You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards Of August 2024

Credit Cards Expert Writer
Credit Card Editor

Fact Checked

Updated: Jul 30, 2024, 6:57pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

When used wisely, credit cards become powerful financial tools. Not only do many credit cards come with valuable consumer protections and assurances, many also allow you to earn rewards for each dollar you spend. Some credit cards even extend 0% APR for a limited time. While it may seem the best cards come with steep fees, many credit cards offering powerful benefits don’t charge an annual fee.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • 175 no-annual-fee cards rated
  • 23,625 data points collected
  • 130 credit cards owned
  • 53 years of industry experience

Read more
Show Summary

Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee


Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee of 2024

Best for Everyday Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200 bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49%-29.24% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

This card has the brawn to handle just about all of your credit card spending needs without an over-inflated price tag. The card has an annual fee of $0, yet comes with a pumped-up earnings structure that covers a wide swath of expenses including travel, drugstores and dining plus rotating quarterly bonus categories in areas many households are likely to find appealing.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

Kudos to Chase for always keeping the rotating categories relevant on the Freedom Flex. From Amazon to PayPal and Starbucks to Walmart, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least one quarter every year (or even several) where the 5 bonus points roll in with almost no effort. Just don’t forget to activate the categories every quarter.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
  • Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
  • Generous rewards rate in several other categories
  • Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
Card Details
  • 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 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 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 20.49%-29.24%.
  • 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.
  • Member FDIC
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Travel Transfer Partners

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and earn unlimited 1.25X miles on everyRead More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 Miles

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

This card keeps it simple but has enough to keep things interesting. It’s one of the few no annual fee cards that allows transfers to travel partners. You’ll also earn flat-rate rewards with several easy options for redeeming. It travels well, too: There are no foreign transaction fees and you’ll earn extra points for booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One’s travel portal.

Expert Take
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

A contender for the best no annual fee and starter travel card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card could be a fantastic travel companion for vacation goers and road warriors. The travel value can be immediately appreciated with no foreign transaction fees, while the rewards-earning is higher than basic rewards-earning credit cards at 1.25X miles. Plus, this card earns Capital One Reward Miles, which offers excellent value when transferred to airline and hotel

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • No penalty APR
  • Ongoing rewards rate is relatively low
  • Locked in to Capital One Travel booking to earn the highest rewards
Card Details
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • 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 and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • 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
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for First Year Rewards

Discover it® Cash Back

Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations,Read More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Credit Score

Excellent/Good

Our Expert Take

For moderate spenders who are willing to activate the 5% rotating categories and track the quarterly spending cap, this no-annual-fee card can deliver tidy rewards outside of its ongoing 1% earning rate.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

The quarterly categories are the highlight of the Discover it® Cash Back. You’ll often find broad options on its rotating list of categories, such as restaurants, drug stores, gas stations and groceries, which makes it easy for almost any household to take advantage of them. Just don’t get tripped up by forgetting to activate the categories at the start of each quarter, because you can’t do it retroactively to earn bonus cash back on your past purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cash back on quarterly rotating spending categories throughout the year (activation required)
  • Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
  • No minimum cash-back redemption
  • 5% bonus cash-back rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
  • Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
  • Low 1% base reward rate on everything else
Card Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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 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—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • 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.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Unlimited Travel Rewards

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website
4.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X pointsRead More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Earning 3 points per dollar spent on a wide range of spending—including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit and popular streaming services—for no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph is a powerhouse.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Introductory APR period
  • Plentiful reward points categories
  • Protections include cellphone insurance
  • Balance transfer fee
  • No introductory balance transfer APR
Card Details
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Amazon Prime Members

Prime Visa

Apply Now Apply Now
On Amazon's Website
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Amazon's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible PrimeRead More

Welcome Bonus

Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

For existing Prime members who frequently shop at Amazon and Whole Foods, the 5% rewards rate is stellar. To further sweeten the deal, the Prime Visa card offers a 2% rewards category plus Visa Signature benefits.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Contributor
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Contributor

The card is a no-brainer for Amazon Prime members. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another card that offers such a great rewards rate on so many different types of purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
  • No spending required for the welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel and shopping protections
  • Requires an Amazon Prime membership
  • No introductory APR
  • Low cash back for purchases outside of bonus categories
Card Details
  • Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC
Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Renters

