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Credit cards are one of the easiest ways to get a chunk of your spending back, usually in the form of cash-back, points, or miles rewards.
But with a dizzying array of credit cards with various pros and cons, how can you know if a credit card is worth it for your needs?
Most worthwhile credit cards come with an annual fee, though that doesn’t mean that every credit card with an annual fee is worth it.
Similarly, many credit cards without an annual fee are worth spending on, while other no-annual-fee cards may not make the most of your purchases.
In this guide, we’ll help you demystify just how much you need to spend on a given credit card for it to be worth it — it’s all about break-even spending!
To calculate the break-even point for a credit card, we’ll look only at how much you have to spend for your rewards to offset the annual fee. This calculation excludes credit card benefits with a subjective valuation (like annual free night certificates). Calculating based on rewards spending, annual fee, and objectively-valued benefits offers an apples-to-apples comparison.
For example, a flexible $300 travel credit should be valued as such, while the value of a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is subject to each member’s travel habits. Using a Priority Pass Select membership 20 times per year is a lot more valuable than using it once a year, for example.
Then, we will use our points and miles valuations to figure out how much you need to spend for the break-even point to be reached on a credit card.
We also won’t look at any welcome bonuses because almost all welcome bonuses make it worthwhile to hold a card for at least a year.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with an annual fee of $550. It also has a $300 annual travel credit, which can easily be used flexibly.
So our “effective” annual fee is $250, which is $550 minus $300.
For the Chase Sapphire Reserve card to be worth it, we’ll need to accumulate at least 12,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are worth $250 by our valuations.
That means in a given year, you’ll need to spend $4,167 on 3x categories like travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and dining for it to make sense.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a mild annual fee of $95. It comes with a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit, which we consider to be worth face value.
That means the effective annual fee is $45.
With the ability to earn 3x points on online grocery purchases, dining, and select streaming services, you only need to spend $750 per year to break even on this card.
Similarly, if you earn 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025) and travel purchased through Chase (excluding the $50 hotel credit), you’ll only need to spend $450 per year to break even.
Lastly, you could spend $1,125 on other travel purchases (2x points) to break even.
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
The Amex Platinum card is one of the most exclusive cards with tons of luxury travel benefits.
Sure, it has a $695 annual fee, but it also has an incredible range of benefits that deliver lots of value (see rates and fees).
For our purposes, we’ll consider up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, the $189 CLEAR Plus credit, and up to $200 Uber Cash benefit to be face value. Therefore, the effective annual fee is $106.
The Amex Platinum card earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines, as well as flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com. Note that there is a cap of 5x earnings on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex travel to up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
According to our valuations, you’d need to spend around $964 every year on qualifying flight and hotel bookings to offset the fee.
Alternatively, you could spend around $4,818 per year on non-bonused purchases to reach the Amex Platinum card’s break-even point.
Bottom Line: For this analysis, we excluded a lot of high-value perks and benefits of the Amex Platinum card. For most people interested in luxury travel, it makes sense to keep this card open even if you don’t make a single purchase on the card!
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
The Amex Gold card is one of the best cards out there, thanks to a generous rewards structure.
The card comes with a $250 annual fee, though we subtracted $120 for the up to $10 monthly Uber Cash benefit that can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. (see rates and fees).
We didn’t value the $10 per month dining credit at face value, since the only flexible way to use it is at Grubhub, even though it’s also valid at The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
So the effective annual fee is $130.
Since holders earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in spending every calendar year), and up to 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com, you’ll need to spend the following amounts every year to reach the break-even point:
Bottom Line: If you can use the $10 monthly dining credit and the $10 monthly Uber Cash, having the Amex Gold card open is almost a no-brainer! We didn’t factor in the $10 monthly dining credit in our analysis, but the Amex Gold card is an excellent card to have if you spend a lot on dining, supermarkets, and flights.
The card products we discussed above are the most popular ones out there. But what about all of the other cards?
In this section, we’ll show you how much you have to spend on all the other major rewards cards available to break even.
