annual fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "annual fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fee that is charged once a year, often in the context of memberships, subscriptions, or services. Example: "The annual fee for the gym membership is due at the beginning of each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An annual fee?

The New York Times - Tech

And there is no annual fee.

The New York Times

(There is a $450 annual fee).

The New York Times

Its annual fee is $140.

The New York Times

The annual fee is $200 per family.

The New York Times

Price shown is the annual fee.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The annual fee they pay for registering is £700.

Independent

The club's annual fee for members is $15.

The New York Times

The annual fee on my card is $49.

The New York Times - Travel

Annual fee income alone is now an estimated $30 billion.

The Economist

"Well worth the $125 annual fee" for the Gold card.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing fees, clarify whether the "annual fee" covers a specific period (e.g., calendar year, membership year) and what benefits or services it includes.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an "annual fee" is the only cost associated with a product or service. Clearly differentiate it from setup fees, usage fees, or other potential charges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "annual fee" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a recurring cost, specifically one that is charged on a yearly basis. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is used to describe various types of yearly charges, such as membership dues or service costs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "annual fee" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a charge that occurs once a year. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia. When writing about "annual fees", it's important to clarify what the fee covers and how it differs from other potential charges. Alternatives include "yearly charge" or "annual subscription cost". Paying attention to the contexts and potential misunderstandings can improve clarity and transparency in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yearly charge

Focuses on the recurrence of the payment on a yearly basis.

Annual subscription cost

Specifically relates to subscriptions that are paid annually.

Yearly membership dues

Refers specifically to membership costs paid each year.

Annual premium

Commonly used in the context of insurance policies.

Recurring yearly payment

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the payment.

Annual assessment

Often used in property or investment contexts.

Yearly rate

Highlights the price or cost applied on a yearly basis.

Annual service charge

Pertains to charges for services rendered annually.

Annual maintenance fee

Specific to maintenance services with an annual cost.

Annual access fee

Relates to fees paid for yearly access to a service or product.

FAQs

What is an "annual fee"?

An "annual fee" is a charge that is levied once per year, typically for services, memberships, or credit cards. It's a recurring cost that grants continued access or benefits.

What are some alternatives to saying "annual fee"?

You can use alternatives such as "yearly charge", "annual subscription cost", or "yearly membership dues" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to choose a credit card with or without an "annual fee"?

It depends on your spending habits and the card's rewards program. A card with an "annual fee" might offer better rewards or perks that offset the cost, but if you don't utilize those benefits, a card with no "no annual fee" may be more suitable.

How can I avoid paying an "annual fee" on my credit card?

Some credit card companies may waive the "annual fee" if you call and negotiate, especially if you're a long-time customer. Alternatively, you can consider switching to a card with no "no annual fee".