Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards

Whether you want to maximize rewards, save on fees, or find a card that suits your lifestyle, choosing a no-annual-fee credit is an ideal option. From cash back and travel perks to balance transfers and competitive interest rates, these cards offer various features to meet your needs. Read on to explore the top options that provide benefits without any extra cost. 

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MoneyLion can help you explore credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences. Check out the top no-annual-fee credit card offers and start enjoying the perks!

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10 Best no-annual-fee credit cards

You’ve decided on a no-annual-fee credit card. Let’s go through the top options available. From travel rewards to cash back, there’s a no-annual-fee card for you.

1. Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited is your go-to for racking up rewards while globe-trotting. With a solid rewards program and no annual fee, this card makes traveling a breeze.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Generous intro bonus
• No foreign transaction fees
• High rewards rate on travel and dining

Cons

• Higher balance transfer fee
• Requires good to excellent credit
• APR can be high after the intro period

2. Best for Cash Back: Citi Double Cash Card

If cash back is your game, the Citi Double Cash Card is your MVP. Earn cash back twice – once when you buy and again when you pay.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 18 months
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Earn cash back on every purchase
• No caps on cash back earnings
• Long intro APR on balance transfers

Cons

• No sign-up bonus
• Foreign transaction fees
• Higher APR range

3. Best for Students: Discover it Student Cash Back

Students, meet your new best friend. The Discover it Student Cash Back card offers great rewards and helps you build credit without worrying about annual fees.

Credit score needed: Fair to good	Purchases intro APR: 0% for six months
Intro bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Cash back match at the end of the first year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Great for building credit

Cons

• Requires some credit history
• Rotating categories for cash back
• Limited intro APR period

4. Best for Balance Transfers: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card

Got debt? The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers a lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers, making it ideal for paying down balances.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 21 billing cycles
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 18.74%-29.74% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Long intro APR period
• Low ongoing APR
• No annual fee

Cons

• No rewards program
• Foreign transaction fees
• Requires good to excellent credit

5. Best for Dining and Entertainment: Capital One SavorOne

For those who love dining out and catching the latest shows, the Capital One SavorOne is your perfect companion, offering great rewards for dining and entertainment.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first three months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: $0
Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High rewards on dining and entertainment
• No foreign transaction fees
• Generous sign-up bonus

Cons

• High APR after the intro period
• Balance transfer fee
• Requires good to excellent credit

6. Best for Online Shopping: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Frequent Amazon shoppers? The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card gives you stellar rewards for all your online purchases.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: $100 Amazon gift card upon approval	Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: None (with Amazon Prime membership)	Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 20.49% to 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 0%

Pros

• High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Instant Amazon gift card upon approval

Cons

• Requires Amazon Prime membership
• High balance transfer fee
• Higher APR

7. Best for No Credit: Petal® two “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Building credit from scratch? The Petal 2 Visa credit card is designed for those with little credit history, offering cash back and no fees.

Credit score needed: No credit to fair	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: None
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: None
Regular APR: 18.24% – 32.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No fees whatsoever
• Cash back on every purchase
• Great for building credit

Cons

• No intro bonus
• Requires a linked bank account
• Higher APR for lower credit scores

8. Best for Grocery Shopping: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

If your grocery bill is a major part of your budget, the Blue Cash Everyday card gives you excellent rewards on supermarket purchases.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months	Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%

Pros

• High rewards on groceries
• Long intro APR period
• Generous sign-up bonus

Cons

• Foreign transaction fees
• Higher cash advance fee
• Requires good to excellent credit

9. Best for Gas: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

For road warriors, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers excellent rewards for gas and travel.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months	Cash advance fee: 5% (min $10)
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3% (min $5)
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% depending on credit	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High rewards on gas and travel
• No foreign transaction fees
• Generous intro bonus

Cons

• High cash advance fee
• Shorter intro APR period
• Requires good to excellent credit

10. Best for Rotating Categories: Discover it Cash Back

The Discover it Cash Back card keeps things interesting with rotating cash back categories, giving you new ways to earn every quarter.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee:None	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Cash back match at the end of the first year
• No foreign transaction fees
• High rewards in rotating categories

Cons

• Rotating categories require activation
• Limited intro APR period
• Higher balance transfer fee

When does it make sense to get a no-annual-fee credit card? 

Choosing a no-annual-fee credit card can be a smart move for many reasons, but knowing when it makes the most sense for your financial situation is essential.

• You’re a casual spender: If you don’t use your credit card frequently, a no-annual-fee card ensures you’re not paying for something you rarely use. You still earn rewards without the pressure of offsetting an annual fee.
• Building or rebuilding credit: For those new to credit or looking to improve their credit score, a no-annual-fee card provides a low-risk way to build credit history without additional costs.
• Maximizing rewards on a budget: If you want to earn rewards but don’t want to add to your expenses, no-annual-fee cards offer perks and cash back without the extra charge.

What should you consider when getting a no-annual-fee credit card?

Before considering no-annual-fee credit cards, consider a few key factors to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.

• Rewards program: Look at what kind of rewards the card offers and how they align with your spending habits. Ensure the reward structure matches your lifestyle to maximize benefits.
• Interest rates and fees: Even if there is no annual fee, be aware of the card’s APR, balance transfer fees, and other charges. These can add up and affect your overall savings.
• Credit score requirements: Check the credit score needed for the card. Applying for a card suited to your credit profile increases your chances of approval and helps you avoid unnecessary credit inquiries.

How to choose a no-annual-fee credit card

Choosing the right no-annual-fee credit card can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but with the right approach, you’ll snag the perfect card in no time.

• Look at credit score requirements: Start by checking the credit score requirements for the card. Ensure your credit score aligns with these requirements to increase your chances of approval.
• Compare rewards programs and other perks: Not all no-annual-fee cards are created equal. Compare each card’s rewards programs and perks to find one that matches your spending habits and maximizes your benefits.
• Check and verify fees: Other charges, such as balance transfer and cash advance fees, can add up even without an annual fee. Review all potential fees to avoid any surprises.
• Check credit limit potential: Look at the card’s credit limit potential. A higher credit limit can help you manage your expenses better and improve your credit utilization ratio, which is beneficial for your credit score.
• Compare customer service quality: Good customer service can make a big difference. Research customer service ratings and reviews to ensure you choose a card issuer with reliable and helpful support.

Finding your perfect match

Selecting the best no-annual-fee credit card doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on your needs, comparing the rewards, and understanding the terms, you can find the perfect card that offers great perks without the cost. Now, go forth and swipe smartly!

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