The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards to Maximize Your Rewards [September 2020]

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

Another advantage of having a no annual fee card is that you’re earning rewards at no additional cost to you. If you’re purchasing items you’d purchase normally and earning rewards, it’s a win-win all around.

Some no annual fee cards come with additional benefits that can save you money. You’ll find 0% APR periods for purchases and balance transfers that can save you from incurring interest charges when you utilize these introductory offers.

You’ll also find cards that offer travel insurance and benefits, shopping protections, and even complimentary hotel elite status.

All these advantages are great but how do you select a no annual fee credit card that is right for your situation? Here are our recommended no annual fee credit cards to assist you in doing just that.

When you read through, contemplate your greatest expenses, how you might want to redeem the rewards you earn, and notice if there are any complimentary benefits on the card that you might actual use.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Card for Travelers

It’s difficult to find a no annual fee that earns big and delivers good value specifically for travelers. However, these 3 cards may provide enough earnings, redemption options, and travel benefits to earn a place in a traveler’s wallet.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Welcome cash-back bonus
• Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on every purchase
• Travel and purchase protections

Having a card that earns on every purchase you make alleviates having to navigate complicated earning structures.

This is a good card for travelers because cash-back is earned in the form of Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel via the Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal at 1 cent per point.  Or, if you have a premium Chase credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can transfer your points and redeem them for increased value of up to 50% more. You’ll then be able to transfer points to airline and hotel partners as well.

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

While the card does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, it still remains a good choice for earning on non-foreign purchases and for travel redemptions.

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

Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card

If you’re a traveler who spends a lot on hotel purchases, you’ll earn rewards quickly with the VentureOne card.

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Welcome bonus worth a couple of hundred dollars
• Unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase
• Redeem miles for travel or erase previous travel purchases

If this card intrigues you, learn about more benefits of the VentureOne card to see if this card is a good addition to your wallet.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Welcome bonus worth hundreds of dollars
• 3x earning on flights, hotels, car rentals
• 3x earnings on gas, rideshares and other transit
• 3x earnings at restaurants
• 3x earnings on streaming services

The Wells Fargo Propel card packs a lot of earning power in several bonus categories for a no annual fee card. Go Far Rewards points earned on the card can be redeemed for 1 cent each towards travel, cash-back, gift cards, and more.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Rotating Bonus Categories

Chase Freedom®

This simple card is a consistent earner of valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Cash-back welcome bonus
• 5% cash-back in rotating quarterly bonus categories up to $1,500 spending per quarter
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

The Chase Freedom card offers a simple way to earn Chase points. Each quarter, you’ll see bonus categories such as grocery stores, gas stations, wholesale clubs, home improvements stores, and more.

You’ll earn up to $75 in points each quarter and when transferred to a premium Chase credit card such as the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve, your points are worth up to 50% more when redeemed for travel.

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% on 1 bonus category that you select
• Visa Signature® benefits

If you don’t mind choosing your bonus categories each quarter, you can earn unlimited 2% earnings and up to $400 on 5% quarterly bonus earnings each year.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Everyday Spending

You’d like to earn rewards on every purchase you make but you’re busy and don’t have time to decipher complicated earning schemes on your credit cards. Plus, you have no interest in paying an annual credit card fee.

No worries, as these cards with simple earning structures make everyday spending a rewarding experience.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earning 1.5% cash back, in the form of valuable Ultimate Rewards points, warrants keeping this no annual fee card handy for the purchases you make every day.

Citi® Double Cash Card

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Earn a total of 2% cash-back on every purchase, 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay it off

While Citi has removed its core travel and purchase benefits from its cards, there’s plenty of value left over when it comes to earning simple cash back or transferring a high interest credit card balance to take advantage of the 0% introductory APR.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Hotel Purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Card

CARD INFO	BENEFITS & INFO
Hilton Honors American Express Card	Earn 75,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 within your first 3 months after approval. 7X points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio of brands. Annual Fee: $0 Terms Apply For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.

A Hilton Honors branded card should be in your wallet if you stay frequently at Hilton properties. And if you want good value but don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Hilton Honors Amex Card fits that criteria.

