Discover what FoundersCard is, membership costs, exclusive travel benefits, and how to get a free trial. Complete guide to FoundersCard for entrepreneurs and business owners in 2025.
Many people get confused about FoundersCard. They think it's a credit card. It's not. FoundersCard is a membership program that provides its exclusive community of over 250,000 business executives with premier benefits across travel, lifestyle, and business brands. Think of it more like a Costco membership but for entrepreneurs who want luxury travel perks and business discounts.
You can't swipe this card to buy groceries. You won't earn points or miles. Instead, you're paying an annual fee to access special deals, instant status upgrades with airlines and hotels, and networking opportunities with other business owners. Founded in 2009 to empower entrepreneurs with the exceptional benefits and access they deserve, FoundersCard has grown into a global community of over 250,000 members. The program targets startup founders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs who travel frequently and want corporate-style discounts without building an entire corporation first.
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So what is a FoundersCard membership?
The membership organization offers industry discounts and benefits to entrepreneurs, providing instant access to a multitude of discounts and benefits along with member-only networking events. You apply for membership, wait for approval (usually takes about two business days), and then gain access to their members-only portal. Once approved, you get a physical card in the mail. You'll also get login credentials to their website, mobile app, and Chrome extension. The Chrome extension is smart because it alerts you when you visit a retailer's website that offers FoundersCard benefits.
The membership card offers high-end travel and lifestyle perks designed for small businesses. Most of the value comes from two areas: travel savings and business expense reductions. The travel side includes airline ticket discounts, hotel rate reductions, rental car perks, and complimentary elite status with various loyalty programs. The business side covers shipping discounts, software savings, office equipment deals, and access to coworking spaces. Members also get invitations to networking events hosted in major cities. These events connect entrepreneurs for collaboration opportunities and relationship building.
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Founderscard membership cost varies depending on promotions and membership tiers. The annual fee for FoundersCard is $595 per year, with a $95 initiation fee. That puts your first year total at $690 before any discounts. FoundersCard offers two primary membership tiers: Standard Membership priced at $595 annually plus a one-time initiation fee of $95, and Elite Membership for $995 annually with all perks of the standard tier plus additional exclusive benefits. The Elite tier costs more but unlocks additional benefits like higher-tier hotel statuses, enhanced travel perks, and access to premium events. Whether the upgrade makes sense depends on how much you travel and which specific perks matter to you.
Promotional discounts pop up regularly. Some members report getting their first year for $395 through referral codes. Others find deals through partner organizations like CLEAR Plus or AwardWallet that waive the initiation fee entirely. How much is an entrepreneur visa might be on your mind if you're relocating to the US. Beyond Border specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate visa costs and membership programs that support business growth in America.
What does FoundersCard get you in terms of travel perks? Quite a bit actually.
FoundersCard provides complimentary elite status, discounts on flights, and discounted hotel rooms, with rates varying according to airline and ranging from 5% to 25% off standard fares.
The airline discounts include:
FoundersCard members can receive elite status with Virgin Atlantic, with members receiving a one-time upgrade to Flying Club Silver elite status after completing one round-trip flight. The flight must be a paid ticket flown within 12 months after making the upgrade request.
Hotel benefits are substantial. Members receive Hilton Gold Status giving free breakfast, increased bonus points, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, and complimentary premium internet. The Marriott Platinum Elite Status Challenge provides similar perks after completing 15 paid nights in 90 days.
Members enjoy access to privately negotiated rates and privileges at hundreds of top-tier hotels and resorts worldwide, with members saving an average of $5,000 annually compared to public rates and online booking platforms. Partner hotels include Park Hyatt, W Hotels, Rosewood, The Peninsula, and Oberoi Hotels.
Las Vegas travelers benefit too. FoundersCard provides complimentary Diamond status with Caesars, which includes waived resort fees, a $100 annual celebration dinner, complimentary valet and self-parking, and a complimentary stay at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
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Beyond travel, what does FoundersCard do for your business operations?
FoundersCard offers unmatched airline discounts and up to 50% off on shipping at FedEx and UPS. For businesses shipping products regularly, this alone can offset the annual membership cost. Software and technology savings include high-value credits with Dell, Slack, and Lenovo. Members receive Dell business discounts worth up to 40%, which pairs well if you're purchasing computers or office equipment.
The lifestyle benefits extend to:
Members receive access to preferred pricing on sports and live event tickets with no service fees through Tickets by FoundersCard. One member reported saving almost $50 by avoiding service fees on football tickets. Networking opportunities matter for many entrepreneurs. FoundersCard hosts Founders Table Dinner Series in major cities, socials, and signature events designed for members to connect and collaborate.
Many premium credit cards offer similar benefits without annual membership fees beyond the card itself. The American Express Platinum Card provides Hilton Gold status, Marriott Gold Elite status, rental car elite status, and airport lounge access. Its $695 annual fee is comparable to FoundersCard membership cost.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, Priority Pass lounge access, and points earning potential. The Capital One Venture X provides similar perks. Where FoundersCard differentiates itself is in the privately negotiated hotel rates and airline ticket discounts. FoundersCard offers many luxury travel and lifestyle benefits that are usually reserved for premium credit cards, with distinct benefits only available with FoundersCard including specific airline and hotel discounts.
You can combine strategies. Hold a premium credit card for everyday spending and points earning, then use your FoundersCard membership to access discounted rates when booking travel. Stack the benefits for maximum value.
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What is FoundersCard? FoundersCard is a membership card (not a credit card) that provides elite statuses, discounts, and benefits across travel, lifestyle, and business categories for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
How much does FoundersCard cost? The annual fee is $595 per year with a $95 initiation fee, though promotional rates and discounts are available through referral codes and partner organizations.
What benefits does FoundersCard provide? Members receive airline discounts from 5% to 25%, complimentary hotel elite status including Hilton Gold and Marriott Platinum challenges, Caesars Diamond status, and business service discounts including up to 50% off FedEx and UPS shipping.
Is there a FoundersCard free trial? Yes, CLEAR Plus members can access a complimentary one-year trial, and AwardWallet offers three-month trials with promotional codes, though trial memberships have limited benefits compared to full membership.
Is FoundersCard worth the annual fee? FoundersCard proves worthwhile for frequent business travelers who can easily recover the annual fee through travel and business expense savings, but may not provide enough value for those who don't spend significantly on business travel and services.