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Bilt's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bilt's Website

Up to 3x Reward Rate

1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travelRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

See terms

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Pay rent, earn rewards and use your earnings for travel. Sounds like a great way to maximize your rent money to us.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

It’s almost impossible to earn rewards on what is the biggest monthly expense for many people, which is why anyone who pays rent should have a Bilt Mastercard in their wallet. Not only will you earn points just from paying your rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year), you’ll do it without being charged a fee for the transaction, and Bilt points are among the most versatile travel points around. (Pro Tip: Don’t redeem Bilt points to pay rent when you can get much more value for them for travel!).

Pros & Cons
  • Earn rewards on rent
  • No annual fee
  • Primary car rental and cell phone insurance
  • Points can be transferred to partners
  • Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
  • No welcome bonus
  • Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
Card Details
  • Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
  • $0 annual fee
  • 1x points on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
  • 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
  • 3x points on dining
  • Plus 1x points on other purchases
  • Cell Phone Insurance
  • Purchase security (theft and damage protection)
  • Mastercard® World Elite Concierge
  • Lyft Credits
  • No foreign currency conversion fee
  • Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
  • Rewards & benefits terms
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Small Purchases

Citi Rewards+® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 2X ThankYou® Points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1XRead More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Citi Rewards+® Card is an intriguing option as an everyday card for small purchases. In terms of rewards earnings, Citi rounds up all purchases to the next 10 points. Meaning, that a $3 purchase will earn 10 points. Earn additional rewards with a 10% redemption bonus each year (on up to 100,000 redeemed points) plus an increased earning rate on supermarkets and gas spending up to the annual $6,000 cap— with no annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

For those who never carry cash and use their credit card for even the smallest purchases, the “round up” feature of the Citi Rewards+ can quickly add up. But don’t sleep on the card’s 10% rebate on point redemptions up to the yearly cap, either. Take advantage of both of these features, and you’ll soon find yourself with a larger stack of rewards.

Pros & Cons
  • All purchases rounded up to the nearest 10 rewards points.
  • 10% points bonus added to the first 100,000 points redeemed annually.
  • No rotating categories to manage.
  • Foreign transaction fee.
  • Potentially high APR depending on your creditworthiness.
  • High balance transfer fee
  • Annual $6,000 spending cap on 2x points category.
Card Details
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
  • Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. 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).
  • Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
  • The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
  • No Annual Fee
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Avoiding Fees

Signature FCU Visa® Signature *

Signature FCU Visa® Signature
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6 points or 6% cash rebate per dollar spent on streaming services and 2 points or 2% cash rebateRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

12.50% - 15.50% APR based on your creditworthiness

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

This card is refreshingly absent of most common fees and provides a high base rewards rate, low starting APR and a few valuable Visa Signature benefits that could come in handy.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Elevated earnings on streaming purchases
  • Several built-in travel protections
  • No welcome bonus
  • Signature FCU membership required to apply
  • No intro APR for purchases or balance transfers
Card Details
  • Earn 6 points or 6% cash rebate per dollar spent on eligible streaming services purchases
  • Earn 2 points or 2% cash rebate for every dollar spent on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Visa Signature Concierge
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Dining Out

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 8% Cash Back

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 Cash Bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Capital One SavorOne card is a perfect cash back credit card for those who spend a lot at restaurants, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and on entertainment. With its 3% cash back rate in those categories, it’s a win for socialites that don’t want to pay for an annual fee.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Increased cash back on dining and entertainment
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Easy-to-redeem cash-back rewards
  • Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • High standard rate APR
  • Limited cash-back reward categories
Card Details
  • 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; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Bank of America Rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website

Choose your 3% category

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up toRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

While offering solid rewards for moderate spenders, the card really shines for Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients, who get a 25%-75% boost in cashback earnings.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

It’s all about choice with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Not only do you get to choose your top bonus category, but you can change it every month if you want. You’ll find the most value in this card if you’re also a member of Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program by receiving a 25%-75% earning bonus on everything you buy.

