Some credit cards shine bright—until the honeymoon ends. The market is full of cards that lure new customers with flashy perks, generous bonuses, and VIP-style treatment, only to strip those benefits away once the introductory period is over. Consumers often get caught off guard, stuck with a card that no longer fits their spending habits or rewards goals.
The excitement fades quickly when travel credits vanish, cashback rates drop, or access to exclusive events dries up. Understanding which cards come with disappearing perks is key to making smarter, longer-term credit decisions.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is known for its tempting sign-up bonus and 2x points on travel and dining. But that buzz fades after the first year when the bonus is already claimed and the real value becomes harder to capture. The card doesn’t offer ongoing travel credits or premium airport perks like its bigger sibling, the Reserve. For many, once the initial bonus is used, the card becomes less compelling, especially with a $95 annual fee. It’s a great first-year option, but lacks punch after the welcome period ends.
2. American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred gives a strong cashback rate on U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services. However, it comes with a hefty introductory offer and then introduces an annual fee after the first year. The 6% supermarket cashback is capped and may not justify the fee for moderate spenders. There are no anniversary rewards, retention bonuses, or escalating benefits to keep long-term users engaged. For many cardholders, the card loses its shine as the value proposition weakens over time.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card markets itself heavily with “2x miles on every purchase” and a large one-time bonus for new users. But beyond the initial reward dump, ongoing perks are limited compared to premium travel cards. The travel credit offered is minimal and doesn’t renew yearly in a meaningful way. No lounge access, travel insurance gaps, and a lack of elevated partner transfer bonuses limit the card’s ongoing impact. Once the intro benefits are gone, it may not stand out from simpler no-fee alternatives.
4. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card offers a generous sign-up bonus and elevated points on travel, gas, and dining. But after the first year, the card’s true utility becomes murkier for many users. There’s no yearly reward incentive, no automatic statement credits, and no premium travel perks like lounge access or elite status boosts. Its value becomes dependent on how often users transfer points to airline partners, which isn’t appealing to casual travelers. Many cardholders find that, after the initial thrill, it quietly slips to the back of the wallet.
5. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card enters the scene with no annual fee and a sizable introductory bonus. It offers 3x points in useful categories like travel, gas, and streaming, but lacks long-term depth. There’s no travel portal, no bonus for loyalty, and no added protections or upgrades for continued use. The lack of a compelling rewards ecosystem makes it easy to outgrow once the early rewards are exhausted. While fine as a starter card, it doesn’t evolve with the user’s financial journey.
6. Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
This card makes a splash early with a welcome bonus and decent rewards for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members. Yet, outside that ecosystem, the benefits don’t go far. The travel credit and TSA PreCheck reimbursement are one-time, not recurring annually. There’s no travel lounge access or point-transfer partners, which puts it behind competitors in the premium segment. After the early perks run out, non-Bank of America loyalists often look elsewhere for better ongoing value.
7. US. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
U.S. Bank’s Altitude Go card is attractive with 4x points on dining and a decent signup offer. However, its appeal thins quickly when users realize there’s no annual bonus, no travel credits, and no high-tier benefits. It also doesn’t integrate into a broader travel rewards program in a meaningful way. There’s no ability to transfer points to airline or hotel partners, limiting flexibility. After cashing in on the welcome bonus, many users find the card underwhelming for long-term use.
8. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
This card is compelling up front for heavy Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers, offering 5% back at both. But that perk is tightly tethered to a paid Prime membership, which must be maintained annually. If the Prime subscription lapses, the cashback rate drops significantly. There are no added shopping protections, no extended rewards tiers, and no additional loyalty incentives. Once the novelty of online shopping perks wears off, the card feels less like a financial tool and more like an Amazon accessory.
Choose Long-Term Value Over Flashy Intros
Short-term credit card perks can feel like a win—but only if the long game is clear. Many cards frontload their benefits to drive signups, counting on users to stick around even when the value drops. The best strategy is to evaluate what happens after the honeymoon: Does the card offer annual rewards, travel perks, or customer support that still makes it worth using? Without that staying power, a tempting bonus becomes just a temporary boost.
Have thoughts or experiences with these cards? Share your insights in the comments below and help others navigate the fine print of fading perks.
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