Free calculator

Is the annual fee worth it?

Enter your real monthly spending and the card's reward rates. We'll show what the card earns after its fee and compare it with a simple no-fee card. The starting numbers are just an example; replace them with yours.

The card

Annual fee ($)

Value per point (cents)

For cash back cards, use 1 and enter the % as the rate (2% = 2). For points, 1 cent is a safe estimate unless you transfer to travel partners.

Credits you'd actually use ($/yr)

Only count credits that replace money you'd spend anyway.

Your monthly spending and the card's rates

CategorySpend / monthPoints per $

Dining

Groceries

Travel

Gas

Everything else

Compare with a no-fee card paying (%)

Result

Extra value per year vs. the no-fee card

—

Rewards earned—

+ Credits you'd use—

− Annual fee—

= Net value of this card—

No-fee card would pay—

—

How this works

Rewards = each category's yearly spending × the card's points per dollar × your value per point. Net value = rewards + credits you'd use − the annual fee. The no-fee card pays your chosen flat percentage on all the same spending. The difference is what the fee card adds (or costs) each year, ignoring any one-time sign-up bonus. For the reasoning behind it, see Is an annual fee worth it?

This is a simplified estimate for general information, not financial advice. It ignores caps on bonus categories, foreign transaction fees, interest, and perks that are hard to put a price on.