12 best no annual fee credit cards of September 2024
The best no-annual-fee credit cards offer cash back, travel credits and other perks — and can be a great way to maximize your rewards while minimizing costs. And since there’s no shortage of quality cards to choose from, you might even find that having more than one cash-back card will offer you even more opportunities to earn rewards that you can redeem as you see fit.
TPG editors have curated this list of top picks that feature cards with generous rates of cash back across multiple categories like dining, entertainment, office supplies and more. Here are the best no-annual-fee credit cards from our partners.
- Ink Business Unlimited? Credit Card: Best for freelancers
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for airline transfer partners
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for beginner cash back
- The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for Best no annual fee Amex card
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
- Wells Fargo Autograph? Card: Best for Quality perks for no annual fee
- Bank of America? Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for customizable rewards structure
- Chase Freedom Unlimited?: Best for flexible cash rewards
- Bilt Mastercard?: Best for renters
- Chase Freedom Flex?: Best for rotating bonus categories
- Bank of America? Travel Rewards credit card: Best for existing Bank of America customers
- Ink Business Cash? Credit Card: Best for office supplies
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business |
The Ink Business Unlimited’ s sign-up bonus gives you a generous $900 cash back spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening plus unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase. It fills in rewards gaps not covered by the Ink Business Cash? Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card. You can maximize this card by pairing it with cards including the Chase Sapphire Reserve?, the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card and the Ink Business Preferred. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- A generous sign-up bonus
Cons
- High spend to receive sign-up bonus
- No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 1.25 Miles | 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple earning structure on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase. Read our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Simple earning structure
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Lack of bonus categories can limit earning potential
- Airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
| 5% | Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply |
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day |
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a decent option for those in need of a straightforward cash back card. However, there are other options that offer more flexibility to redeem your rewards. Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Unlimited cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cash back doesn't expire
- Simple earning structure
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits
- Lack of bonus categories can limit earning potential
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards? points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners |
| 1X | 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter |
The Blue Business Plus is a great card for small business owners who want to earn lucrative Membership Rewards points on everyday business spending. It was created specifically for sole proprietorships and start-ups with limited revenue who would appreciate a card with an introductory interest rate and expanded buying power. Read our full review of the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Earn Membership Rewards points; transfer points to a range of travel partners
Cons
- 2 points per dollar spent capped at $50,000 a calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter)
- No higher bonus categories for business-related spending
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards? points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
| 8% | 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 5% | 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart? and Target?) |
| 1% | 1% Cash Back on all other purchases |
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great cash back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Unlimited bonus cash back
- Wide range of bonus categories
- Long period for introductory 0% APR
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Small sign-up bonus
- Low cash-back on non-bonus earning categories
- Bonus rates on travel only apply through Capital One Travel
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart? and Target?), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
| 3X | Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on other purchases |
The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here.
Pros
- This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee
- Enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible)
Cons
- Doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits
- Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. 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.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature? Concierge.
| 3% | Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). |
| 2% | Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). |
| 1% | Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases. |
While many credit cards offer bonus points for set categories, the Bank of America Customized Cash lets you maximize your spending based on your lifestyle. You get to choose 3% cash back in the category of your choice each calendar month — from gas and EV charging stations, online shopping (including cable, streaming, internet, and phone services), dining, home improvements and more — then 2% back on groceries and wholesale clubs (for the first $2,500 combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on everything else. Read our full review of the Bank of American Customized Cash card.
Pros
- Customized bonus category
- Sign-up bonus
- Long period for introductory 0% APR
Cons
- Cap on bonus earning rate
- Foreign transaction fees
- $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.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America 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 cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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.
| 5% | Enjoy 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. |
| 3% | 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. |
| 1.5% | 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a surprisingly powerful card that earns cash back on every purchase. However, it doubles in potential value if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Pros
- Multiple bonus categories
- Incredible value when paired with a premium Chase card
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits
- Foreign transaction fees
- 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
| 3X Points | 3x points on dining |
| 2X Points | 2x points on travel |
| 1X Points | 1x points on other purchases |
| 1X Points | Earn 1x points on rent without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points in a calendar year. When you use the card 5 times each statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases. |
The Bilt Rewards Mastercard is a credit card that allows renters to earn one point per dollar on their rent payments, without incurring transaction fees. In addition, you can earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel (must make five transactions per statement period to earn points). Bilt Rewards points are transferable points and can be transferred to 14 airline partners and three hotel partners. Despite having no annual fee, the Bilt Rewards card features great travel and dining benefits like Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and World Elite Mastercard Concierge Service. Read more about the Bilt Rewards card here.
