Mistake No. 6: Disqualifying any card with an annual fee
It can seem smart to cross any credit card candidates off your list if they charge an annual fee — and since the majority of credit cards out there actually don’t charge annual fees, it might seem like you’re not disqualifying many good cards. But think again.
Yes, all things being equal, go with a no-annual-fee card. But all things are rarely equal, and if a card that charges you $99 per year is likely to deliver $200 or $300 or more in value to you (via points, cash back, etc.), then it makes good sense. Some cards that charge as much as $400 or more in annual fees can even be worth it. Just take some time to evaluate what a card will give you along with what it will take away.