Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for May 2024

Premium credit cards with the best rewards often come with a hefty annual fee. While these fees can be worth paying in some cases, not everyone is willing to shell out for one of these cards. Maybe you wouldn’t use it enough to justify the annual fee, or perhaps your budget is tight. Whatever the reason, many people prefer a credit card that doesn’t charge them a fee every year.

Fortunately, there are still numerous options if you prefer a no-annual-fee credit card with great benefits. While even the best cards in this group may have lower rewards rates than annual-fee cards, they all provide sizable rewards in a fee-free package.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Why we like it:

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.

This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.

Product details:

• 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 Travel, 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 travel purchased through Chase Travel, 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 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 Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards: Summary

• Best for cash back on every purchase: Citi Double Cash® Card
• Best for automatic credit- limit increases: card_name
• Best for hotel rewards: card_name
• Best for entertainment: card_name
• Best for dining: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
• Best for Business spending: card_name
• Best for credit builders: card_name
• Best for fair credit: card_name
• Best for airline miles: American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard®
• Best for flat rate rewards: card_name
• Best for travel: card_name
• Best for flexible cash back: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Our recommendations for the best credit cards with no annual fee

Best for cash back on every purchase: Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

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Citi Double Cash® Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

$0

(Rates & Fees)

The Citi Double Cash® Card earns an unlimited 1% cash back when you spend and an additional 1% cash back when you make a payment. This makes it a solid choice for those who don’t want to have to remember different rates for different categories or opt in to quarterly categories. Generally, credit cards with those reward schemes have less than 2% cash back on non-bonus categories. But with the Citi Double Cash® Card, you get 2% back on every single purchase. You also get a balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration from other cards.

Why we like it: If you want a simple cash-back card with a high reward, few are better than the Citi Double Cash® Card. The ability to earn up to 2% cash back on every purchase with no annual fee is what really makes this card stand out.

Best for automatic credit limit increases: Mission Lane Visa

It can be tough to qualify for a credit card if your credit isn’t the best, especially if you want a card with no minimum security deposit. The Mission Lane Visa is a notable exception, allowing you to potentially qualify with a credit score of 629 or lower. The annual fee starts at $0, though it goes up to $59. While the initial credit limit can be low and the APR can be high, Mission Lane may automatically increase your credit limit with responsible credit use. Overall, this card can make credit more accessible for subprime borrowers.

Why we like it: It can be difficult to qualify for a credit card if you have poor or fair credit. If you do, you typically must put down a security deposit. The Mission Lane Visa removes this barrier. In addition, it allows you to pre-qualify so you can check your approval odds without further impacting your credit score.

Best for hotel rewards: card_name

Hilton Honors Card from American Express

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Hilton Honors Card from American Express

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

The card_name is a strong choice with its 7x points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. It also earns 5x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. It also earns 5x points on gas and groceries. In addition, you get complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status. There are foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees with the card_name. Plus, you get car rental loss and damage insurance and help from the Global Assist® Hotline if you have any problems while traveling.

Why we like it: If you prefer Hilton hotels but don’t like annual fees, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than this card. Silver might be the lowest Hilton Honors status, but this card can help you earn a higher status. And given the high reward rate, it’s a great choice for Hilton customers who want to start earning points.

Best for entertainment: card_name

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

The card_name has an incredible selection of rewards, especially for a card with annual_fees annual fee. These include 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats through 11/14/24; 8% cash back on purchases made through Capital One Entertainment; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; and 3% on dining, groceries, streaming services, and entertainment. There is also a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months.

Why we like it: For those who like to entertain (and be entertained), there’s little reason not to keep this card in your wallet. With no annual fee and a high reward rate on entertainment-focused categories, this card can help your dollars go a little bit further.

Best for dining: card_name

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

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

Credit score needed

Excellent

Regular APR

18.24% to 29.24%

Annual fees

$0

The card_name is perfect for dining out, as it earns 4% cash back on dining, takeout, and delivery. It also earns 2% cash back on gas, groceries, and EV charging. You also get a $15 annual streaming credit, which you can use toward popular streaming services. You can also bonus_miles_full. Lastly, there is a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on balance transfers and purchases.

