7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask)

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - American Express Platinum Card with Extended Lounge Access and Priority Service in Terminal 5 JFK

For those navigating the often chaotic scenes of JFK's Terminal 5, the American Express Platinum card still offers a noticeable advantage. The promise of refuge in the Centurion Lounge remains a key draw, offering a calmer pre-flight environment compared to the public concourse. Beyond the lounge, cardholders anticipate a smoother journey with expedited services, though the actual impact on wait times can be variable. This card appeals to those who value travel comforts and seek to mitigate some of the airport stresses. While lounge access is often touted as a primary benefit, the broader range of travel-related perks provided might justify its place in a frequent traveler's wallet. As we move into late 2025, assessing whether a higher credit line aligns with your spending and payment habits remains a smart move to maximize the card's utility for your travel aspirations.
The American Express Platinum card positions itself as a gateway to elevated travel, particularly when navigating the often chaotic environment of JFK’s Terminal 5. Beyond the usual airport bustle, cardholders are promised a different experience starting with lounge access. While the card boasts access to over a thousand lounges globally via networks like Priority Pass and its own Centurion Lounges, the question is, are these havens really that much better than battling it out in the public terminal space? The dedicated Centurion Lounge in T5 supposedly offers a more refined experience, touting workspaces, decent WiFi, and even showers – practicalities for anyone trying to maximize productivity or freshen up between long-haul flights.

Beyond the lounges, the Platinum card dangles the idea of exclusive culinary access through its Global Dining Access program, suggesting reservations at sought-after restaurants worldwide. It makes you wonder about the actual value – are these reservations truly difficult to secure otherwise, or is it more about the perception of exclusivity? The card also incentivizes booking flights directly or through their portal, promising bonus points for each dollar spent. Frequent flyers might find this appealing, but the actual return needs careful examination against other reward structures.

Then there’s the allure of expedited security with complimentary CLEAR membership at participating airports. The proposition of skipping lines is tempting, but one needs to evaluate if the time saved justifies the cost – or if standard security lines are manageable enough. The elephant in the room remains the substantial annual fee. The card attempts to offset this with travel credits, lounge access, and points, but a critical analysis is necessary to determine if the perks truly outweigh the hefty price tag for the average user. Travel insurance bundled with the card could be useful, but it's essential to scrutinize the fine print and compare its coverage to dedicated travel insurance policies.

Luxury hotel perks, like upgrades and discounted rates through their Fine Hotels & Resorts program, are another touted benefit. Whether these are genuine value-adds or simply window dressing on already expensive hotels requires careful investigation. The absence of foreign transaction fees is presented as a plus, but in an era where many cards have eliminated these fees, it's hardly a unique advantage. Finally, the promise of priority service in JFK’s T5, including supposedly faster check-in and boarding, aims to smooth out the airport process. However, the

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1. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - American Express Platinum Card with Extended Lounge Access and Priority Service in Terminal 5 JFK
2. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Chase Sapphire Reserve Added Free Hertz President Circle Status in March 2025
3. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Capital One Venture X New Transfer Partners include EVA Air and TAP Portugal
4. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Citi Premier Added 5x Points on International Train Travel Starting May 2025
5. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - United Club Infinite Card Expanded Free Hotel Night Program to Hyatt Properties
6. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card Added Free Priority Pass Access in February 2025
7. 7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - American Express Gold Card New Hotel Collection Benefits with MGM Resorts

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Chase Sapphire Reserve Added Free Hertz President Circle Status in March 2025

For those looking to elevate their car rental experience, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card made a move in March 2025 by including complimentary Hertz President's Circle status. This addition means cardholders can now potentially bypass the usual lines and access vehicle upgrades when renting from Hertz. While the promise of upgrades is always appealing, the actual availability and extent of these benefits can vary, making it wise to manage expectations. The card already offered a travel credit and points on travel and dining, and this Hertz status is another perk thrown into the mix. Whether this new benefit truly justifies the card's significant annual fee is something travelers will need to evaluate based on their rental frequency and desire for smoother car rental processes. As we look at travel cards in 2025, the addition of such tangible benefits may prompt some to reconsider their credit lines to better leverage these evolving offerings.
Shifting gears slightly from premium air travel experiences, let's consider the ground game. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, as of March 2025, now throws in complimentary Hertz President's Circle status. On paper, this sounds promising: bypass the regular rental counter, snag potential upgrades, and feel vaguely important while picking up your keys. Hertz, like most major rental companies, has been experimenting with tiered loyalty for years. The President’s Circle traditionally requires a fair bit of rental activity, so instant access via a credit card is certainly a shortcut.

