Don't Want to Pay the Amex Platinum's $895 Annual Fee? Here Are 3 Good Alternatives

The American Express Platinum Card® is one of the most lavish cards out there -- but unfortunately, it's got an annual fee to match.

The yearly cost of the Platinum Card®: $895 (see rates and fees), one of the highest annual fees you'll find. If that's too rich for your blood, you're not alone -- and there are plenty of less expensive cards that can still offer plenty of value.

Here are three cards worth applying for if you're not up for the pricey American Express Platinum Card®.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is a longtime travel card crowdpleaser, no matter how often you fly. For just $95 a year, you'll get a $50 annual hotel credit, solid earning rates, great travel protections, and more.

The list of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card perks includes:

• A $50 annual hotel credit each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel
• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
• 2X points on all other travel purchases
• 1X points on all other purchases

If you want a sturdy travel card that doesn't break the bank, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great starting point.

2. American Express® Gold Card

For a less expensive card that's still in the Amex lineup, the American Express® Gold Card is a good option. Its $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) is less than half that of the Platinum Card®'s, and you can help cover it with benefits like:

• $120 in annual Uber Cash ($10 monthly for rides or delivery orders in the U.S.)
• $120 in annual dining credits at select partners ($10 monthly)
• $100 in annual Resy credits for dining at eligible U.S. restaurants
• $100 hotel credit on stays of two nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties booked through AmexTravel.com
• $84 in annual Dunkin' credits ($7 monthly)
• Terms apply; enrollment may be required

That's more than $500 in annual credits on restaurants, ridesharing, and hotels. You'll also get the following earning rates:

• 4X points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X); and at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X)
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
• 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on all other eligible purchases

3. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Finally, if you want a valuable travel card without the price tag, you can't top a card with no annual fee. That's the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (rates and fees).

Perks of the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card include:

• 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X points on other purchases
• Cellphone protection of up to $600 when you pay your bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible)
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases; after that, a 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR applies

The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card definitely doesn't come with the bells and whistles of the Platinum Card®. But the fact that is has no annual fee sets it apart from most competitors -- even the valuable Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card carries a $95 price tag.

If you're looking to travel in style without spending a dime on annual fees, the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is absolutely worth a look.

Check out our full list of the best travel cards to compare more options.