The 5 best credit cards of 2022: Top cards compared

It’s hard not to think of The Platinum Card from American Express when considering the best travel cards. Few credit cards can compete with its nearly unparalleled benefit offering. However, it should only be considered by the avid traveler, as it has an annual fee of $695.

That said, it also comes equipped with a staggering number of annual credits that effectively lower the annual fee to a much more manageable number. That’s another reason why it shouldn’t be considered by the average traveler; you’ll only get the true value from the card so long as you’re able to take advantage of everything it has to offer.

While the card does have good travel rewards, the true draw are its benefits. In addition to a vast array of travel protections, including Travel Accident Insurance, rental car insurance, baggage insurance, and trip delay insurance, The Platinum Card has several annual credits, including a $200 hotel credit, a $200 incidental airline fee credit, a $189 CLEAR credit, a $240 digital entertainment credit, a $155 Walmart+ credit, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, to name a few.

If you can utilize those credits each year, it would more than cover the annual fee. There’s also the complimentary Elite statuses it offers with Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy, plus access to the largest collection of airport lounges through the Global Lounge Collection membership. Suffice to say, there is plenty of value to be had here for the frequent traveler.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Pros

• Numerous annual credits
• Strong travel protections
• Good rewards

Cons

• High annual fee ($695)
• Only for the frequent traveler

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.