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Best no-annual-fee card for travel and everyday
Welcome offer Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards rate Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (includes takeout and eligible delivery service)1.5% on all other purchases
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (includes takeout and eligible delivery service)
Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is an all-around great cash-back card that's also a smart choice for travel. At a minimum, you'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase — but you'll earn even more in select rewards categories, including 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠. When you're ready to redeem rewards, you can also use them to book travel with Chase Travel or even combine rewards with another Chase card for a potential travel redemption boost.
For new cardholders, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a valuable welcome bonus and a 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers. Long-term, you'll also get the security of useful Chase purchase protection and travel insurance benefits.
Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review
Introductory Purchases APR 0% intro on purchases for 21 billing cycles
Ongoing Purchases APR 16.99% - 27.99% Variable
Introductory Balance Transfer APR 0% intro on balance transfers for 21 billing cycles
Ongoing Balance Transfer APR 16.99% - 27.99% Variable
Rewards rate 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center
Benefits Lengthy intro APR can help you pay off large purchases or credit card balances$20 annual statement credit when you make 11 consecutive months of purchases Terms & conditions apply
Lengthy intro APR can help you pay off large purchases or credit card balances
$20 annual statement credit when you make 11 consecutive months of purchases
Why we like it: The U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card is our pick for 0% APR because it has one of the longest intro periods you'll find today — whether you want to use your 0% APR for a large purchase or to pay down debt with a balance transfer.
There are also a few benefits to enjoy with this card, including 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center and an annual $20 statement credit after you make purchases for 11 consecutive months. However, the U.S. Bank Shield Visa is primarily a great tool for its long-lasting 0% APR period.
Best no-annual-fee card for grocery rewards
Welcome offer Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards rate 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)1% cash back on all other purchases
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
Why we like it: The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card packs a ton of rewards for no annual fee. We think it's great for grocery shopping, with unlimited 3% rewards at grocery stores. But you'll earn the same rate on even more items in your regular budget, including dining at restaurants, entertainment spending, and popular streaming services.
You can also earn 5% rewards on travel when you make eligible bookings (hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars) through Capital One Travel. Plus, earn a great welcome bonus with a relatively low spending requirement and take advantage of an introductory 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers.
Read our full Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card review.
Best no-annual-fee credit card for cash back
Welcome offer Earn as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at amazon.com checkout)
Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 15 months
Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable
Ongoing Balance Transfer APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards rate 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)1% cash back on all other purchasesCash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout
Benefits Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfersGet up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)
Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)
Why we like it: The Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card is one of our favorite cash-back cards today with or without an annual fee. Its rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations can help you maximize the purchases in your monthly budget, and rewards on U.S. online retail purchases can help you make the most of purchases (whether essentials or splurges) from your favorite online stores.
If you're able to max out the $6,000 spending cap on 3% rewards in each of these categories, you could get $540 in annual cash back. That's a great return for no annual fee. In addition to rewards, this card has a solid welcome bonus and an intro 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers.
Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Best no-annual-fee card for small business owners
Welcome offer Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after spending $8,000 in the first 4 months
Introductory Purchases APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Ongoing Purchases APR 16.74% - 24.74% Variable
Rewards rate 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending on dining and gas each account anniversary year1% cash back on all other purchases
5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year
2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending on dining and gas each account anniversary year
Benefits Get automatically checked for a credit line increase every 6 months or soonerSet individual spending limits on employee cards and earn rewards even fasterComplimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership
Get automatically checked for a credit line increase every 6 months or sooner
Set individual spending limits on employee cards and earn rewards even faster
Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership
Why we like it: For a no-annual-fee card, the Ink Business Cash can hold a lot of value for small business owners. To start, it has a large welcome bonus compared to other no-fee business cards and an introductory 0% APR offer for new purchases.
Long-term, the Ink Business Cash offers plenty of rewards to maximize everyday spending. Just make sure to watch out for spending limits; the 5% cash back you'll get at office supply stores and on cable, internet, and phone services applies only to the first $25,000 you spend each anniversary year. You'll find the same $25,000 annual limit on 2% rewards at gas stations and restaurants. If your combined spending across these categories is much higher than $50,000 per year, you may want to consider a card with no limit, even if the rewards rate is lower.
Read our full Ink Business Cash Credit Card review.
Welcome offer Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, with no minimum spending requirement or maximum rewards cap
Introductory APR 0% intro APR on new purchases for the first 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months from date of first transfer (issuer's standard variable APR applies after that)
Purchase APR See issuer site for current APR
Rewards rate 5% cash back in rotating categories (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more) up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%1% on all other purchases
5% cash back in rotating categories (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more) up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%
Benefits Unlimited match of all the cash back you earn your first yearNo annual fee
Unlimited match of all the cash back you earn your first year
Why we like it: The Discover it Student Cash Back Card offers a valuable combination of rewards and credit-building opportunities for students without a credit history. You don't need a credit score to apply, and you can build credit over time by paying your balances on time each month.
