Premium credit cards with the best rewards often come with a hefty annual fee. While these fees can be worth paying in some cases, not everyone is willing to shell out for one of these cards. Maybe you wouldnโt use it enough to justify the annual fee, or perhaps your budget is tight. Whatever the reason, many people prefer a credit card that doesnโt charge them a fee every year.
Fortunately, there are still numerous options if you prefer a no-annual-fee credit card with great benefits. While even the best cards in this group may have lower rewards rates than annual-fee cards, they all provide sizable rewards in a fee-free package.
TIME Stamp's best no annual fee credit cards
Best for cash back on every purchase
Best for cash back on every purchase
Citi Double Cashยฎ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
If you want a simple cash-back card with a high reward, few are better than the Citi Double Cashยฎ Card. The Citi Double Cashยฎ Card earns an unlimited 1% cash back when you spend and an additional 1% cash back when you make a payment. This makes it a solid choice for those who donโt want to have to remember different rates for different categories or opt in to quarterly categories. Generally, credit cards with those reward schemes have less than 2% cash back on non-bonus categories. But with the Citi Double Cashยฎ Card, you get 2% back on every single purchase. You also get a balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration from other cards.
- 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 ThankYouยฎ 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. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travelโ portal through 12/31/24.
- 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).
Pros:
- High flat-rate cash back.
- Several ways to redeem.
Cons:
- No welcome bonus.
- Limited luxury perks.
- Charges a foreign transaction fee.
Best for flat rate rewards
Best for flat rate rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimitedยฎ
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
Many credit cards require you to choose between bonus category rewards and a flat-rate reward, but this card gives you some of each. You earn an elevated rate on all purchases, plus higher rates on things like dining and drugstore purchases. If you want the best of both worlds, this card is a strong choice.
The card_name is one of the best credit cards available, and it doesnโt require an annual fee. Its flagship perk is its unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. However, it also earns 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. To top it off, you can bonus_miles_full.
Introductory Offer:
- Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which can add up to $300 in cash back!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Intro Card Rewards:
- 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travelโ , our top-tier rewards program where you can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
- 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- 3% cash back on all other purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After the First Year or $20,000 Spent Card Rewards:
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travelโ .
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Choose a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards never expire as long as your account is open!
- No annual fee โ Enjoy all the great features of your Freedom Unlimitedยฎ card without paying an annual fee.
- Credit Monitoring โ Keep track of your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- Intro APR period.
- High reward rate on all purchases, plus some bonus categories.
- Includes hidden benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Cons:
- Requires good to excellent credit.
- Its flat-rate cash-back rate isnโt the highest available.
- Has a foreign transaction fee.
Best for automatic credit limit increases
Best for automatic credit limit increases
Mission Lane Visaยฎ Credit Card
Credit score needed
Fair, Poor, Bad
It can be tough to qualify for a credit card if your credit isnโt the best, especially if you want a card with no minimum security deposit. The Mission Lane Visa is a notable exception, allowing you to potentially qualify with a credit score of 629 or lower. In addition, it allows you to pre-qualify so you can check your approval odds without further impacting your credit score. The annual fee starts at $0, though it goes up to $59. While the initial credit limit can be low and the APR can be high, Mission Lane may automatically increase your credit limit with responsible credit use. Overall, this card can make credit more accessible for subprime borrowers.
- $0 Annual Fee. Clear terms and transparent pricing.
- See if you qualify instantly without harming your credit score.
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.
- Free, online credit score access for cardholders.
- No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.
- No security deposit required โ get started today!
- Enjoy coverage from Visaยฎ.
- Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.
- If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50.
Pros:
- Possible to qualify with no annual fee.
- No minimum security deposit.
- Possible to qualify with limited or imperfect credit.
Cons:
- High variable APR.
- Doesnโt earn rewards.
- The initial credit limit can be as low as $300.
Best for hotel rewards
Best for hotel rewards
Hilton Honors Card from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
If you prefer Hilton hotels but donโt like annual fees, youโd be hard-pressed to do better than this card. The card_name is a strong choice with its 7x points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. It also earns 5x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. It also earns 5x points on gas and groceries. In addition, you get complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status. There are foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees with the card_name. Plus, you get car rental loss and damage insurance and help from the Global Assistยฎ Hotline if you have any problems while traveling.
Pros:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Elite status.
- High reward rate.
Cons:
- Few luxury perks.
- You can only redeem rewards at Hilton hotels.
- No free-night award.
Best for dining
Best for dining
U.S. Bank Altitudeยฎ Go Visa Signatureยฎ Card
Credit score needed
Excellent
Welcome offer
20,000 points
This card has one of the best regular reward rates on dining, takeout, and delivery of any no-annual-fee card. If you frequently order out, this card should be high on your list of credit cards to consider.
The card_name is perfect for dining out, as it earns 4% cash back on dining, takeout, and delivery. It also earns 2% cash back on gas, groceries, and EV charging. You also get a $15 annual streaming credit, which you can use toward popular streaming services. You can also bonus_miles_full. Lastly, there is a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on balance transfers and purchases.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points. Just spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more. Points never expire.
- Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery.
- Earn 2X points on streaming services, at grocery stores (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024) and at gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters, grocery stores and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024).
- Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
- No annual fee and low intro APR: Enjoy no annual fee and get 0% intro APR* on purchases and balance transfersโ for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 18.24% to 29.24%.*
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Receive a new cardmember $0 fee offer* on ExtendPay Plans opened in the first 60 days after account opening.
- Get a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotifyยฎ and more.
Pros:
- High earning rate on dining and delivery services.
- Has an introductory APR period.
Cons:
- You must redeem points through U.S. Bankโs Real-Time Rewards portal.
- Minimum redemption is 2,500 points.
Best for business spending
Best for business spending
Ink Business Cashยฎ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
If you have a small business operating on a shoestring budget, the card_name might be the perfect match. The Ink Business Cashยฎ Card has a high cash-back rate and a nice welcome bonus despite not charging an annual fee.
It earns 5% back on the first $25,000 in purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services every year. It also earns 2% back on the first $25,000 in purchases at gas stations and restaurants every year. This card also has the most valuable welcome bonus on this list at bonus_miles. You can earn bonus_miles_full. It also includes a 10% Business Relationship Bonus if you link the Ink Business Cash and a Chase business checking account. The 10% bonus is a one-time bonus award on all your eligible cash back in the first yearโearn $3,000 and youโll get $300.(Only cards opened between March and November 2024 qualify for this bonus.) Lastly, there is a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration from account opening on purchases.
Introductory Offer:
- 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.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Card Rewards:
- 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.
Additional Benefits:
- Business Relationship Bonus: Receive a 10% bonus if you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary.
- Zero Liability: You wonโt be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Annual Fee: None.
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewardsยฎ.
Member FDIC
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus.
- High cash-back rate on business expenses.
- Includes intro APR offer.
Cons:
- Bonus cash-back rate has a spending cap.
- Requires good to excellent credit.
- Has a foreign transaction fee.
Best for credit builders
Best for credit builders
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visaยฎ Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Those with lower credit scores are often held down by costly interest charges, making it difficult to get ahead. This card does away with interest charges and still doesnโt require a security deposit.
The card_name is ideal for those just starting to build credit. For one, it doesnโt require a credit check. The only requirement is having received at least $200 in direct deposits from your employer or benefits payer within the past 365 days of your application. No minimum security deposit is required, though you must deposit money to increase your credit line. Chime also reports to all three major credit reporting bureaus. Lastly, there are no interest charges with this card.
- In order to be eligible for this secured credit card, you must first open a Chimeยฎ Checking account and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more.
- No credit check to apply, no annual fees, and no minimum security deposit1
- Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visaยฎ Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
- 1Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
- To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- Low fees for a secured card.
- No minimum security deposit.
- No interest charges.
Cons:
- Doesnโt earn rewards.
- No option to upgrade the card.
- Requires a Chime checking account.
Best for fair credit
Best for fair credit
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
This card is an option for those with fair credit who want to improve their credit scores. It doesnโt require a security deposit, and you can qualify for a credit line increase. Although the variable APR is high, it can work well for credit builders since there is no annual fee.
The card_name was designed for those with fair credit. This card will automatically consider you for a credit line increase in as little as six months. In addition, Capital One will let you pre-qualify for this card, which wonโt impact your credit score. However, this card doesnโt offer rewards, and the ongoing APR is high.
Card Benefits:
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
- Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- No annual or hidden fees.
Pros:
- Possible to qualify with fair credit.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Potential for credit line increases.
Cons:
- Doesnโt earn rewards.
- High variable APR.
- Doesnโt include an introductory APR.
Best for airline miles
Best for airline miles
American Airlines AAdvantageยฎ Mile Upยฎ Mastercardยฎ
Welcome offer
15,000 AAdvantage bonus miles
Airline credit cards often have annual fees, but this card manages a solid reward rate without charging an annual membership fee. Citi offers several American Airlines cards, but the others are more focused on premium flight benefits. For everyday purchases, the American Airlines AAdvantageยฎ Mile Upยฎ Mastercardยฎ is Citiโs best AA card.
Miles credit cards often carry an annual fee, but the card_name is a notable exception. With this card, you can earn a 10,000-mile bonus, plus a $50 statement credit after spending $500 in the first three months of account opening. You can also earn 2x miles for every dollar you spend on groceries and American Airlines purchases. Lastly, you can get 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card when flying American Airlines.
- 15,000Bonus Miles Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantageยฎ bonus miles after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- 2timesxor1timexMiles Earn 2 AAdvantageยฎ miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 AAdvantageยฎ mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No limit on the miles you can earn.
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible mile earned from purchases.
- 25% savings on American Airlines inflight food and beverage purchases.
- Add Authorized Users and earn miles on their purchases.
Pros:
- 2x miles earned in common spending categories.
- Savings on in-flight purchases.
- No cap on earning miles.
Cons:
- Has a foreign transaction fee.
