FoundersCard: Is it worth paying $595 a year for elite status and discounts?

16.02.2024 - 21:45 / thepointsguy.com

Surprisingly, I pay an annual fee for one card that is not a credit card: FoundersCard.

It is a membership community offering discounts and benefits in many different lifestyle categories. This card has many benefits, discounts and amenities that make travel easier and enhance my lifestyle.

You can get these benefits without having to apply for a credit card, but is the card worth the membership fee? Let's dig in.

The information for the FoundersCard credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

FoundersCard is a membership program that offers elite status, travel discounts, complimentary subscriptions and special pricing with lifestyle brands. It is not a credit card, and you can't make any purchases with it.

Despite the name, you don't have to be a "founder" or entrepreneur to have this card; anyone is welcome to apply. The application process is short, and a decision is usually given within two days.

There are two membership tiers:

You must pay an additional $95 initiation fee.

Occasionally, discounted membership offers are available. I have seen the standard membership go for as low as $295 a year for life. In fact, I was able to secure that rate. Given that the card provides me with outsize value, I will continue to renew my membership each year.

Here are the differences between the two membership tiers:

The standard membership is more than adequate for my needs. All the benefits, credits and discounts I receive more than cover the annual membership fee.

It's worth noting that many of the FoundersCard benefits overlap with benefits I receive from my Business Platinum Card® from American Express, such as Hilton Honors Gold status and Hertz Five Star status*, but there are distinct benefits I use that are only available with FoundersCard.

*Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program is required

Related: A new luxury membership card promises elite perks. Is it worth the fee?

FoundersCard has over 500 benefits that are broken into categories such as travel, shopping subscriptions and business services. Membership gives you elite status and benefits similar to those offered by premium travel rewards credit cards without adding another credit card to your wallet. Some of these benefits include:

Pairing FoundersCard with credit cards is where you can really get outstanding value.

FoundersCard has multiple airfare discounts with many airlines around the world, including:

You can book any cabin for these airlines and receive a discount.

United is my preferred airline to fly, and I hold United MileagePlus Premier Gold status with the carrier. Every time I have used this discount, it has given me