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.
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!
FAQ
Is it better to get a card with no annual fee?
Yes, a card with no annual fee is a great option if you want to avoid additional costs and still enjoy rewards.
Can I get a no-annual-fee card if I have average credit?
Yes, no-annual-fee cards are available for those with average credit, though the rewards and benefits may vary.
Are there any business credit cards with no annual fee?
Yes, there are several business credit cards with no annual fee, offering rewards and perks tailored to business expenses.
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