Pros & Cons
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients earn 25% to 75% more cash back
  • Decent rewards earning potential
  • Option to change 3% bonus category monthly
  • Bonus rewards have quarterly caps
  • High balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
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 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 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 19.24% – 29.24% 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 4%.
  • 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.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Students Building Credit

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations,Read More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Credit Score

Fair/New to Credit

Our Expert Take

Here’s an excellent way for students with average or limited credit scores to gain experience managing credit. No annual fee, no penalty APR, plus up to 5% cashback rewards in rotating categories (up to a quarterly cap with enrollment, 1% back on other purchases) earn this card an “A” in our book.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

An engaging and fun student credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back combines useful benefits for cardholders to learn about building credit history while earning extra cash back each quarter on select categories.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cashback on rotating bonus categories after enrollment
  • First-year cash-back match
  • 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
  • Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
  • Low 1% base reward rate
Card Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • 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—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • 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.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Hotels

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 17X Reward Rate

Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts; 3 points perRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 100,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Travelers who favor the InterContinental Hotels Group’s portfolio of brands, including InterContinental, Kimpton Hotels, and Holiday Inn, may amass value from the no-annual-fee IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase. With no foreign transaction fees to worry about and the fourth reward night free when booking an IHG stay on points, the card is a viable option for those who want to earn points for free hotel stays without paying an annual fee.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
  • Diverse hotel redemption options
  • Option to pay with points plus cash
  • Gift or transfer IHG rewards points
  • No luxury benefits or perks
  • Poor redemption options beyond reward nights
  • Gold Elite status requires high annual spending
Card Details
  • Limited Time Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points
  • No Annual Fee
  • Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Here's a Summary of the Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Best for Everyday Rewards
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 bonus
Best for Travel Transfer Partners
Excellent, Good
$0
20,000 Miles
Best for First Year Rewards
Excellent/Good
$0
Cashback Match™
Best for Unlimited Travel Rewards
Good, Excellent
$0
20,000 bonus points
Best for Amazon Prime Members
Good, Excellent
$0
Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card
Best for Renters
Good/Excellent
$0
N/A
Best for Small Purchases
Excellent, Good
$0
20,000 points
Best for Avoiding Fees
Good, Excellent
$0
N/A
Best for Dining Out
Excellent, Good
$0
Earn $200 Cash Bonus
Best for Bank of America Rewards
Excellent/Good
$0
$200
Best for Students Building Credit
Fair/New to Credit
$0
Cashback Match™
Best for Hotels
Good, Excellent
$0
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
N/A
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
N/A
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

More About the Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Chase Freedom Flex®

[ jump to details ]

The Chase Freedom Flex® doesn’t charge an annual fee, yet still offers up to 5% cash back on eligible purchases—up to $1,500 per quarter. You can earn a generous initial welcome bonus, and you’ll get a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. Balance transfer fee of up to 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer applies.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The rotating categories could earn $75 per quarter in rewards if you max out your spending.

This card technically earns Ultimate Rewards® points, even though it’s marketed as a cash-back card. If you have a premium Chase credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, your points can be combined to receive a better redemption on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ or to transfer your points to any of Chase’s travel partners.

As an added bonus, this card comes with purchase protection against damage or theft and extended warranties on eligible items. The introductory APR on purchases could make this card a smart choice if you want to earn rewards without paying interest during your introductory period.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

As no annual fee travel cards go, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) credit card offers a decent base rewards rate. You’ll also get the ability to redeem with Capital One Travel or transfer to travel partners, making it a strong pick for regular travelers who don’t want to pay an annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on every other purchase.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers extended warranty benefits and auto rental insurance. Rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit for travel or through PayPal or Amazon.com or Capital One Travel, as well as a handful of other redemption options. Capital One provides $0 fraud liability protection for unauthorized charges, autopay and 24/7 customer service.

Discover it® Cash Back

[ jump to details ]

The Discover it® Cash Back has a rotating selection of cash-back bonus categories, which makes the card lucrative if you’re willing to register and maximize your spending every quarter. The Cashback Match™ offer can make this card especially rewarding for the first year you hold it.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in spending when activated. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Welcome offer: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year as a cardmember. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

Other benefits and drawbacks: If you want to set and forget, look elsewhere. To get the rotating cash-back category bonus, you have to activate the feature every quarter. Forget to enroll, and you’ll miss out on a significant amount of rewards. The 5% cash back is also capped at the first $1,500 in category spending each quarter, so high spenders may not reap the full reward.

