Best credit card sign-up bonuses for 2025 Learn more Chase Freedom Unlimited® Best for no annual fee Annual fee $0 Welcome offer Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 in your first 3 months Rewards rate Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (includes takeout and eligible delivery service)1.5% on all other purchases Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a heavy-hitter rewards earner and 0% intro APR card, all ...

Core Insights - The value of rewards credit cards can outweigh their annual fees if the benefits align with the user's spending habits and lifestyle [2][3][14] - Researching and comparing multiple credit card options is essential to find the best balance of cost and value [2][15] Benefits of Annual Fee Credit Cards - High annual fees can be justified by significant benefits, such as travel credits and bonus miles, which can offset the costs [4][6] - For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a $300 travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles annually, making it easier to justify its $395 fee [4] - Hotel credit cards, like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, provide free nights that can exceed the value of their annual fees [5] Considerations for Choosing Credit Cards - Users should focus on benefits they will actually utilize, as some perks may not align with their lifestyle [8][16] - The American Express Platinum Card, despite its high fee of $895, offers over $3,500 in potential value from benefits [6] - Sign-up bonuses can significantly enhance the value proposition of annual fee cards, as seen with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [9][10] Alternatives to Annual Fee Cards - For individuals with limited or poor credit, there are now unsecured starter credit cards available that do not charge annual fees, providing more opportunities for responsible credit management [12][13] - No-annual-fee cards may be preferable for those who do not spend enough to earn substantial rewards or who prefer cash-back options [16]

Whether you love traveling overseas or have a favorite vacation spot in the U.S., a travel credit card can allow you to earn valuable rewards and other perks. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium credit card with a steep annual fee, but it offers plenty of benefits and rewards that justify its cost. Learn more Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Rates & fees, terms applyAnnual fee $650 Welcome offer Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you spend $6, ...