Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content
Editorial Disclosure We have not reviewed all available products or offers. Compensation may impact the order of which offers appear on page, but our editorial opinions and ratings are not influenced by compensation.
    |    Accessibility Options

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of March 2023

Review Updated Feb. 27, 2023
Brittney Myers
By: Brittney Myers

Our Credit Cards Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

You can certainly find premium rewards cards with perks that make an annual credit card fee worth it. However, you shouldn't have to fork over a fortune to enjoy great credit card benefits. The best no annual fee credit cards will offer both competitive purchase rewards and valuable cardholder benefits -- without the expense.

These days, you can find a no annual fee card for nearly any lifestyle; you can even find a no annual fee travel card. And with so many options, you'll want to do your research before making a selection. Take a look at our list of the best no annual fee credit cards to help find the right one for you.

Best no annual fee credit cards

Ratings Methodology

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Great for: Unlimited cash back

Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

1.5% - 5% cash back

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Up to $300 cash back

  • This card includes a lineup of features that makes it a great option for one-card-wallet simplicity. The unlimited cash back makes it easy to earn rewards. The sign-up bonus and long 0% intro APR offer are the cherries on top. Read Full Review

    • Innovative sign-up bonus
    • Travel rewards
    • Robust rewards program
    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • INTRO OFFER: 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!
    • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
    • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
    • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® 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.

Discover it® Cash Back

Great for: Bonus category cash back

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Discover it® Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Cashback Match

  • Includes a robust rewards program and rich sign-up bonus offer that has unlimited upside. Somehow this card also packs in a great intro APR offer for no annual fee. Read Full Review

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Sign-up bonus offer
    • Great intro APR offer
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
    • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
    • Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • No annual fee.
    • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Great for: Flat rate cash back and balance transfers

Apply Now for Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

On Citi's Secure Website.

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

On Citi's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2% cash back: 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay

Up to 2% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

N/A

  • Earn up to 2% cash back on purchases - 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay the minimum each month. Add that to no annual fee and an 18 month 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers and this card is a winner. Read Full Review

    • Industry-leading cash back
    • 0% intro APR balance transfer offer
    • No annual fee
    • Free credit score monitoring
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • No 0% intro APR on purchases
    • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
    • To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
    • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, 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).

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Great for: Customizing your cash back

Apply Now for Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent), 1% cash back on other purchases

1% - 5% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn $200 in 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.

20,000 ThankYou® Points

  • A leading cash-back card that includes a big sign-up bonus, great rewards program, and long 0% intro APR offers, all with no annual fee. Read Full Review

    • Cash back rewards
    • Sign-up bonus
    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • Bonus cash back limits
    • 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.
    • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
    • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
    • No Annual Fee
    • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Great for: Cash back versatility with a big bonus

Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠

On Chase's Secure Website.

Chase Freedom Flex℠
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠

On Chase's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers, 15 months

Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

1% - 5% cash back

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

$200 bonus

  • Deserves to be top of wallet for many cardholders due to some of the highest cash back rates for essentials, a big sign-up bonus, and no annual fee. Read Full Review

    • Competitive cash back bonus
    • Lucrative cash back program
    • Travel rewards
    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
    • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
    • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
    • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
    • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
    • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Great for: Bonus and cash rewards

Apply Now for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 3% cash back in your choice category, 2% at grocery stores & wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), 1% on all other purchases.

1% - 3% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

$200 cash rewards

  • Includes a big bonus in the no-annual fee category, a great 0% intro and transfer APR offer, and a flexible cash rewards program that enables you to earn premium cash back in a category of your choice. Read Full Review

    • Competitive sign-up bonus
    • Bonus cash back in a category of your choice
    • No annual fee
    • Great 0% intro & transfer APR offer

    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Limit on bonus cash back
    • $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.
    • If you're a 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 no expiration on rewards.
    • 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
    • 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.
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Great for: Cash back

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR

Rewards

2% cash rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1000 in purchases in the first three months

$200 cash rewards offer

  • A standout cash back card with one of the highest unlimited rewards rates we've come across. The inclusion of a hefty welcome offer and versatile 0% intro APR offer are the cherries on top. Read Full Review

    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards
    • Long 0% intro APR offer
    • Generous cash rewards sign-up bonus
    • No annual fee
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
    • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
    • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
    • $0 annual fee
    • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
    • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
    • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
    • Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Rates & Fees External Link Icon
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Great for: Unlimited 3X points in certain categories

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases

1X - 3X points

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

  • This card immediately moves to the top of our rankings for no annual fee rewards cards thanks to its excellent welcome bonus, earn unlimited 3x points on a variety of categories, and cell phone protection. Read Full Review

    • Strong welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card
    • Earn Unlimited 3x points on useful categories
    • Cell phone protection
    • Other cards offer larger bonuses, though they usually come with annual fees
    • The 1x points baseline rewards rate on other purchases, though normal for this type of card, can be beat
    • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value
    • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
    • $0 annual fee
    • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter
    • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
    • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
    • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
    • Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Great for: Intro travel bonus offer

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases (Variable)

Rewards

1.5 points per dollar

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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.

