Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of April 2023
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best cash back credit cards || Best 0% credit cards || Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards
Paying an annual fee on a credit card can be worth it if it gets you substantially higher rewards. But in many cases, credit cards that don’t charge annual fees offer better long-term value than those that do. No-annual-fee credit cards make it easy to come out ahead, regardless of your spending. Plus, you’ll be able to keep your card open for a long time at no cost, increasing the average age of your accounts, which has a positive effect on your credit score.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best cash back credit cards || Best 0% credit cards || Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards
Paying an annual fee on a credit card can be worth it if it gets you substantially higher rewards. But in many cases, credit cards that don’t charge annual fees offer better long-term value than those that do. No-annual-fee credit cards make it easy to come out ahead, regardless of your spending. Plus, you’ll be able to keep your card open for a long time at no cost, increasing the average age of your accounts, which has a positive effect on your credit score.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back | $0 | 2% Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Wells Fargo's website |
Citi® Double Cash Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Flat-rate cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | N/A | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Discover it® Cash Back Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Bonus category cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | Cashback Match™ | Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Bonus category cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Apply now on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Bonus rewards | $0 | 1x- Points | 20,000 Points | Apply now on Wells Fargo's website |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740 | Best for Simple travel rewards | $0 | 1.5x Points | 25,000 Points | Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740 |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Apply now on Wells Fargo's website | Best for 0% intro APR period | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply now on Wells Fargo's website |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for 0% intro APR period | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply now on US Bank's website |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Dining and entertainment rewards | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Capital One's website |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for Dining rewards | $0 | 1x- Points | 20,000 Points | Apply now on US Bank's website |
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Airline card | $0 | 1x- Miles | 10,000 Miles | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Hilton Honors American Express Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Hotel card | $0 | 3x- Points | 100,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Small business | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $750 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an excellent rewards rate on everything you buy, as well as a bundle of other goodies not often found on cards like it.
The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an excellent rewards rate on everything you buy, as well as a bundle of other goodies not often found on cards like it.
Pros
You'll earn 2% cash back on all purchases, among the best rates on the market for products in its class. But the card also features a generous sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.. On top of that, it also offers a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR.
Cons
You can find higher cash-back rates in specific, popular spending categories, if you're OK with keeping track of tiered or rotating reward structures. And like many cash-back cards, this one's not ideal for traveling abroad, thanks to its foreign transaction fee.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1%-2%
Cashback
N/A
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best rewards cards on the market for its high rate and its ease of use. Cardholders can shop as they normally would and get a fantastic rewards rate.
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best rewards cards on the market for its high rate and its ease of use. Cardholders can shop as they normally would and get a fantastic rewards rate.
Pros
The Citi® Double Cash Card earns 1% back on every dollar you spend and another 1% back when you pay off those purchases. That adds up to a best-in-class 2% rate.
Cons
There's no 0% APR period on purchases, nor is there a chance to earn higher rewards in different categories, which you might find on some other cards. It charges a foreign transaction fee, so it's not ideal for using internationally. Lastly, there is no sign-up bonus.
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.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, 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).
Our pick for
Bonus category cash back
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
Cashback Match™
The Discover it® Cash Back earns 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (requires activation); everything else earns 1%. Not bad for a card with an annual fee of $0. Use it as your everyday card, or pair it with one that earns flat-rate rewards for maximum returns.
The Discover it® Cash Back earns 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (requires activation); everything else earns 1%. Not bad for a card with an annual fee of $0. Use it as your everyday card, or pair it with one that earns flat-rate rewards for maximum returns.
Pros
The bonus categories have historically included popular everyday spending areas like supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants. It comes with a good 0% intro APR period as well as Discover's unique bonus for new cardholders: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Cons
You have to remember to activate the bonus categories each quarter. If your spending doesn't match the bonus categories or you tend to spend significantly above the $1,500 quarterly cap, you might fare better with another card.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
Pros
This card earns 5% cash back in bonus categories that change every three months (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, then 1%); 5% on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% on other purchases. New cardholders can snag a great sign-up bonus and enjoy a 0% intro APR period.
Cons
You have to opt in to the bonus categories every quarter, which can be a hassle. The rotating 5% categories might not be a good fit for everyone, and in recent years, they've shifted a bit toward lower-spending areas: Restaurants dropped out of the rotation entirely (although dining is now a permanent 3% category), and gas stations have been included for two quarters a year.
Earn a $200 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!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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 choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
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.
Our pick for
Bonus rewards
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
1x-3x
Points
20,000
Points
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories.
Pros
The card earns unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The bonus offer is outstanding for a $0-annual-fee card, and you even get a introductory APR period.
