What Is a Credit Card Annual Fee? | Capital One (2024)

John Egan

April 16, 2024 |5 min read

    When you’re looking at credit cards, you’ll probably notice that some include an annual fee. And you may find that the extra perks those cards offer make the fee worth paying.

    So what is a credit card annual fee? And would having a credit card with one benefit your situation?

    Key takeaways

    • Cards with annual fees often offer rewards, a welcome bonus or other perks.
    • Annual fees usually appear on credit card statements once a year.
    • Not every card has an annual fee. You can avoid paying an annual fee if you use a card that doesn’t have one.
    • To decide whether an annual-fee credit card is worth it, consider your financial situation, how you plan to use the card and whether the benefit is worth the extra cost.

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    What is an annual fee?

    An annual fee is a cost you pay credit card issuers for having certain cards. It’s normally due once a year, but some issuers ask for monthly installments.

    Annual fee amounts can vary. You might see some annual fees as low as $35 and others as high as $500 or more. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) said in its most recent report to Congress that the overall average annual fee in 2022 was $105.

    Do all credit cards have annual fees?

    Not all credit cards charge an annual fee, including many Capital One cards. View important rates and disclosures. And some card issuers may waive a card’s annual fee for the first year as an introductory offer. You can check your credit card’s terms and conditions to understand what fees may apply to your account.

    Why do credit cards have annual fees?

    If a credit card for people with excellent scores has an annual fee, it’s likely because the fee offsets the benefits the card offers, like:

    • A travel credit card with generous miles rewards, a welcome bonus or premium perks like airport lounge access
    • A cash back credit card offering a high percentage of cash back on everyday purchases

    If a credit card for people with bad credit scores has an annual fee, it’s likely because it offsets the risk to the card issuer, like:

    • A secured credit card that helps users rebuild credit scores until they’re able to qualify for another card

    Is it worth paying a credit card annual fee?

    There can be advantages to having any credit card. But it’s up to you to decide whether a credit card with an annual fee is worth the rewards and benefits it offers.

    With a cash back card, it’s relatively simple to calculate whether the rewards offset the cost of the annual fee. Depending on how much you spend on your card, the cash back rewards you earn may offset the yearly fee entirely.

    Calculating the perks of a travel rewards card or points card may take a bit more effort. If the card has substantial rewards or a bonus offer, you may earn enough to cover the annual fee plus some extra. Consider looking into the redemption value of rewards to better understand how much you could earn based on your spending habits.

    If your goal is to build or rebuild your credit and you find a card with an annual fee you might be eligible for, you may want to do some research. Comparing it to similar cards without an annual fee can help you decide whether the perks offered outweigh the cost of the fee.

    The key to getting the most out of any credit card is ensuring you have the one that makes the most sense for you. And, as always, it’s important to use your card responsibly.

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    What Is a Credit Card Annual Fee? | Capital One (1)

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    Credit card annual fee FAQ

    Here are some frequently asked questions about credit card annual fees:

    If you have a card with an annual fee, it likely appears on your monthly statement once a year. Typically, the fee shows up on your first statement after you open the account and then every 12 months after that.

    Some card issuers divide the annual fee into monthly payments. Be sure to check with the card issuer to find out whether this is the case.

    Either way, you pay the fee in much the same way you pay for purchases and other transactions on your statement.

    To avoid an annual fee, you could apply for a card without one.

    If you currently have a card that has an annual fee, you might consider asking your card issuer whether they can switch you to a different card that doesn’t have a fee. In that case, you may not get a refund for an annual fee you’ve already paid.

    If all else fails and you’re not comfortable paying an annual fee the next year, you could cancel the card. But keep in mind this could affect your credit scores. This is because closing a credit card can impact things like your credit age, credit mix, credit utilization ratio and credit history.

    In some cases, a credit card annual fee may be waived. It depends on the card and card issuer, but it might happen when:

    • The card comes with an introductory offer waiving the fee
    • The cardholder is a qualifying military service member
    • The cardholder contacts the issuer with a request to waive the fee, and the issuer agrees

    If you already have a card with an annual fee, the fee isn’t normally negotiable. So it’s best if you can determine before you apply whether a card with an annual fee is worth it to you.

    Depending on what type of credit card it is, you can consider things like your spending habits, budget and whether the rewards or benefits you’d receive are worth the price of the annual fee.

    Credit card annual fees in a nutshell

    Not every credit card has an annual fee. Cards with an annual fee likely come with something in exchange, like extra cash back or elevated miles rewards. It’s up to you to determine if those benefits are worth it to you.

    If you’re looking for a new credit card, you can compare Capital One credit cards to find one that’s right for you. Then you can see if you’re pre-approved for card offers before you apply. Pre-approval is quick and won’t hurt your credit scores.

    Explore more from Capital One

    Whether your idea of a good time is getting out on the town, traveling the world or staying in, Capital One has a rewards card that may fit your lifestyle.

    • See if you’re pre-approved for rewards cards, with no harm to your credit.
    • Explore travel and miles rewards credit cards with unlimited miles you can actually use.
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash rewards credit card.
    • Earn unlimited cash back whether you’re going out or staying in, with a dining and entertainment credit card.

