What credit cards are actually worth the annual fee?

Personal Finance

Ive always avoided cards with annual fees but I travel a decent amount for work (maybe 15-20 flights a year) and people keep telling me Im leaving money on the table. Cards like the Amex Gold (/yr) or Chase Sapphire Reserve (/yr) seem crazy expensive but everyone swears by them. Can someone break down when these are actually worth it? I spend maybe k/month on the card.

Nicole Martin

3 Answers

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With 15-20 flights a year youre definitely leaving value on the table. Let me break it down:

Chase Sapphire Reserve (/yr)

travel credit (automatic) = effective fee is

3x points on travel and dining

Points worth 1.5 cents in their portal

Priority Pass lounge access (worth + alone if you use it)

Global Entry/TSA Pre credit ( value)

At k/month spending youre earning serious points

Amex Gold (/yr)

Uber credit + dining credit = essentially free

4x on restaurants and groceries

Great if you spend a lot on food

With your travel frequency, the Sapphire Reserve pays for itself easily with just the travel credit and lounge access. I have it and the lounges alone make flying so much better. Free food, drinks, quiet space, sometimes even showers.

Run your actual spending through a calculator like thepointsguy.com to see exact value.

David Jones

CSR paid for itself in the first month with lounge access alone during a delayed flight. Free food and drinks vs paying at airport restaurants. If you travel regularly its a no brainer.

Matthew Moore

The Amex Gold is insane value right now. fee but you get Uber credits and dining credits. So its effectively /year and you get 4x on restaurants and groceries.