The Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in April 2024

Updated: March 27, 2024, 7:02am CDT

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The Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in April 2024

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There are many advantages of no-annual-fee credit cards. First of all, you’re not paying anything to hold these cards, so you can keep them as long as you wish. Since the length of your credit history is one of the factors that make up your credit score, it can be prudent to hold on to a no-annual-fee credit card indefinitely.

Another advantage of having a no-annual-fee card is that you earn rewards at no additional cost to you, especially on items you’d purchase normally — it’s a win-win all around.

Some no-annual-fee cards come with additional benefits that can save you money. You may find 0% APR introductory periods for purchases and balance transfers that can save you interest fees when you utilize these introductory offers. There are also cards that offer travel insurance and benefits, shopping protections, and even complimentary hotel elite status.

All of these advantages are great. But how do you choose the right no-annual-fee credit card for your situation? Our recommended no-annual-fee credit card list can help you decide just that.

As you read through, keep your greatest expenses in mind. Evaluate each card, considering how you might want to redeem the rewards you earn, and note if there are any complimentary benefits that might be useful to you.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited^® — Best for Travel
Chase Freedom Flex℠ — Best for Rotating Bonus Categories
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card — Best for Multiple Bonus Categories
U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card — Best for Rotating Bonus Categories
Citi Custom Cash^® Card — Best for Rotating Bonus Categories
Citi Double Cash^® Card — Best for Everyday Spending
Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card — Best for Simple Cash-Back
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — Best for Dining
Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi — Best for Dining
Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card — Best for Business
Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card — Best for Business
The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express — Best for Business

The Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards: Comparison Table

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Card	Best Use	Welcome Bonus	Card Rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited^®	Travel	Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.	5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3% cash-back on dining and at drugstores 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Chase Freedom Flex℠	Rotating bonus categories	Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months.	5% cash-back in quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 in spend) and on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3% cash-back on dining and at drugstores 1% cash-back on all other purchases
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card	Multiple bonus categories	Earn 20,000 bonus points when spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.	3x points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans 1x points on all other purchases
U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card	Rotating bonus categories	Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 120 days.	5% cash-back on 2 quarterly categories of your choosing (up to $2,000 in spend) 2% cash-back on 1 everyday category of your choosing 1% cash-back on all other purchases
Citi Custom Cash^® Card	Rotating bonus categories	Earn $200 cash-back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.	5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 in spend)
Citi Double Cash^® Card	Everyday spending	Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.	2% cash-back on all purchases (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay, earned as ThankYou Points)
Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card	Simple cash-back	Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	2% cash rewards on all purchases
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card	Dining	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.	3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®) 1% cash-back on all other purchases
Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi	Dining	No welcome offer available.	4% cash-back at gas stations and on EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 in spend) 3% cash-back restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide 2% cash-back at Costco and Costco.com 1% cash-back on all other purchases
Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card	Business	Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.	5% cash-back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services (up to $25,000 in spend) 2% cash-back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 in spend) 1% cash-back on all other purchases
Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card	Business	Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.	1.5% cash-back on all purchases 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express	Business	Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.	2x points on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000 in spend) 1x points on all purchases thereafter

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome OfferEarn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Travel
Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
Ability to pool points

Cons

3% foreign transaction fee

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex℠

U.P. Rating

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome OfferEarn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Excellent cell phone insurance
Ability to pool points
Mastercard World Elite benefits

Cons

3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

U.P. Rating

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

Learn More(at Wells Fargo's secure site)

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
20,000 points

Annual Fee

APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent no annual fee card that offers 3x points on 6 different bonus categories. Choose from multiple options when you’re ready to redeem your rewards, and take advantage of great perks including cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros

3x points per $1 spent on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans
1x points per $1 spent on other purchases
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Flexible redemption options
Cell phone protection
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Cons

Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized value

Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

U.P. Rating

This card was made for those looking to maximize and rotate their cash-back rewards across a large range of regular expenses.

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

This card was made for those looking to maximize and rotate their cash-back rewards across a large range of regular expenses.

Welcome OfferEarn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
$200

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.49% - 29.74% (Variable).

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card is a great card for those looking to maximize their cash-back rewards by earning up to 5% back from a variety of expense categories.

The cardholder gets to choose 2 categories every quarter. It’s also the best cash-back card to use for utility bills, a tricky expense to get solid rewards back for.

