NerdWallet’s Best No Annual Fee and Free Credit Cards

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In a world that has taught us to always look for a catch, it’s difficult to believe a no fee credit card is a fair (or safe) bet. But no, they aren’t too good to be true – some no fee cards still offer high rewards and reasonable interest rates.  If you don’t consider yourself a jetsetter or like to save a little more than you spend, you can still rack up rewards without handing over a fee each year.

What’s even better is that you can just stash this card away and keep the account open indefinitely. This way, you’ll boost your credit score by raising your overall credit limit and account age. Whether you’re into cash back or low interest payments, there’s a no fee card out there with your name on it. Here are our picks for the top no fee credit cards.

Best No Fee, Cash Back Card: The Discover It

Discover It Credit Card
The Discover It is a versatile card that offers both rewards and savings for those bearing credit card debt. The rewards are some of the best among fee and no fee cards alike. It offers 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories, such department stores, restaurants and home improvement. Your bonus rewards are capped at $1,500 in purchases each quarter, but you can get an unlimited 1% back in non-bonus categories. Add that to a 14-month 0% intro APR period on purchases and transfers, and you’ve got yourself quite a card at no annual cost to you.

Best flat rewards rate: the BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card

Bank+of+America Travel+Rewards Credit Card
The BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card offers a full 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. You don’t have to worry about quarterly enrollment, bonus categories or cumbersome caps – just a nice, high rewards rate and points that can be redeemed as a statement credit against any travel expense. Plus, not only does the card have no annual fee, it also has no foreign transaction fee. This makes it ideal for those traveling internationally. But wait, there’s more! You’ll also get a 10,000 BankAmericard Travel Rewards Points signup bonus. Mo’ money, no problems!

Longest 0% Intro APR: The Citi Simplicity

Citibank Simplicity Credit Card
Simplify your life with the Citi Simplicty, and escape interest payments for a whopping 18 months. You’ll have the chance to make some big purchases and pay them off interest free for an entire year and a half. Plus, the Simplicity charges no late fees and no penalty APR if you miss a payment. This card is all about forgiveness, so if you have a big purchase lined up, already have a load of debt or have trouble paying on time, the Citi Simplicity is there to give you a break when you need it most.

  • wonder

    looking for a credit card company who accept after bankruptcy cases, i haven’t seen any who will except you with out having a security deposit.

  • robin mulligan

    what a lame article as it only shows cards that have a limited time 0% APR! My US Bank REI Visa is ALWAYS 0% and it gives me credit to use at REI (about 10% return) or money back after a few months. are you getting kickbacks from these major banks?