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10 Great No Annual Fee Cards With a Welcome Bonus of October 2026
October, 2026You don't have to pay an annual fee to get a welcome bonus. Every card here charges no annual fee and offers a bonus to new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Read MoreShow Less
How to compare no-annual-fee cards with a welcome bonus
Compare the spending requirement. A bonus is only worth it if you can meet the requirement with spending you'd do anyway.
Look past the bonus. Ongoing rewards matter more over time than a one-time bonus.
Check the timeline. Most bonuses must be earned within the first few months.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + rotating bonus categories
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1%-5%CashbackIntro offer$250Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 monthsBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR18.49%-27.99% Variable APRRewards breakdown
5%Cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.1%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- 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
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Freedom Flex® rewards people who like to track categories, with high cash back in a rotating lineup. You can earn a bonus without paying to keep the card.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A cash bonus when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns bonus cash back in categories that rotate each quarter (activation required), plus extra on travel booked through Chase, dining and drugstores.
No minimum to redeem cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsYou have to activate the bonus categories each quarter, and bonus earnings are capped.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + choose-your-category cash back
Apply Nowon Bank of America's websiteon Bank of America's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1%-6%CashbackIntro offer$200Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cyclesBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 daysRegular APR17.74%-27.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
6%Cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).3%Cash back in the category of your choice after the first year (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).2%Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).1%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Customized Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to groceries - BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you pick where you earn the most cash back. The bonus is a nice start, and there's no yearly fee to hold it.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A cash rewards bonus when you meet the spending requirement in the first 90 days.
Earns bonus cash back in a category you choose, plus at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to a quarterly cap.
Bank of America Rewards members can earn more cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsBonus cash back is capped each quarter.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + flat-rate cash back
Apply Nowon Bank of America's websiteon Bank of America's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1.5%CashbackIntro offer$250Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cyclesBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 daysRegular APR17.74%-27.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
1.5%Cash back on all purchases.Card details
- Limited Time Offer! $250 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to groceries - BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card keeps rewards simple, with the same cash back rate on everything. It's an easy keeper card after the bonus is earned.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A cash rewards bonus when you meet the spending requirement in the first 90 days.
Earns unlimited flat-rate cash back on every purchase, and rewards don't expire while your account is open.
Bank of America Rewards members can earn more cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsNo bonus categories.
The highest rewards rates require Bank of America Rewards status.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + cash back on everything
Annual fee$0Rewards rate2%-5%CashbackIntro offer$200Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Balance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 monthsRegular APR18.49%-28.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
2%Cash back on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.Card details
- 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 ThankYou® 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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 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).
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns a strong flat rate on everything without any categories. You can earn a bonus without paying to keep the card.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A cash back bonus when you meet the spending requirement in the first 6 months.
Earns cash back on every purchase: once when you buy and again as you pay.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsOur pick for: Welcome bonus + everyday cash back
Apply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1%-3%CashbackIntro offerAs High as $200 cash back. Find Out Your Offer.Recommended creditGood - ExcellentPurchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account openingBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account openingAPR19.74%-28.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
3%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).3%Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).3%Cash Back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).1%Cash Back on other purchases.Card details
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74%-28.74%.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays extra where many households spend most: groceries, online shopping and gas. The bonus is a nice start, and there's no yearly fee to hold it.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A cash back welcome offer when you meet the spending requirement; offers vary and you may not be eligible.
Earns bonus cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on U.S. online retail purchases and at U.S. gas stations, up to an annual cap.
A monthly statement credit for eligible Disney+, Hulu or ESPN subscription purchases.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsAmerican Express isn't accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard.
Bonus cash back is capped each year.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + flexible travel miles
Apply Nowon Capital One's websiteon Capital One's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1.25x-5xMilesIntro offer40,000milesRegular APR18.74%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
5xMiles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.1.25xMiles on every purchase, every day.Card details
- Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel
- 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR; this product does not have an introductory APR period, 4% fee on amounts transferred at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 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
- Top rated mobile app
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost is an easy way to earn flexible travel miles without an annual fee. It's an easy keeper card after the bonus is earned.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns unlimited miles on every purchase, plus more on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Use miles to cover any travel purchase or book through Capital One Travel; miles don't expire.
No foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsEarns at a lower rate than some travel cards with an annual fee.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + all-around cash back
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1.5%-5%CashbackIntro offer$200Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 monthsBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR18.49%-27.99% Variable APRRewards breakdown
5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.3%Cash back on drugstore purchases.3%Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.1.5%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- 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
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an easy everyday card: no categories to track, with a few bonus areas. You can earn a bonus without paying to keep the card.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A cash bonus when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns cash back on every purchase, with more on travel booked through Chase, dining and drugstores.
No minimum to redeem cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsForeign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + bonus points on everyday travel and dining
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1x-3xPointsIntro offer20,000pointsRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchasesRegular APR18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
3xUnlimited Points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.1xUnlimited Points on other purchases.Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 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. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. 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.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card earns bonus points across many everyday categories without an annual fee. The bonus is a nice start, and there's no yearly fee to hold it.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus points when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns bonus points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
Cell phone protection against damage or theft, subject to a deductible.
Redeem points for travel, gift cards or statement credits.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsOur pick for: Welcome bonus + quarterly cash back + first-year match
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1%-5%CashbackIntro offerCashback Match™ + $200 Statement CreditRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 monthsBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR18.74%-28.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
5%Cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.1%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies. Then 18.74% to 28.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness
- INTRO OFFER: Receive a $200 statement credit when you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months of account opening
- UNLIMITED CASHBACK MATCH: 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 you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Discover it® Cash Back can effectively double your first year of cash back with its automatic match. It's an easy keeper card after the bonus is earned.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Discover automatically matches all the cash back you earn in your first year.
Earns bonus cash back in categories that change each quarter (activation required), plus cash back on everything else.
Redeem cash back for any amount.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsBonus categories are capped each quarter.
Discover isn't accepted as widely outside the U.S.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + flexible travel points
Apply Nowon Bank of America's websiteon Bank of America's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1.5x-3xPointsIntro offer25,000pointsRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cyclesBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 daysRegular APR17.74%-27.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
3xPoints per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through BofA Travel.1.5xPoints per $1 spent on everyday purchases.Card details
- 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.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through BofA Travel.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Travel Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to getaways - BofA Rewards™ members earn more points.
- 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.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a simple travel card with no annual fee and flexible redemptions. You can earn a bonus without paying to keep the card.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus points when you meet the spending requirement in the first 90 days, redeemable as a statement credit toward travel.
Earns unlimited points on everyday purchases, plus more on travel booked through Bank of America Travel; points don't expire while your account is open.
Redeem points as a statement credit for travel and dining purchases, with no blackout dates.
No foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsNo bonus categories outside Bank of America Travel.
The highest rewards rates require Bank of America Rewards status.
Compare the Best No Annual Fee Bonus Credit Cards
| Credit card | Rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Welcome bonus + rotating bonus categories | $0 | 1%-5% | $250 | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Welcome bonus + choose-your-category cash back | $0 | 1%-6% | $200 | Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Welcome bonus + flat-rate cash back | $0 | 1.5% | $250 | Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Welcome bonus + cash back on everything | $0 | 2%-5% | $200 | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Welcome bonus + everyday cash back | $0 | 1%-3% | As High as $200 cash back. Find Out Your Offer. | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Welcome bonus + flexible travel miles | $0 | 1.25x-5x | 40,000 miles | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Welcome bonus + all-around cash back | $0 | 1.5%-5% | $200 | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Welcome bonus + bonus points on everyday travel and dining | $0 | 1x-3x | 20,000 points | Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Welcome bonus + quarterly cash back + first-year match | $0 | 1%-5% | Cashback Match™ + $200 Statement Credit | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Welcome bonus + flexible travel points | $0 | 1.5x-3x | 25,000 points | Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |









