You’ve been all over the news lately. Glossier. Flashier. More expensive. And honestly, I just wanted to check in—because, wow, you’ve changed.
When we were together, you were sleek, silver, and simple. A status symbol, sure, but one that didn’t scream about it. Now? You’re dressed like a reflective mirror that screams “Centurion Lounge or bust,” and your lifestyle has gotten a bit… complicated.
Let’s get into it.
💸 A Bigger Fee, But at What Cost?
You used to cost $695 a year. Pricey, yes, but manageable for a card offering premium travel perks. Now? Your annual fee has jumped to $895 — a 29% increase. (See rates and fees).
In exchange, you’ve piled on even more merchant-specific credits. Some people call it “value.” I call it a spreadsheet I don’t want to manage.
Here’s what you expect me to track now:
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A $300 Oura Ring credit (because my Fitbit isn’t fancy enough?)
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Four Lululemon credits a year (in case I suddenly become a leggings guy)
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Two prepaid hotel bookings
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Monthly Uber credits I forget about
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Plus everything else from the streaming credit to Walmart+
Enrollment required. Terms apply.
I get it—on paper, it looks like “value.” But unless I completely shift how and where I spend, those savings are mostly theoretical.
🏨 Status With Who?
Don’t get me wrong—you still offer some legit perks. Hotel and rental car elite status is great (shoutout to the surprise Hilton upgrades). But now you’ve added status with the Leading Hotels of the World.
Respectfully… who?
If I have to Google a brand to know where my “elite status” works, that’s not a great sign. Especially at nearly $900 a year.
✈️ Lounge Life Isn’t What It Used to Be
Once upon a time, walking into a Centurion Lounge felt like a travel flex. These days? It feels more like a crowded airport cafeteria with a dress code.
If I have to elbow someone for a seat and compete for cheese cubes, I’d rather hang out at an empty gate with a good book and overpriced coffee.
🎁 Rewards? Meh.
Let’s talk points. Your Membership Rewards program is decent—but not amazing. Bonus categories are narrow, and point transfers feel more complicated than they should be.
Your major domestic airline partner is Delta, but their redemption rates are notoriously bad, and AmEx charges a fee to transfer to U.S.-based airlines. Want to get real value? I have to learn the ins and outs of niche international carriers. No thanks.
Compare that to:
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Chase Ultimate Rewards® — I can transfer to Hyatt or United.
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Citi ThankYou® Points — I can transfer to American Airlines.
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Capital One Venture Miles — I can redeem for travel with no blackout dates or just erase purchases with a click.
🧾 Chase, Citi, and Capital One: Moving On
I’ll be honest: I left you in 2019 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It felt simpler. But when Chase hiked its annual fee to $795 and started playing the same coupon game you’ve perfected, I left that card too.
Now? I’m with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — and it’s been bliss.
Here’s why:
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$395 annual fee
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$300 travel credit (via Capital One Travel)
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10,000 anniversary miles (worth $100)
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Two miles per dollar on everything
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Access to Capital One Lounges
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No confusing credits or fine print
It’s the minimalist’s premium card—and it respects my time.
🤝 No Hard Feelings
Look, AmEx Platinum, we had good times. I loved flexing you at hotel check-ins and skipping lines at the airport. But this latest version of you? It’s just not for me.
If someone else wants to organize their calendar around maximizing streaming credits, monthly Uber rides, and Lululemon shopping trips—they’ll love you. Truly.
But I’d rather just spend where I want, when I want, without running a loyalty program out of my wallet.
Sincerely,
A Former Cardholder Who Still Remembers the Old You
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This article contains opinions of the author and does not reflect endorsements of any card product. Terms apply to all offers and benefits mentioned above.
