A popular card is raising its fee to $795!
See if your card is the one in question, when it's worth it to pay a high annual fee and how I coped with losing my dog (in one photo).
Happy Juneteenth from my family to yours!
I am working on a Savannah edit which is very tied into Juneteenth which I hope to have for you all next week. Stay tuned for that!
There is so much heartbreaking news in the world today and lately it feels like I can’t even keep up.
BUT there is also news in the world of points and miles today to fill you in on that isn’t all bad. I don’t want you to miss out!
Buckle-up and make sure to read this in full.
And a quick note: remember that due to affiliate rules, I can’t mention the names of cards or banks so if you’re confused at all, just message me or reply to this post and I will tell you exactly which cards I am talking about.
The names aren’t left out to gate keep, I’m just following the rules 🤓
Before I get into the news, I want to mention that the class on Monday was SO GREAT! I loved seeing so many of your faces. I’ve received so much positive feedback and feel so excited that it’s helping so many people travel more with their families. The best!
If you missed it, you can register here and watch the replay! It could change your life!
Here’s a breakdown of what today’s newsletter will cover!
The premium card’s updates
A new premium business card!
Answers to common questions
My thoughts on these changes
When an annual fee is worth it
How I’m coping with losing my dog ❤️🩹
The #1 travel card’s premium version is getting a refresh… and they are adding a premium business card as well.
There are some really big shakeups right now happening with this popular credit card that I am here to discuss!
The bottom line
The #1 travel card’s older sister (the one with the $550 fee) is getting a total revamp on Monday
Eligibility rules for this card “family” may change
They are adding a premium business card!
What is changing (not a complete list of changes):
The annual fee is going up to $795 (steep but not a deal breaker necessarily!)
The authorized user fee will go up from $75 to $195 per user.
Some of the benefits will be changing
4x on hotels and flights if booked directly (was 3x)
5x on Lyft (through September 2027)
8x on travel bookings through the portal (was 5x-10x)
Discontinuing the 1.5x redemption in the portal
Removing the 3x on general travel outside of the portal
Current cardholders will get the new benefits beginning 10/26/25. Fees go up on your card anniversary!
The $300 travel credit stays (phew!)
Adding statement credits (see card offer for complete details but this is what's planned!):
$500 “The Edit” credit
$300 Dining credit
$300 StubHub credit
$300 DoorDash credit
$250 Apple TV+/Apple Music credit
$120 Lyft Credit
$120 Pelotin credit
$120 Global Entry credit (every 4 years)
New Points Boost program which could theoretically help make portal bookings a little more affordable (though there are still many reasons I don’t like using the portal!)
Lounge access
The business card
Perks:
3x on social media and search engine advertising (without a cap which could be huge for many business owners)
Extra perks after spending $120K/yr
A host of credits ($200 Google Workspace, $400 ZipRecruiter, $100 gift cards.com, Lyft credits, etc)
Eligibility:
You should be able to get this even if you have any of the other business cards! 🤞
You should be able to get this even if you have the personal version 🤞
The breakdown: good news or bad news?
Here are my thoughts!
1. What will the bonus be?
We’re waiting to find out what the welcome bonus will be and it’s rumored to be HIGH. If so, it will be a great opportunity to get this card at least for one year to take advantage of that. I am hoping we’re looking at 150K points+!
2. Will they allow us to hold the low fee and high fee version of this card at the same time?
There is a rumor that they may allows folks to apply for this even if they already have the #1 travel card with the $95 fee. That would be a game changer! We don’t know yet. 🤞
3. Are they doing away with the 48 month rule?
Currently, there is a rule that you are eligible for the bonus on this card and the lower tier #1 travel card, every 4 years. This means that if you’ve had the card for four years, you have been able to “downgrade and reapply”. This may change which would be terrible news.
If you have had this card for more than 4 years, it might be wise to downgrade NOW in advance of the release so you are ready to reapply when it’s out. For instructions on how to do this, please reply to this message or DM me and I will send! You want to follow it step by step as there is a good way to do this and a not so good way!
4. If I already have a business card with this bank will I be eligible for this one?
They are set to unveil a new business version of this card as well which may mean there will be a 4th option of business cards from this bank that earns transferable points (!!). We don’t yet know all the details but this could be good news. Currently, in order to be approved for a business card with this bank, you cannot be over 4/24 meaning you can’t have opened more than 4 personal cards from ANY bank to be eligible.
We will know more Monday when they release the rest of the info and open applications!
5. How do I apply next week AND support Brooklyn Family Travelers at the same time?
The single best way to support my work with Brooklyn Family Travelers costs you zero dollars :) All you have to do is click through my links when you apply for any credit card. You’ll be able to find both of these links below when the applications open!
Final thoughts on the cards!
I DO recommend downgrading your card now if you’ve had it for more than 4 years (message me for the how-to)!
I DO NOT recommend upgrading your card now in order to get the lower annual fee. You will save $245 for a year but you’d also be foregoing a bonus that could be worth upwards of $3K-$4K.
To be added to the list to receive an email update as soon as this info is live, please message me here and you will be the first to know!
When is it worth it to pay a high annual fee on a credit card?
TLDR: It’s usually worth it for the first year due to the value of the welcome bonus!
This is a tough one because many people feel allergic to high fees. Which I get, because fees add up and thinking about adding another recurring expense can feel very not worth it.
Let’s look at the personal card’s perks and fee and break down what bonus would be needed to make it worth it:
The cost: $795 (steep, I know!)
The benefits and credits: $2000-$3000ish+
The bonus: ???
The benefits and credits alone from this card can nearly cover the annual fee even if you only use THREE of them:
$300 Travel credit
$300 Dining credit
$130 Lyft credit
Transferable points from this bank are worth 2 CENTS each if used the way I use points (i.e. transferred out to airlines and hotels).
Let’s speculate that the bonus is 150K+ 🤞
At 150K, the points from the bonus alone are worth $3000+.
Since the benefits and credits on the card can already offset the fee (and then some if you can use them all!) the bonus will be just that, a bonus!
And remember that after a year, you can always choose to downgrade it to a free or low fee card so you don’t have to continue to pay the high fee.
So, it’s just for a year that you’re on the hook for the high fee, not in perpetuity.
150K points can get you so much and would be an amazing addition to your point stash.
In this case, getting this card would be like paying someone $795 to get $5000+ in return.
Would you do that?
Let me know what you think in the comments :)
To get the news first when the card is live, message me here (or reply by email) and I’ll add you to the list!
And of course, message me anytime with questions or ask in the chat!
Thanks for being here 🖤
Yes I’m excited to watch the replay and read all the posts! I legit lost access to my email to some shady actors but thankfully recovered it and subscribed!
Omg running to watch the replay!!! So happy I met you and found this Substack!!!