Is FoundersCard a Scam? My Honest Review After 8+ Years as a Member

Overhyped or Worth Every Penny: What They Don’t Tell You Before You Join

Rooftop pool in Lima, Peru

When it comes to premium membership programs, skepticism is natural—especially with high-priced memberships like FoundersCard. I’m Dutch, so let’s just say, naturally frugal. Some people dismiss it as a scam, while others wonder if the benefits are truly worth the cost. I’ve been a FoundersCard member since 2016, and recently upgraded myself to the elite highest tier.¹ After 8+ years, I can confidently say that membership can be an incredible value if you use it right.

To be clear, this is not a paid promotion post. From time to time I’ll review products and services, but only the ones I use and pay for myself.

Is FoundersCard a scam?

FoundersCard is an exclusive membership program offering a range of benefits geared toward entrepreneurs, business owners, and frequent travellers.² These perks include discounted travel, hotel elite status, airline benefits, business services, and lifestyle discounts. The membership fee is steep, ranging from $495 to $995 per year, which naturally raises the question: Is it really worth it?

Someone told me they thought FoundersCard was a scam. Indeed, a common critique is that FoundersCard’s discounts and perks are overhyped or available elsewhere. Some deals can be found through alternative means (such as direct loyalty programs or premium credit cards). Many of the discounts are genuinely exclusive and can far exceed the cost of membership if utilized effectively.

For some benefits, I’ve found the discount to be so steep a single benefit paid for my membership for the year.

Why I Upgraded to the Elite Tier

After years of benefiting from FoundersCard, I recently upgraded to the elite highest tier. The reason? Even if I only take advantage of a single high-value perk each year, it more than covers the cost of the membership. Whether it’s a deeply discounted international flight, a premium hotel stay with elite benefits, or valuable business discounts, the savings add up quickly.

Here are some key points:³

• Unbeatable Discounts: The savings on flights, hotels, and business services often exceed what you’d find elsewhere.

• Luxury Hotel Status: This alone can offset the membership cost with benefits like waived resort fees and complimentary stays.

• Business Service Savings: WeWork discounts, UPS shipping deals, and Stripe fee reductions can be game-changers for entrepreneurs.

• Luxury Travel Upgrades: Elite hotel status with major brands leads to room upgrades, late checkouts, and added perks that make frequent travel more comfortable.

Is FoundersCard Right for You?

Always evaluate your own travel and business habits before committing. This membership isn’t for everyone. If you don’t travel frequently, run a business, or take advantage of high-value perks, it may not be worth it. However, for those who can leverage the benefits, FoundersCard provides significant value—far from being a scam.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

• You travel often: Even a single trip with hotel discounts or airline benefits can justify the cost.

• You run a business: The savings on services like UPS and Stripe add up fast.

• You value convenience: FoundersCard simplifies access to elite perks and benefits without having to juggle multiple programs.

If at least one of these resonate with you, I recommend reviewing the benefits list using the preview link below to see how many apply to your lifestyle.

Exclusive Invitation to FoundersCard Elite Membership

Exclusive to VIP member of my blog, I can offer you a special Elite Membership rate that isn’t publicly available and is even lower than the regular tier membership. That’s not a typo.

Unlock access below or find more details in my VIP Lounge.