This card offers a generous intro APR offer. New cardholders can get a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers. Then, a standard rate of 18.24% - 28.24% variable applies. A balance transfer fee of up to 5% of the amount transferred applies.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

[ jump to details ]

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes packed with benefits usually only found on cards with annual fees. Plus, the points earning is stronger than the majority of its competition, and the extra insurances and coverages are competitive.

Whether you’re staying at home or on the road, you’ll be sure to earn valuable transferable points on a majority of your daily spend.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Wells Fargo Autograph cards come with the ability to transfer to popular travel programs, like many other bank rewards programs—but the options are limited.

You’ll also find cellphone coverage, rental car protection, no foreign transaction fees and a suite of benefits via the Visa Signature program, all at no extra cost to you.

The Prime Visa offers high rewards at Amazon and Whole Foods, plus an additional year of extended warranty protection for eligible warranties of up to three years. Though it charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, it does require a Prime Membership, which starts at $139 per year.

Rewards: Earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel℠ purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 Amazon gift card upon approval with an eligible Prime membership.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Prime Visa offers a bevy of Visa Signature consumer and travel protections including travel and emergency assistance, reimbursement for lost luggage, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, roadside dispatch and purchase protection. On purchases of $50 or more, cardholders can opt to split them up into no-interest monthly installments of six to 12 months (depending on the amount spent) in lieu of earning rewards. After the promotional period ends, a 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers applies.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

[ jump to details ]

Paying rent by check or bank draft is a thing of the past with the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (rates & fees). The card was designed for people to pay their rent and earn valuable credit card rewards. As the card evolved, it turned into a powerhouse with industry-leading benefits.

Renters and non-renters alike can come out ahead with this card that offers a unique value proposition on earning airline and hotel rewards with travel partners.

Rewards: Earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Other benefits and drawbacks: On the first day of every month, known as “Rent Day,” you’ll earn double points, capped at 10,000 bonus points. This means you’ll earn 6 points per dollar on dining, 4 points per dollar on travel purchases and 2 points per dollar on other purchases (excluding rent). You must use the card five times each statement period to earn points (rewards & benefits).

Because this is a World Elite Mastercard you’ll enjoy a suite of benefits like Lyft credits, cellphone protection, a concierge for certain tasks and more. Pair this with no foreign transaction fees, travel protections and insurances and the ability to earn rewards by paying rent, and you’ve got a card that deserves a spot in your wallet.

Be aware: You’ll need to use your card a minimum of five times each statement period in order to earn rewards.

Citi Rewards+® Card

[ jump to details ]

While the Citi Rewards+® Card may not be the best overall Citi card, it rewards smaller, everyday purchases better than most cards. That’s because every purchase you make rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. If you make lots of small purchases each month, this card could be worth considering.

Rewards: Earn 2 ThankYou Points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 in spending per year and 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on other eligible purchases, plus 5 ThankYou® Points per dollar on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Citi allows you to combine ThankYou Points earned from multiple Citi cards into one account, making the Citi Rewards+ a better option when paired with a more valuable card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.

The Citi Rewards+ has rewards caps on bonus categories, limiting value and creating a more challenging rewards structure to track. It’s also not a good option for overseas travel because it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Signature FCU Visa® Signature *

[ jump to details ]

A flat earning rate combined with low fees makes the Signature FCU Visa® Signature* card appealing to many users. If you’re tired of seeing pesky fees every month on your statement, consider this card.

Rewards: Earn 6 points or 6% cash rebate per dollar spent on streaming services and 2 points or 2% cash rebate on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The headline feature of this card is the absence of fees. Apart from no annual fee, you won’t see balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, foreign transaction fees or minimum finance charges.

The 6% back on streaming services is nice, but it’s not a reason to open this card in and of itself. But the base 2% cash back allows you to earn rewards without having to worry about bonus categories or being inundated with irritating fees.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

If eating out and shopping at the grocery store takes a bite out of your monthly budget, then you could be earning a strong cash back with the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. With no cap on the amount of rewards you can earn, you can order apps and even dessert, and get a nice chunk of change back in your wallet.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The SavorOne’s rewards extend beyond entertainment, dining and grocery stores and dips its toe into the travel bucket. If you book your rental cars and hotels via Capital One Travel, you’ll snag an increased 5% cash back.