Cons
You don't get the perks of a dedicated airline or hotel card, and there's no option to transfer points to airline or hotel programs.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
$0 annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR thereafter
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Simple travel rewards
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 211-3740
$0
1.5x
Points
25,000
Points
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card boasts easy-to-earn, easy-to-redeem rewards. All purchases earn 1.5 points per dollar; points can be redeemed for credit against any travel purchase.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card boasts easy-to-earn, easy-to-redeem rewards. All purchases earn 1.5 points per dollar; points can be redeemed for credit against any travel purchase.
Pros
Rewards are flexible and can be used to wipe out the cost of any type of travel you book with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. Bank of America®'s definition of travel is extremely broad and includes not just airlines, hotels and car rentals, but also campgrounds, zoos and amusement parks, to name just a few options. If you bank with Bank of America® or invest with Merrill, you may be eligible for a rewards boost, too, via the Preferred Rewards program.
Cons
While points are worth a penny apiece when redeemed against travel purchases, they're worth only a little over half a cent each when redeemed for cash.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our pick for
0% intro APR period
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
N/A
N/A
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card boasts an offer that few other cards can match: a 0% intro APR period potentially approaching two years.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card boasts an offer that few other cards can match: a 0% intro APR period potentially approaching two years.
Pros
This card offers a 0% intro APR on Purchases up to 21 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.74%-29.74% Variable APR It also offers cell phone insurance.
Cons
The card doesn't earn ongoing rewards on everyday spending. (It's possible to earn rewards through the issuer's "My Wells Fargo Deals" feature, but those are one-off deals that require activation.) There's also a balance transfer fee.
0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 17.74% to 29.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min $5.
$0 Annual Fee
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
N/A
N/A
With its lengthy intro APR offer of 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card gives you extra breathing room to pay down a big purchase or tame a high balance from another card.
With its lengthy intro APR offer of 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card gives you extra breathing room to pay down a big purchase or tame a high balance from another card.
Pros
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers a long interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers. When that offer ends, the annual fee of $0 lets you keep it open. Plus, it comes with cell phone insurance.
Cons
There's a balance-transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5). That's at the low end of the industry's typical range, but you still can find cards with a fee of $0. There are also no rewards on this card, giving you little incentive to keep using it after the 0% period.
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 29.24%.
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
No Annual Fee
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Dining and entertainment rewards
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-10%
Cashback
$200
Anyone who hits the town frequently will benefit from the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. All dining, grocery and entertainment spending on the card earns enhanced rewards without complicated redemption rules or any cost of card ownership.
Anyone who hits the town frequently will benefit from the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. All dining, grocery and entertainment spending on the card earns enhanced rewards without complicated redemption rules or any cost of card ownership.
Pros
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% back on dining out, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services; 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); and 1% on other spending.
Cons
Although it clearly has it charms in the rewards department, the benefits of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card are sweet mostly if you frequently spend in the card's bonus categories.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
Our pick for
Dining rewards
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1x-4x
Points
20,000
Points
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a heaping helping of rewards on dining purchases — in fact, it's perhaps the best rate available for foodies among cards with an annual fee of $0.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a heaping helping of rewards on dining purchases — in fact, it's perhaps the best rate available for foodies among cards with an annual fee of $0.
Pros
You'll get 4X points on dining purchases; 2X points at grocery stores (including grocery delivery), gas stations, EV charging stations and on streaming services; and 1X points on other eligible purchases. There's also a bonus, an intro APR period and an annual credit on eligible streaming services.
Cons
Unlike some other dining rewards cards, this one doesn't feature an "entertainment" bonus category. Also, you can't pool your rewards with other U.S. Bank products.
Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.74% - 28.74%.
No Annual Fee
Points never expire
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Airline card
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1x-2x
Miles
10,000
Miles
For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn not only miles but also credit toward elite frequent-flyer status.
For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn not only miles but also credit toward elite frequent-flyer status.
Pros
The card earns 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. It also offers a sign-up bonus, plus a discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases made with the card. Starting in January 2022, it also earns loyalty points toward elite status on the airline.
Cons
The card doesn't offer free checked bags, and its 3% foreign transaction fee could get costly if you frequently travel internationally.
Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
No Annual Fee.
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services.
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
Our pick for
Hotel card
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
3x-7x
Points
100,000
Points
If you want hotel benefits but don't want to pay an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Card may be a perfect fit.
If you want hotel benefits but don't want to pay an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Card may be a perfect fit.
Pros
The card earns 7 bonus points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases; 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; and 3 points per dollar elsewhere. There's a super bonus offer and automatic Silver status. Terms apply.