The rewards you earn rotate each quarter, but are focused across everyday categories like Amazon.com, streaming services, grocery stores, and more. And with its great sign-up bonus, this card can be even more valuable for new cardholders. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all of the cash back you've earned with your Discover it Student card — so if you earn $200 cash back throughout the year, you'll get an additional $200 in bonus cash back.
Read our full Discover it Student Cash Back review.
Best no-annual-fee card for building credit
Rewards rate For a limited time: 3% cash back on dining on up to $6,000 spent in the first 6 months1.5% cash back on all other purchases
For a limited time: 3% cash back on dining on up to $6,000 spent in the first 6 months
Benefits Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account (and remain enrolled for at least 90 days)A total balance of at least $250 in Chase checking or savings accounts can increase your chances of approvalTrack your credit score with Chase Credit Journey
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account (and remain enrolled for at least 90 days)
A total balance of at least $250 in Chase checking or savings accounts can increase your chances of approval
Track your credit score with Chase Credit Journey
Why we like it: Chase Freedom Rise is a solid rewards card that can help you build credit and establish habits that will help you maintain a great score long-term. You can increase your chances of getting approved for the card if you have a Chase checking or savings account with at least a $250 balance, and you'll get a $25 statement credit when you set up automatic payments within the first three months of account opening. You must also keep those automatic payments on for at least 90 days, which can help you get in the habit of paying on time and keeping enough money in your bank account to cover your payment.
There are no rewards categories to keep up with, since this card earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase. And over time, Chase will evaluate your account to determine if you're eligible to upgrade to a Chase Freedom Unlimited® card and earn even more rewards.
Read our full Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review
Read more about Chase Freedom Flex quarterly categories
Read our full Discover it Cash Back Credit Card review
Read our full Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review
Read our full American Express Blue Business Cash Card review
How does a no-annual-fee credit card work?
Many credit card companies charge annual fees, which act like a yearly membership cost for cardholders. By paying the fee, you get to take advantage of a card's benefits, such as building credit or earning rewards.
A no-annual-fee card doesn't charge a yearly membership cost. That means you can use the card and its benefits without worrying about an annual expense. You may still take on other costs, such as interest charges, late payment fees, or balance transfer fees — but these are often avoidable.
No-annual-fee cards tend to come with fewer perks than cards with annual fees. However, there's still plenty of value to gain from using these cards through rewards, 0% introductory APR offers on purchases and balance transfers, and other benefits.
What to look for in a no-annual-fee credit card
There are several different types of no-annual-fee credit cards; knowing how you want to use your new card can help you determine what to look for.
Many no-annual-fee cards are designed to help you build credit. These cards may offer rewards, but it's more important to look for whether you can qualify for the card and if your issuer reports to the credit bureaus. This regular reporting will help you establish credit and increase your score with regular payments over time.
If you already have good credit, two common perks you'll find from many no-annual-fee cards are cash-back rewards and 0% APR offers. Even though you don't have to worry about making up an annual fee cost, you should still make sure your no-annual-fee card will help you maximize your spending. Look for rewards categories that fit your current budget and an intro period that's long enough for your goals.
Pros and cons of no-annual-fee credit cards
Easier approval odds compared to some premium credit cards
Easier approval odds compared to some premium credit cards
Lower welcome bonus spending requirements
Lower welcome bonus spending requirements
Other fees (late fees, APR, penalties, etc.) still apply
Other fees (late fees, APR, penalties, etc.) still apply
Should I open a no-annual-fee credit card?
We recommend no-annual-fee credit cards to anyone who wants a low-cost way to earn rewards, use 0% intro APR offers, and improve their credit score. You can hold onto these cards for a long time, possibly forever, because there's no cardmember cost, and it can help your credit history.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for no-annual-fee credit cards
Who has the best credit card with no annual fee?
Here are some of the best no-annual-fee cards from major credit card issuers:
American Express: Amex Blue Cash Everyday
American Express: Amex Blue Cash Everyday
Capital One: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Capital One: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Do all business credit cards have an annual fee?
No, not all business credit cards have an annual fee. These are some of the best business credit cards with no annual fee:
American Express Blue Business Cash® Card
American Express Blue Business Cash® Card
Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo
Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
What no-annual-fee credit card should I consider getting?
These are the best credit cards with no annual fee:
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for cash back
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for cash back
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best travel and everyday
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best travel and everyday
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card: Best for 0% APR
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card: Best for 0% APR
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for grocery rewards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for grocery rewards
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for small business owners
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for small business owners
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for students
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for students
Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card: Best for building credit
Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card: Best for building credit
Our list of the best no-annual-fee credit cards is based on our overall credit card ratings across various card categories.
We begin by compiling lists of relevant cards from major issuers and developing specific rubrics for each category. Categories include cash back, rewards, business, 0% APR, balance transfer, student, travel, and more. Our rubrics use a weighted rating system tailored to each card type evaluating details like annual fee, rewards rate, benefits, fees, welcome offer, ongoing APR, and more.
The cards included in the list above are no annual fee options with the highest ratings in their respective categories and the backing of our personal opinions (based on our experience and expertise).
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
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