When traveling abroad, you won’t get hit with a foreign transaction fee (rates & fees)—just make sure to choose to pay in local currency when checking out.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

[ jump to details ]

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card provides a long intro APR period and a unique rewards structure that allows users to pick a bonus category each billing cycle. Though its bonus categories are capped, the lack of an annual fee makes the card an inexpensive way to maximize certain rewards for many consumers.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the eligible category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers, 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies thereafter. Intro rate applies for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days; balance transfer fee of 3% applies to each transfer during this period, then 4%. Bank of America Preferred Rewards members earn 25% to 75% more cash back on each purchase, which means the 3% category would earn 3.75% to 5.25%. Reward caps on categories make this card a good option to pair with another one—select a card that earns a flat 2% on all purchases or a card with higher rewards on one of your high-spend categories.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

[ jump to details ]

Building your credit as a student can be challenging, but the Discover it® Student Cash Back card makes it easy to build credit and earn rewards, with no credit score required to apply.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more, up to the quarterly maximum once activated. Plus, automatically earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Unlimited Cashback Match™ - Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The welcome bonus on this card is incredible. Once your first card anniversary comes around, Discover will match all the points earned that year—double the rewards on all cash back. Your top earning rewards categories are capped each quarter at $1,500 in spending. For big spending households, this card may limit your rewards potential. Discover also doesn’t disclose the full year of categories, so you won’t be able to plan large purchases for the best quarter.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers tons of value to travelers. Like many hotel cards, it earns a high reward rate for stays at brand hotels and resorts. As a cardholder, you’re automatically upgraded to Silver Elite status and can earn Gold Elite status with card spending each calendar year. Perhaps the most valuable card perk is when you redeem three reward nights, you get the fourth night free.

Rewards: Earn up to 17 points per dollar spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3 points on qualifying monthly bills, gas stations, select streaming services and restaurants and 2 points on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status includes other benefits like late checkout, no blackout dates for reward nights and a discount on points purchases. Its travel benefits extend beyond IHG, with no foreign transaction fees and several travel protections available for cardholders.


Methodology

Forbes compared dozens of cards to find and rank the best no annual fee cards. Factors considered include:

  • Earning rates on purchases
  • Category bonuses
  • Transfer partners
  • Introductory APR offers on purchases and/or balance transfers
  • Welcome bonuses
  • Statement credits
  • Rewards redemption options
  • Additional protections and benefits

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.


Complete Guide to Credit Cards With No Annual Fee


What Is an Annual Fee?

An annual fee is a yearly charge credit card issuers add to a credit card account statement for use of the card. Though many credit card accounts include annual fees—especially those offering high-end rewards or those marketed toward consumers with poorer credit—many do not. While our list of the best no annual fee cards includes a wide selection of cards, it does not exhaust your options.

Some cards waive the annual fee in the first year or offer other incentives to potential cardholders who may meet certain criteria. For instance, the fine print may detail two versions of a card: One with an annual fee and one without. In many of these cases, the card with an annual fee is designed to be offered to those consumers the bank deems less creditworthy.

When Do You Pay an Annual Fee for a Credit Card?

Credit card annual fees are typically paid every year on the account opening date, or the date on which the cardholder was approved for the card. An annual fee is typically charged to the account and is paid whenever a cardholder pays off their credit card bill. The first annual fee is typically charged to the account within the account’s first billing cycle.


Pros and Cons of No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Pros of No Annual Fee Credit Cards

  • Lower cost of ownership. Credit cards without annual fees don’t cost the customer money up front. Interest and other fees can also typically be avoided by paying bills in full and on time.
  • No breakeven point to meet. Since you don’t have to earn back the value spent on an annual fee, there’s no pressure to spend a certain amount on the card to ensure that you “get what you’re paying for.”
  • Solid rewards programs. Though not as powerful as many annual-fee card programs, cards without annual fees offer valuable rewards-earning opportunities—especially when it comes to earning cash back.

