Travel Credit Card Rewards Calculator

Annual rewards = (Spending in each category x Points per dollar in that category) summed across all categories. Convert points to dollar value by multiplying by your assumed cents-per-point value. Subtract the annual fee to get net annual benefit. Most travel cards earn 1 to 5 points per dollar depending on the spending category (travel, dining, groceries, other).

The annual fee is worth it if: (1) the value of rewards earned exceeds the annual fee, or (2) the card's travel benefits (lounge access, free checked bags, travel credits, primary car rental coverage) have a value that exceeds the fee net of rewards. For a card with a $550 annual fee that offers $300 in travel credits, the effective fee is $250. If your rewards earning also exceeds $250 annually, the card is net-positive.

Most premium travel credit cards offer elevated earn rates in: travel (flights, hotels, car rental): 3x to 5x points; dining: 3x to 4x points; grocery stores: 2x to 4x points; other purchases: 1x to 2x points. The exact earn rates are set by the card issuer and change periodically. Use the current rates from your card's terms for accurate calculations.

Signup or welcome bonuses are one-time, not annual, so they should not be included in the annual rewards calculation. However, they significantly affect the first-year value of a card. This calculator focuses on ongoing annual rewards only. Add the signup bonus value separately when evaluating whether to apply for a new card.

To maximise rewards: use the card with the highest earn rate for each spending category, pay the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges (which would negate any rewards value), use travel credits and benefits offered by the card, and redeem points for high-value options (business class flights) rather than low-value options (statement credits or gift cards).