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How I’m Maximizing Rewards With 3 No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards in 2026

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Ehsan Haque
Edited by: Stella Shon
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No-annual-fee rewards credit cards are often overlooked for fancier cards, yet they can provide some of the most straightforward value.

While I do carry several premium cards for perks like airport lounge access, airline benefits, hotel free night certificates, and travel protections, those perks come with annual fees.

In contrast, my no-annual-fee cards offer solid value without any additional cost to carry them, without complicated benefits or statement credits you have to actively manage. Here are my top picks I’ll regularly use throughout 2026.

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1. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is arguably the single best card for small business owners looking to earn rewards — and it has a $0 annual fee (rates & fees).

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). The 2x points are a great way to earn highly valuable American Express Membership Rewards points on spending that generally does not have any bonus.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

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

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
As High As 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 50,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $1,100
No annual fee
16.99% - 28.74% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
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
Card Highlights
  • As High As 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.99% - 28.74% based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
  • You’ve got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
  • Apply to know if you’re approved with no personal or business credit score impact. If you are approved and choose to accept the Card, your personal and business credit scores may be impacted
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 16.99% - 28.74% 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.
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

We value Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents apiece, the highest of any transferable rewards currency. What sets the Amex Blue Business Plus card apart is that it allows you to transfer points to Amex’s airline and hotel partners without needing to hold a more premium card.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, I estimate that I earn 4.4% back on every purchase (up to $50,000 per year). Simply put, this is a tremendous return, especially for a card that has no annual fee.

2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Freedom Unlimited card is a fantastic everyday spending credit card and consistently ranks among our top cash-back credit cards.

With the Freedom Unlimited card, you can earn 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel and 2% cash-back on all Lyft rides (through September 30, 2027). It also earns 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases and an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
$200
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
Pros
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases
Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
  • 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 from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Freedom Unlimited card is a solid all-around option, thanks to its fantastic, unlimited 1.5% cash-back on purchases outside of its spending categories. Combine that with elevated earnings on dining and drugstores, and it makes it a solid contender with no annual fee.

Though the Freedom Unlimited card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, they come in the form of cash-back. Unfortunately, you cannot transfer rewards to Chase’s travel partners by holding the Freedom Unlimited card alone — more on this below.

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3. Chase Freedom Flex®

The Freedom Flex card is another one of my favorite no-annual-fee Chase cards with massive rewards potential. With the Freedom Flex card, you earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter (activation required).

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.

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.
Limited Time Offer! Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$250
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
Pros
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%
  • 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
Cons
    • Cannot transfer points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners
Card Highlights
  • Limited Time Offer! Earn a $250 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!
  • New Benefit! Earn rewards worldwide with no foreign transaction fees
  • 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
  • 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 use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
  • 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 18.49% - 27.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

You also earn 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 an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The Freedom Flex card also offers benefits such as extended warranty and secondary rental car insurance. Like the Freedom Unlimited card, you’ll need to pair the Freedom Flex card with a premium Chase card to access the issuer’s amazing transfer partners.

Is a Strategy of Only No-Annual-Fee Cards Worth It?

A no-annual-fee strategy offers simplicity and keeps costs to a minimum. Because you’re not paying a yearly fee to keep a card open, there’s no pressure to “earn back” that expense through rewards or perks.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Payment Terminal
Some no-annual-fee cards provide bonus categories for additional earnings. Image Credit: Viacheslav Yakobchuk via Adobe Stock, modified by Upgraded Points LLC

For someone who travels only a few times a year, this strategy can make perfect sense. By using no-annual-fee cards that still earn solid points or cash back on everyday expenses — such as groceries, gas, and dining — you can accumulate rewards and redeem them for travel or statement credits without incurring any additional costs.

However, for most travelers, relying exclusively on no-annual-fee credit cards is the wrong approach to take. Doing so can significantly limit your potential earnings. While no-fee cards are great for avoiding upfront costs, they typically earn rewards at lower rates and smaller welcome offers — meaning you accumulate points more slowly.

Why a Travel Rewards Credit Card Belongs in Your Strategy

No-annual-fee cards also tend to lack the valuable perks that matter most to award travelers. Of course, you will often lose common perks like airport lounge access, free checked bags, and travel insurance, which are typically reserved for cards with annual fees, typically starting around $95.

British Airways Lounge IAD Main Seating
The British Airways Lounge at Dulles International Airport is a member of Priority Pass. Image Credit: James Larounis

Perhaps the biggest downside of limiting yourself to most no-annual-fee cards is the loss of being able to transfer points to partner programs.

For example, points earned on the Freedom Unlimited card and the Freedom Flex card can’t be transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel travel partners on their own, which is a major loss as they rank among the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Instead, they earn cash-back rewards in the form of Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel bookings through the Chase portal.

However, those same points can become transferable if you also have a premium Chase card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card with a $95.

BEST FIRST TRAVEL CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
75,000 points
$1,500
$95
19.49 - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands, and streaming services.

It offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and strong travel insurance coverage, including primary car rental insurance. If you travel a few times a year and spend on dining, the card is likely to be a good choice, but it’s hard to justify if you don’t dine out or travel often.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on all travel booked via Chase Travel
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation home rentals with top brands (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Subject to Chase’s 5/24 application restrictions
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes at top brands, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
  • Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation, and more.
  • Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
  • Complimentary DashPass membership, a $120 value for 12 months. Enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, plus exclusive Chase savings on grocery, everyday essentials, and more. Activate by 12/31/29.
  • Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
  • Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49 - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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By moving the Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Freedom Unlimited card to a more premium card, you then unlock the ability to transfer them to Chase’s travel partners.

Final Thoughts

Although there are numerous no-annual-fee cards on the market today, some offer more value than others. While they don’t charge an annual fee to hold the card, some still offer strong rewards, good welcome offers, and valuable perks that make them worth considering over other no-fee options.

It is definitely worth carrying no-annual-fee cards, including those covered in this article. However, to get the absolute most out of them, it’s advisable to pair them with a travel rewards card.

Ehsan Haque's image

About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

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Platinum Card® from American Express

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  • Terms Apply.
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