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• A generous welcome bonus worth several free hotel nights
• 7x Hilton Honors points spent on a hotel/resort within the Hilton Profile
• 5x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 3x points on all other purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Elite status
• Upgrade to Gold Elite by spending $20,000 in a calendar year

This card is good for Hilton loyalists because of its ability to earn Hilton Honor points quickly, its complimentary Hilton Honors elite status, and the potential to earn higher elite status by spending on the card.

If you stay at Hilton properties and want to earn more free hotel nights, having a Hilton branded card is a wise choice.

To learn more about this card and additional Hilton Honors branded credit cards, explore our comparison of the benefits and perks.

Marriott Bonvoy® Bold

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Generous sign-up bonus worth hundreds of dollars in free hotel nights
• 15 annual nights credited towards elite status
• Silver Elite status
• 3x points at Marriott
• 2x points on travel purchases

If you’re opposed to paying an annual fee and stay at Marriott even a few times each year, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold may be a good option. The annual 15 granted elite status nights automatically qualifies you for Silver elite status and offers a faster path towards achieving Gold and higher status.

However, since the card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, you may receive better value, and an annual free hotel night, with other Marriott branded credit cards.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Airline Purchases

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

The Wells Fargo Propel card offers 3x points earning on a long list of bonus categories include flights, hotels and car rentals. If you spend a lot on travel, including flights, you’ll earn rewards quickly.

Barclays Uber Visa Card

Earn 3% cash-back spent on airfare, plus hotels and vacation rentals, with the Uber Visa.

Best No Annual Fee Cards for Dining

Capital One® SavorOne℠ Cash Rewards Credit Card

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Welcome bonus
• Unlimited 3% cash-back spent on dining and entertainment
• 2% at grocery stores

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

Barclays Uber Visa Card

Earn 4% cash-back at restaurants, on takeout, at bars, and for Uber Eats purchases with the Uber Visa card.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco members can earn 3% back on dining worldwide with the Costco Anywhere Visa.

Bank of America® Cash Rewards

Select dining as your bonus category and receive 3% cash-back, up to $2,500 in spending per quarter.

Best No Annual Fee Card for Supermarket Purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Earn 5x Hilton Honors points on U.S. supermarket purchases. That’s a free hotel night in a Category 1 Hilton property after spending as little as $1,000, or a Category 2 for spending $2,000.

Best No Annual Fee 0% APR Credit Cards

Many of the no annual fee credit cards we’re mentioning in this article offer introductory 0% APR periods for purchases and/or balance transfers.

Having this money-saving option on a no annual fee card can be reason alone to secure the card if you have major purchases coming up or need to transfer high-interest credit card balances. You’ll incur no interest charges during the entire period giving you time to repay the balance interest free.

The introductory 0% APR period begins when you are approved for the card and extends for a period specific to the card, usually 12 to 18 months.

You’ll want to make sure your balance is paid off prior to the period expiring as interest will be applied immediately, usually at a very high rate.

Here’s a sampling of no annual fee credit cards with current 0% APR introductory periods.

There are many cards to offer 0% APR introductory periods if these cards aren’t really suited to your wallet.

Best No Annual Fee Business Credit Cards

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

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

CREDIT CARD

BENEFITS & INFO

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Earn $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of 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 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, then a variable APR of 13.24% - 19.24% Annual Fee: $0

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• A welcome bonus worth hundreds of dollars
• 5% and 2% bonus earning categories for business purchases
• Travel and purchase protections/benefits

Small businesses have unique challenges. The Ink Cash Card can help manage those challenges by saving you interest charges on purchases in the first 12 months after card approval and providing benefits and protections without having to pay any annual fee.

You’ll also find it 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 bottom line.

And while Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for 1 cent each, they can also be transferred to premium Chase cards for much more 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/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.

Pairing the Ink Business Unlimited with a premium Chase credit card increases the value of your points when transferred to one of those cards and then redeeming.

The card is just not great for earning and redeeming, it comes with valuable travel benefits such as primary car rental insurance, roadside dispatch, and travel emergency assistance. Additionally, you’ll have shopping benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty.