- No free checked bags.
- Requires good to excellent credit.
Best for travel
Best for travel
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
This card is a window into the travel-rewards world, earning a decent welcome bonus and a bonus reward rate on every purchase. It earns 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, a benefit you often see with more premium travel cards.
If youโre looking for a general-purpose travel card with no annual fee, the card_name is tough to beat. It earns unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, plus unlimited 5 miles per dollar on travel booked through Capital One Travel. It also has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases. Finally, you can bonus_miles_full.
Introductory Offer:
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equivalent to $200 in travel
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that (balance transfer fee applies)
Card Rewards:
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles wonโt expire for the life of the account, with no limit on how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where youโll get Capital Oneโs best prices on thousands of trip options
Additional Benefits:
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase, or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Member FDIC
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- Includes a welcome offer.
- Intro APR period.
- Bons reward rate on every purchase.
Cons:
- Requires good to excellent credit.
- Limited hidden benefits.
- Inflexible rewards.
Best credit cards with no annual fees comparison chart
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U.S. Bank Altitudeยฎ Go Visa Signatureยฎ Card [view details] | | | |
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Secured Chime Credit Builder Visaยฎ Credit Card [view details] | | | |
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| | | 15,000 AAdvantage bonus miles |
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Our Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we chose the best credit cards across a wide variety of categories. This list culled the top picks in each category.
How to choose your $0 annual fee credit card
Choosing your $0 annual fee credit card depends on how you will use the card and what benefits you value. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Rewards: Look for a no-annual-fee card with a rewards structure that most closely aligns with your spending habits. For example, if you spend the most on groceries, a card earning a high rate on groceries is your best bet. Or, if you frequently travel, look for a card that prioritizes travel rewards.
- Introductory offers: Some $0 annual fee credit cards have excellent introductory offers. While their welcome bonuses arenโt as lucrative as the bonuses for premium cards, some still offer bonuses worth $200 or more. In addition, some have long periods with 0% APRs on purchases and balance transfers.
- Other benefits: Some $0 annual fee credit cards offer additional benefits such as rental car insurance, extended warranties, or cellphone insurance. These might be important to you, depending on your need.
- APR: In most cases, the credit cards on this list have a variable APR, so selecting one with the lowest APR may be difficult. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the APR for purchases and balance transfers; these can have a significant impact on your finances. Luckily, certain credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases and on balance transfers.
- Credit score requirements: Each credit card issuer has its own approval requirements, which may affect your approval odds. However, most credit cards on this list generally require at least good credit, so you may have to consider other cards if you have poor or no credit.
Also, remember that applying for a credit card can temporarily lower your credit score. Therefore, itโs best to carefully consider each credit card and whether it meets your needs before you apply.
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 personal finances. For instance, if you frequently spend a lot in areas where credit cards have high bonuses, a no-annual-fee credit card might be worth it. However, if you frequently carry a balance, the interest charges you will accrue may be more than the rewards you earn.
Can youโand how do youโget the annual fee waived in the first year for a regular credit card?
You might be able to get the annual fee waived for the first year for a credit card by simply asking the card issuer. You can pick up the phone and ask whether they would be willing to waive the fee. However, you might have more success if you have been a loyal customer for years and have been actively using their credit cards. Of course, that may not be something you can show if this is a new credit card company for you.
Fortunately, several great credit cards automatically waive the fee in the first year. Here are some of the top choices:
Who should get a no-annual-fee credit card?
There are many scenarios in which you may want to get a no-annual-fee credit card. For example:
- Balance transfers: You have balances on other cards you want to consolidate and pay off with a 0% APR.
- Rewards: You frequently spend money in ways that align with the cardโs best bonuses.
- Welcome bonuses: You have a big purchase coming up that will allow you to earn the welcome bonus.
- Other benefits: You want to take advantage of other card benefits, such as cell phone protection and roadside assistance.
These are just a few of the most common scenarios in which getting a no-annual-fee credit card could make sense. Remember that you ideally should use a credit card only if you can pay off the charges every month, allowing you to avoid interest charges.
No annual fee vs. annual fee credit cardโwhat is the trade-off?
While no-annual-fee credit cards have the obvious benefit of not having a fee to pay every year, that doesnโt necessarily mean they are the best choice for everyone. Consider the following comparison:
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Typical welcome bonus value | | |
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While this shows some of the value of premium credit cards, it isnโt always easy to make a direct comparison. Some premium credit cards have welcome bonuses that can offset the annual fee on their own. However, cards in the premium category are often designed for travelers and provide annual travel credits of $200 to $300, further increasing their value.
Plus, premium credit cards often have a host of other benefits you donโt get with no-annual-fee cards. These include airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA Preโยฎ credits, travel insurance, and hotel status. If you take full advantage of a premium credit cardโs benefits, they can easily offset the annual fee. You must decide whether you will use the card enough to justify paying for it.
On the other hand, if you're not looking for premium rewards but are instead limited to paying annual fees under $100 for your credit card, there are still plenty of options available that provide valuable perks and rewards.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visaยฎ Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.