Paying an annual fee does not have to mean committing to a pricey card. According to the report, several credit cards charge less than $100 a year while still offering rewards, travel benefits and statement credits that may more than make up for the cost, depending on how you spend.
Among the cards highlighted is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which carries a $95 annual fee and is positioned as a strong option for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining. It currently offers 100,000 bonus points after $5,000 in purchases in the first three months. The card earns 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel, Lyft purchases through Sept. 30, 2027, and eligible Peloton purchases through Dec. 31, 2027, plus 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, gas and electric vehicle charging, vacation rentals and online grocery purchases. It also earns 2 points per dollar on other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Other $95 cards on the list include the Ink Business Preferred Card, which earns 3 points per dollar on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and certain advertising purchases, with a 100,000-point bonus after $8,000 in spending. The Capital One Venture Rewards Card offers 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in purchases and earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. For cash back, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express stands out with 6% back at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming subscriptions, 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations, and a first-year introductory annual fee of $0 before the fee rises to $95.
The report also points to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card, which has no annual fee and offers a $250 bonus after $500 in spending, along with elevated cash back on entertainment, dining, streaming, grocery stores and travel booked through Capital One Travel. For hotel-focused travelers, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card has a $95 fee and includes a 125,000-point bonus plus a free night award after qualifying spending, along with statement credits tied to airline purchases and earning rates that are strongest at Marriott properties. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is also included among the best options under $100, rounding out a list aimed at travelers and everyday spenders looking for value without a high annual cost.
Source: thepointsguy.com