Credit Cards

10 Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee- Personalize Your Shopping Experience

Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
Written by Gabriel Wallace
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Credit cards are a great way to pay off emergency bills and can also help you buy assets like cars and houses. However, credit cards with high annual fees are not very useful when you are not a big spender. Hence, there are various credit card options available that can provide credit cards with no annual fee. These cards are a great way to personalize your shopping experience and can provide you with various rewards and cashback, which helps you increase the average age of your card and helps you finally improve your credit score if you have bad credit.

Credit Cards With no Annual Fee

You can avail of such credit cards with no annual fee whether you have bad or good credit. Therefore, before applying for such credit cards, it is always necessary to do your research and compare the best credit cards in the market in terms of APRs, interests, rewards, cashback, and fees. In this article, we have made a detailed overview of the 10 best no-annual-fee credit cards.

COMPARISON TABLE:

Credit Cards Quick Overview APR rate Annual fee Rewards & Bonuses Overall Rating
Chase Freedom Flex Best credit cards with no annual fee Overall no annual fee card 19.24% – 27.99% Variable $0 $2000 bonus 5/5
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Best flat rate credit card without an annual fee 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR $0 $200 cash rewards 3.5/5
Discover it cash back Best Potential for First-Year Earnings 16.24% – 27.24% Variable APR $0 Cashback match 3.5/5
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card Best for Potential Earnings 16.49% – 26.49% variable $0 N/A 3.9/5
Citi Custom Cash Card Best no annual fee credit cards for enhanced earning 18.49% – 28.49% (Variable) $0 $200 3.7/5
Jet Blue Card Best Low-Cost Airline Card 18.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% variable $0 10,000 bonus points 3.5/5
United Gateway Card Best No Annual Fee Airline Card 20.74% – 27.74% Variable $0 Earn 20, 000 bonus miles 4.5/5
U. S Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card Best no annual fee credit cards for Eating Out and Staying In 19.49% – 28.49% (Variable) $0 20,000 bonus points 3.4/5
Capital One Walmart Rewards Card Best credit cards with no annual fee for Shoppers 17.99% – 28.99% variable $0 5% cash back for the first 12 months 3.5/5
Hilton Honors American Express Card Best no annual fee credit cards for travel 20.24%-29.24% Variable $0 Earn 80, 000 points 3.5/5

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Let’s look at a few popular credit card options where no annual fee is applied; so you can make up your mind about the one that is best suited for your specific requirements!

1. Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex

Consider a dynamic reward class card such as the Chase Freedom Flex if you are looking to optimize your benefits. When you activate these credit cards with no annual fee, it offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in aggregate bonus category purchases per quarter, followed by 1%. 

You might earn 5% reward points on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Benefits portal, 3% cash back on food at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% cash back on all other transactions in addition to the rotating rewards.

Benefits from the World Elite Mastercard include cell phone insurance and Fandango credits. Additionally, the Freedom Flex credit cards with no annual fee offer an attractive 0% initial APR on purchases made and balance transfers for the first 15 months (after which, a variable 19.24% – 27.99% APR will apply). On transactions conducted within sixty days of initial registration, there is an introductory account transfer fee of $5 or 3% of each transfer value, whichever is higher. Following that, it’s $5 or 5% of each transfer value, whichever is bigger. This is the best cash back credit cards no annual fee.

Features

  • Pay $500 on purchases within the first three months of creating your account to receive a $200 Bonus.
  • Each quarter you activate, you’ll receive 5% reward points on up to $1,500 in aggregate purchases in bonus areas. every quarter, enjoy new 5% categories.
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards, their top rewards program that allows you to exchange points for money back, travel, gift cards, and more, offers 5% cash back on all travel purchases.
  • You can get 3% cash back at pharmacies and restaurants, including delivery services and takeout, and an unlimited 1% cash back on all other transactions.
  • No minimum fee is required to redeem cash back. 
  • 0% Intro APR on transactions and balance transfers for 15 months after account establishment, followed by a variable APR ranging from 19.24% to 27.99%.
  • No yearly charge. All the wonderful features on your card are free; there is no annual cost.
  • Monitor the state of your credit with free access, Chase Credit Journey enables you to keep an eye on your credit.

Pros

  • No yearly charge for annual free credit cards.
  • When active, changing monthly categories earn 5% rewards, up to a combined quarterly cap of $1,500.
  • Its travel rewards rate is comparable to some of the top premium travel cards.
  • Numerous additional categories rank generous rewards highly.

Cons

  • In order to receive the 5% cashback, the booking should be always made through the Chase Ultimate reward.
  • On foreign transactions, a 3% fee is charged.

2. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

This is one of the best no annual fee credit cards. Wells Fargo Active Cash has no yearly fee and gives an indefinite 2% cashback rate on purchases. This puts it up against the top plain cash-back cards currently available. There are no categories to know or keep track of, and cash rewards are available as long as your bank is open. With Visa Signature Concierge, take advantage of a premium range of advantages at some of the most fascinating and prominent hotel establishments in the world.

When you use a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card to pay your regular cell phone bill, you’ll receive up to $600 in damage or theft protection for your phone. After making $1,000 in purchases within the first three months, receive a $200 cashback bonus. You can earn 2% cashback without any limit. It also serves as a gas card for your fuel purchases.

Features

  • When you spend $1,000 in shopping within the first three months, you’ll receive 20,000 bonus points, which are worth $200 in cash.
  • Receive unrestricted 3X points on purchases made at restaurants, travel agencies, gas stations, public transportation, well-known streaming services, and wireless service providers. Receive 1X points on additional purchases as well.
  •  These are credit cards with no annual fee.
  • There are no categories to know or keep track of, and cash rewards are valid as long as your registration is open.
  • With Visa Signature Concierge, take advantage of a premium range of advantages at some of the most fascinating and prominent hotel establishments in the world.
  • When you use an eligible Wells Fargo card to pay your regular cell phone bill, you’ll receive up to $600 in damage or theft protection for your phone.

Pros

  • You can get unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
  • You can get the benefit of cell phone protection.
  • There is a $0 annual fee.

Cons

  • There is a cost for balance transfers.
  • A cash advance fee is charged.
  • No transportation partners.

3. Discover It Cashback

Discover It Cashback

This no annual fee credit card with rewards can yield handsome rewards outside of its constant 1% earning rate for medium purchases who really are eager to use the 5% rotational categories and monitor the quarterly spending cap. Match your Cashback with no Limits only from Discover. 

At the completion of your first year, Discover will automatically double all the cash back you’ve earned. There is no minimum or maximum prize amount. Earn an additional monthly 5% maximum cashback when purchasing at various locations every quarter, including Amazon.com, supermarkets, dining establishments, and gas stations. 

Also, automatically receive limitless 1% money back on any other purchases. Your personal information can be deleted by Discover from some people-search websites. Free activation with a smartphone app. Get a 15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases through the best credit cards with no annual fee. Then, dependent on credit eligibility, a Components To ensure Purchase APR of 16.24% to 27.24% is applicable. There is no yearly charge.

Features

  • There are no annual fee credit cards for bad credit.
  • There is no minimum or maximum prize amount. Earn an additional monthly 5% maximum cashback when purchasing at various locations every quarter, including Amazon.com, supermarkets, dining establishments, and gas stations.
  • You can automatically receive 1% cashback on any purchase.
  • You can remove your personal information from the Discover website.
  • There are 15 months of 0% APR fee.

Pros

  • These credit cards with no annual fee provide 5% cashback rewards on alternating quarterly spending categories all year long (activation required).
  • When your first year at Discover is over, they will automatically double all the cash back you’ve earned.
  • There is no minimum cashback redemption.

Cons

  • Each quarter, you must enroll in order to enjoy the purchasing segment incentives.
  • The 5 % cash back has a quarterly spending limit.

4. Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card

Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card

You can receive up to $250,000 in travel accident insurance when you use your Alliant Signature card to pay for your trip. On $10,000 in purchases each billing period with qualified accounts, usually earn 2.5% reward points with no categories to track. Also, earn 5% on all other purchases. A minimum of $25 must be spent each time you redeem your cash back.

Your Alliant credit card no annual fee offers you the option of receiving cash back as a credit to your credit card statement or as a deposit into your Alliant checking or savings account. It’s difficult to surpass the 2.5% interest on the Alliant card if you consistently rack up your monthly balance. The absence of a welcome bonus is another drawback. It is recommended to have an excellent credit score before applying for this card.

Features

  • A minimum of $25 must be spent on each redemption transaction to receive cash back.
  • You have the option of receiving cash back on your Alliant credit card as a transfer into your Alliant checking or savings account or as a credit on your credit card statement.
  • Personal Identification Theft Protection up to $5,000 for paid costs of identity restoration.
  • When you use your Alliant Signature card to pay for your trip, you’ll get $250,000 in travel accident insurance.
  • Earn up to 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 in purchases per billing cycle with qualified accounts, with no categories to maintain. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.

Pros

  • Absence of foreign transaction fees.
  • You can get ample lines of credit on these credit cards with no annual fee.
  • Relatively close 2.5% cash back rate (later 1.5%) on monthly purchases up to $10,000 for qualified accounts.

Cons

  • No introductory APR offer.
  • There is no welcome bonus.
  • A minimum daily balance and companion checking account is required to receive the highest rate.

5. Citi Custom Cash Card

Citi Custom Cash Card

For those who want to optimize cash-back benefits without worrying about activating or choosing bonus categories, Citi Custom Cash is a fantastic choice for credit cards with no annual fee. Each billing cycle, get 5% money back on transactions in your top qualified spend category, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Earn 1% cash back on all additional purchases indefinitely. There are no rotating bonus categories to register because of your earnings. 

There is no yearly charge. Per person, Citi would only offer one Citi Custom Cash Card account. If you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of opening your account you can receive $200 in cash back. For 15 months, purchases and balance transfers have a 0% intro APR. After that, depending on your creditworthiness, the variable APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49%.

Features

  • There is no yearly fee for this credit card no annual fee.
  • For 15 months, there is a 0% intro APR on purchases and debt transfers.
  • You can earn 1% cash back on any purchases without any limit.
  • Receive $200 cashback after spending $1500 within six months.
  • It provides one city cash account to one person.

Pros

  • No registration is necessary to receive bonuses.
  • Other cards might not give bonus points for initial APR on transactions and debt transfers in the cash-back categories because they are distinct categories.
  • No yearly charge.

Cons

  • High transfer fees for balances.
  • There are substantial foreign transaction fees.

6. JetBlue Card

JetBlue Card

For JetBlue customers who only sometimes fly the airline, the JetBlue cards are credit cards with no annual fee. These are great ways to sign up and begin earning points for flights. The JetBlue Plus Card is worthwhile for you to pay the annual fee if you fly more often and would value a number of benefits. 

There are no dates of blackout on JetBlue-operated flights, and you can redeem any seat, at any time. Based on the advertised minimum fare at the time of booking, the number of points needed for an awarded flight will vary. Awarded points in your TrueBlue account never expire.

On flights operated by JetBlue, you can save 50% off eligible in-flight purchases like food and drinks by pooling your points. There are no fees on foreign transactions.

Features

  • There are no blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights, and you can redeem any seat, at any time. Based on the advertised minimum fare at the time of booking, the number of points needed for an awarded flight will vary. Awarded points in your TrueBlue account never expire.
  • On flights operated by JetBlue, you can save 50% off eligible in-flight purchases like food and drinks by pooling your points.
  • Absence of foreign transaction fees for this credit card no annual fee.
  • Chip technology and protection against $0 fraud liability.
  • You can earn up to 10,000 bonus points after spending $1000 on a purchase.

Pros

  • There are no blackout dates for these credit cards.
  • Earn miles that are limitless and never expire.
  • There is no international transaction fee.

Cons

  • Few alternatives for redemption.
  • Regular APR is high.

7. United Gateway Card

United Gateway Card

Casual travelers who really are committed to United will find value in United’s sole credit cards with no annual fee thanks to its straightforward and decent rewards rates and Visa Signature privileges accumulate 20,000 bonus miles. There is no yearly charge. Earn two miles for every dollar you spend at gas stations, on United products, and on local transportation and commutes. 

You can also earn miles for every $1 spent on purchases from this card. When using your Gateway Card to make purchases on United-operated flights, you’ll receive 25% back as a cashback reward on purchases of food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and Club premium drinks. You are then immediately registered in DashPass at the then-current monthly rate.

Features

  • There are no annual fee credit cards for bad credit.
  • When using your Gateway Card to make purchases on United-operated flights, you’ll receive 25% back as cashback rewards on purchases of food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and Club premium drinks.
  • You can also earn miles for every $1 spent on purchases from this card.
  • You will be rewarded with two miles for every dollar you spend at gas stations, United products, and local transportation.
  • You are immediately registered in DashPass at the then-current monthly rate.

Pros

  • Enjoy increased United award travel options and earn 2 miles on items purchased with Union, at gas stations, and on public transit.
  • There is no international transaction fee for this credit card no annual fee.
  • No yearly charge.

Cons

  • Only get one mile for every dollar spent on non-bonus items.
  • No complimentary checked bags or priority boarding.

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

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card

You might take off immediately with the Altitude Go best credit cards with no annual fee because of its industry-leading earnings on meals and lack of foreign transaction fees. You can spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 90 days after opening your account to receive 20,000 bonus points.

There is a $200 value that can be used for traveling, gift cards, cashback, goods, and more. On dining out, delivery from restaurants, and takeout, everybody earns 4X points. For the first 12 billing cycles, there is a 0% Introductory APR on purchases and debt transfers.

