Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

There are times when it’s worth paying an annual fee for a credit card, but you’ll need to be sure the rewards and perks justify the cost. You’ll also want to be careful not to hold too many different credit cards with annual fees, because you probably won’t use them all enough to make it worthwhile.

Many credit card users prefer to deal exclusively with cards that come with no annual fee. This is an ideal choice if you don’t use them a lot or if you’re new to credit cards.

While some cards with no annual fee offer lower rewards or fewer benefits, the best no annual fee credit cards can be very valuable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best credit cards available, so you can determine which is suited to your specific circumstances.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

1. Citi Double Cash

If you’re good at paying off your balance each month, then the Citi Double Cash could be the right credit card for you. You can not only earn 1% cash back on every purchase but also an additional 1% after you pay for those purchases, for a total of 2% cashback. To qualify for the cashback, you need to pay at least your minimum due balance on time. This double cash structure is different to most reward cards, so you can think differently about accumulating points.

The 2% cash back on every purchase makes it the perfect everyday card to use for the majority of your purchases. For this reason, it’s our top recommendation.

The reward accumulation encourages smart credit card habits, as it provides a great incentive to pay off the balance each month on time.

The Citi Double Cash also offers a 0% APR introductory rate on balance transfers for the first 18 months, which is attractive if you tend to carry a large balance and require more time to pay it off. You can also benefit from the Citi Price Rewind program that automatically searches for lower prices on your purchases, and if the same item is found within 60 days at a lower price, you’ll be refunded the difference up to $1,200 a year with a maximum of $300 an item.

The only potential downside of this card is that there is a 3% foreign transaction fee rate, so it is not a great choice for travelers. There is also a 3% fee for each balance transfer with a $5 minimum.

This is a great card for everyday spending, but you may want to carry a different card for your family vacation and overseas travels.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 2% cashback on all purchases (if you pay at least the minimum balance when it is due)
• Currently no signup bonus

Learn more about the Citi Double Cash

2. Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex is a cashback credit card with some amazing rewards and cashback, and no annual fee. It offers generous rewards in specific categories, plus rotating categories to maximize your rewards. You’ll earn:

• 5x on travel when purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 5x on Lyft until March 2022
• 3x on dining (including takeout and delivery)
• 3x at drugstores
• 1x on everything else

On top of those everyday rewards, you can enjoy 5% cashback on combined purchases up to $1,500 in bonus categories each quarter. With the 5% categories, you can really rack up the rewards quickly (especially when the categories are groceries or gas).

The Chase Freedom Flex card also offers a signup bonus. New cardholders can enjoy a $200 bonus provided they spend a minimum of $500 within the first three months.

With no annual fee and an introductory APR of 0% for the first 15 months, the Chase Freedom Flex card allows you to fully enjoy your rewards without needing to worry about fees and charges.

The Chase Freedom Flex card becomes even more valuable if you use it in combination with other credit cards. If you have another rewards card that gives you 1.5% or 2% cashback on every purchase, you can use the Chase Freedom Flex card only for purchases that will earn you 3-5%. See our article on maximizing credit card rewards for more details.

Due to the high rewards and cashback, as well as no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Flex is a card that everyone who cares about rewards should have in their wallet.

The Chase Freedom Flex card is also associated with some other great benefits, including trip cancellation insurance. This offers reimbursement up to $1,500 per person if your trip is canceled or interrupted by sickness or injury. You can also benefit from auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch, and travel and emergency assistance services. The only potential downside is that the Chase Freedom Flex card does attract a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• Earn 5% cashback on purchases in categories that rotate each quarter
• Earn 1-5% cashback on all other purchases
• $200 signup bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Chase Freedom Flex card

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Another great offering from Chase is the Freedom Unlimited card. Like the Freedom Flex card above, you can earn a $200 bonus if you spend $500 during your first three months of membership. However, you can also earn 1.5x rewards on all purchases with no need to worry about categories, caps, or expiration dates.