25,000 points

  • No-annual-fee travel cards typically skimp on the sign-up bonus, but this card delivers with its intro bonus offer, unlimited rewards on purchases, and a generous 0% intro offer on purchases and balance transfers. Read Full Review

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Competitive rewards rate on purchases
    • Great 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
    • No bonus categories
    • Limited ways to use points
    • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
    • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
    • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
    • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
    • 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
    • If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
    • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
    • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Great for: Balance transfers

Apply Now for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 12 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months

Regular APR

17.49% - 28.24% (Variable)

Rewards

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

  • A hard-to-beat 0% intro APR credit card that's a fit for cardholders wanting to pay off debt faster with balance transfer strategies and/or finance the cost of a purchase and temporarily avoid costly interest charges. Read Full Review

    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Free credit score monitoring
    • No rewards
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 17.49% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
    • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
    • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
    • With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.

Discover it® Balance Transfer

Great for: Balance transfers and cash back

Apply Now for Discover it® Balance Transfer

On Discover's Secure Website.

Discover it® Balance Transfer
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Discover it® Balance Transfer

On Discover's Secure Website.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months

Regular APR

16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Cashback Match

  • Get the best of both balance transfer and cash back worlds with this card. Not only do you get a great intro APR on balance transfers, but you also get a rich cash back program. Read Full Review

    • Great intro APR offer
    • Sign-up bonus offer
    • Robust cash back program
    • No annual fee
    • FICO® Score for free
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
    • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
    • Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
    • No annual fee.
    • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Rates & Fees External Link Icon

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

Great for: Dining

Apply Now for U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

On U.S. Bank's Secure Website.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

On U.S. Bank's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable).

Purchases: 0%, 12 billing cycles on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% on balance transfers, 12 billing cycles

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 4x points on dining, 2x points on groceries, gas, and streaming services, 1x points on other purchases

1x - 4x points

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

20,000 points

  • A rare, great pick that offers lucrative rewards (up to 4x points), a big bonus, and a competitive 0% intro APR offer, all somehow with no annual fee. Read Full Review

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Dining rewards
    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • Streaming credit
    • Balance transfer fee
    • Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
    • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
    • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
    • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
    • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
    • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.49% - 28.49%.
    • No Annual Fee
    • Points never expire
    • Terms and conditions apply.
Rates & Fees External Link Icon

What is a no annual fee credit card?

A no annual fee credit card is a card with no annual maintenance fee. This means you won't need to pay anything just to keep your account open. So long as you pay your balance off every month and avoid transaction charges like a balance transfer fee or foreign transaction fee, you can use a no annual fee card without ever paying a dime to the credit card company.

In contrast, some cards will charge you a fee every year on your cardholder anniversary. These annual fees usually go toward covering the card issuer's expenses related to a card's rewards and perks. Depending on the card, annual fees can range from less than $50 a year to well north of $500. (The infamous Amex Black Card has a four-figure annual fee!)

How to compare the best no annual fee credit cards

Comparing credit cards is more or less the same whether they have annual fees or not -- you're just looking at one less factor. Here are a few features to consider when you compare credit card offers:

  • Purchase rewards: Even though you're skipping the annual fee, you don't have to give up your rewards. Most no annual fee cards let you earn cash back rewards, though a few may have points programs instead. Don't expect to find transferable travel rewards, however, as those cards tend to have fees in the $100 to $550 range.
  • Sign-up bonus: As with purchase rewards, you can find big sign-up bonuses without big fees. While you won't necessarily earn enough to travel first class to Europe, you can easily find no annual fee cards with welcome bonus rewards of $150 or more.
  • Introductory 0% APR offer: A very common feature of the best no annual fee cards is a generous 0% intro APR offer. You can get 15 months or more interest free -- on top of no annual fee.
  • Cardholder benefits: Many credit cards, including ones with no annual fee, offer fringe benefits just for being a cardholder. These can include perks like purchase protection, trip cancellation insurance, and even rental car coverage.

The options for the best credit cards with no annual fee are just as diverse as those for cards with fees. As such, you should really consider what you want out of a rewards card before making a selection.