After that, a variable APR that is currently between 19.49% and 28.49%, takes effect. These are credit cards with no annual fee and there are no expiration dates on points.

Features

  • These are no annual fee credit cards for bad credit.
  • There is a variable APR rate between 19.49% and 28.49%.
  • There are no expiry dates for reward points.
  • You can earn bonus points up to 20,000 on spending $1000 within the first 90 days.

Pros

  • There is no international transaction fee.
  • Non-punitive APR is implemented.
  • The rewards rates on a card without an annual fee are exceptionally high.
  • Annual discount on qualified streaming services.

Cons

  • Charges are applicable for balance transfers.
  • No additional reward tier for spending on entertainment.

9. Capital One Walmart Rewards Card

Capital One Walmart Rewards Card

For individuals who frequently purchase at Walmart, particularly online, this card gives fantastic benefits. If you use your Capital One Walmart Rewards card in Walmart shops for the first 12 months, you will receive 5% cashback. 

There is no yearly charge. You will get 5% off anything at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app, including grocery delivery and pickup, when you use Walmart’s best credit cards with no annual fee.

You will face zero culpability for fraud if your credit is ever stolen or misplaced and you also won’t be liable for any unauthorized purchases. Using the Capital One Mobile app, you may lock or unlock your card, pay bills, and receive real-time purchase notifications.

Features

  • These are no annual fee credit cards for bad credit.
  • You can get 5% cashback by using this card for Walmart shopping.
  • There is a 5% off in grocery shopping and on the Walmart app.
  • You can get 2% cash back on restaurants and travel.
  • For the first 12 months, get 5% cash back at Walmart shops.
  • Using the Capital One Mobile app, you may lock or unlock your card, pay bills, and receive real-time purchase notifications.

Pros

  • By using Walmart.com, you can get a cashback of 5%.
  • 2% cash back on dining and travel.
  • There are no yearly or foreign transaction fees.

Cons

  • A minimum payout rate of 1% might be preferable.
  • Depending on creditworthiness, a high to very high APR is levied.

10. Hilton Honors American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

The American Express Hilton Honors Card gives you access to the Hilton world credit card no annual fee. However, if you frequently stay at Hilton hotels, you may choose one of the more expensive co-branded Hilton cards provided by American Express. There are no fees for foreign transactions. You can travel the world without paying extra for purchases made overseas.

With your Card, you get premium Hilton Honors Silver status. Additionally, you can advance to Hilton Honors Gold status by the end of the next calendar year by making $20,000 of eligible purchases with your card within the year. There is no yearly fee.

Features

  • There is no yearly fee.
  • You can travel the world without paying extra for purchases made overseas.
  • There are no fees for foreign transactions.
  • After spending $1,000 in purchases with your card within three months of membership, earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points.

Pros

  • High rates for point earnings.
  • Generous introductory bonuses.
  • There are no yearly or foreign transaction fees.
  • There are no blackout dates.

Cons

  • Low-value redemption for points.
  • Low rate of transfers to airline partners.

What Does No Annual Fee Credit Card Mean?

If you’re looking for a credit card, you’ve definitely seen that some cards have annual fees but offer valuable points and privileges in exchange. Having a credit card, earning points, and taking advantage of benefits, are all possible with a no-annual-fee credit card, which does not impose the customary annual fee. In many circumstances, credit cards with no annual fee will still provide you with the same long-term value, including benefits and rewards.

Who Should Obtain a Credit Card With No Annual Fee?

Cards that have no annual fee credit cards for bad credit may be the best option for you if you’re new to the world of credit cards and need to gain more knowledge. You won’t need to worry about planning how to use the card’s advantages to offset the yearly cost.

  • Some cards without an annual charge provide introductory APRs of 0% on purchases, balance transfers, or both. These cards can offer a brief period of interest-free time for making a sizable purchase or transferring a balance from another credit account.
  • Those with premium credit cards could discover that adding a carefully selected no-annual-fee card is worthwhile. Combinations of credit cards, such as combining a premium travel card with a regular cash-back card, can complete your credit portfolio.
  • It’s simpler to create a budget without having to include an annual credit card fee, which can be a relief for anyone trying to establish or repair credit. There are numerous credit cards without annual fees that are made for those with poor or no credit histories.

How to Choose the Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee?

