My favorite Premium cards
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
When I Realized Premium Travel Cards Were Worth It
Last fall, we had a layover in Dallas that could’ve been a total disaster. The kids were cranky, our flight was delayed, and I hadn’t eaten in way too many hours. But instead of sitting on the floor near an outlet, we ended up relaxing in a quiet lounge with free snacks, outlets at every chair, and sparkling water on tap. It wasn’t fancy-fancy, but for a family of six, it felt like a first-class miracle.
That moment was when I knew premium travel cards were worth it—especially for moms.
Getting Started with Points and Premium Perks
If you’re just getting into points and travel perks, don’t miss my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles. It’ll help you understand how to maximize what these cards can offer your family, even if you’re not flying first class (yet).
I’ve tested a lot of premium cards over the years. Not because I’m chasing status (trust me, I’m usually just chasing my toddler through the terminal), but because I want travel to feel doable—even enjoyable—with kids. Some cards have made a huge difference, and I keep coming back to the ones that genuinely make family travel smoother.
What I Love About Premium Cards
There’s one that gives me access to nearly every airport lounge imaginable. It’s perfect for solo trips or when I’m traveling with just one kid and want a quiet place to regroup. Another card makes it easy to bring the whole crew into lounges without awkward guest limits—and that alone has saved my sanity more times than I can count. And one more card I’ve kept in my wallet for years now? It’s a solid workhorse when it comes to earning flexible points and redeeming them with no drama.
Curious which cards I actually use and recommend? Here’s a list of my favorite premium travel credit cards.
Why the Annual Fee Is (Usually) Worth It
Now, I know the annual fees can feel like a lot. But we’ve more than made them back in perks—especially when you’re traveling with kids. Some of the perks we use all the time include:
Annual travel credits (which I always put toward hotel stays)
Lounge access that includes guests (essential with a big family!)
Reimbursements for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Travel protections like trip delay coverage
And welcome bonuses big enough to book entire family trips
We’ve used points from these cards to book everything from Disney Cruises to last-minute hotel nights for sports tournaments. One of my favorite redemptions ever? A long layover turned into a relaxing lounge stay with kids napping in comfy chairs and me sipping tea in peace.
How to Earn Points Faster
If you’ve ever felt like earning points with some banks is harder than it should be, shopping portals can seriously help. I walk through exactly how to use them in this post on shopping portals like Rakuten and Capital One. They’ve made a noticeable difference in how fast I rack up points—especially when shopping for back-to-school or Christmas gifts.
Here’s a list of my favorite cards to use for shopping portals and everyday purchases: View the list
Don’t Forget Business Cards
And if you have a side hustle—even something small like reselling clothes on Facebook Marketplace—you might qualify for a business card. That’s how I started, and I’ve shared the details in this blog post. Business cards have opened up a whole new level of points-earning for us.
Want to see my favorite business cards? Here’s the list.
A Final Thought for Fellow Moms
Halfway through writing this, I asked myself: what do I really want other moms to know?
It’s this—these premium cards aren’t just about luxury. They’re about comfort, convenience, and making family travel a little less stressful. Whether it’s not having to pay for airport snacks, finding a clean place to change a diaper, or having peace of mind during delays, the perks are real.
If that sounds like something you want for your next trip, sign up for my weekly newsletter where I share real deals, mistake fares, and ways to stretch your points. You can also follow me on Instagram or join our Facebook group to connect with other moms doing this, too.
So, Are Premium Cards Worth It?
In my experience? Absolutely. Not because they make you look like a fancy traveler, but because they help you feel like a calm one.
Check out my favorite premium cards here.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers
