The Pros and Cons of Aspire Credit Card Annual Fee

The Aspire Credit Card from American Express is a premium travel rewards card that comes with an array of luxurious benefits. However, the card’s steep annual fee of $695 might give some potential applicants pause. Is the Aspire Credit Card annual fee worth it? That’s a question many frequent travelers grapple with when considering this high-end card.

Understanding the Aspire Credit Card Annual Fee

At $695 per year, the Aspire Credit Card’s annual fee is undoubtedly a significant expense. It’s one of the highest annual fees among personal credit cards on the market today. So, what exactly do you get for that hefty price tag?

First and foremost, the Aspire Card offers an impressive array of premium travel perks and credits that can offset a substantial portion of the annual fee for frequent travelers. These include an annual $250 airline fee credit, an annual $200 hotel credit for eligible stays of two nights or more at participating Hilton properties, and a $100 property credit on eligible stays of two nights or more at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad hotels and resorts.

Compared to other luxury credit cards, the Aspire Card’s annual fee falls somewhere in the middle. The Platinum Card from American Express has a $695 annual fee (rates and fees), while the Chase Sapphire Reserve charges $550 annually. On the other hand, the Citi Prestige Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card carry lower annual fees of $495 and $400, respectively.

Benefits of Paying the Aspire Credit Card Annual Fee

For frequent travelers who can maximize the Aspire Card’s benefits, the annual fee can be well worth the cost. One of the standout perks is complimentary top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status, which normally requires 30 qualifying nights or 60,000 base points per year. This elite status unlocks benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, free breakfast, and more at Hilton properties worldwide.

The card also provides an annual weekend night reward at participating Hilton hotels, Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, and travel protections like trip delay and cancellation coverage. Additionally, the Aspire Card earns a generous 14X points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases, 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and 3X points on other eligible purchases.

For frequent Hilton guests and travelers who can take advantage of the various credits and perks, the Aspire Card’s annual fee can easily be offset – and in some cases, even surpassed – by the value of the benefits received.

Drawbacks of the Aspire Credit Card Annual Fee

While the Aspire Card offers excellent value for frequent travelers, it may not be the best choice for those who don’t travel often or don’t frequently stay at Hilton properties. The high annual fee can be difficult to justify if you’re unable to fully utilize the card’s benefits.

Additionally, some of the Aspire Card’s perks have limitations or restrictions that can diminish their value. For example, the airline fee credit is limited to incidental fees like baggage fees and in-flight purchases, rather than covering the cost of actual airfare. The hotel credits also have specific eligibility requirements and may not be applicable for all hotel stays.

It’s also worth noting that while the Aspire Card offers generous earning rates on Hilton purchases and travel-related expenses, the redemption options are limited compared to more flexible travel rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards.

Maximizing Value from the Aspire Credit Card Annual Fee

To get the most value from the Aspire Credit Card’s annual fee, it’s essential to have a strategy in place. Here are some tips to help maximize the card’s benefits:

  • Plan your travel around Hilton properties to take advantage of the complimentary Diamond status and earn bonus points on your stays.
  • Use the airline fee credit for incidental charges like checked baggage fees, in-flight purchases, and seat selection fees.
  • Book eligible hotel stays of two nights or more at participating Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, and Conrad properties to utilize the annual hotel credits.
  • Take advantage of the Priority Pass Select membership for complimentary airport lounge access during your travels.
  • Earn bonus points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, as well as car rentals from select companies.

By strategically leveraging these benefits and credits, you can offset a significant portion of the Aspire Card’s annual fee and potentially come out ahead in terms of overall value.

Ultimately, whether the Aspire Credit Card’s annual fee is worth it comes down to your personal travel habits and preferences. If you’re a frequent traveler who regularly stays at Hilton properties, the card’s complimentary Diamond status and various credits can provide substantial value that outweighs the cost of the annual fee.

However, if you’re an infrequent traveler or prefer to stay at non-Hilton hotels, the Aspire Card’s benefits may not be as valuable for your needs. In that case, a more flexible travel rewards card with a lower annual fee might be a better option.

It’s essential to carefully evaluate your travel patterns and spending habits to determine if the Aspire Credit Card’s annual fee aligns with the value you’ll receive from its benefits. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and choose the premium credit card that best suits your lifestyle and financial goals.