  • It’s crucial to remember that different cards could provide different reward rates. Other cards might also provide special prizes that are unique to each card. One credit card no annual fee might solely provide cash-back benefits, whilst another might provide travel miles and points. Always be clear about the perks and benefits you hope to receive from your card.
  • Knowing your spending patterns can help you choose the no-annual-fee credit card that will work best for you. For purchases in particular categories, several cards provide increased reward rates. You can therefore choose the card that offers you the best value for your money by understanding which of these areas you spend the most on.
  • It’s crucial to remember that different cards could provide different reward rates. Other cards might also provide special prizes that are unique to each card. One credit card might solely provide cash-back benefits, whilst another might provide travel miles and points. Always be clear about the perks and benefits you hope to receive from your card.

Are Credit Cards with Annual Fee Beneficial?

Whether a credit card is beneficial to you or not totally depends on your usage of the card. Often, credit cards that have annual fees carry more perks, rewards, benefits, and travel bonuses. However, if you are not a great user then all these rewards become an additional expense. 

Consider a scenario where you travel frequently. In such a situation, upgrading your credit cards can be really beneficial as it carries extra perks and benefits and travel insurance which are more than enough to justify your cost. But, there is a catch if you carefully notice the miles accrued from travel, you’ll notice after deducting the annual charge, the VentureOne card leaves you with $150 while the Venture card only leaves you with $55.

How to Pick the Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards?

Now that you are equipped with quite a bit of knowledge about the best no annual fee credit cards options, don’t forget to keep the following things in mind while you make your decision:

  • Knowing your spending patterns can help you choose the no-annual-fee credit card that will work best for you. For purchases in particular categories, several cards provide increased reward rates. You can consequently choose the card that offers you the best value for your money by knowing which of these areas you spend the most on.
  • It is really crucial to remember that different cards could provide different reward rates. Other cards might also provide particular prizes that are unique to each card. One credit card might solely provide cash-back benefits, whilst another might provide travel miles and points. Always be clear about the perks and benefits you hope to receive from your item, in this case, your credit card has no annual fee.
  • Remember that cards with annual fees typically have more benefits. Sticking with a card without that additional cost can be your best option if you’re still uneasy about the thought of a yearly fee or you just feel that the incentives offered by a no-annual-fee card match your lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Do some credit cards have no annual fee?

Yes, absolutely many credit cards with no annual fee provide many rewards and cashback and are great ways to cover your extra bills at the end of the year.

Some of the best no-annual-fee credit cards are

  • Chase Freedom Flex
  • Wells Fargo active Cash Card
  • Discover it Cash Card
  • Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature Credit Card

2. Is it better to have no annual fee?

A card without an annual charge can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses while still offering tons of value in the form of enticing sign-up incentives, supplementary perks, and rewards programs. Some free annual charge credit cards are more concerned with assisting you in transferring debt with high-interest rates than they are with earning rewards.

3. What does it mean when a credit card has no annual fee?

A credit card with “no annual fee” doesn’t impose a yearly cost just to make the card available to you. Despite the fact that many of these credit cards have no annual charge, they provide substantial rewards, such as cashback or miles gained on transactions.

4. Should you opt for credit cards with no annual fee?

Credit cards with no annual fee are great options when you are not a great spender. Tough credit cards have various benefits as they come with higher cash backs, higher rewards, bonuses, and offers, but will ultimately increase your bills at the end of the year.

If you do not want that then you should definitely go for credit cards with no annual fees, as they are great ways to save your money at the end of the year and also would provide you with great rewards and offers too. Despite that, you should do your research before applying for such credit cards and look out for the best options for you.

5. Which are the best no-annual-fee credit cards?

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is the finest credit card with no annual fee and cheap interest rates since it provides an initial purchase APR of 0% for 15 months from the account creation, a $0 annual fee, and excellent rewards. Account holders receive 2% cash back on every transaction. For the most part, acceptance requires at least excellent credit for applicants.

About Post Author

Gabriel Wallace

Gabriel Wallace is a financial analyst and senior consultant at City Hall News. He has more than 10 years of experience in the field and provides critical insights on the latest loan, credit card, and other financial services offerings. He holds a master’s degree in economics from Stanford University and has worked as an advisor for several banks. His expertise in market analysis and financial strategy has made him a go-to resource when it comes to determining the best deals for customers who are looking for products that fit their needs. His ability to analyze financial information quickly and provide clear guidance makes him invaluable to City Hall News’ readership.
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About the author

Gabriel Wallace

Gabriel Wallace is a financial analyst and senior consultant at City Hall News. He has more than 10 years of experience in the field and provides critical insights on the latest loan, credit card, and other financial services offerings. He holds a master’s degree in economics from Stanford University and has worked as an advisor for several banks. His expertise in market analysis and financial strategy has made him a go-to resource when it comes to determining the best deals for customers who are looking for products that fit their needs. His ability to analyze financial information quickly and provide clear guidance makes him invaluable to City Hall News’ readership.

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