Hot Tip: Different cards offer various benefits, including statement credits. And while some statement credits are more useful than others, we factored the statement credits we believe to be worth face value in calculating the break-even points of each card.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Effective Annual Fee | Bonus Categories | Break-even Spending Required (Yearly) |
| The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | $0 Rates & fees | $0 | 2% cash-back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash-back is automatically credited to your statement. | None |
| American Express® Business Gold Card | $295 Rates & fees | $295 | 4x points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from the list below (1x points on all other purchases):
| $3,352 in combined 4x categories OR
$13,409 in non-bonused purchases |
| American Express® Green Card | $150 | $150 | 3x points at restaurants, transit, and travel
1x points on all other purchases | $2,272 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR
$6,818 in non-bonused purchases |
| The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 2x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (1x after)
1x points on all other purchases | None |
| The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card | $95 | $95 | 3x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (1x after)
2x points at U.S. gas stations 1x points on all other purchases *does not account for the 50% points bonus if you use your card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period | $1,439 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets OR
$2,159 in purchases at U.S. gas stations OR $4,318 in non-bonused purchases |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | $0 Rates & fees | $0 | 2x points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year | None |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 Rates & fees | $0 | 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) 3% cash-back at U.S. online retailers on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) 1% on all other purchases | None |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 Rates & fees | $95 | 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash-back on transit and at U.S. gas stations 1% cash-back on all other purchases | $1,583 at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. streaming subscriptions OR
$3,167 on transit and at U.S. gas stations OR $9,500 in non-bonused purchases |
| Business Green Rewards Card from American Express | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 | $95 | 2x points on eligible purchases at AmexTravel.com
1x points on all other purchases | $2,159 on AmexTravel.com OR
$4,318 in non-bonused purchases |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 Rates & fees | $106 (from $189 CLEAR Plus credit and $400 in Dell credits) | 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
1.5x points (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year) at:
1x points on all other purchases | $963 on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com OR
$3,212 in combined purchases on 1.5x categories OR $4,818 in non-bonused purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card | $0 Rates & fees | $0 | 2x miles at restaurants and purchases made directly with Delta
1x miles on all other purchases | None |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Rates & fees | $99 | 2x miles at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., U.S. supermarkets, and on Delta purchases
1x miles on all other purchases | $4,125 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$8,250 in non-bonused purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99. Rates & fees | $99 | 2x miles at restaurants, purchases made directly with Delta, U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, and U.S. shipping purchases
1x miles on all other purchases | $4,125 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$8,250 in non-bonused purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | $250 Rates & fees | $250 | 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels
2x miles at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets 1x miles on all other purchases | $6,944 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR
$10,417 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $20,833 in non-bonused purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card | $250 Rates & fees | $250 | 3x miles on purchases made directly with Delta and directly with hotels
1.5 miles on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year 1x miles on all other purchases | $6,944 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR
$10,417 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $20,833 in non-bonused purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | $550 Rates & fees | $550 | 3x miles on purchases made directly with Delta
1x miles on all other purchases | $15,278 on purchases made directly with Delta OR
$45,833 in non-bonused purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | $550 Rates & fees | $550 | 3x miles on purchases made directly with Delta
1.5 miles on eligible purchases made after a $150,000 threshold is reached through the end of the same calendar year 1x miles on all other purchases | $15,278 on purchases made directly with Delta OR
$30,556 in combined purchases exceeding $5,000 each OR $45,833 in non-bonused purchases |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | $450 | $200 (from $250 Hilton resort credit) | 14x points on eligible purchases made with your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases | $2,857 on Hilton purchases OR
$5,714 in combined purchases on 7x categories OR $13,333 in non-bonused purchases |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | $95 Rates & fees | $95 | 12x points for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6x points on wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers, U.S. purchases for shipping, flights booked directly with airlines or with AmexTravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases | $1,583 on Hilton purchases OR
$3,167 in combined purchases on 6x categories OR $6,333 in non-bonused purchases |
| Hilton Honors American Express Card | $0 Rates & fees | $0 | 7x points on eligible purchases charged directly with hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
5x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases | None |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | $95 | $95 | 12x points on eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
