Three of the most popular credit cards for travel spending announced brand new perks and higher fees. When you dig deep, the exciting new bonuses may be a big old bust.””
When you do the math, the numbers appear to add up in the consumer’s favor, exceeding the cost of the annual fees of up to $800. However, regular card users quickly noticed that their VIP benefits are ones they will use rarely, if at all.
The changes appear to have been spawned by an explosion of access. To build loyalty, admission to restricted airport lounges was offered to everyone who holds a particular brand of credit card. Customers complained that lounges were overwhelmed, and some were forced to close or lock people out once they reached capacity.
As the saying goes, if everyone’s special, then no one is special. So Chase, American Express and Capital One went looking for ways to make their privileged guests feel special again. Users’ mileage may vary.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The card with the most widespread changes, including several of the more questionable ones, is the card previously associated with luxury travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa. Existing cardholders won’t see all of the changes and features until Oct. 26, 2025, but are currently in a transition phase. Chase was quick to point out a few things that haven’t changed. They’re still on the Visa Infinite network, one of the most widely accepted global networks. And the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will maintain its industry-leading, comprehensive suite of travel protections.
The good
One of the nicest features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card isn’t going anywhere. Cardholders get a $300 travel credit across the board. Anyone who applies for a Chase Sapphire Reserve card after June 23, 2025, is eligible for their new welcome offer, which includes 100,000 bonus points and a $500 Chase Travel promo credit if you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Cardholders get eight points per dollar on all travel booked through Chase. Points for hotel stays and flights booked directly bump up to four points per dollar, instead of three. The existing credit of up to $120 every four years for the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS stays in place as well, along with complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status through Dec. 31, 2027.
