Annual fee $550. 2X travel and dining; 1.5X other, with potential relationship boost.
See if it fits my walletThe 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the Premium Rewards Elite.
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High fee and no airline transfer partners
Check current offer This link goes to Bank of America’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Annual fee: $795, against $550 for the Premium Rewards Elite. Best fit: Frequent travelers who can use lounges and multiple credits. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Premium travel, Transferable points, Lounge.
Read Dean’s reviewAnnual fee: $595, against $550 for the Premium Rewards Elite. Best fit: Frequent travelers who use Citi Travel and named credits. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Premium travel, Transferable points, Lounge.
Read Dean’s reviewAnnual fee: See current terms, against $550 for the Premium Rewards Elite. Best fit: Very frequent United flyers who would buy club access. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Premium airline co-brand, Lounge.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Rewards EliteBank of America | $550 | 2X travel and dining; 1.5X other, with potential relationship boostAirline incidental and lifestyle credits; Priority Pass; application-fee credit; premium travel protections | High-balance Bank of America or Merrill clients who use premium credits | High fee and no airline transfer partners | Bank of America Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Sapphire ReserveChase | $795 | 8X Chase Travel; 4X flights and hotels booked direct; bonus dining under current terms$300 travel credit; Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges; premium travel and lifestyle credits; protections | Frequent travelers who can use lounges and multiple credits | Very high fee and many merchant-specific credits | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Strata EliteCiti | $595 | 12X portal hotels, car rentals, and attractions; 6X portal air and Citi Nights dining; 3X other dining; 1.5X other$300 hotel benefit; Splurge and Blacklane credits; Priority Pass; 4 Admirals Club passes; application-fee credit | Frequent travelers who use Citi Travel and named credits | High fee, portal dependence, and merchant-specific credits | Citi Checked 2026-07-22 |
| United ClubChase | See current terms | Elevated United earning plus travel and dining categoriesUnited Club membership; 2 checked bags; Premier Access; partner credits | Very frequent United flyers who would buy club access | High fee; benefits tied to United | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
2X travel and dining; 1.5X other, with potential relationship boost.
Airline incidental and lifestyle credits; Priority Pass; application-fee credit; premium travel protections.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Premium Rewards Elite. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
Dean lists the Premium Rewards Elite for excellent credit. It is a personal card. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. Bank of America decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
High fee and no airline transfer partners.
Annual fee: $550. Dean checked the fee and terms against Bank of America on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
Miles or points offset travel purchases at a defined rate. Simple travel redemptions with fewer blackout concerns.
Best for: Travelers who value ease over award optimization. Watch for: Travel-only redemptions can be less flexible than cash.
High-fee cards bundle lounge access, travel credits, status, and protections. Airport lounges, hotel programs, travel credits, concierge, insurance.
Best for: Frequent travelers who naturally use the credits. Watch for: High fees and fragmented credits create breakage.
Rewards housing payments through a special payment network or card program. Earns value on a large expense that normally has a fee.
Best for: Renters or homeowners who can follow program rules. Watch for: Transaction fees, required non-housing spend, and reward caps can apply.
Cash back deposits into a brokerage, retirement, 529, or investing app. Automatic investing and potentially strong flat rewards.
Best for: People already using the linked financial platform. Watch for: Headline value can require a specific redemption or paid membership.
Business card with points, airline, hotel, or premium travel benefits. Employee cards, travel protections, lounges, category rewards, large-spend bonuses.
Best for: Businesses with recurring travel or advertising, shipping, and software spend. Watch for: High fees and portal requirements must match real company spend.
Rewards or fee value increases with qualifying deposits or investments. Higher earning, fee credits, or exclusive access.
Best for: Customers willing to consolidate assets with one institution. Watch for: Opportunity cost and balance requirements can exceed card value.
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Moves bank points to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Conditions to check: Transfer ratios, minimums, availability, expiration, and irreversible transfers. Transfer only after confirming an award.
Higher rewards or credits for issuer-portal bookings.
Conditions to check: Portal price, cancellation rules, elite credit, and direct-booking benefits. Compare the total trip terms, not only the multiplier.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.