Some people like to complain about modern times, but the present has its perks.
Looking to the past with fondness seems to be built into the human condition. Many of us remember the days of yesteryear with a warm sense of nostalgia. While it is wonderful to enjoy old memories, it’s easy to slip into the notion that the past was better than today. In some ways, that might be true. But the present also offers advantages over bygone days. So, before you grumble about how the…
Appetite-suppressing drugs could wipe out millions of fast-food trips. What it means for your choices and your money.
McDonald’s shares took a hit this week after analysts painted a sobering picture of how weight-loss drugs might reshape the fast-food landscape. The stock dropped as much as 1.7% following a dramatic two-notch downgrade from Redburn Atlantic, which slashed its rating from buy to sell, according to CBS News. The culprit? Those appetite-suppressing medications everyone’s talking about.
How does Google trimming its workforce result in higher prices for you?
Google has offered voluntary buyouts to staff in its core Search and Ads unit, according to a report from CNBC. While the move is framed as cost-cutting, it touches the very heart of Google’s advertising engine. That part of the business drives nearly $50 billion in quarterly revenue. Although the layoffs may seem far removed from your daily routine, the financial effects could ripple out to…
Ditching the 9-to-5 before your hair turns gray takes more than wishful thinking.
Early retirement has become the holy grail of financial planning, especially as work-life balance conversations dominate water cooler talk. But here’s the thing: pulling off an early exit from the workforce requires more than wishful thinking and a healthy 401(k) balance. The reality, as outlined by New York Life and echoed by financial planners, is that retiring in your 40s or 50s demands a…
Seeing a $550 annual fee on a credit card application can make you want to slam your laptop shut and keep using your old card. But what you might not realize is that many premium credit cards have extremely valuable perks.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
If you use them right, high-end cards can unlock thousands of dollars in rewards, protections, and perks that more than make up for the fees.
Here’s why premium cards are worth considering — and how to know if one fits your lifestyle.
The best premium credit cards are loaded with benefits that go way beyond cash back or basic airline miles.
Here are a few perks typically found in today’s top cards:
Check out this card as an example of one standout that includes nearly all of the above. If you’re someone who uses these benefits even a few times a year, you could be getting hundreds (or even thousands) in value, which more than covers the fee.
Here’s an example of how quickly perks can stack up and offset a high fee.
Say you’re eyeing a high-end travel card with a $395 annual fee. At first it seems steep. But then you plan on taking advantage of these perks throughout the year:
Added up, that’s a total value of $818 in perks — and you only took one trip! Subtracting the annual fee, that’s a net gain of $423 for the year.
If you travel a few times a year, it’s easy to see how a card like this could easily pay for itself (and then some). Explore all our top-rated premium credit cards for 2025 and see which fits your lifestyle.
Another big draw for premium cards? They usually come with huge welcome bonuses!
These are often worth hundreds toward travel or in cash back, and they can wipe out the annual fee (and then some), especially in year one.
For example, if a card has a $695 annual fee, but the welcome bonus earns you $800, you’re already ahead $105 for the first year of ownership. That’s without even touching any perks.
So even if you’re not 100% sure whether a card’s going to be a long-term fit, choosing credit cards with top sign-up bonuses can make it easy to test-drive. The worst-case scenario is you enjoy the perks for a year or two and walk away while you’re still ahead. Best-case scenario is you find a gift that keeps on giving!
A premium credit card is like a membership. Yes, it’s a high-priced membership, but if you use all (or even just some) of the right benefits, the cost is justifiable.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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Starbucks just gave coffee service an AI upgrade. Here’s how this might impact what you spend.
In select Starbucks, baristas use an AI tool called Green Dot Assist, built on Microsoft’s OpenAI platform, to help them make drinks faster, fix equipment, and suggest food pairings. As reported by CNBC, the tool is active in 35 U.S. locations, with a broader rollout expected in the upcoming fiscal year. This new system might mean your order is ready sooner. But faster coffee may come with costs…
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