Premium credit cards with great rewards often come with hefty annual fees. But not everyone is willing to pay for these cards. Whether it’s because you don’t use the card frequently enough or you have a tight budget, a no-annual-fee credit card might be a better fit for you.
Luckily, there are still plenty of options available for those who prefer a fee-free credit card with great benefits. While these cards may offer lower rewards rates compared to their annual-fee counterparts, they still provide substantial rewards without the extra cost.
Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards Compared
| Card | Credit Score | Welcome Offer |
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| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles_full |
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Our Recommendations for the Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
Best for Flexible Cash Back: Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card is perfect for those who want flexible cash back rewards. After activation, this card earns 5% cash back on quarterly bonus categories, 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% at restaurants, 3% at drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus.
Best for Hotel Rewards: Hilton Honors Card from American Express
The Hilton Honors Card from American Express is a great choice for hotel rewards. It earns 7x points on eligible purchases at Hilton portfolio hotels and resorts, 5x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, 5x points on groceries and gas, and offers complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees.
Best for Entertainment: Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
For those who love entertainment, the Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. It offers 8% cash back on purchases made through Capital One Entertainment, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 3% cash back on dining, groceries, streaming services, and entertainment. It also has a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months.
Best for Dining: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is perfect for dining out. It offers 4% cash back on dining, takeout, and delivery, 2% cash back on gas, groceries, and EV charging, and a $15 annual streaming credit. Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus, and it has a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on balance transfers and purchases.
Best for Business Spending: Ink Business Cash® Card
If you have a small business, the Ink Business Cash® Card is an excellent choice. It offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each year. It also offers 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year. Plus, it has the most valuable welcome bonus on this list at $750.
Best for Credit Builders: Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
For those starting to build credit, the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is an ideal choice. It doesn’t require a credit check and reports to all three major credit reporting bureaus. Plus, it has no interest charges and doesn’t require a minimum security deposit.
Best for Fair Credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Designed for those with fair credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card offers the opportunity for a credit line increase in as little as six months. It also allows you to pre-qualify without impacting your credit score. While it doesn’t offer rewards, it’s a great option for building credit.
Best for Airline Miles: American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard®
The American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard® is an excellent choice for airline miles. It offers a 10,000-mile bonus, a $50 statement credit, and 2x miles for every dollar spent on groceries and American Airlines purchases. Plus, you get 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases when flying American Airlines.
Best for Flat Rate Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is one of the best credit cards available without an annual fee. It earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus.
Best for Travel: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
For those looking for a travel card with no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a top choice. It offers 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases, 5 miles per dollar on travel booked through Capital One Travel, and a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases. Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus.
Best for Cash Back on Every Purchase: Citi Double Cash® Credit Card
The Citi Double Cash® Credit Card is a great option for those who want cash back on every purchase. It offers an unlimited 1% cash back when you spend and another unlimited 1% cash back when you make a payment. Plus, it has a balance transfer intro APR and no annual fee.
Our Methodology
Our credit cards team has analyzed hundreds of credit cards to determine the best options in each category. We considered the details of each card and combined that analysis with our expertise in credit cards to create this list of the top choices.
How to Choose Your No-Annual-Fee Credit Card
Choosing the right no-annual-fee credit card depends on your spending habits and the benefits you value. Consider the following factors:
- Rewards: Look for a card with a rewards structure that aligns with your spending habits.
- Introductory offers: Some cards have excellent introductory offers, including welcome bonuses and 0% APR periods.
- Other benefits: Consider additional card benefits, such as rental car insurance or extended warranties.
- APR: Pay attention to the APR for purchases and balance transfers.
- Credit score requirements: Each card issuer has its own approval requirements.
Remember to carefully consider each card and determine if it meets your needs before applying. Applying for a credit card can temporarily lower your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a no-annual-fee credit card worth it?
Deciding if a no-annual-fee credit card is worth it depends on your spending habits and financial situation. Consider how often you use the card and if the rewards outweigh any potential interest charges.
Can you get the annual fee waived for a regular credit card?
In some cases, you may be able to get the annual fee waived for the first year by asking the card issuer. However, this is not guaranteed and may depend on your relationship with the card issuer.
Who should get a no-annual-fee credit card?
No-annual-fee credit cards are suitable for various situations, including balance transfers, earning rewards, taking advantage of introductory offers, and accessing additional benefits.
No annual fee vs. annual fee credit card—what is the trade-off?
While no-annual-fee credit cards do not have an annual fee, premium credit cards often offer additional benefits and rewards that may offset the fee. Consider your spending habits and the value you place on the card’s benefits.