The Finance Algorithm
§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Annual Fee vs Benefits Calculator.

Calculate if your credit card's annual fee is worth it

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026
Inputs
Your numbers
$
$250
$
$400

Value of points/bonuses received in year 1

$
$350

Your calculated points or cashback value per year

$
$200

Annual airline/hotel credits (use-it-or-lose-it)

$
$150

Estimated value of lounge visits you'll actually use

$
$150

Travel + purchase protection you'd otherwise buy

$
$50

Concierge, dining credits, etc.

Math updates live as you change inputs · AI runs on submit

Awaiting inputs

Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Premium cards can cost $100-$700+ per year. But with the right benefits, they can be worth it. This calculator totals your benefits to see if the fee pays off.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Premium Travel Card Analysis

$400 annual fee. $300 travel credit, 3 lounge visits ($120), $350 rewards value, $150 insurance value.

Inputs

fee:400travelCredit:300lounge:120rewards:350insurance:150

Total benefit value: $920. Net value after fee: +$520/year. This card is definitely worth keeping!

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Travel Credit
Annual statement credit for airline/hotel purchases - use it or lose it.
Retention Offer
Points/credits offered when you threaten to cancel - always worth asking.
Product Change
Switching to a different card version (often no-fee) without closing the account.