Why we like it: This card has one of the best regular reward rates on dining, takeout, and delivery of any no-annual-fee card. If you frequently order out, this card should be high on your list of credit cards to consider.

Best for Business spending: card_name

Ink Business Cash® Card

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Ink Business Cash® Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Bonus rewards

bonus_miles

Why we like it:

The card_name is among the most powerful earners in the rewards credit card market. Its spending bonuses are generous, and its massive welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements should be reason enough to at least try the card out for a year or two.

If you have a small business operating on a shoestring budget, the card_name might be the perfect match. It earns 5% back on the first $25,000 in purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services every year. It also earns 2% back on the first $25,000 in purchases at gas stations and restaurants every year. This card also has the most valuable welcome bonus on this list at bonus_miles. You can earn bonus_miles_full. It also includes a 10% Business Relationship Bonus if you link the Ink Business Cash and a Chase business checking account. The 10% bonus is a one-time bonus award on all your eligible cash back in the first year—earn $3,000 and you’ll get $300.(Only cards opened between March and November 2024 qualify for this bonus.) Lastly, there is a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration from account opening on purchases.

Why we like it: The card_name has a high cash-back rate and a nice welcome bonus despite not charging an annual fee. If you’re a small business owner and want to give your finances a boost, this card is a no-brainer.

Best for credit builders: card_name

Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

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Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

The card_name is ideal for those just starting to build credit. For one, it doesn’t require a credit check. The only requirement is having received at least $200 in direct deposits from your employer or benefits payer within the past 365 days of your application. No minimum security deposit is required, though you must deposit money to increase your credit line. Chime also reports to all three major credit reporting bureaus. Lastly, there are no interest charges with this card.

Why we like it: Those with lower credit scores are often held down by costly interest charges, making it difficult to get ahead. This card does away with interest charges and still doesn’t require a security deposit.

Best for fair credit: card_name

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

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Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

The card_name was designed for those with fair credit. This card will automatically consider you for a credit line increase in as little as six months. In addition, Capital One will let you pre-qualify for this card, which won’t impact your credit score. However, this card doesn’t offer rewards, and the ongoing APR is high.

Why we like it: This card is an option for those with fair credit who want to improve their credit scores. It doesn’t require a security deposit, and you can qualify for a credit line increase. Although the variable APR is high, it can work well for credit builders since there is no annual fee.

Best for airline miles: card_name

American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard®

American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard®

Credit score needed

Good, Excellent

Regular APR

21.24% – 29.99% Variable

Annual fees

$0

Miles credit cards often carry an annual fee, but the card_name is a notable exception. With this card, you can earn a 10,000-mile bonus, plus a $50 statement credit after spending $500 in the first three months of account opening. You can also earn 2x miles for every dollar you spend on groceries and American Airlines purchases. Lastly, you can get 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card when flying American Airlines.

Why we like it: Airline credit cards often have annual fees, but this card manages a solid reward rate without charging an annual membership fee. Citi offers several American Airlines cards, but the others are more focused on premium flight benefits. For everyday purchases, the American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard® is Citi’s best AA card.

Best for flat rate rewards: card_name

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Why we like it:

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.

This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.

Product details:

• 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 Travel, 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 travel purchased through Chase Travel, 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 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 Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

The card_name is one of the best credit cards available, and it doesn’t require an annual fee. Its flagship perk is its unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. However, it also earns 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. To top it off, you can bonus_miles_full.

Why we like it: Many credit cards require you to choose between bonus category rewards and a flat-rate reward, but this card gives you some of each. You earn an elevated rate on all purchases, plus higher rates on things like dining and drugstore purchases. If you want the best of both worlds, this card is a strong choice.

Best for travel: card_name

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

If you’re looking for a general-purpose travel card with no annual fee, the card_name is tough to beat. It earns unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, plus unlimited 5 miles per dollar on travel booked through Capital One Travel. It also has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases. Finally, you can bonus_miles_full.

Why we like it: This card is a window into the travel-rewards world, earning a decent welcome bonus and a bonus reward rate on every purchase. It earns 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, a benefit you often see with more premium travel cards.

