Travel · Calculator
Annual fee break-even calculator
Is a premium travel card worth the annual fee? Enter your spending and travel habits to see the real value — and whether the perks outweigh the cost.
Premium travel cards — from Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve to HDFC Infinia and Amex Platinum Charge — come loaded with perks: unlimited airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, hotel upgrades, and rewards on all spending. But whether those perks actually justify the fee depends entirely on how much you use them. Select your region and card, then enter your spending and travel habits to get the real answer.
Key things to factor in: lounge visits are typically worth $25–$40 equivalent per visit if you'd otherwise pay for access; travel insurance is worth $100–$400 per year standalone; and rewards on spending add up faster than most people expect. One often-overlooked cost: many premium cards charge 2.75–3% forex fees, which can erode value significantly if you spend heavily abroad. The calculator accounts for this.
Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access. Comprehensive travel insurance. Hotel perks & statement credits.
Already have travel insurance?
If yes, we exclude the insurance value from benefits
Annual value breakdown
Net annual value
At your spending and travel levels, Amex Platinum (£650/yr) returns £265.30 more in value than it costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a premium travel card worth its annual fee?
A premium travel card is worth its fee if you use the benefits. The key value drivers are unlimited Priority Pass lounge access (worth $25–$40 per visit equivalent if you fly often), comprehensive travel insurance ($100–$400 standalone), hotel perks and statement credits, and rewards on all spending. For frequent travellers using 10+ lounge visits per year, most premium cards provide positive net value.
How do I calculate if a premium travel card is worth the annual fee?
Add up the value of benefits you'll actually use: lounge visits ($25–$40 per visit equivalent), travel insurance ($100–$400 standalone cost), rewards on your spending, and any statement credits. Subtract the annual fee and any forex fees you'd pay abroad. If the result is positive, the card is worth it.
Do premium cards with forex fees make sense for overseas spending?
Many premium cards charge 2.75–3% on overseas spending. If you travel frequently, lounge and insurance benefits may still justify the fee — but consider pairing with a zero-fee card (Starling UK, Charles Schwab US, Niyo Global India, ING Orange Australia) for day-to-day local spending abroad.
Which premium travel card has the best value?
It depends on region and usage. UK: Amex Platinum for unlimited lounges, Amex Gold for occasional travellers. US: Chase Sapphire Reserve with $300 travel credit and Priority Pass. India: HDFC Infinia for unlimited lounges and strong rewards. Australia: Amex Platinum Charge. For zero-forex-fee premium seekers globally, Revolut Premium offers lounge visits and travel insurance at low monthly cost.