The American Express Platinum Card® just got a refresh… and a price hike. As of October 2025, the annual fee is now $895 (see rates and fees), up from $695, making it one of the most expensive cards on the market.
Sure, it comes with new travel perks, lifestyle credits, and all that jazz. But let’s be real: unless it saves you money on things you were going to buy anyway, that price tag is hard to justify.
So if you’re looking for alternative cards that still give you strong rewards, great protections, or just a better bang for your buck, here are three cards I’d recommend instead.
1. American Express® Gold Card: The foodie’s favorite
If you still like the idea of earning Membership Rewards points (and want to stay in the Amex ecosystem), the American Express® Gold Card is a killer option.
The annual fee is $325 (see rates and fees) — a chunk, but way more manageable than $895 — and it gives you a ton of food and travel value in return.
Here’s what you get:
- $120/year in Uber Cash ($10/month)
- $120/year in dining credits at select restaurants and delivery services
- $100 in Resy credits for upscale dining
- $100 hotel credit for stays of 2+ nights through The Hotel Collection
- $84 in Dunkin’ credits ($7 monthly)
- Terms apply; enrollment may be required
You also earn Membership Rewards points for all your spending:
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X); and at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X)
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on all other eligible purchases
If you eat, travel, or order takeout even semi-regularly, you’ll easily offset that annual fee. It’s one of the few cards I’ve seen actually pay for itself through everyday spending.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Great bang for your buck
This one’s a classic for a reason. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is my go-to rewards card recommendation for anyone who travels a few times a year and wants strong protections and solid rewards.
It has a $95 annual fee, and includes:
- A $50 annual hotel credit (just book through Chase Travel)
- Minimum of one year of complimentary DashPass (worth $120), plus a $10 promo each month to use on non-restaurant orders
- Strong travel protections (trip delay, rental car coverage, etc.)
- Shopping protections (extended warranty, purchase protection)
Plus, the earning rates are stacked:
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2X points on all other travel purchases
- 1X points on all other purchases
That $50 hotel credit effectively brings your annual fee down to $45. And the Chase points are flexible, easy to redeem, and transfer to travel partners like Hyatt and United.
3. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: No annual fee, still earns like a champ
If you’re totally over paying annual fees (respect), the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (rates and fees) is an awesome option with surprisingly good rewards.
Here’s what you get for $0 annual fee:
- 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
- 1X points on other purchases
- Cellphone protection up to $600 (subject to a $25 deductible)
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (an ongoing 18.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies after)
I like the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card because the 3X earning rate covers a bunch of everyday stuff I already spend on — even my phone bill. That’s pretty rare for cash back cards with no annual fee.
Right now there’s a welcome offer too: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth $200 toward your next trip.
The Platinum Card® is a great card for the right person. But for most of us, its $895 annual fee is way too expensive.
These three cards hit a sweet spot: you still get valuable perks, flexible points, and solid earning power… with a much lower price tag.
Compare all the top travel cards here and pick the one that best fits your lifestyle.