6x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases | $1,583 on Hilton purchases OR
$3,167 in combined purchases on 6x categories OR $6,333 in non-bonused purchases |
|
| $250 Rates & fees | $250 | 6x points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4x points at restaurants worldwide and at grocery stores on up to $15,000 in combined purchases 2x points on all other purchases | $5,952 in Marriott Bonvoy purchases OR
$8,928 in combined purchases on 4x categories OR $17,858 in non-bonused purchases |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | $650 Rates & fees | $350 (from up to $300 annual dining credit) | 6x points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
3x points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines 2x points on all other purchases | $8,333 in Marriott Bonvoy purchases OR
$16,666 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR $25,000 in non-bonused purchases |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | $125 Rates & fees | $125 | 6x points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. shipping providers, and wireless phone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers 2x points on all other purchases | $2,976 in Marriott Bonvoy purchases OR
$4,464 in combined purchases on 4x categories OR $8,929 in non-bonused purchases |
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Effective Annual Fee | Bonus Categories | Break-even Spending Required (Yearly) |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 1.5% cash-back on all purchases | None |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | $39 | $39 | 1.5% cash-back on all purchases | $2,600 in purchases |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | $95 | $95 | 8% cash-back on tickets at Capital One Entertainment
4% cash-back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services 3% cash-back at grocery stores 1% cash-back on all other purchases | $1,188 in ticket purchases at Capital One Entertainment OR
$2,375 in combined purchases on 4% categories OR $3,167 at grocery stores OR $9,500 in non-bonused purchases |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 8% cash-back on tickets at Capital One Entertainment
3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) 1% cash-back on all other purchases | None |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card | $150 | $150 | 2% cash-back on all purchases | $7,500 in purchases |
| Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit | $0 | $0 | 1.5% cash-back on all purchases | None |
| Capital One Spark Classic for Business | $0 | $0 | 1% cash-back on all purchases | None |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that | $95 | 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles on all other purchases | $1,056 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel OR
$2,639 in non-bonused purchases |
| Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business | $0 | $0 | 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.5x miles on all other purchases | None |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | $95 | $95 | 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles on all other purchases | $1,056 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
OR $2,639 in non-bonused purchases |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $395 | $0 ($300 travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles per anniversary year) | 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel 2x miles on all other purchases | None |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.25x miles on all other purchases | None |
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Effective Annual Fee | Bonus Categories | Break-even Spending Required (Yearly) |
| Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card | $95 | $95 | 5 Avios per $1 spent on flight purchases made directly with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first year of account opening (3 Avios per $1 spent after that)
3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations purchased with the hotel, within the first year of account opening (2 Avios per $1 spent after that) 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases | $1,520 in 5x Avios purchases OR
$2,533 in 3x Avios purchases OR $7,600 in non-bonused purchases |
| Aeroplan® Credit Card | $95 | $95 | 3x points at grocery stores, dining, and purchases made directly with Air Canada
1x points on all other purchases | $2,111 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR
$6,333 in non-bonused purchases |
| Amazon Prime Visa Card | $0 | $0 | 5% cash-back at Amazon.com, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel with an eligible Prime membership
2% cash-back at restaurants, gas stations, and local transit/commuting 1% cash-back on all other purchases | None |
| Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 3% cash-back at Amazon.com and physical Amazon stores
2% cash-back at restaurants, gas stations, and local transit/commuting 1% cash-back on all other purchases | None |
| British Airways Visa Signature® Card | $95 | $95 | 5 Avios per $1 spent on flight purchases made directly with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first year of account opening (3 Avios per $1 spent after that)
3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations purchased with the hotel, within the first year of account opening (2 Avios per $1 spent after that) 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases | $1,520 in 5x Avios purchases OR
$2,533 in 3x Avios purchases OR $7,600 in non-bonused purchases |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | $0 | $0 | 5% cash-back on up to $1,500 of combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
5% cash-back on Lyft (through March 2025) 3% cash-back on dining and drugstores 1% cash-back on all other purchases | None |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | $0 | 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
5% cash-back on Lyft (through March 2025) 3% cash-back on dining and drugstores 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases | None |
| Iberia Visa Signature® Card | $95 | $95 | 5 Avios per $1 spent on flight purchases made directly with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first year of account opening (3 Avios per $1 spent after that)
3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations purchased with the hotel, within the first year of account opening (2 Avios per $1 spent after that) 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases | $1,520 in 5x Avios purchases OR