Cons
Although you earn a lot of points per dollar spent, the per-point value is relatively low. There's no annual free night like you'd find on many cards with annual fees (a perk which can essentially offset the fee).
Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023.
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
No Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Small business
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$750
Any small business that spends a bundle on telecom services and/or office supplies can benefit from this card's generous rewards in these categories. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card also comes with a stellar sign-up bonus and a 0% intro APR period.
Any small business that spends a bundle on telecom services and/or office supplies can benefit from this card's generous rewards in these categories. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card also comes with a stellar sign-up bonus and a 0% intro APR period.
Pros
Bonus rewards of 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year at office supply stores and on cable, internet and phone service. Also, earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other spending. There's also a sweet sign-up offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Cons
If you aren't spending much in the bonus categories, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card isn't a good fit. And if your business spends well above that $25,000 bonus category cap, you'll fare better with a different card, potentially one that offers unlimited flat-rate rewards.
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST NO ANNUAL FEE CREDIT CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back
Citi® Double Cash Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back
Discover it® Cash Back
Our pick for: Bonus category cash back
The Discover it® Cash Back earns bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate. In past years, those categories have included common spending areas like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and Amazon.com. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending aligns with those categories (and for most households, it probably will), you can rake in serious rewards. You also get the issuer's signature "cash-back match" bonus in your first year. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Our pick for: Bonus category cash back
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Dining rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Simple travel rewards
One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Our pick for: Bonus rewards
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Our pick for: 0% intro APR period
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Our pick for: 0% intro APR period
A lengthy 0% introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers has made the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card a NerdWallet favorite. Read our review.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Dining and entertainment rewards
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Our pick for: Airline card
To unlock the most valuable perks of airline credit cards, you'll have to pay an annual fee. But if you're a leisure traveler just hoping to earn airline miles in the background, it's hard to do better than the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Read our review.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Our pick for: Hotel card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Our pick for: Small business
• • •
Is a no-annual-fee credit card worth it?
There are many ways to evaluate whether a credit card is worth having, but the simplest is this: Does the value it gives you outweigh the costs of carrying it? When a card has no annual fee, the math seems pretty easy, at least on the surface. If you're paying nothing to carry a card and you're getting, say, $100 a year in rewards for the spending you put on the card, then the card is "worth it" from the perspective of pure numbers. You come out $100 ahead.
But what if a different card had an annual fee of $50 but generated $200 in rewards for doing the same spending? With that card, you would come out $150 ahead. So you could argue that choosing to carry the first card instead of the second is costing you $50. Through that lens, the no-annual-fee card might not actually be "worth it."
Determining whether a card is worth it, then, is a matter of looking not only at what that card gives you in relation to what it takes from you, but also what you would get with competing cards on the market.
Annual fees are more common with some types of credit cards than with others. For example:
With a couple of exceptions, the best cash back credit cards have no annual fee. Those exceptions usually have industry-best rewards rates on common spending categories. Those rates easily make up for the fee while still delivering more value than no-fee alternatives.
Most airline credit cards charge an annual fee. But those cards commonly give you free checked bags, priority boarding and other perks on top of the rewards you earn. You end up saving money even with the fee, and the more you travel, the more you save. Some airlines do offer cards with no annual fee — but they don't have the same perks.
Low interest credit cards and balance transfer credit cards don't typically charge fees. The whole point of these cards is saving money on interest, so paying an annual fee would immediately eat into the value.
Some people just don't want to pay an annual fee. They view it as an upfront cost that may or may not be returned to them over the coming year, and they'd rather just not worry about it. That's a legitimate stance. If it's how you feel, then a no-annual-fee card is a logical choice for you.
Annual fee credit cards vs. no annual fee: Do the math
The primary benefit of a no-annual-fee credit card is right there in the description. It doesn't have an annual fee. It doesn't cost you anything to carry it, which means it doesn't cost you anything to not use it.
When a card has an annual fee, by contrast, you have to use it enough that you get back the cost of the fee in rewards or perks. If you don't, the card is a drain on your finances. You can't afford to not use it.
Further, a card with an annual fee not only has to earn back its fee, but also needs to deliver enough value on top of that to match or exceed what you can get from alternatives that have no annual fee. To illustrate the point, let's take a look at two cards that offer benefits in similar categories, one of which has an annual fee and one of which does not:
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | |
|---|---|---|
Annual fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | $0 |
Cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets* | 6% | 3% |
Rewards minus annual fee, based on weekly supermarket spending of ... | ||
... $25 | –$17 | $39 |
... $31 | $1.72 | $48.36 |
... $50 | $61 | $78 |
... $61 | $95.32 | $95.16 |
... $75 | $139 | $117 |
... $100 | $217 | $156 |
see rates and fees | see rates and fees | |
* Rates apply to first $6,000 per year in U.S. supermarket spending. After that, such spending earns 1% cash back. | ||
With the "Preferred" version, the annual fee means you're starting out in the red. Assuming you use the card only for U.S. supermarket spending, you won't earn back the annual fee unless you spend an average of about $31 a week. On the other hand, with the no-annual-fee "Everyday" version, you're ahead from the start.
