Paying an annual fee doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of dollars.
Plenty of excellent credit cards charge less than $100 annually while still offering valuable rewards, travel perks and statement credits that can easily outweigh the cost for the right cardholder.
Limited-time offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (see rates and fees).
Whether you're looking to earn transferable points, maximize cash back or enjoy travel perks, these are the best credit cards with annual fees under $100.
Best credit cards with annual fees under $100
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Best for business spending
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for everyday nonbonus spending
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for earning cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Best for Marriott stays
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for earning Wells Fargo Rewards
Comparison of the best credit cards with annual fees under $100
| Card | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| <a href="https://ift.tt/B6rbVCh" target="_blank">Chase Sapphire Preferred Card</a> | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | <ul> <li>Earn 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through <a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/ultimate-rewards-travel-portal/">Chase Travel℠</a>, Lyft purchases (through Sept. 30, 2027) and Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 31, 2027, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points)</li> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out), select streaming services, gas and electric vehicle charging stations, vacation homes (at Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa) and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)</li> <li>Earn 2 points per dollar on all other travel</li> <li>Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases</li> </ul> | $95 |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/7Q4if5g" target="_blank">Ink Business Preferred Credit Card</a> | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | <ul> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines (on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year)</li> <li>Earn 1 point per dollar on everything else</li> </ul> | $95 |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/R7KcgtT" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card</strong></a> | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. | <ul> <li>Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and on Capital One Entertainment purchases</li> <li>Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase</li> </ul> | $95 |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/34nxub0" target="_blank">Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express</a></strong> | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.) | <ul> <li>Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1%)</li> <li>Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions</li> <li>Earn 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations</li> <li>Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases</li> </ul> <p><em>Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.</em></p> | $0 introductory annual fee for first year, then $95 (see <a href="/tc/22036110?pid=22036110&name=Blue%20Cash%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/v5UkLaI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card</a></strong> | Earn a $250 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. | <ul> <li>Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases</li> <li>Earn 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)</li> <li>Earn 3% cash back on dining, qualified entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)</li> <li>Earn 1% on all other purchases</li> </ul> | $0 |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/NtPH94W" target="_blank">Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card</a> | Earn 125,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. (Certain hotels have resort fees.) | <ul> <li>Earn up to 17 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels</li> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores and dining</li> <li>Earn 2 points per dollar on everything else</li> </ul> | $95 |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/FvrQ7S9" target="_blank">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey</a> | Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. | <ul> <li>Earn 5 points per dollar at hotels</li> <li>Earn 4 points per dollar on airline purchases</li> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and restaurant purchases</li> <li>Earn 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases</li> </ul> | $95 |
Now that you have a snapshot of how these cards compare, here are the details.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
You could argue that the Chase Sapphire Preferred has long been one of the top travel rewards cards with an annual fee under $100, thanks to its valuable earning rates and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Annual fee: $95
Current welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why it's worth it: The Sapphire Preferred consistently makes any list of the best travel credit cards, which is no surprise because you can get great value from Chase Ultimate Rewards points by transferring to Chase's airline and hotel partners.
This card also gives you up to 1.75 cents per point in value when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel (depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details). And you'll be charged no foreign transaction fees.
For more information, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Ink Business Preferred
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is one of the best small-business cards on the market.
Annual fee: $95
Current welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why it's worth it: This card offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (on up to $150,000 spent each account anniversary year in combined purchases). You earn 1 point per dollar spent elsewhere.
You can transfer points to airline and hotel programs and receive up to 1.75 cents per point when redeeming your points for travel in the Chase Travel portal (depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details).
This card has plenty of travel insurance and purchase protections, including a cellphone protection plan.
For more information, see our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is excellent for casual travelers and those seeking a card that earns consistently on everyday purchases. After all, you'll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
Annual fee: $95
Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Why it's worth it: There are plenty of ways to maximize your Capital One miles. While you can redeem your miles by transferring to airline and hotel partners, you can also redeem at a fixed value for eligible purchases.
For more information, see our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred is a standout cash-back card for those who spend heavily on groceries, streaming services and gas.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for first year, then $95
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
(Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.)
Why it's worth it: You'll earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services and on the first $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1% cash back). You'll also earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% cash back on everything else.
(Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.)
For more information, see our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card.
Apply here: Blue Cash Preferred Card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid cash-back credit card. Specifically, you'll earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and 1% on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $0
Current welcome offer: Earn a $250 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Why it's worth it: If you also have the Capital One Venture Rewards card, you can convert your cash-back earnings to miles. So, you could earn 3 miles per dollar on dining, entertainment and at grocery stores if you have both these cards.
For more information, see our full review of the Capital One Savor.
Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card comes with automatic Silver Elite status, 15 elite night credits each year and a free night certificate on each account anniversary that's valid at any Marriott property costing 35,000 points or less.
Annual fee: $95
Current welcome offer: Earn 125,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Why it's worth it: You'll earn up to 17 Bonvoy points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores and dining, and 2 points per dollar spent everywhere else.
Marriott Bonvoy points are easy to redeem for both hotel awards and transfers to airline partners.
For more information, see our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is the mid-tier version of the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees). It comes with perks like a $50 annual statement credit for airline purchases (with a $50 minimum airline purchase) and higher earnings rates on travel and dining purchases.
Annual fee: $95
Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Why it's worth it: Look for this card to grow in value as the refreshed Wells Fargo Rewards program continues to add transfer partners. Right now, you can transfer your points to 10 partners, including Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Choice Privileges.
For more information, see our full review of the Autograph Journey.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
Bottom line
Paying a low annual fee can be a worthwhile trade-off if a card's rewards, benefits and credits align with how you spend.
While no single card is right for everyone, the best options under $100 can deliver value well beyond their annual cost — especially if you take advantage of their bonus categories, welcome offers and ongoing perks.
If you've outgrown a no-annual-fee card or want to complement a premium travel card, one of these picks can be an affordable way to earn more rewards without paying a premium annual fee.
Limited-time offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred, click here.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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