Best for flexible cash back: card_name

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Credit score needed

Excellent, Good

Regular APR

20.49% to 29.24% Variable

Annual fees

$0

After activation, the card_name earns 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. Bonus categories typically include grocery stores (not including Walmart and Target), gas stations, and select online merchants. It also earns 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% at restaurants (including takeout and delivery services), 3% at drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, you can bonus_miles_full.

Why we like it: Not paying an annual fee often means the reward potential will be low. That isn’t necessarily the case with the Chase Freedom Flex, as it has high reward rates in several common spending categories. It also comes with a welcome offer and a 5% cash-back rate on up to $12,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases for the first year.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards Comparison Chart

Our Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we chose the best credit cards across a wide variety of categories. This list culled the top picks in each category.

How to choose your $0 annual fee credit card

Choosing your $0 annual fee credit card depends on how you will use the card and what benefits you value. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Rewards: Look for a no-annual-fee card with a rewards structure that most closely aligns with your spending habits. For example, if you spend the most on groceries, a card earning a high rate on groceries is your best bet. Or, if you frequently travel, look for a card that prioritizes travel rewards.
• Introductory offers: Some $0 annual fee credit cards have excellent introductory offers. While their welcome bonuses aren’t as lucrative as the bonuses for premium cards, some still offer bonuses worth $200 or more. In addition, some have long periods with 0% APRs on purchases and balance transfers.
• Other benefits: Some $0 annual fee credit cards offer additional benefits such as rental car insurance, extended warranties, or cellphone insurance. These might be important to you, depending on your need.
• APR: In most cases, the credit cards on this list have a variable APR, so selecting one with the lowest APR may be difficult. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the APR for purchases and balance transfers; these can have a significant impact on your finances.
• Credit score requirements: Each credit card issuer has its own approval requirements, which may affect your approval odds. However, most credit cards on this list generally require at least good credit, so you may have to consider other cards if you have poor or no credit.

Also, remember that applying for a credit card can temporarily lower your credit score. Therefore, it’s best to carefully consider each credit card and whether it meets your needs before you apply.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is a no-annual-fee credit card worth it?

Deciding if a no-annual-fee credit card is worth it depends on your spending habits and personal finances. For instance, if you frequently spend a lot in areas where credit cards have high bonuses, a no-annual-fee credit card might be worth it. However, if you frequently carry a balance, the interest charges you will accrue may be more than the rewards you earn.

Can you—and how do you—get the annual fee waived in the first year for a regular credit card?

You might be able to get the annual fee waived for the first year for a credit card by simply asking the card issuer. You can pick up the phone and ask whether they would be willing to waive the fee. However, you might have more success if you have been a loyal customer for years and have been actively using their credit cards. Of course, that may not be something you can show if this is a new credit card company for you.

Fortunately, several great credit cards automatically waive the fee in the first year. Here are some of the top choices:

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Who should get a no-annual-fee credit card?

There are many scenarios in which you may want to get a no-annual-fee credit card. For example:

• Balance transfers: You have balances on other cards you want to consolidate and pay off with a 0% APR.
• Rewards: You frequently spend money in ways that align with the card’s best bonuses.
• Welcome bonuses: You have a big purchase coming up that will allow you to earn the welcome bonus.
• Other benefits: You want to take advantage of other card benefits, such as cell phone protection and roadside assistance.

These are just a few of the most common scenarios in which getting a no-annual-fee credit card could make sense. Remember that you ideally should use a credit card only if you can pay off the charges every month, allowing you to avoid interest charges.

No annual fee vs. annual fee credit card—what is the trade-off?

While no-annual-fee credit cards have the obvious benefit of not having a fee to pay every year, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best choice for everyone. Consider the following comparison:

While this shows some of the value of premium credit cards, it isn’t always easy to make a direct comparison. Some premium credit cards have welcome bonuses that can offset the annual fee on their own. However, cards in the premium category are often designed for travelers and provide annual travel credits of $200 to $300, further increasing their value.

Plus, premium credit cards often have a host of other benefits you don’t get with no-annual-fee cards. These include airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® credits, travel insurance, and hotel status. If you take full advantage of a premium credit card’s benefits, they can easily offset the annual fee. You must decide whether you will use the card enough to justify paying for it.

On the other hand, if you're not looking for premium rewards but are instead limited to paying annual fees under $100 for your credit card, there are still plenty of options available that provide valuable perks and rewards.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.