$2,533 in 3x Avios purchases OR $7,600 in non-bonused purchases |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | $99 | $99 | Up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | $762 at IHG Hotels & Resorts OR
$3,960 in combined purchases at 5x categories OR $6,600 in non-bonused purchases |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | $99 | $99 | Up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, dining, select business purchases, and gas stations. 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | $762 at IHG Hotels & Resorts OR
$3,960 in combined purchases at 5x categories OR $6,600 in non-bonused purchases |
| IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card | $0 | $0 | Up to 17 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
3x on purchases on monthly bills, gas stations, and restaurants. 2x on all other purchases | None |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 5% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year
5% cash-back on Lyft (through March 2025) 2% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year 1% cash-back on all other purchases | None |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | $95 | $95 | 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year on shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines, and travel
5x points on Lyft (through March 2025) 1x points on all other purchases | $1,583 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR
$4,750 in non-bonused purchases |
| Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card | $195 | $195 | 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
2.5% cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more 2% cash-back on all other business purchases | $3,900 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards OR
$7,800 on purchases of $5,000 or more OR $9,750 on other business purchases |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | $0 | $0 | 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
5% cash-back on Lyft (through March 2025) | None |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card | $0 | $0 | Up to 14x points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy when using your card
2x points per $1 spent on all other travel 1x points on all other purchases | None |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | $95 | $95 | 6x points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
2x points per $1 on all other purchases | $2,262 in Marriott Bonvoy purchases OR
$6,785 in non-bonused purchases |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card | $250 | $250 | 6x points for eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4x points at restaurants worldwide and at grocery stores on up to $15,000 in combined purchases 2x points on all other purchases | $5,952 in Marriott Bonvoy purchases OR
$8,928 in combined purchases on 4x categories OR $17,858 in non-bonused purchases |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card | $199 | $199 | 4x points on Southwest purchases
3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners 2x points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, and local transit and commuting (including rideshare) 1x points on all other purchases | $3,827 in Southwest purchases OR
$5,103 in purchases at Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners OR $7,654 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $15,308 in non-bonused purchases |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | $69 | $69 | 2x points on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, internet, cable, and phone services, and local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
1x points on all other purchases | $2,654 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$5,308 in non-bonused purchases |
| Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | $99 | $99 | 3x points on Southwest purchases
2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners and local transit and commuting (including rideshare) 1x points on all other purchases | $2,538 in Southwest purchases OR
$3,808 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $7,615 in non-bonused purchases |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | $99 | $99 | 3x points on Southwest purchases
2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, and local transit and commuting (including rideshare) 1x points on all other purchases | $2,538 in Southwest purchases OR
$3,808 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $7,615 in non-bonused purchases |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | $149 | $74 (from $75 Southwest credit) | 3x points on Southwest purchases
2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, and local transit and commuting (including rideshare) 1x points on all other purchases | $1,897 in Southwest purchases OR
$2,846 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $5,692 in non-bonused purchases |
| United℠ Business Card | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores, and local transit and commuting
1x miles on all other purchases | $3,808 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$7,615 in non-bonused purchases |
| United Club℠ Business Card | $450 | $450 | 2x miles on United purchases
1.5x miles on all other purchases | $17,308 in United purchases OR
$23,077 in non-bonused purchases |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | $525 | $525 | 4x miles on United purchases including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
2x miles on travel and dining 1x miles on all other purchases | $10,096 in United purchases OR
$20,192 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $40,384 in non-bonused purchases |
| United℠ Explorer Card | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | $95 | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays
1x miles on all other purchases | $3,654 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$7,308 in non-bonused purchases |
| United Gateway℠ Card | $0 | $0 | 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit and commuting
1x miles on all other purchases | None |
| United Quest℠ Card | $250 | $125 (from $125 United purchase credit) | 3x miles on United purchases (after the $125 annual United purchase credit)
2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services 1x miles on all other purchases | $3,330 in United purchases OR
$4,808 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $9,615 in non-bonused purchases |
