Christine
If you’re building a travel rewards strategy, it’s easy to get lost in the hype. New bonuses, flashy perks, and premium cards with big annual fees can distract from what really matters: which cards you actually use. Here’s a look at the three cards I consistently reach for—and why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my wallet.
Capital One Venture X ($395 Annual Fee)
This is my current go-to card—and arguably one of the best values in premium travel right now.
The simplicity is what makes it shine. You earn 2X miles on every purchase, which means no overthinking categories. On top of that, the $300 annual travel credit (which can easily be used for car rentals) and the 10,000 anniversary bonus miles do a lot to offset the annual fee.
It also comes with Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access, though note that lounge access is limited to the cardholder unless you pay for guests. Add in Capital One Offers for online shopping, and you’ve got a card that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting.
Why I use it: It’s my default card for anything that doesn’t fall into a bonus category.
Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 Annual Fee)
This is the “everyday lifestyle” card in my setup—and still one of the best starter travel cards out there.
You’ll get 3X on dining and online grocery orders, which covers a huge chunk of everyday spending. The $50 annual hotel credit is easy to use, especially for quick one-night stays, and helps offset the already low annual fee.
There’s also a $10 monthly DoorDash credit (non-restaurant), which is a small but consistent perk if you use the platform regularly.
Why I use it: Dining and groceries—simple as that.
American Express Platinum ($895 Annual Fee)
Yes, the fee is high—but so is the stack of benefits. This is less of a “spender” card and more of a “benefits” card in my wallet.
The credits alone are substantial: up to $400 annually through Resy ($100 quarterly), $600 in hotel credits via Amex Travel, $300 in digital entertainment, $200 in airline incidental fees, and even lifestyle perks like Lululemon and Oura credits.
On top of that, you get extensive lounge access, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass, plus a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit and CLEAR+ membership.
The catch? You need to actively use the credits to justify the annual fee. See more on the AMEX in this post:
Why I use it: Lounge access and maximizing the credits—this card earns its keep if you’re intentional.
Final Thoughts
This setup works because each card has a clear role:
- Venture X handles everything else at 2X
- Sapphire Preferred covers dining and groceries
- Amex Platinum delivers premium perks and travel benefits
You don’t need a dozen cards to play the points game well—you just need the right combination that fits your spending and travel habits. For me, this trio strikes that balance perfectly.