Pros

5% cash-back across a large range of expense categories (you choose 2 categories every quarter), including utility bills (a rare perk for a credit card), home utilities, cell phone providers, fast food, TV, internet and streaming services, gym/fitness centers, and more
5% cash-back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
2% cash-back on 1 everyday category, including grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations
1% cash-back on all other purchases
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles; after that, a variable APR currently19.49 – 29.49%
No annual fee

Cons

Your 5% cash-back rewards on the top 2 categories of your choosing are limited to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter
Cash-back for travel expenses must be made through the Rewards Center

$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49 – 29.74%
No Annual Fee
Terms and conditions apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.49% - 29.74% (Variable).
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars or 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency

Card Categories

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

Welcome OfferEarn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$200

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.

Credit Recommended

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

The Citi Custom Cash^® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

Pros

5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
No annual fee
Multiple redemption options
No redemption minimums

Cons

Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via the Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash^® Card account per person.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Card Categories

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome OfferEarn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
$200 cash back

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros

Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
Flexible redemption options
No annual fee

Cons

No bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fees
Lack of premium travel benefits

Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Citi Double Cash^® Card Travel Portal Limited Time Offer: Earn a total of 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel^SM portal on ThankYou.com or by calling 1-800-Thankyou and saying “Travel.” Offer is valid through 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) 12/31/2024.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.

Learn More(at Wells Fargo's secure site)

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 cash rewards bonus

Annual Fee

APR

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Pros

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
Cell phone protection

Cons

No bonus categories for those who want to optimize certain purchases

Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.

Card Categories

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One SavorOne card is a great no-annual fee card for those who regularly spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®).

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome OfferEarn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
$200

Annual Fee

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Capital One SavorOne card is a phenomenal option when it comes to no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards. With popular bonus categories like dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®), entertainment, and popular streaming services, and the ability to earn 3% cash-back on these purchases, it is easy to see why those who use the card can earn some serious cash-back throughout the year.

The card also offers the ability to take your rewards and experiences even further by offering access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.

Pros

10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®)
1% cash-back on all other purchases
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Capital One Dining, Capital One Travel, and Capital One Entertainment

Cons

Rewards are purely cash-back, so there is no access to outsized travel rewards redemptions

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

U.P. Rating

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Welcome Offer
None

Annual Fee

APR

20.49% Variable

The Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi is a great Citi’s cash-back rewards card designed specifically for Costco Members.

Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
1% cash back on all other purchases
No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Welcome OfferEarn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Up to $750

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
Up to $750

Annual Fee

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros

Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
10% Business Relationship Bonus if you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
Travel insurance and purchase protection
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
No annual fee

Cons

Spending caps in bonus categories
Low points earning outside of bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fees

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$750

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$750

Annual Fee

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter

Pros

1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
Earn flexible rewards

Cons

3% foreign transaction fee

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

U.P. Rating

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Welcome OfferEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
15,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$330

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-840)

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

Pros

2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost

Cons

No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Charges foreign transaction fees

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The 9 Best No-Annual-Fee Personal Credit Cards

In no particular order, here are our favorite credit cards with no annual fee that offer a great balance of rewards and perks to cardholders.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Cash-back welcome bonus offer
5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
3% cash-back at drugstores and on dining
Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases
Travel and purchase protection

This is a straightforward card that earns rewards on every purchase you make, especially for travelers. The Freedom Unlimited card earns cash-back in the form of Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed multiple ways, including for travel via Chase Travel at a base rate of 1 cent per point.

If you also have a premium Chase credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, you can combine the points earned on your Freedom Unlimited card to redeem them for an increased value of up to 50% more. Your Ultimate Rewards points can also be transferred to any Chase airline and hotel partner.

The Freedom Unlimited card also comes with rental car insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.

Unfortunately, the card does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for international travel.

If this card sounds like it may be a fit for you, read more about the Freedom Unlimited card’s most valuable benefits, as well as more information on great reasons to apply for the card.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

This simple card is a consistent earning tool for valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Cash-back welcome bonus offer
5% cash-back in rotating quarterly bonus categories up to $1,500 spending per quarter
5% cash-back on travel purchases through Chase Travel
3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases
Cell phone protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage

The Freedom Flex card offers a simple way to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Each quarter, you’re able to activate bonus categories such as grocery stores, gas stations, wholesale clubs, home improvement stores, and more that can earn up to $75 in points each quarter.