Although the 1.5% cashback on every purchase is pretty enticing, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers higher rewards for certain purchases.

• 5x on travel when purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 5x on Lyft until March 2022
• 3x on dining (including takeout and delivery)
• 3x at drugstores

Like the Freedom Flex card, you can enjoy 0% APR for the first 15 months for purchases and balance transfers.

The most attractive feature of this card is that there are no rotating categories or quarterly enrollments, so you can just spend as normal and enjoy your cashback. The rewards are automatic, with no questions asked. This simplicity makes the card appealing and makes it a great “everyday” card that you can use for the majority of your purchases.

While flat rate cashback cards are not new, the Freedom Unlimited is quite unique as it offers a fairly high return with no annual fee. In comparison, the Chase Freedom Flex card only offers 1% on purchases outside the bonus categories. Additionally, if you spend more than $1,500 each quarter in your bonus categories, it automatically reverts to the 1% level. So, with the Freedom Unlimited, you don’t need to worry about capping out. Also, there are no redemption thresholds, so you can deposit your redeemed points as a cash payment directly into your checking account.

The Freedom Unlimited card also offers travel benefits, including trip cancellation, travel and emergency assistance services, and auto rental collision damage waiver. Unfortunately, like the Freedom card, you will find that the Freedom Unlimited has a foreign transaction fee rate set at 3%. So, if you’re a frequent traveler outside the U.S, this may not be the best card for you.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• Earn 1.5x rewards on all purchases with no caps
• $200 signup bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited card

4. Discover it

The Discover it card offers rotating cashback categories, similar to the Chase Freedom Flex. You’ll earn 5% cashback on purchases up to $1,500 in a specific category each quarter. All other purchases will earn 1% cashback.

While Discover does not offer a welcome bonus for this card, they do offer a match for all of the cashback you earn during your first year with the card. That means if you earn $200 in cash back during your first 12 months with the card, Discover will add an additional $200.

The nice thing is that the 5% categories usually do not match up with the Chase Freedom Flex. That means if you have both cards (like I do), you can use them both for different categories and earn 5% cashback in two different categories during most quarters.

Like all of the cards on this list, the Discover it card does not have an annual fee.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 5% cashback on purchases in rotating categories
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• Discover will match the cashback earned during the first year

Learn more about the Discover it card

5. Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card

The Wells Fargo Cash Wise is another flat-rate cashback credit card offering 1.5% cashback on all your purchases. However, it is set apart from many other flat-rate cards with the offer of 1.8% cashback on qualified digital wallet purchases, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, during the first 12 months of membership. While this isn’t a massive boost, it does provide a competitive edge, along with a $150 bonus for new cardholders who spend at least $500 in the first three months of membership.

The Cash Wise card also features a 0% introductory APR rate for purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. However, only balance transfers made within the first 120 days qualify for this introductory rate, and there is a fee for those transfers.

Another perk of this card is that you can get $600 of cellphone protection against theft or damage with a reasonable $25 deductible. To qualify, you need to use your Cash Wise card to pay your monthly cellphone bills.

A potential downside is again the 3% foreign transaction fee. If you’re a frequent traveler, this could easily wipe out your cashback made on purchases. For example, if you spend $2,000 on your overseas vacation, you’ll earn $30 in cashback, but it will cost you $60 in your foreign transaction fees. So, if you’re a frequent traveler, this may not be the best choice of card for your circumstances.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• $150 signup bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card

6. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card is often overshadowed by the Capital One Venture Rewards card, but it does offer some great benefits of its own, and without an annual fee. It’s rare to find a good travel rewards card with no annual fee, so this is one that may catch your attention.

You can enjoy 1.25 miles for every dollar spent on purchases. Although this is less than the 2 miles offered by the Venture Rewards, the lack of an annual fee makes the VentureOne Rewards card a great choice. It offers a no-strings-attached reward for those who don’t spend enough to justify an annual fee. Since the Venture Rewards card comes with a $95 annual fee, you can enjoy some serious savings with the VentureOne.