Pros
- Earn points on rent with no transaction fees
- Multiple bonus categories
- Transfer points to multiple travel partners
- Variety of travel benefits
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Must make five purchases per statement period to earn points
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining
- Earn 2x points on travel
- Earn 1x points on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 10,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statements, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- Rates & Fees. Rewards & Benefits.
| 5% | 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% | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel?. |
| 3% | 3% cash back on dining and drugstores. |
| 1% | 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through Chase Travel?. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards, a welcoming sign-up bonus and no annual fee to worry about. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Pros
- Rotating cash-back categories
- High bonus earning rate
- Cellphone protection
Cons
- Bonus rate must be activated each quarter
- Foreign transaction fees
- 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 Travel℠, 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 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 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.
- Member FDIC
| 1.5X | 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 as long as your account remains open. |
If you’re just starting out with credit cards and travel rewards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great foundational card. There’s no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, making this the perfect card to take on your international travels. You’ll also earn points on every purchase, with no exceptions or point cap. Read our full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card.
Pros
- Flat rate on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No travel or purchase protections
- No travel transfer partners
- Lack of bonus categories
- 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 as long as your account remains open.
- 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% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America 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.
| 5% | Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year |
| 2% | Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn |
The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no-annual-fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. Read our full review of the Chase Ink Business Cash card.
Pros
- High sign-up bonus
- Introductory 0% APR period
- Multiple business-focused bonus categories
Cons
- Low earning rate for non-bonus categories
- Capped bonus earning
- Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards?.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Comparing the best no annual fee credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | freelancers | Earn $900 bonus cash back Open Intro bonus Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1.5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | airline transfer partners | 20,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel | 1.25 - 5X miles | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | beginner cash back | $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1.5 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Best no annual fee Amex card | 15,000?Membership Rewards? points Open Intro bonus Earn?15,000?Membership Rewards? points after you spend?$3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first?3 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 2X points | No annual fee |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | dining and entertainment | $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening | 1 - 8% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Wells Fargo's secure site | Quality perks for no annual fee | 20,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. | 1 - 3X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | customizable rewards structure | $200 Open Intro bonus $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 1 - 3% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | flexible cash rewards | Up to $300 cash back Open Intro bonus 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 Travel?, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. | 1.5 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bilt's secure site | renters | N/A | 1 - 3X points | NONE |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | rotating bonus categories | $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening | 1 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | existing Bank of America customers | 25,000 points Open Intro bonus 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. | 1.5X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | office supplies | Earn up to $750 bonus cash back Open Intro bonus Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening. | 1 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
More details on the best no annual fee credit cards
The Ink Business Unlimited credit card offers a simple but valuable rewards structure for cash back business expenses in non-bonus earning categories. Plus, you can also pair it with another Ultimate Rewards card for optimal value.
This card is ideal for small business owners looking for a flat-rate, cash-back business card. With no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases made within the first 12 months from account earning (a variable APR of 18.49% t0 24.49% will apply after), cardholders take advantage of making business purchases without worrying about accruing interest (although at TPG we always recommend paying off credit card balances in full whenever possible).
"I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash, Ink Preferred and Ink Unlimited cards. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supply, internet and phone purchases, whilst the Ink Unlimited covers everything else, with a flat 1.5% earn rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash-back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come." — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
If you anticipate larger business expenses, you may want to consider the Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card that earns points across several bonus categories including travel and advertising. The 90,000-point welcome bonus on the Ink Business Preferred is generous although it does require that you spend $8,000 in the first three months from account opening to earn it.
The VentureOne is a solid earner with no annual fee. It offers cardholders a simplistic approach to earning miles and is also a great introductory card if you’ve been considering joining the Capital One Venture credit card family. Once you get a feel for using and redeeming rewards with the VentureOne, you may want to consider upgrading or adding another card in the Venture family — like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Business — to your wallet.
The VentureOne is a great fit for travelers who want to start the points and miles journey but aren’t quite ready for a more premium credit card with a heftier annual fee. This simple earning structure also provides a great introduction for flyers looking into rewards traveling.
For a no-annual-fee card, the VentureOne offers solid earning rates. Capital One also has several airline and hotel partners with which you can transfer your earned miles including Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Avios, Etihad Guest and Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles.
If you’re ready to dive into the rewards game and don’t mind paying an annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns more than the VentureOne card (2 miles per dollar spent vs. 1.25 miles per dollar spent, respectively). If you want to unlock higher reward rates, several TPG editors are fans of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card although it’s worth noting that this card has a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card offers unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars when you book through Capital One Travel. We love that there’s no cap on the amount of cash back you can earn in these travel categories especially since that 5% offer is attached to a card with no annual fee.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is a great starter card for the travel enthusiast who wants to get a feel for using a rewards credit card when booking travel. If you plan to graduate to a higher tier Capital One card — like the Venture or Venture X cards, for example — the Quicksilver serves as a great introductory card until you’re ready to upgrade.
The Quicksilver also earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every other purchase, making for uncapped earning possibilities. This card has no minimum redemption amount which means you can utilize your rewards as you see fit, whether it’s to help pay off your balance in the form of a statement credit or using your earnings to help offset the cost of travel bookings.
If you’re looking for a travel card that features similar earning rates to the Quicksilver Cash Rewards card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a solid option. The VentureOne earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. This means you earn miles every time you tap your VentureOne card, regardless of what you’re purchasing.
