Say hello to the “Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: Now With Extra Air—and Extra Fees.” Because nothing says “luxury travel” quite like a shiny new card design and a price tag that makes your jaw drop faster than your checked bag on a turbulent flight. This time, the card’s annual fee has skyrocketed to $795, which is just enough to buy a one-way ticket to the feeling of being gently robbed in broad daylight.
In addition to the eye-watering cost, cardholders now enjoy “updated benefits,” because every great scam—sorry, perk—comes with a fresh coat of paint and a new loophole you’ll never find. For those keeping score at home: you’ll still get lounge access (if you’re willing to wait behind 200 other people with this very card), a smattering of travel credits (that expire faster than your vacation memories), and the thrill of earning “points” that are about as useful as a paper plane in a windstorm.
But don’t worry—if you use it enough, you’ll be able to afford another night in an airport hotel on points. That’s progress. Or, as the card’s loyal users call it: “a small price to pay for the privilege of paying a large price.”