Once you hit $31 a week, you're out of the red with the Preferred card — but you're still behind the Everyday until you get to about $61 a week in spending. At that point, the higher rewards rate on the Preferred not only makes up for the annual fee but also outpaces the lower rewards rate on the Everyday.
(Worth noting: Both of these cards offer bonus rewards in other categories besides U.S. supermarkets, so the real-world calculus depends on how you spend across all categories. But the point still stands: There comes a point with any card where you break even on the annual fee, and then another point where you break even with a card that has no annual fee.)
As you can see, depending on the complexity of a card's rewards structure, the break-even math can get complicated.
Should you get a no-annual-fee credit card?
A credit card with no annual fee makes sense if:
You don't plan to use the card much. Some people put every bit of spending they can on credit cards, for convenience and for rewards, and then pay their bill in full each month to avoid interest. When you do that, it's easier to recoup the cost of an annual fee. If you're the type who wants a credit card only for emergencies or to build a strong credit profile, you're unlikely to make up the cost, so a card with no annual fee makes sense.
You don't want to worry about the carrying costs of a card with an annual fee. There are more important things in life to think about than whether you've spent enough to justify your credit card's annual fee. It's perfectly natural to not want to be bothered.
A fee is too big of an upfront expense. Annual fees on credit cards are most often in the range of $90 to $100, but they can run as high as hundreds of dollars. Many people aren't comfortable with such an outlay without an immediate return.
Can I get the annual fee waived on a credit card?
Any card can be a no-annual-fee credit card if you can get the issuer to agree to waive the fee.
If a credit card issuer considers you a valuable customer, it might not want to risk losing your business over an annual fee. There's no harm in calling the issuer and asking for the annual fee to be waived. The worst they can say is no. Your chances of getting a "yes" will be better if your account shows you to be a customer worth keeping — someone who uses the card regularly.
Rather than a fee waiver, however, you might get approved for a retention offer. This is the opportunity to earn a bonus that might be worth more than the cost of the fee. You still pay the annual fee, but the bonus offsets it. Retention offers work much like sign-up bonuses — put a certain amount of spending on the card within a specified period of time, and you'll get a nice haul of rewards for your trouble.
Another possibility: If you have a card with an annual fee and you don't use it enough to justify the fee, consider downgrading to a no-fee card from the same company. This is called a product change, and it can be as simple as calling the issuer and asking for no-annual-fee alternatives.
Last updated on March 31, 2023
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
When a credit card is referred to as having "no fee," that usually means there is no annual fee — that is, you don't have to pay a fee every year just for the privilege of carrying the card in your wallet.
"No fee" doesn't necessarily mean no fees of any kind, ever. Few (if any) cards have absolutely no fees under any conditions. It's not uncommon to be charged a fee, for example, when:
You pay your bill late.
Your payment gets returned for insufficient funds.
You transfer a balance.
You take out a cash advance.
You use your card outside the United States. (But keep in mind that many cards do not charge a foreign transaction fee.)
These kinds of fees are all avoidable, however. The annual fee (when there is one) generally is not. So if you want a true "no fee" card, get one with no annual fee and use it in a way that ducks the other fees.
People who have bad credit (generally defined as a credit score below 620) can get a credit card with no annual fee, although they may have to put down a security deposit of at least $200. The deposit on a secured credit card is usually equal to your credit line. So if you deposit $200, you get a $200 credit line. Deposit $500, and your credit line is $500.
Unlike annual fees, though, deposits on secured credit cards are refundable, which means you can get them back when you close the account or upgrade to a regular credit card.
Although there are no-deposit unsecured cards for people with bad credit, such cards almost invariably charge annual fees. And the fees they charge can be extremely high. It's not uncommon to see fees of $99 a year for a card with a $200 credit limit, and many cards charge monthly maintenance fees on top of the annual fees.
There might be more expensive cards out there, but it's hard to beat the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Gold Card™ for pure flash. This card, which is plated in 24-karat gold, has an annual fee of $995.
Among cards designed for a broad audience, The Platinum Card® from American Express has a pretty eye-popping annual fee of $695. However, it comes loaded with perks that make it one of the more popular travel credit cards on the market. (Terms apply; see rates and fees.)