The most notable feature of this card is that you can enjoy a one-time bonus if you spend $500 in the first three months of account opening. This will land you 20,000 miles, which is the equivalent of $200 in travel. You can transfer miles to 10+ travel loyalty programs, so you can fly any airline or stay at any hotel with no time restrictions.

The VentureOne is offered with an intro 0% APR for the first 12 months before it increases to a variable rate. It also provides access to 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and other perks.

The only potential downside of this card is that the 1.25 miles per $1 is a lower rate than many other cards (although many of them come with an annual fee). So, if you want to quickly accumulate miles, you may be better suited to a card that offers a higher ratio.

Highlights:

• No annual fee (rare for travel rewards cards)
• 1.25 miles in rewards per $1 spent on all purchases
• 20,000 miles (equivilent to $200 in travel) signup bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

7. American Express Blue Cash Everyday

The American Express Blue Cash Everyday offers decent cashback on certain purchases. This includes:

• 3% cashback at US supermarkets for up to $6,000 in annual purchases
• 2% cashback at US gas stations and certain US Department Stores
• 1% cashback on everything else.

The 1% cashback on most purchases can’t compare to some of the other cards here, like our top-rated Citi Double Cash. However, the 3% cashback at grocery stores can add up, especially for families that purchase a lot of food.

This card also offers 0% APR on purchases for 15 months, plus a $200 statement credit if you spend at least $1,000 in your first 3 months with the card.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 3% cashback at supermarkets
• 2% cashback at gas stations
• 1% cashback on everything else
• $200 statement credit if you spend at least $1,000 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the American Express Blue Cash Everyday

8. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you’re a foodie, then the Capital One SavorOne could be the right card for you. This card was designed for food lovers and those with large grocery bills, as the rewards are geared towards dining out, grocery purchases, and entertainment. You can earn 3% cashback on entertainment and dining purchases, 2% cashback on grocery spending, with 1% cashback on all other spending.

Additionally, there are no expiration limits on your rewards and no limit to how much you could earn. In addition to these attractive cashback rates, new cardholders can also earn a $200 bonus by spending $500 in the first three months.

Redemption of your rewards is super simple with the SavorOne. There are no rotating categories or enrollment requirements, and you can set your account for automatic redemption of your rewards when it hits a specified threshold or once a year. However, there is also the option to redeem your rewards at any time as a check or statement credit.

You’ll enjoy a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months before it rises to a variable rate. You should also note that any balance transfers during the promotional period are subject to a 3% fee.

Another great perk of this card is that there are no additional costs associated with foreign transactions. This could add up to serious savings when compared to other cards, which charge 3%, so you can enjoy cuisine around the world without compromising your cash back.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 3% cashback on dining and entertainment, 2% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases
• $200 bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card

9. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

With the Capital One Quicksilver, you don’t need to worry about rotating categories, as you can earn 1.5% cashback automatically on all your purchases. You don’t have the hassle of registering for promotions or trying to plan your spending habits to suit bonuses and rewards.

There is also a $200 signup bonus if you spend $500 within the first 3 months.

The card also offers some fantastic perks and member privileges, including extended purchase warranty protection, travel upgrades, and complimentary concierge assistance. You can also appreciate that this card charges no foreign transaction fees, which is rare and could save you up to 3% on every foreign transaction you make.

Although the Quicksilver has been designed to be simple and easy to earn rewards, if you’re prepared to organize rotating categories, you could earn far more cash back. If you have predictable spending patterns, you may be better suited to a category-based card that offers a larger percentage of cashback in areas where you spend the most.

However, if you want to maximize your rewards, the Quicksilver is a good card to have in addition to your rotating categories card. You can use your other card for purchases in categories and earn a higher percentage for all other spending. Just be sure to choose another card with no annual fee.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no caps
• $200 signup bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card

10. Citi Rewards+

The Citi Rewards+ card offers 2x rewards (2% cashback) on purchases at gas stations and supermarkets for the first $6,000 spent per year, combined. All other purchases earn 1% cashback, but the unique thing about this card is that the rewards automatically round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. Since the points are rounded up, the Citi Rewards+ card is ideal for small purchases.