Your points are worth up to 50% more when transferred to a premium Chase credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card and redeemed for travel.

While it’s difficult to find any downside to the card, there is one clear negative: Foreign transactions made with the card are charged a 3% fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

3x points on all 6 of the following bonus categories:
- Restaurants (including catering, delivery, and more)
- Travel (including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more)
- Gas (including electric vehicle charging stations)
- Transit (including subways, ride-shares, parking, tolls, and more)
- Popular streaming services (including Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and more)
- Phone plans (including cell phone and landline providers)
Cell phone insurance protection

With the Wells Fargo Autograph card, you can earn 3x points on 6 great bonus categories, which include everyday purchases like gas and restaurants, monthly bills like streaming services and phone plans, and more occasional but larger travel expenses.

Once you’ve got a large stash of points, you then have multiple redemption options, such as booking travel through the Wells Fargo travel portal, gift cards, cash-back to offset purchases made with the card, and so on. You can also transfer your points to Wells Fargo transfer partners.

That’s not to mention that the card also offers rental car insurance coverage, roadside dispatch, and does not charge foreign transaction fees.

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

5% cash-back on quarterly bonus categories you select, up to $2,000 spent each quarter
2% cash-back on 1 bonus category that you select
Visa Signature benefits

Selecting your bonus categories each quarter takes extra work, but the unlimited 2% earnings and up to $400 on 5% quarterly bonus earnings each year can be worth the trouble for the right cardholder.

The cards in this category offer simple earning structures that make everyday spending a rewarding experience.

These cards may be a good fit if you’d like to earn rewards on every purchase you make but have no interest in paying an annual credit card fee and don’t have time to decipher complicated earning schemes.

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

5% cash-back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, on up to the first $500 spent
Eligible categories including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment

With the Citi Custom Cash card, you earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle. There’s no category to select — you automatically receive 5% back in whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

The card also offers a cash welcome bonus offer and a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

2% cash-back on every purchase: 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay it off (earned as ThankYou Points)

Though Citi has removed its core travel and purchase benefits from its cards, there’s plenty of value left when it comes to earning simple cash-back or transferring a high-interest credit card balance to take advantage of the 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.

This card’s cash-back can be used for a statement credit, direct deposit, check, or gift card. Its Citi ThankYou Points can be used for limited travel partners, or you can pair the card with a premium card such as the Citi Premier^® Card to get access to all of Citi’s transfer partners.

Bottom Line: If you spend a lot in a specific category, it may make sense for you to compare no-annual-fee cards with certain cards that do charge an annual fee in exchange for higher earning potential, greater flexibility at redemption time, and a longer list of valuable travel and shopping benefits and protections. Check out our guide to the best credit cards for each bonus category for our suggestions.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases

If you like the idea of earning an uncapped 2% cash rewards on all purchases but don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, then the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card might be good for you.

Plus, the card comes with a solid welcome bonus offer, cell phone insurance protection, and a great 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Welcome bonus offer
Unlimited 3% cash-back spent on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®)
10% cash-back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases

Foodies will love paying their dining tab with the Capital One SavorOne card and getting 3% cash-back on every dining and entertainment purchase.

Hot Tip: Want to earn even more points or cash-back rewards when dining out? Check out our collection of the best credit cards for restaurants and dining.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Top Reasons To Get the Card

4% cash-back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
3% cash-back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
2% cash-back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
1% cash-back on all other purchases
No foreign transaction fees on purchases

While this card has a $0 annual fee, this card requires a paid Costco membership.

Costco members can accumulate rewards throughout the calendar year. Rewards are paid out annually in the form of a voucher and can only be redeemed for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses.

Bottom Line: While it may make sense to select a card that rewards well in your biggest spending category, be sure to look at the entire card package to review how the card rewards your overall spending mix, whether redemption options align with your preferences, and if the associated travel or shopping benefits deliver additional value.

The 3 Best No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Cards

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

When you’re operating a business, cash-back can make a difference to your bottom line.

Top Reasons To Get the Card

A welcome bonus worth hundreds of dollars
5% and 2% cash-back bonus earning categories for business purchases
- 5% cash-back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services (up to $25,000 in spend)
- 2% cash-back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 in spend)
Travel and purchase protections and benefits

Small businesses face unique challenges. The Ink Business Cash card can help manage those challenges by saving you interest on purchases in the first 12 months after card approval and providing valuable benefits and protections with a $0 annual fee.

It’s easy to earn lots of rewards on your business purchases with bonus-earning categories. Rewards can be redeemed for travel or cash-back that can make a positive impact on your business’s bottom line.

Note that Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card can be redeemed for 1 cent each. They can also be transferred to premium Chase cards for up to 50% more in travel value.

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

Selecting a card that earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points is always a positive move, especially if you’re looking for your first business credit card.

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Welcome bonus worth hundreds of dollars
Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on every purchase
Travel and shopping protections and benefits

Earning a solid 1.5% cash-back on every purchase, regardless of the category, makes earning lots of rewards an easy task. You can then redeem those rewards for what your business needs most: cash-back, travel, gift cards, or even Amazon purchases.

As with several other cards mentioned here, points earned on the Ink Business Unlimited card can be transferred to premium Chase cards for increased redemption value.

The card also comes with valuable travel benefits such as primary car rental insurance, roadside dispatch, and travel emergency assistance. Additionally, you receive shopping benefits such as purchase protection and an extended warranty.

It’s worth noting that, though the card has a $0 annual fee, the card does charge foreign transaction fees.

Explore the benefits of the Ink Business Unlimited card to see if this card is right for your business.

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Want simplicity in earnings from your business credit card? If you’re a busy small business owner, the Amex Blue Business Plus card could be that simple solution.

Top Reason To Get the Card

2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases, up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1x thereafter

If your small business spends $50,000 or less per year, the Amex Blue Business Plus card could be an appropriate starter card. Spending $50,000 per year earns 100,000 Membership Rewards points annually.

If you spend a lot in any specific category, you will likely earn more rewards with a business credit card that offers higher rewards in that specific category, even if you have to pay an annual fee.

Methodology: How We Selected the Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards

At Upgraded Points, we select the best no-annual-fee credit cards based on how much value the card can provide to cardholders. To do this, we evaluate every factor that makes up a card, including its benefits, earnings structure, welcome bonus offer, redemption value, rewards program, and fees.

Here is some insight into our thought process when selecting the best no-annual-fee cards:

Associated Benefits

No-annual-fee cards aren’t usually known for offering many benefits, so anytime they do, that is a big win in our book. Given that, we give extra points to no-annual-fee cards that offer benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and travel insurance.

Earnings Structure

The best credit cards offer strong rewards. For a no-annual-fee card to be worth holding, it needs to either offer solid rewards on all purchases or give users plenty of value in select bonus categories.

Welcome Bonus Offers

Not all no-annual-fee cards offer a welcome bonus, but those that do provide a great opportunity to quickly earn a large chunk of rewards. Given that welcome bonus offers are a one-time bonus, they do play a factor in how we evaluate cards because of how lucrative these bonuses can be.

We provide you with the current welcome bonus offer information available to us for each card, but we also encourage you to confirm the offers, check for elevated promotional offers, and review any earnings offered before applying for any card.

Fees

Aside from looking at cards not charging an annual fee, we still weigh all of the other fees associated with a credit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and late payment fees.

Redemption Value

At Upgraded Points, we prefer cards that earn flexible rewards, as they offer more redemption options. The best no-annual-fee cards let you redeem points directly for travel, cash-back, statement credits, and more.

Hot Tip: While the most desirable benefits and features of a card vary by person, our holistic approach gives readers a full picture of what to expect from every card we review. To learn more about how we review cards, read through our designated methodology page.

Who Should Get a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card?

People who are looking to earn credit card rewards for their purchases but aren’t interested in paying an annual fee should consider getting a no-annual-fee credit card.

While many cards with annual fees offer significantly more benefits than those without, you should consider how often you think you’d actually use those benefits. That will help you determine whether or not a card that charges an annual fee is worth adding to your wallet.

For instance, a travel rewards card that charges an annual fee and offers travel-related benefits won’t make much sense for you if you don’t travel often. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for a card that can help you earn rewards on your purchases and offers consumer protections, a no-annual-fee credit card might be a perfect fit for you.

How To Choose the Best No-Annual-Fee Card

The best no-annual-fee card depends on the benefits you need. First, you should narrow down your options by deciding whether you’d like a card that earns cash-back rewards, travel rewards, or flexible rewards.

From there, take a look at the card’s bonus categories then determine which ones would best fit your spending habits. Do you spend a lot each month on certain categories such as dining or groceries? Then you might want a card that offers bonus categories on those purchases. If not, then you could opt for a card that offers a flat rewards rate on all purchases.