| World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | $199 | $199 | Up to 9x points at Hyatt hotels
2x points in your top 3 spend categories each quarter through December 31, 2023, then your top 2 categories each quarter after that; eligible categories are:
2x points on fitness club and gym memberships 1x points on all other purchases | $3,317 in purchases at Hyatt hotels OR
$6,633 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $13,267 in non-bonused purchases |
| The World of Hyatt Credit Card | $95 | $95 | Up to 9x points at Hyatt hotels
2x points at restaurants, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships 1x points on all other purchases | $1,583 in purchases at Hyatt hotels OR
$3,167 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR $6,333 in non-bonused purchases |
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Effective Annual Fee | Bonus Categories | Break-even Spending Required (Yearly) |
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® | $0 | $0 | 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and grocery stores
1x miles on all other purchases | None |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | $595 | $595 | 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
1x miles on all other purchases | $16,071 in eligible American Airlines purchases OR
$32,143 in un-bonused purchases |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | $99, waived for first 12 months | $99 | 2x miles on restaurants, gas stations, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
1x miles on all other purchases | $3,535 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$7,071 in non-bonused purchases |
| CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 | $99 | 2x miles at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations
1x miles on all other purchases | $3,535 in combined purchases on 2x categories OR
$7,071 in non-bonused purchases |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | $0 | $0 | 5% cash-back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent (1% thereafter)
1% on all other purchases | None |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | $0 | $0 | 2x points on all purchases (1x when you buy and 1x when you pay your bill) | None |
| Citi Premier® Card | $95 | $95 | 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels
1x points on all other purchases | $1,979 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR
$5,938 in non-bonused purchases |
| Citi Prestige® Card (no longer open to new applicants) | $495 | $245 (from $250 travel credit) | 5x points on restaurants and air travel
3x points at cruise lines and hotels 1x points on all other purchases | $3,063 in combined purchases on 5x categories OR
$5,104 in combined purchases on 3x categories OR $15,313 in non-bonused purchases |
| Citi Rewards+® Card | $0 | $0 | 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (on the first $6,000 per year; 1x thereafter)
1x points on all other purchases *rewards round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase | None |
Whew! That was intense! Making an informed decision as to whether getting a specific credit card is worthwhile can involve some tricky math, but we laid it all out for you in this guide.
We calculated the effective annual fee by subtracting all of the face-value statement credits from the annual fee.
Then, we used our points and miles valuations to calculate the break-even spending amounts by category.
As you can tell, some cards are much easier to justify while others might not be worth it unless you can take advantage of the other subjective card benefits we didn’t account for.
We hope that you’ve found this guide useful!
The information regarding the Capital One Spark Classic for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One SavorOne Card Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information for The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Unlimited® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Green Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.
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Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
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7 comments
Apilr
February 02, 2022
I think you missed the value of the free nights for the Marriott cards and IHG card. The value of those free nights will usually make up for the annual fees on those cards!
Liza
February 02, 2022
With regard to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, wouldn’t it be useful to consider where the break even point would be if you had the trifecta of Chase cards (CSR, Freedom, Freedom Unlimited) where you can use each card to maximize point accrual and then combine the points into your CSR UR balance, particularly since the other cards have no yearly fee?
Stephen Au
February 03, 2022
Hi Liza,
At a very high level, we didn’t want to assume that cardholders have all 3. In fact, while it absolutely makes sense to have the Chase trifecta, many people choose to have just 1 card, which they like because of simplicity.
Jee
February 05, 2023
A few noticeable glares. You put wrong information.
– Also you stated you wouldn’t count certain things b/c not all would use. $50 hotel voucher shouldn’t be counted as a benefit since it can only be used in a portal. And using Chase OTA = no hotel points and no rooms cost $50, so I don’t think that should’ve been added. (CSP)
– The $10 Uber Cash expires every month and it’s not something everyone uses and honestly kind of pointless if I’m paying $700 to care about $10 – so I’m confused as why that was added as an “all” benefit. (Amex Plat)
Seckou
February 18, 2023
Say we don’t use the credits at all. What will be the break even amounts?
Jarrod West
February 20, 2023
Hi Seckou,
For which card would you like to know that figure?
Tom
July 15, 2023
One big thing to keep in mind about break even points is that there are also free credit cards that will give you rewards, so the real break even point of a card with a fee is actually higher than what is listed here. For example, the Citi Double Cash card gives you 2% cash back on everything. So while you might technically break even on the Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee with $4,167 of spend, you would also make $83.34 in rewards if you just charged everything to the Citi Double Cash instead, and you wouldn’t have to pay any annual fee. So, the actual break even point of the Sapphire Reserve is higher than $4,167.
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