As a welcome bonus, you’ll get 15,000 points when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months. Those bonus points can be redeemed for $150 of gas cards at thankyou.com.

This card also offers 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer and on purchases from the date of the account opening.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 2x points on gas and groceries
• 1x points on all other purchases
• Rewards are rounded up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase
• 15,000 point welcome bonus (redeemable for a $150 gas card)

Learn more about the Citi Rewards+ card

11. Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card

Another Wells Fargo offering as the best no annual fee credit card is the Propel American Express. This offers generous benefits offering 3 points for every $1 spent on travel-related purchases, dining, and popular streaming services. All other spending is rewarded with 1 point for every $1.

New cardholders can also earn a 20,000 point welcome bonus ($200 cash redemption value) if they spend $1,000 within the first three months of account opening,. There is also a 0% APR introductory offer on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for the first 12 months.

Unlike many reward cards, the Propel American Express doesn’t impose limits on redeeming your points. You can redeem for gift cards, travel, digital downloads, merchandise, or cash back.

Cardholders can also benefit from the Go Far program that allows you to combine rewards with your other Wells Fargo cards, so you can pool rewards with your friends and family. Go Far also allows you to earn bonuses when you shop in the Earn More Mall.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 3% rewards on travel, gas, dining, and streaming services
• 1% rewards on all other purchases
• 20,000 point signup bonus (equal to $200)

Learn more about the Wells Fargo Propel American Express card

Business Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

1. American Express Blue Business Cash

Our top-rated business credit card that comes with no annual fee is the American Express Blue Business Cash. It’s a simple card that maximizes cashback. You’ll earn a flat 2% cashback for all purchases on up to $50,000 of spending per year.

Many cash back business cards offer 1% cashback and some offer higher amounts in certain categories, but the Blue Business Cash card is perfect for everyday business expenses.

This card also offers 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months.

The only downside of this card is that it currently does not have a welcome bonus. However, the ability to get 2% cashback on every purchase makes this card an excellent choice for any business owner.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 2% cashback on every purchase

Learn more about the American Express Blue Business Cash

2. Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business

The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business is another solid choice for an everyday business credit card. With this one, you’ll earn a flat 1.5x rewards (1.5% cashback) on all purchases with no cap. You’ll also get 0% APR on purchases for the first 9 months.

The only way this card outperforms the American Express Blue Business Cash is through the welcome bonus. With the Spark Cash Select for Business you’ll get a $200 cash bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• 1.5x rewards on every purchase
• $200 welcome bonus if you spend at least $3,000 the first 3 months

Learn more about the Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business

3. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

If you’re a business owner (including freelancers and those who are self-employed), you too can enjoy a cashback credit card with no annual fee. The Chase Ink Business Cash is one of the best no annual fee credit cards for business owners providing 0% APR on all your purchases during the first 12 months. You can also earn a $750 bonus if you spend $7,500 in the first three months. The card provides flexible rewards that are tracked as points and a whole host of perks.

You can earn 5% cashback on your first $25,000 annually in office supply stores, cell, landline, and internet charges. You can also earn 2% cashback on gas station and restaurant purchases up to $25,000 each year, with an unlimited 1% cashback on all your other purchases.

Unfortunately, like many of these no annual fee credit cards, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee. So, if your business activities take you overseas, this may not be the best card to use outside of the U.S.

Highlights:

• No annual fee
• For business owners
• 5% cash back at office supply stores, cell phone bills, landline bills, and internet bills
• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• $750 signup bonus if you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months

Learn more about the Chase Ink Business Cash credit card

As you can see, there are some fantastic rewards cards without needing to balance a hefty annual fee. With our picks for the best no annual fee credit cards, you can enjoy cashback, introductory APR rates, and no annual fees, making them a great way to boost your finances. Check this page if you want to see even more credit cards with no annual fee.