Cons of No Annual Fee Credit Cards

  • Limited protections. Cards without annual fees rarely offer as many purchase coverages and travel insurances as cards with more expensive barriers to access.
  • Less luxury. No annual fee cards are less likely to offer travel perks like airport lounge access or elite status as cards that carry more premium price tags.
  • Fewer value-raising opportunities. Unlike many annual fee cards that offer benefits like statement credits, free nights, travel redemption bonuses, transfer partners and more, it’s often harder to extract additional value out of a no annual fee card beyond the rewards earned on purchases.

These pros and cons become most obvious when comparing reward structures for similarly-designed cards from the same issuer where one charges an annual fee and its peer does not. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on other purchases and offers a $100 credit toward application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® while the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on every other purchase and offers no such credit. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card charges a $95 annual fee (rates & fees) while the Capital One VentureOne doesn’t charge an annual fee (rates & fees).

For those who won’t use the Venture’s $100 credit to expedite airport security, the increased rewards must offset the cost of the annual fee. Assuming each mile can be redeemed for about 1 cent (check out our guide to Capital One Miles and the redemption options for more information) a cardholder would need to spend an additional $12,667 per year to offset a $95 annual fee using only the difference in rewards-earning between the two cards of 0.75 cents per dollar.

That said, there are plenty of credit cards with no annual fee that earn 2% cash back. If you’re not earning enough rewards, you might also consider alternative cards.


How To Pick a Credit Card With No Annual Fee

Before you apply for a credit card, you should determine what you hope to get out of your card. Here are some steps that can help you choose the right credit card for your needs:

  • Consider your spending categories. Choose a credit card that offers the most rewards for the categories you typically charge.
  • Consider ease of redemption. Many cards offer large rewards on paper, but fall flat when it comes time to redeem. Make sure the rewards you earn are ones you can actually use and provide good value.
  • Do you plan to carry a balance? If you plan to carry a balance on your card, you should consider a credit card that offers 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for a limited time. Just make sure you know and understand the ongoing variable APR since your regular APR will kick in after the promo period. You might also seek out a low APR card if you regularly carry a balance.
  • If you travel regularly, consider a card with an annual fee. You may have noticed that our list is noticeably light on travel rewards cards. If you want a specific airline or hotel rewards currency, take a look at cards that have a flexible currency such as Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Membership Rewards. In general, no annual fee cards lack tangible benefits like checked bags or elite status. If you are a brand loyalist, it may be worth paying an annual fee to get perks you can use.
  • If you have high spending in specific categories, consider a premium card that offers even more rewards. If you spend a large amount in one category, it may be worth paying for the annual fee version of a card that gets you more rewards. But do the math to see if it’s truly worth it.
Pro Tip
Earning the lucrative welcome bonuses offered by many cards with steep annual fees often doesn’t preclude transferring those rewards to no annual fee accounts with the same issuer if you find you’re not getting enough value to keep the card. Carefully read your card’s fine print and consider your options before attempting proceeding with a product change.

Who Should Get a No Annual Fee Credit Card?

If you’re going to apply for a credit card, applying for one without an annual fee should be the default choice. If a certain card’s annual fees make sense for you and you know the financial benefit will outweigh the cost of an annual fee, it may be worth paying for an annual fee card—but with several key caveats.

Consider the cost of the benefits of an annual fee card. One important question to ask: Can I find these benefits using a combination of other no annual fee cards? If you can achieve the same or better rewards earning using multiple no annual fee cards with various bonus categories. Can you find the same benefits using a selection of other, less-expensive cards, if so the primary reason to apply for an annual-fee card would be one of convenience. Is the price worth the ease of use?

Applying for a credit card is an important financial decision with consequences and responsibilities attached. If you don’t trust yourself to limit your spending to what you can reasonably pay for before interest accrues, a credit card may not be a good fit for you right now.


Are No Annual Fee Credit Cards Worth It?