After you’ve settled those 2 items, the next deciding factor should be the type of card benefits you’re looking for. Do you want a card that offers purchase protection, travel insurance, or some other type of benefit?

After you’ve considered all of those parameters, you should be looking at a pretty short list of which no-annual-fee cards would be best for you.

Are Credit Cards With Annual Fees Worth It?

Determining whether or not a card with annual fees is worth it depends on your particular needs. Credit cards with annual fees can offer lots of great benefits such as statement credits, airport lounge access, expedited security, and increased bonus categories. You should determine how much value you think you’d get out of the benefits and rewards each year then compare that to the annual fee you’d pay.

If the value you’d receive exceeds the cost of the annual fee, then it would be worth it. If the benefits wouldn’t be that useful to you, then you should stick with a no-annual-fee card.

Can You Get a Credit Card Company To Waive the Annual Fee?

If you hold a credit card that charges an annual fee but feel like you’re not getting enough value from it, you can call the issuer to ask for a retention offer or even waive the annual fee.

To help convince you to keep the card, the issuer might offer to waive the annual fee for a year, reduce the annual fee, or give you another sort of compensation, such as points or a statement credit. However, the issuer may not share any retention offer at all.

Final Thoughts

No-annual-fee credit cards make great starter cards that you can hold for many years. However, most credit cards without an annual fee do not offer the level of benefits, earning potential, or flexible redemption options that might come with cards that do charge annual fees.

Of course, finding a balance between paying annual fees, earning rewards, and utilizing card benefits depends on your personal preferences.

A no-annual-fee card can certainly earn a place in your wallet if any of its attributes add value you can use.

The information regarding the Capital One SavorOne Card Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a credit card with no annual fee?

No-annual-fee credit cards have a lot of advantages. Since you’re not paying an annual fee, you can keep the card as long as you want, earn rewards without paying for the privilege, and even enjoy any travel or shopping benefits that come with the card.

You need to determine if the card brings value based on how the card aligns with your spending, whether the redemption options are a fit, and if you can use the benefits.

The bottom line is that you’re not paying to keep the card but you do incur a hard pull inquiry on your credit report at application time, so it’s good to be selective about the cards you choose.

Why would I want a credit card with an annual fee?

Credit cards that come with annual fees frequently offer elevated earning potential and better benefits. They can even offer statement credits or perks that provide direct value that offset the annual fee.

For example, a premium credit card that charges an annual fee of several hundred dollars a year may include complimentary worldwide airport lounge membership that would cost significantly more than the annual fee if purchased separately.

Additionally, a card that charges $550 as an annual fee may offer a $300 travel credit, lounge access membership, and primary car rental insurance. For the right cardholder, this equation could make sense.

What does "no annual fee" mean?

“No annual fee” means that the credit card issuer does not charge you a fee to use the card each year.

Can you get a no-annual-fee card with bad credit?

Yes, you can get a no-annual-fee credit card with bad credit. However, you might need to submit a deposit to be approved for certain cards.

Why do some credit cards have an annual fee?

Some credit cards charge an annual fee to support the level of benefits that the card provides. Usually, the card issuer charges this fee to help offset its expenses for the benefits it offers to cardholders.

You should determine whether or not the benefits of the card are worth it for you before deciding to pay an annual fee.

Which no-annual-fee card has the best rewards program?

In our view, the best no-annual-fee cards earn flexible rewards that provide multiple options for redemption. Some examples of these cards are the Freedom Unlimited card, Freedom Flex card, U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card, and Citi Custom Cash card.

What kinds of no-annual-fee cards can you get?

You can get all sorts of no-annual-fee cards! These include cash-back credit cards, travel credit cards, airline credit cards, and hotel credit cards.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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The Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in April 2024

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

The U.P. Rating System

The Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards: Comparison Table

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The 9 Best No-Annual-Fee Personal Credit Cards

Top Reasons To Get the Card

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The 3 Best No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Cards

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Top Reasons To Get the Card

Methodology: How We Selected the Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards

Associated Benefits

Earnings Structure

Welcome Bonus Offers

Fees

Redemption Value

Who Should Get a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card?

How To Choose the Best No-Annual-Fee Card

Are Credit Cards With Annual Fees Worth It?

Can You Get a Credit Card Company To Waive the Annual Fee?

Final Thoughts