Premium credit cards love to advertise big rewards: Uber credits, airport lounges, luxury hotels, even four-figure welcome bonuses. It can feel like you are missing out if you do not have one.

But those perks come at a cost. Annual fees are steep. The American Express Platinum now costs about $895 a year, and Chase’s Sapphire Reserve runs roughly $795, according to The Wall Street Journal. Ultra-premium cards like the Amex Centurion charge thousands more.

Time is the hidden expense. Comparing cards can take hours, and managing perks requires ongoing effort. According to Kiplinger.com, about 40% of card benefits go unused. 

Nick Maggiulli of Dollars and Data argues that, for most people, the payoff is not worth the hassle unless rewards are a hobby.

A simpler strategy works better. Choose one card with benefits you will actually use. If you shop on Amazon, a Prime card delivers automatic rewards. If you travel often, a travel card may be worth the effort.

The best rewards card is not the flashiest. It is the one that fits your life.