To read more about the benefits of the card, 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 Blue Business Plus card could be that simple solution.

CREDIT CARD

BENEFITS

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn up to $300 back to boost your business. You can earn up to $100 in the form of statement credits at each of the following merchants: Dell Technologies, DocuSign or FedEx after you make an eligible purchase on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn 2X points on the first $50,000 spent annually on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. Earn 1x thereafter. 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%. Annual Fee: $0 For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• 2x Membership Rewards points on all purchases up to $50,000 in purchases per year

If your small business is spending $50,000 or less per year, the Blue Business Plus Card could be an appropriate starter card. Spending $50,000 per year will earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points per year on this no annual fee card.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Card for Low or No Credit

Even if you’re not quite ready to qualify for a rewards earning credit card, you can start the journey to building a strong credit history with this no annual fee card.

Capital One Platinum® Credit Card

Top Reasons to Get the Card

• Doesn’t require high income or excellent credit to be approved
• No security deposit required
• Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
• Free credit monitoring
• Ability to earn a higher credit limit
• Travel and shopping benefits/protections

The CapOne Platinum card is a good option because it functions as a great vehicle to build credit without charging fees for the opportunity and comes with great benefits. It’s also a Mastercard so it is accepted worldwide.

Because it reports to all 3 credit bureaus, managing your account prudently will soon lead to improvement in your credit score.

Don’t get this card if you have to carry a balance or if you already have excellent credit. The card does not earn rewards but it can serve as an excellent way to build or rebuild your credit.

Hot Tip: With so many issuers in the “No Annual Fee” space, it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the rules of each bank prior to applying. 

Final Thoughts

No annual fee credit cards make great starter cards that you can hold on to for many years.

Most no annual fee credit cards, however, do not have the level of benefits, earning potential, or flexible redemption options that might come with cards that have larger annual fees.

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

However, a no annual fee card can certainly earn a place in your wallet if it adds any sort of value you can use.

The information regarding the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card, U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa® Signature®, Chase Freedom®, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Barclays Uber Visa Card, and Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.

Full List of No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Credit Card	Welcome Offer	Info
ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard®	Earn $150 Statement Credit after you spend $1,200 on purchases within the first 90 days from account opening	Apply Now Full review
Synchrony Car Care™ credit card		Apply Now Full review
Chase Freedom® Card The information for the Chase Freedom® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$150 Bonus	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card	Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.	Apply Now Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card	Earn 50,000 Bonus Points	Apply Now Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card	Earn $500 bonus cash back	Apply Now Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express The information for The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Terms Apply	Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points. Terms Apply.	Apply Now Full review Rates & Fees U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Citi® Double Cash Card		Learn More Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Terms Apply	Earn up to $300 back.	Apply Now Full review Rates & Fees U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Plenti® Credit Card from Amex The information for the Plenti® Credit Card from Amex has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Terms Apply.	Earn 5,000 Plenti® points. Terms Apply.	Apply Now Full review Rates & Fees U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Barclays Choice Privileges® Visa Signature® Card	32,000 bonus points	Apply Now Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
American Express Serve® Card The information for the American Express Serve® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Terms Apply.	None	Apply Now Full review Rates & Fees U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Discover it Miles Card	1st year miles doubled	Apply Now Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card	Earn 15,000 bonus points	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Chase Slate® Card The information for the Chase Slate® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	0% APR for 15 months	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Chase Disney Rewards® Visa® Card The information for the Chase Disney Rewards® Visa® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$50 Disney gift card	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card	20,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	Learn More Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The JetBlue Card The information for the JetBlue Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	Earn 10,000 bonus points	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card	$150 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	Learn More Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Terms Apply	Earn up to $300 back to boost your business	Apply Now Full review Rates & Fees U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Barclays CashForward™ World MasterCard® Information for the Barclays CashForward™ World MasterCard® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$200	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Blue from American Express® The information for the Blue from American Express® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Terms Apply.	None	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Chase Amazon.com Rewards Visa Card The information for the Chase Amazon.com Rewards Visa Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	Get a $50 Amazon.com gift card	Full review U.P. Rating ? The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.