    John Egan, contributing writer

    John Egan is a freelance writer and content marketing strategist in Austin, Texas. His specialties include personal finance, real estate, and health and wellness. John’s work has been published by outlets such as Capital One, CreditCards.com, Bankrate, Forbes Advisor, Experian, The Balance and U.S. News & World Report. He is the author of "The Stripped-Down Guide to Content Marketing: Success Secrets for Beginners."

    Read more about this author

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    FAQs

    What is the annual fee on a Capital One credit card? ›

    The Capital One credit card annual fees range from $0 to $395, depending on the card. Most Capital One consumer credit cards have no annual fee, and the few cards that do have such a fee usually come with extensive rewards, too.

    How do I get rid of Capital One annual fee? ›

    You can try calling Capital One customer service at the number on the back of your card to request an annual fee waiver, though this is not guaranteed to work. Capital One cardholders who want to upgrade to a card with an annual fee should keep in mind that the fee won't be charged until 65 days after the upgrade.

    What is a credit card annual fee? ›

    An annual fee is a cost you pay credit card issuers for having certain cards. It's normally due once a year, but some issuers ask for monthly installments. Annual fee amounts can vary. You might see some annual fees as low as $35 and others as high as $500 or more.

    What is the annual fee for Credit One credit card? ›

    Annual Fee: $39

    Sign in to view eligible offers.

    How can I avoid paying my credit card annual fee? ›

    How to get your credit card annual fee waived
    1. Contact your card issuer. ...
    2. Look for promotional fee waivers. ...
    3. Use military benefits. ...
    4. Negotiate your card's benefits. ...
    5. Shop around for a comparable card with lower fees. ...
    6. Cancel your credit card. ...
    7. Ask to downgrade your card instead.

    How to avoid Capital One fees? ›

    Keep your credit in good standing

    If you carry a revolving balance—meaning you don't pay your entire monthly balance—you may be charged interest. So, if you want to avoid interest altogether, the simple solution is to pay off your balance in full each month.

    Can I ask Capital One to waive my annual fee? ›

    Capital One may waive your annual fee if you call and make a case for financial hardship. Capital One may waive the annual fee if you contact customer service at phone number on the back of the card and request a fee waiver.

    Is it bad to cancel a credit card with an annual fee? ›

    If a card has an annual fee, you'll pay it at the beginning of your cardmember anniversary and have all of the relevant benefits for the remainder of that year. Canceling the card before the year is up means missing out on perks for which you've already paid. Some card issuers even explicitly advise against doing this.

    How do I ask to waive my annual fee? ›

    There are a few possible ways to convince an issuer to waive your fee:
    1. Call your issuer. ...
    2. See if your issuer will waive the fee in exchange for card usage. ...
    3. Ask your issuer to match another offer. ...
    4. Ask to cancel. ...
    5. Use military benefits. ...
    6. Switch to a different card. ...
    7. Earn rewards to offset the fee.
    Jan 19, 2024

    Why am I being charged an annual fee on my credit card? ›

    Not all credit cards charge an annual fee, but those that do likely do it for one of two reasons: Either the annual fee balances out relatively generous bonuses—benefits or rewards like airline miles, cash back, discounts and travel perks—or compensates for higher-risk lending with cards designed for people with a poor ...

    What happens if you don't pay your annual fee? ›

    Your account will automatically be charged for your credit card's annual fee. However, if you don't pay it and/or your balance, it could be reported to the credit bureau if your payment is 30 days+ past due. It's best to pay your bill off, in full, every month to avoid this.

    Do I have to pay the Capital One member fee? ›

    You can be a Capital One member, and there is no fee. However, if you want a Capital One credit card, then some of those cards DO have annual fees.

    How to avoid Credit One annual fee? ›

    You can get a Credit One annual fee waived by calling customer service at (877) 825-3242 and requesting a fee waiver, or by enrolling in Credit One's Credit Protection Program.

    Is it dumb to pay an annual fee on a credit card? ›

    An annual fee may be worth it if it pretty much pays for itself through the perks and offers benefits you actually care about, whether that's car rental insurance, airport lounge access or statement credits for gym memberships.

    How do I pay my Credit One annual fee? ›

    ANNUAL FEE: The Annual Fee of $95 will be billed to your Account when opened. It's refundable as long as you cancel your Account and have not made any transactions. The Annual Fee will bill again each subsequent year until the balance is paid in full and your account is closed.

    Do you have to pay Capital One in full every month? ›

    You don't need to pay your entire current balance on your credit card bill to avoid paying interest, just the statement balance. Consistently paying off your statement balance every month by the due date can help you avoid paying interest or late fees.

    Does Capital One charge monthly fees? ›

    No monthly service charge—includes free debit card and use of Capital One image-enabled ATMs. Balance requirement None No minimum balance requirement to maintain this account. Minimum deposit to open account None No minimum deposit required at time of account opening.

    What is the $39 Capital One member fee? ›

    You will pay a $39 annual fee but receive benefits, including $0 fraud liability, tap-to-pay technology and free credit monitoring with CreditWise from Capital One. Other perks are 24/7 customer service, and account management with Capital One's mobile app.

    What happens if you cancel a credit card with an annual fee? ›

    Many card issuers will usually credit an annual fee if you close the account and request a refund quickly enough. You have about 30 days after an annual fee posts to do this—give or take a few days. It varies by issuer and is not always guaranteed.

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