There are many valuable no annual fee credit cards available, but whether or not one is the right fit for you will depend on your personal circumstances. For example, you could be considering the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. If you were debating between the two, you might want to look at the following:

Account Features Chase Freedom Flex® Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee
$0
$95
Rewards Earning
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases
5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Welcome Offer
$200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Introductory APR Offer
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. Balance transfer fee of up to 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer applies
21.49%-28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Additional Travel Benefits
Auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, no foreign transaction fees
Additional Consumer Benefits
Purchase protection, extended warranty
Purchase protection, extended warranty
Points Transfers
No
Yes
Value of Points through Chase Travel
1 cent per point
1.25 cents per point
APR
20.49%-29.24% Variable
21.49%-28.49% Variable

Depending on spending habits, how you want to redeem your points and whether or not you’ll use any of the additional benefits will help determine which card is the better choice for you. For example, someone who doesn’t travel frequently may not get enough extra out of the Sapphire Preferred to justify paying the card’s annual fee.


How To Get a Credit Card With No Annual Fee

The first step toward becoming a credit cardholder is to research your options. Our list of the best cards with no annual fees can serve as a great starting point. Be sure to carefully read the fine print of any card you’d like to apply for before doing so. A Schumer Box (chart listing fees and terms of a card) should be included with any legitimate credit card offer and can help you confirm that a card, in fact, does not charge annual fees.

Applying for a credit card is a fairly straightforward process. Card issuers typically offer online applications you can fill out with personal and financial information including your name, address, Social Security number, income and housing status. Applications often lead to near-instant decisions.

When a consumer submits a credit card application, a card issuer will typically make a hard inquiry upon the consumer’s credit report. Too many hard inquiries across a short period of time may reflect poorly to some lenders, so spacing out card applications by several months could be a smart strategy.


Maximizing Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

In order to maximize your no annual fee credit card, you’ll want to look for a card that rewards spending categories that best align with your personal spending habits.

Pro Tip
If you don’t expect to be able to pay off your credit card in full each month, the additional benefits and rewards offered by a credit card don’t matter. You’ll quickly outweigh any value in the interest charges you’re accruing. If this sounds like a concern for you, you should consider a card with an introductory 0% APR period and get your debt paid off first.

Find The Best Credit Cards For 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best credit card with no annual fee?

There is no one best card, as each person has a unique credit profile and set of needs. Our list gives you a good place to start. If you are looking for a card with no annual fee and category bonuses, consider the Chase Freedom Flex®. If you are looking for no annual fee and simple cash back, consider a 2% cash-back card like the Citi Double Cash® Card which earns 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off.

Can you get a no annual fee credit card with bad credit?

Unfortunately, most unsecured cards marketed to those with bad credit charge an annual fee. However, there are a number of excellent secured credit cards that charge no annual fee. While these cards do require a security deposit, most are fully refundable once you demonstrate consistent payment history.

Why do credit cards have annual fees?

Credit card issuers charge annual fees with some cards to ensure a return on the cost of providing reward programs and lucrative benefits with a card. Theoretically, an annual fee also creates a barrier to entry for those without the level of income and spending that can ensure a financial institution will make sufficient profit.

What are the elite credit cards with no annual fee?

If you are looking for elite benefits such as airport lounge access or travel status, you won’t find them on cards without an annual fee. That said, some cards offer benefits such as cellphone insurance and secondary car rental coverage.

Is a lower APR better than a lower annual fee?

A lower APR will only save you money if you carry a balance on your credit card. Even a credit card with a relatively low APR will cost you over time, if you don’t pay your bill in full. Plus, you’ll pay an annual fee on the card regardless if you use your credit card at all. Keep in mind credit union credit cards tend to offer lower APR without fees—which could be the best of both worlds.

What happens if you cancel a card with an annual fee?

If you cancel a card with an annual fee, most issuers will refund your annual fee if it’s within the first month of the fee being posted to your account. After the first month, some issuers will refund your fee on a prorated basis, while other issuers will not refund any part of your annual fee.

How can I get a credit card's annual fee waived?

Receiving a waiver on an annual fee is rare, but anecdotal reports suggest that calling your card issuer before your annual fee is due and asking for a waiver or discussing options related to closing the account can successfully result in a reduction or elimination of the coming year’s annual fee. Also, some cards that charge annual fees waive the first year’s fee as an incentive for application.


Next Up in Credit Cards

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Signature FCU Visa® Signature. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
lorem
Are you sure you want to rest your choices?