But let’s dissect the real-world impact. Guaranteed upgrades are dangled as a perk. However, "guaranteed" in the rental car world often means "subject to availability," which can be a significant caveat depending on location and time of year. Imagine arriving at a busy airport car rental hub after a long flight only to find the upgrade is to… another car in the same class but with slightly fewer miles. The expedited service could be genuinely useful, especially at larger airports where rental queues can snake around the building. But how much time does it really save? And is it consistently faster than simply using the Hertz app and heading straight to your assigned car, a feature increasingly common for all renters anyway?

It's also worth noting that the Capital One Venture X card offers the exact same Hertz President's Circle benefit. For consumers evaluating their premium card options, this duplication is relevant. Does access to Hertz top-tier status become less exclusive when multiple premium cards offer it? Perhaps the value lies in the convenience factor for frequent renters, streamlining the pickup process and potentially offering a slightly broader selection of vehicles within a given category. However, the core question remains: in the grand calculus of travel benefits associated with a high-annual-fee card, how much weight should one place on rental car status, especially when the actual upgrades and time savings might be less substantial than advertised?

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Capital One Venture X New Transfer Partners include EVA Air and TAP Portugal

Capital One has broadened its Venture X rewards program by adding EVA Air and TAP Portugal as new transfer partners, a move that enhances travel options for cardholders. With EVA Air, users can convert their Venture miles at a ratio of 2:1.5, while transfers to TAP Portugal's Miles&Go program operate at a straightforward 1:1 ratio. This expansion is particularly appealing for those looking to explore international destinations, as both airlines provide extensive networks—EVA Air focusing on Asia and TAP Portugal offering connections throughout Europe. As travel rewards cards continue to evolve, this addition can significantly enhance the value of the Capital One Venture X for frequent travelers seeking to optimize their points.
Capital One’s Venture X card is broadening its reach in the airline loyalty landscape by integrating EVA Air and TAP Portugal as new transfer partners. The strategic rationale here is fairly clear: diversify the appeal for points collectors.

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Citi Premier Added 5x Points on International Train Travel Starting May 2025

Starting in May 2025, the Citi Premier Card will enhance its appeal by offering 5x points on international train travel, making it a notable option for those who frequently explore Europe and beyond by rail. This move reflects a growing recognition of the value of train travel in the travel rewards landscape, encouraging cardholders to consider alternative modes of transportation. With no foreign transaction fees and points that never expire, the Citi Premier Card positions itself as a strong contender for travelers looking to maximize rewards on their journeys. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy earning 10 ThankYou Points for each dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site, enhancing the overall value proposition of the card. As travel rewards continue to evolve, this update could influence cardholders' strategies in planning their next adventures.
Following the trend of travel-centric credit card enhancements, it appears the Citi Premier card is making a play for a specific segment of international travelers. From May 2025, cardholders can expect to accrue 5x points for every dollar spent on international train journeys. This is an intriguing proposition, especially considering the card already offers 3x points on dining, a combination that hints at targeting individuals who appreciate culinary experiences while traversing global landscapes by rail. It’s worth noting this card operates with a seemingly reasonable annual fee of $95, positioned to be accessible while still delivering notable travel perks. Unlike some cards with convoluted spending caps, the Citi Strata Premier, as it's now branded, appears to offer uncapped earnings in these bonus categories, simplifying the rewards calculation. The accumulated points are part of the Citi ThankYou ecosystem, allowing transfers to a range of partner airlines and hotels – a feature increasingly standard, yet still relevant for those aiming to optimize redemption values. This refresh and rebranding of the Citi Premier into the Strata Premier suggests a continued effort to refine its position in the competitive travel rewards card market, focusing on straightforward earning and redemption mechanisms, without the need for deciphering complex bonus structures or spending tiers.

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - United Club Infinite Card Expanded Free Hotel Night Program to Hyatt Properties

United’s Club Infinite card is apparently trying to sweeten the deal for its users with a newly touted benefit: a free hotel night perk that now includes Hyatt properties. Word is, as of this April, those holding this card might be eligible for a complimentary night at certain Hyatt hotels, assuming they meet specific spending criteria. For frequent travelers who lean towards Hyatt, this could be seen as a plus. It joins the existing array of features, such as mileage accrual and travel credits the card already offers. However, the annual fee has also jumped, now sitting at a hefty $695. This new hotel night benefit seems positioned as a way to justify that higher cost, particularly for those who are regular Hyatt guests. In a world where travel cards are constantly tweaking their offerings, understanding the real value of these perks becomes key for anyone looking to make the most of their travel spending.
Switching focus from air to accommodation, the United Club Infinite Card now includes a program tied to Hyatt hotels, offering a 'free' night after meeting certain spending criteria. The surface appeal is evident: a complimentary hotel stay in the often inflated world of lodging costs. Hyatt's global portfolio is certainly expansive, with properties spanning over 60 countries – from city center business hotels to beachfront resorts. The question arises, however, regarding the actual practical value. A large network doesn't automatically translate to relevant options in locations one might actually frequent, or during periods of peak demand. How often does this 'free' night truly align with desired travel plans, or does it become more of a forced choice dictated by availability?

