline?

Primarily domestic for work, with a focus on Southwest and Delta. I plan to travel internationally about three times a year for personal reasons.

15

@Merrick
It sounds like the Amex ecosystem would be a strong fit for you, especially given your preference for Delta and access to Centurion Lounges. While Membership Rewards points might not be the best, the travel perks you’ll receive with weekly travel could make the Amex Platinum and Gold a worthwhile investment.

16

If you’re after Amex lounge access, the Business Platinum card might offer better value than the personal version, given its additional credits. In addition, it might still provide a 30% discount on select airlines.

For rental upgrades, consider status matching with Hertz if you have a World Elite Mastercard or Visa Infinite, like the Freedom Flex, Bilt, or any Citi card. Other agencies may have similar status-matching options; just call and inquire.

17

If lounge access is a priority, I suggest getting both the Amex Platinum and CSR. If you’re based out of DFW, DEN, or Dulles, you might want to switch the Platinum for the VentureX.

18

Marlo said:
If lounge access is a priority, I suggest getting both the Amex Platinum and CSR. If you’re based out of DFW, DEN, or Dulles, you might want to switch the Platinum for the VentureX.

Thanks for the advice! I’m based in Austin but will be flying across the country, especially to Houston and Dallas.