Reddit users in the r/CreditCards forum share which credit cards they keep open purely for rewards, even when they rarely use them to spend.
Several cards offer perks that can offset their annual fees without heavy spending. The World of Hyatt Credit Card charges $95 annually and provides a free night certificate each year at Category 1-4 properties. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card also costs $95 per year and includes a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card charges $150 annually for a certificate worth up to 50,000 points. Hotel certificates let you add points for pricier properties, but each program has different qualifying rules and property restrictions.
Airport lounge access appeals to frequent travelers. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card costs $395 per year and includes access to Capital One lounges plus over 1,300 Priority Pass locations worldwide. It also provides a $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles on anniversaries. However, lounge value depends on which airports you visit, and guests now cost $35 per person at Priority Pass locations.
Airline-specific perks include free checked bags. The United Explorer Card ($150 annual fee, waived first year) gives the cardholder and one companion a free checked bag on United flights, potentially saving $200 per round trip. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has no fee the first year, then $150 annually, and covers a free bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions.
Companion tickets offer another option. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card ($350 annual fee) includes an annual companion certificate for qualifying Delta Main flights within the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. You still pay taxes and fees, which range from $22 to $250.
The American Express Platinum Card charges $895 annually but includes up to $200 in Uber Cash, $400 in Resy credits, $300 in digital entertainment credits and up to $155 toward Walmart+ membership. These credits apply only if you already spend in those categories.