The integration with the World of Hyatt program also warrants scrutiny. While earning Hyatt points alongside United miles sounds synergistic on paper, the complexity of managing multiple points currencies can quickly become cumbersome. For the average user, is the marginal benefit of combining these points streams substantial enough to justify the mental accounting? Furthermore, the very notion of a ‘free’ night is conditional. It's tied to card spending, effectively embedding the cost within the card's ecosystem and potentially incentivizing unnecessary expenditure to unlock the reward. Calculating the true economic benefit requires dissecting the spending requirements and comparing them against potential cash savings on hotel bookings – a calculation that isn’t always straightforward.

Hyatt heavily promotes direct bookings, incentivizing reservations through their own channels with bonus points

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card Added Free Priority Pass Access in February 2025

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card introduced Priority Pass access for its cardholders in February 2025. This adds entry to a network encompassing over a thousand airport lounges worldwide. The appeal is clear: a quieter space away from the typical airport bustle. However, the actual advantage hinges on several factors. The quality of lounges within the Priority Pass network is not uniform, and the availability can be inconsistent across airports. For the frequent traveler transiting through major international hubs, this access might represent a tangible improvement to the journey, providing a space for work or relaxation during layovers. Yet, it raises questions about the broader value proposition. Is lounge access a genuinely significant perk, or is it more of a superficial enhancement in the increasingly competitive landscape of travel credit cards? One must evaluate the real-world utility based on their typical travel routes and airport choices. This move appears to be a strategic alignment with similar premium offerings from other airlines and financial institutions, all vying to enhance their loyalty programs with readily marketable travel amenities. The core question remains whether these additions substantially improve the travel experience or simply add another layer of perceived value in a crowded market.

7 Travel Rewards Cards Worth Requesting a Credit Limit Increase in 2025 (and When to Ask) - American Express Gold Card New Hotel Collection Benefits with MGM Resorts

The American Express Gold Card has recently enhanced its appeal with new Hotel Collection benefits in collaboration with MGM Resorts. Eligible cardholders can now access perks such as a $100 hotel credit, as well as early check-in and late check-out, when booking stays of two or more consecutive nights at participating MGM properties through American Express Travel. This initiative targets travelers aiming for a more rewarding stay, presenting an opportunity to enjoy exclusive benefits at approximately 700 four-star hotels. However, it raises questions about the overall value of these perks and whether they genuinely enhance the travel experience or merely add to the perceived prestige of holding the card. As part of a broader discussion on travel rewards cards, these new offerings may influence how cardholders assess their travel spending and credit limits in the coming years.
Stepping into the realm of hotel perks, American Express Gold cardholders are now presented with enhanced benefits through the Hotel Collection, specifically targeting MGM Resorts. The pitch is straightforward: booking two nights or more at participating MGM properties via Amex Travel unlocks 'exclusive' advantages. At the core, this seems to revolve around the promise of a $100 credit for on-property spending and the possibility of room upgrades, when available.

Let's dissect this proposition. Earning Membership Rewards points is certainly a cornerstone of the Amex Gold card, and leveraging these for hotel stays through their portal now throws MGM into the mix. The claim of room upgrades is classic hotel marketing – perpetually ‘subject to availability.’ One wonders how consistently these materialize, particularly in high-occupancy destinations like Las Vegas, where MGM’s footprint is significant. Is it genuinely an upgrade to a meaningfully better room category, or simply a slightly higher floor or a marginally better view within the same bracket?

The $100 credit for dining, spa, or 'resort activities' is presented as a tangible value. However, the actual utility depends heavily on spending habits and pricing structures within MGM properties. In a resort environment, particularly in Las Vegas, $100 can evaporate quickly on inflated prices for mediocre dining or standard spa treatments. Effectively, it’s more of a partial offset, requiring careful spending to maximize its perceived 'free' value.

Late checkout, also touted as a perk, has variable appeal. For some travelers, a couple of extra hours in a hotel room is inconsequential. For others, particularly those with later flights, it can alleviate some minor logistical friction. Again, availability likely dictates its practical application.

The broader 'Hotel Collection' itself is not new, but the MGM tie-in adds a specific destination focus. It includes approximately 700 properties globally, characterized as four-star and above. The critical question is how competitive the pricing and benefits offered through the Amex Hotel Collection are compared to booking directly or through other online travel agencies. Lowest rate guarantees are often layered with fine print, and verifying the 'best' price can be a cumbersome exercise.

For those already holding an Amex Gold card and considering a Las Vegas trip, this MGM partnership might introduce a marginal benefit. However, evaluating whether it substantially enhances the card’s overall value proposition requires a realistic assessment of actual savings and perks versus