Should I Pay a Credit Card Annual Fee?

Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.

Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website.

When you look for a new credit card, it's important to consider each option as a whole instead of just looking at the sign-up bonus and rewards program. As part of your research, it's also important to consider a card's annual fee. But a credit card annual fee isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, even if you're on a budget. The key is to determine if the card offers enough value to make up for the annual fee and still provide enough value to beat out a no-fee credit card. 

Here are some situations where it might make sense to consider annual fee cards and how to determine if one is right for you.

Related Article

How I Make Multiple Credit Cards With Big Annual Fees Work for Me

Read More

Your Credit Needs Some Work

If your credit history is considered poor, fair or limited or you have no credit history at all, a lot of the credit card options available to you charge an annual fee.

That's not to say you can't find a credit card for bad credit or fair credit without an annual fee. But depending on your situation, it may be the best option.

The Annual Fee Is Waived the First Year

While it's not as common as it used to be, some travel rewards cards waive the annual fee the first year. This allows you to essentially test-drive the rewards card for a whole year to determine if it's a good fit for you. It's also a good incentive to apply for a card when you compare it to a similar card that doesn't waive the fee during the first year.

You'll still want to look at each card's long-term value before you sign up. It can have a negative impact on your credit score if you apply for a card and only keep it for a year, then replace it with another one. That said, getting the chance to test out a card before you have to pay an annual fee can help you determine if it's the right move for you.

Recommended No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards

Credit Card	Intro Bonus	Rewards Rate	Learn More
Citi Double Cash® Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	$200Cash Bonus More Info Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.	2%Cashback More Info Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.	Apply Now Rates & Fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Apply Now	1.5%Extra Cash Back More Info Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.	1.5% - 5%Cashback More Info Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.	Apply Now
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	$200Cash Bonus More Info Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.	2%Cashback More Info Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.	Apply Now Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	20,000Points More Info Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. Dollar Equivalent: $200 (20,000 Points * 0.01 base)	1x - 3xPoints More Info Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.	Apply Now Rates & Fees

The Rewards Are Better Than a No Annual Fee Card

In many cases, it makes sense to pay an annual fee because the card's rewards program is so strong that it provides more value even than credit cards with no annual fee in its class.

If you're trying to choose between cards based on rewards, consider running the numbers for your specific spending habits to determine which card will give you the most value after annual fees are paid. 

Earn Cash for Your Spending

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Visit the Marketplace

The Welcome Bonus Far Outweighs the Fee

In many cases, rewards credit cards offer ongoing rewards on everyday purchases and a welcome bonus when you first open your account.

As a new cardholder, you'll typically earn a lump sum of cash back, points or miles after you meet a certain spending requirement. In many cases, the value of that bonus is enough to cover the annual fee for several years.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers a generous outsized bonus after new cardholders spend a certain amount in the first three months from account opening. That bonus is worth hundreds of dollars in free travel when you book through Chase. The travel rewards-earning card also charges a $95 annual fee, but that sign-up bonus is enough to cover the fee for many years. 

That's an extreme example, but it's not uncommon to find a travel credit card that offers a welcome bonus worth $500 or more and charges an annual fee under $100. 

As you're comparing annual fee cards with sign-up bonuses, consider how long each card's upfront incentive will cover the cost of the card's annual fee.

Related Article

Best Bank Account Bonus Promotions in May 2024

Read More

The Perks Outweigh the Cost

In some cases, you don't even need to worry about whether a card's sign-up bonus or ongoing rewards program is enough to make its annual fee worth it. 

Hotel Credit Cards

For example, hotel credit card annual fees are generally easy to justify because many of them offer a free night certificate every year when you pay your annual fee (typically starting after the first year). 

And if you're savvy about finding the right redemptions, you could get even more value. For example, one time, I booked a Marriott hotel near Times Square that cost $450 per night, but I paid nothing with my free night certificate. 

These co-branded credit cards can be extremely valuable despite their annual fees, which is why I have eight hotel rewards cards.

Premium Travel Credit Cards

Some top-tier travel credit cards charge sky-high annual fees. But depending on your travel habits, you could get far more value than what you pay every year in perks alone.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great example. The card charges a $550 annual fee, but come with a suite of complimentary perks and annual credits that can offset the annual fee. That said, you do have to use the perks regularly to make the annual fee worthwhile. But if your spending and travel habits align with the perks, the annual fee may feel like a good deal.

Other Credit Card Fees to Watch Out for

A credit card's annual fee is an important consideration when you're trying to decide if you should apply. But it's not the only cost to keep in mind. Here are some others:

• Fees for balance transfers: Many no annual fee cards offer balance transfers with a 0% intro APR. This promotion for balance transfers can last up to 20 months or billing cycles, depending on the card. However, you'll typically have to pay an upfront balance transfer fee to process it. That fee can range from 3% to 5% of your balance transfers. Also, remember that the regular APR will be charged once the balance transfer promotion ends.
• Foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, which can cost up to 3% of every purchase you make abroad. The good news is that most travel credit cards waive the fee, so you don't have to worry about them. Also, some credit card issuers like Capital One and Discover waive foreign transaction fees on all their cards.
• Cash advance fees: If you use your card at an ATM or the teller counter at a bank to get cash, you'll typically be charged a cash advance fee. This fee can be higher than a balance transfer fee. Also, the variable APR for cash advances is generally higher than the regular APR for purchases, and interest starts accruing immediately. In other words, it's best to avoid cash advances.
• Late fees: On-time payments are always ideal, but if you miss a payment or have one returned because you don't have enough cash in your checking account, you may be charged a late fee. Depending on the card, it can cost up to $40.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are annual fee credit cards worth it?

  Yes, many credit cards that require payment of an annual fee hold more value in rewards and benefits than you spend in the annual fee. However, the value vs. cost is dependent on the credit card, your spending habits, and ultimately what you deem to be valuable in terms of non-monetary benefits like airport lounge access.

• Why do credit cards have annual fees?

  Credit cards issuers that offer the most competitive rewards, benefits and incentives will charge an annual fee to offset the cost that comes with providing those perks.

• When do you pay the annual fee for your credit card?

  On the anniversary of account opening is when credit card issuers typically charge you for your annual fee. However, every credit card and credit card issuer has their own requirements. Check with your issuer for your exact annual fee payment date.

• Are credit cards with no annual fee good?

  Yes, credit cards that have no annual fee still have the ability to provide exceptional value and benefit to their users. For example, some fee-free rewards cards can still offer competitive cash back just as fee-free travel cards can still offer competitive ways to earn miles.

  However, credit cards that charge an annual fee tend to offer above average rewards, benefits and perks which is why there is a fee implemented. it's a way to offset cost for the issuer.