Are annual fees ever worth it?

With so many no annual fee options, paying a fee isn't necessary -- but it can definitely be worth it with the right rewards credit card. Cards with annual fees usually have higher rewards rates on everyday and travel purchases, not to mention possibly more valuable rewards. The most expensive cards also come with extra perks like annual statement credits, airport lounge access, and elite hotel status. If you can maximize the rewards and perks, you can easily come out ahead despite a big annual fee.

What types of credit cards have no annual fees?

You can find nearly any type of card with no annual fee. If you have a low credit score, you can find a secured credit card with no annual fee. Besides a secured card, you can also find hundreds of unsecured options if you have an average-to-good credit score. You could even get a business credit card with no annual fee.

In addition to no annual fee cash back credit cards, there are some basic travel rewards cards, as well as a few major airlines and hotels that offer co-branded cards without an annual fee. That said, your average no annual fee card comes with cash back rewards. Categories usually cover popular everyday purchases, like gas and groceries, with a rewards rate of 3% or less for bonus categories. A few fee-free cards offer up to 5% cash back rewards on eligible purchases, though those tend to have rotating categories with earnings caps.

Cash back is a favorite of folks who don't want to fuss with trying to maximize rewards. Your cash rewards can be redeemed for statement credit or gift cards.

  1. One place no annual fee cards actually outdo most cards with a fee is in the introductory APR offer. Many premium rewards cards with big annual fees don't come with intro interest rate offers. Not only do many no annual fee cards come with at least 12 months of 0% intro APR on eligible purchases, but all of the longest introductory offers are from cards with no annual fee.

Should I get a credit card with no annual fee?

Deciding whether you need one of the best free credit cards or one with an annual fee depends on what you want out of your card. If you want big rewards and travel perks, you may need to accept paying an annual fee for a fancy travel credit card. However, if you don't travel enough or spend enough to make a card with a fee worthwhile, a no annual fee card could be just the ticket.

Here's a look at the basic pros and cons of the best no annual fee credit cards:

Pros

  • No upkeep fees
  • Purchase rewards
  • Great intro APR offers

Cons

  • Limited cardholder perks
  • Lower rewards rates

One other plus of having a card that doesn't cost anything to keep open is that you won't really have much reason to close it. Older credit accounts are good for your credit score, boosting your average account age. Open credit lines also boost your available credit, which helps keep your credit utilization low. Without a fee, you can leave old cards open indefinitely.

The Picks
Card Rating Great For
Graphic of Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Unlimited cash back
Graphic of Discover it® Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Bonus category cash back
Graphic of Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Flat rate cash back and balance transfers
Graphic of Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Customizing your cash back
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
Graphic of Chase Freedom Flex℠
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Cash back versatility with a big bonus
Graphic of Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Bonus and cash rewards
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
Graphic of Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Cash back
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
Graphic of Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Unlimited 3X points in certain categories
Graphic of Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Intro travel bonus offer
Graphic of Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Balance transfers
Graphic of Discover it® Balance Transfer
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Balance transfers and cash back
Graphic of U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Dining

FAQs

  • A no annual fee credit card is a credit card that doesn't charge an annual maintenance fee. It doesn't cost you anything to keep open. Conversely, credit cards with an annual fee charge an upkeep fee every year on your cardholder anniversary. Annual fees typically range from $29 at the low end up to $2,500 for luxury travel cards.

  • The best no fee credit cards have a lot to offer despite having no upkeep. The best no annual fee credit cards have competitive purchase rewards, useful cardholder benefits, and introductory 0% APR offers. You can even find welcome offers that offer bonus cash back or points.

    You'll need to consider what you really need out of your new card to determine which no annual fee card to select. If you're in the market for rewards, look for a card that offers a good rate on the types of purchases you make the most. If you need 15 months or more with a 0% intro APR, browse cards with special interest rate offers.

  • Annuals fees can be well worth paying. This is especially true when you can take advantage of all the rewards and perks that come with cards with fees. For example, if you travel regularly, it can be worth a few hundred dollars a year for extra rewards on travel purchases or perks like airport lounge access and elite hotel status.

    On the other hand, it's better to stick with no annual fee cards if you can't get enough value out of an annual fee card to make up the cost. Credit cards should be savings tools, not money pits.

Our Credit Cards Experts

Brittney Myers
By: Brittney Myers

Writer

Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. For the last 7 years, she has enjoyed the ability to share her expertise with readers, as well as the opportunity to interview companies and individuals making an impact on our financial lives. She wholly believe most problems can be solved with the right research -- and a good spreadsheet -- and she specializes in translating complex financial topics into actionable advice to help educate and empower readers.

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman

Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.