Lounge access, a $300 travel credit and elite hotel status make the Meridian Travel Elite one of the best premium cards. The $395 fee is real, but frequent travelers get far more back.
The bottom line
If you fly several times a year, the Meridian Travel Elite Card pays for itself through credits and perks alone. Occasional travelers will get better value from the Northwind Voyager Preferred.
Meridian Travel Elite Card
- Annual fee:$395
- Rewards rate:2x–10x miles
- Intro offer:100,000 miles
- Regular APR:21.24%–28.24% Variable
- Credit score:720–850 (Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Pros and cons
- Airport lounge access worldwide
- $300 annual travel credit
- 10x miles on hotels and car rentals via Meridian
- Elite hotel status
- $395 annual fee
- Perks only pay off if you travel often
Detailed review
Premium travel cards live or die by their perks, and Meridian delivers. You get unlimited access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, a $300 annual credit that applies automatically to any travel purchase, and complimentary elite status at two major hotel chains.
Rewards are strong too: 10x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Meridian, 5x on flights booked through Meridian, and 2x on everything else.
Meridian Travel Elite: the basics
- Card type: Premium travel
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: 100,000 miles after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
- Interest rate: 21.24%–28.24% Variable APR
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Ongoing rewards
- 10 miles per $1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Meridian
- 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Meridian
- 2 miles per $1 on everything else
Does the $395 fee pay off?
Subtract the $300 travel credit and the effective fee is $95. Lounge access alone is worth that for anyone who flies four or more times a year.
Ledgerly tip
Add authorized users for $0 in the first year. They get their own lounge access, which can be worth hundreds of dollars for a travel partner.
Benefits and perks
- Airport lounge access for you and two guests at 1,300+ lounges.
- $300 annual travel credit applied automatically to travel purchases.
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.
- Elite hotel status at two partner chains.
Drawbacks and considerations
A big annual fee. If you don’t use the credit and lounges, $395 is hard to justify.
Excellent credit needed. Most approved applicants have scores above 720.
Compare to other cards
-
Northwind Voyager Preferred Card
75,000 bonus points
- Annual fee:$95
- Rewards rate:1x–5x points
- Intro offer:75,000 points
- Regular APR:20.24%–27.24% Variable
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Summit Gold Rewards Card
60,000 bonus points
- Annual fee:$250
- Rewards rate:1x–4x points
- Intro offer:60,000 points
- Regular APR:See issuer terms
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Forge Business Rewards Card
90,000 bonus points
- Annual fee:$95
- Rewards rate:1x–3x points
- Intro offer:90,000 points
- Regular APR:21.24%–26.24% Variable
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Is it right for you?
For frequent flyers who value comfort, the Meridian Travel Elite Card is worth every dollar. If you travel once or twice a year, start with a mid-tier card instead.
Premium travel perks: airport lounge access, a $300 yearly travel credit and 10x miles on hotels booked through Meridian.
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Can guests use the lounges?
Yes. You can bring up to two guests at no extra cost.
How does the $300 travel credit work?
It applies automatically to the first $300 of travel purchases each card anniversary year.
Do miles expire?
No, as long as your account stays open.