This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to our visitors. We accept advertising compensation from companies that appear on the site, which may impact the location and order in which brands (and/or their products) are presented, and may also impact the score that is assigned to it. Company listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement. We do not feature all providers on the market. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information, including pricing, which appears on this site is subject to change at any time
Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of September 2023
Cover your expenses at no extra cost
You don't need to pay an annual fee to get a card with valuable rewards and benefits. Compare our top credit cards with no annual fee and find yours today.
5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal
3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, plus 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Cash back never expires as long as your account is open
Welcome Bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back
Intro APR: Get 0% intro APR for 15 months on new purchases and balance transfers
Pros
- Earn up to 5% cash back
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Requires a minimum credit score of 670
- Welcome bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back
- Introductory APR: Get 0% intro APR for 15 months on new purchases and balance transfers. After that, the card carries an APR of 20.49% - 29.24%
- $0 annual fee
- 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, plus 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- Cash back never expires as long as your account is open
Five points per $1 spent (up to the first $500 spent per billing cycle) in your top spending category
One point per $1 spent on everything else
Welcome Bonus:
$200 cash back once you spend $1,500 on purchases within six months of opening the account
Intro APR:
0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous intro APR period
Cons
- Requires a good credit score
- Low rewards rate outside of top category
- No annual fee
- Earn 5% cash back on your top spending category
- No limit to how much cash back you can earn
- Welcome bonus of $200 if you spend $1,500 in the first six months
2% unlimited cash back (1% on purchases and 1% when you pay off the purchase)
Welcome Bonus:
N/A
Intro APR:
0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Pros
- 2% unlimited cash back on purchases
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR on purchases
- No sign-up bonus
- Earn up to 2% cash back on every purchase
- Get 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months after account opening
- No annual fee
- Redeem your reward points in multiple ways
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.5% cash back on every purchase you make
Welcome Bonus: $200 when you spend $500 within the first 3 months
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Pros
- Generous 1.5% cash back on any and all purchases
- No annual fee
Cons
- Excellent credit required
- 3% balance transfer fee
- Get $200 when you spend $500 within the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that
- Earn 5% cash back when you book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- No need to worry about rotating spending categories, and your cash back rewards never expire as long as you keep the card
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
1% cash back on other purchases
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
See Rates & Fees
Pros
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit
- High annual fee after the first year
- Earn $250 when you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn 6% cash back on your first $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets, unlimited 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 6% cash back on U.S. streaming subscriptions and also earn up to $84 in annual credits (split up into monthly statement credits) for the Disney Bundle
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. After that, there is a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%
- Terms Apply
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Pros
- Unlimited 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, and more
- No annual fee
Cons
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Very limited travel benefits
- Earn a $200 bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and grocery purchases, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back when you book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Earn 8% cash back when you buy tickets through Vivid Seats and on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Bonus categories don't rotate, and your cash back doesn't expire as long as you keep the card
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, there is a variable APR of 19.99% - 29.99%
Our product scores consist of a combination of the following 2 components:
Popularity
Brand Reputation
Features & benefits
BestMoney measures user engagement based on the number of clicks each listed brand received in the past 7 days. The number of clicks to each brand will be measured against other brands listed in the same query. Therefore, the higher the share of clicks a brand receives in any specific query, the higher the Click Trend Score. BestMoney accepts advertising compensation from companies, which impacts their (and/or their products’) position, and in some cases, may also affect their Click Trend Score.
Everything You Need to Know About Applying for a No Annual Fee Credit Card Online
In the age of maximizing financial returns, the trend of the best credit cards with no annual fee is gaining traction. With online platforms facilitating easy comparisons and applications, you can now find the best cash back credit cards with no annual fee or the best travel credit cards with no annual fee without ever leaving your home. If this is the year you aim to save more, starting with the best credit cards with no annual fee can be a smart choice.
How to Choose the Right No Annual Fee Credit Card for You
With a myriad of options, making an informed choice can seem daunting. Here’s a guide to selecting the best no annual fee credit cards tailored to your needs:
Purpose: Are you seeking cash back, travel perks, or other rewards? For instance, if you love traveling but hate fees, the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee should be on your radar.
Reward Rates: Just because it's fee-free doesn’t mean you should compromise on returns. The highest cash back credit card with no annual fee can offer substantial savings.
Additional Perks: Some cards, like the best credit card for airline miles with no annual fee, come with added benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding.
No Annual Fee Credit Cards 101
As you delve into the world of the best credit cards with no annual fee, keep these points in mind:
True Savings: Annual fees can sometimes offset the benefits of a card. With no annual fee, you can ensure your rewards truly benefit you.
Diverse Options: From the best credit card rewards with no annual fee to travel credit cards with no annual fee, there’s something for everyone.
Credit Score Impact: As with any card, pay off your balances on time. While you're saving on fees, maintaining a good credit score is paramount.
FAQs
Do no annual fee cards offer competitive rewards?
Absolutely! Many best no annual fee credit cards provide competitive rewards, such as cash back or travel perks.
Can I upgrade my no annual fee card to a premium card in the future?
Yes, many issuers allow upgrading. If you start with a credit card with no annual fee and wish to explore premium options later, you can often switch.
Are there any hidden charges to watch out for?
While you might be avoiding annual fees, always read the fine print for other potential fees like late payments or foreign transaction fees.
Diving into the realm of the best credit cards with no annual fee can lead to genuine savings and rewards. With diligent research and mindful spending, a fee-free financial future may await.