The Blue Business Plus Amex card offers a simple earning structure that lets cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 in purchases every calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter). We also like that Amex allows Blue Business Plus cardholders to get up to 99 employee cards without incurring an added cost.
The Amex Blue Business Plus is a great credit card for small business owners who don't have to contend with massive overhead costs. If your business spending is somewhere around $50,000 annually, you can take advantage of maxing out the 2 points per dollar earnings.
"There are very few no-annual-fee cards that award fully transferable points, but the Amex Blue Business Plus is one of them. Not only that, you'll earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every dollar you spend (on up to $50,000 each year). That's a fantastic return of 4% back based on TPG's valuation, making this a great option for your small business needs." — Nick Ewen, director of content
If you're looking for something different than what the Amex Blue Business Plus offers, consider Chase's Ink Business Unlimited? Credit Card. It's also free of an annual fee and earns a decent 1.5% cash back on all purchases you make with it.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards credit card is a decent travel card thanks to no foreign transaction fees and a healthy 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Budget-conscious foodies, entertainment enthusiasts and Capital One Venture Rewards cardholders will find lots of value in the SavorOne Cash Rewards card. You’ll enjoy a generous 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 3% cash back on dining, eligible streaming services and grocery stores (excluding Walmart? and Target?).
If you frequently spend on entertainment, the 8% cash-back rate on the SavorOne is hard to beat. This card is also a solid earner if you frequently spend on dining and groceries with an unlimited 3% cash back in both categories. If you’re interested in getting started with a no-annual-fee rewards credit card, the SavorOne could be a great fit, depending on where you spend the most.
If you want a card that earns miles instead of cash back and also has no annual fee, you may be interested in the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). The VentureOne earns 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via the Capital One Travel portal and 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
You can earn an unlimited 3 points per dollar across several categories — including dining at restaurants, food delivery services, takeout, travel, gas, transit and eligible streaming services and phone plans. We also love that you can redeem your points as a statement credit with a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account and even a Wells Fargo mortgage.
If you’re looking for solid earning potential in addition to travel and shopping protections — all for no annual fee — the Wells Fargo Autograph credit card is a good option. Plus, if you’re an existing Wells Fargo customer, the Autograph card is likely to be a good fit in your credit card rewards rotation.
In addition to a decent earning structure, the Wells Fargo Autograph credit card features pretty solid protections, to boot. This includes cell phone protection (up to $600, subject to a $25 deductible) against damage or theft, an auto collision damage waiver and travel and emergency services assistance.
Those who want a card that easily fits their spend and earn strategy and also frequently make purchases in the entertainment category will enjoy the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. The SavorOne earns a generous 8% cash back on Capital One entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 3% cash back on dining, eligible streaming services and grocery stores (excluding Walmart? and Target?). This is all on top of the base 1% cash back cardholders earn on all other purchases without the added cost of an annual fee (see rates and fees).
In addition to no annual fee, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers cardholders a choose-your-category rewards structure that’s adjustable to fit their specific spending habits.
Current Bank of America customers curious about getting into the credit card rewards game should consider applying for the Customized Cash Rewards card. Those interested in redeeming their earned cash back as statement credits can do so with this card in addition to depositing cash back into an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account.
“This card is a great multipurpose tool in my wallet because it lets me pick a 3% cashback earning category each month. If I know I have some purchases coming up that don’t line up with a card where I get a solid earning rate, I’ll swap my 3% category and use this card to maximize my rewards. I also appreciate the clear information in the Bank of America app that shows me exactly what types of merchants line up into each spending category, so it’s easy to make my 3% category choice.” — Gabe Travers, vice president of engineering
Those who are new to credit card rewards and cash back earning programs but don’t want to keep track of monthly rotating cash-back categories may be more interested in the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Creit Card, which earns 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase you make. If cash back is more your speed, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every dollar spent.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited features a simple earning structure and a flat 1.5% earning rate on all other purchases outside of key categories. This makes it a great go-to for everyday spending, especially to fill in any gaps in your earning strategy.
If you’re relatively new to credit card rewards programs, the Freedom Unlimited is a solid card to get started with since its earning categories are pretty straightforward and there are no rotating categories you have to worry about tracking and activating.
“The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option, especially for anyone with a card like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve. It has solid bonus categories but also gives 1.5% back on all other purchases. And, if you have a higher-end Chase card, you can effectively convert these cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.” — Nick Ewen, Director of Content
Those seeking a travel rewards card with no annual fee should consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel in addition to 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. The VentureOne Rewards is also has no foreign transaction fees making it an ideal travel companion, especially for starters (see rates and fees).
The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points on your rent, generally a large monthly expense, without transaction fees. In addition, you can earn elevated rewards on travel and dining. The Bilt Mastercard is a great way for renters to get cash back on their largest expenses, and the card comes with many travel benefits and no annual fee!
Renters who are looking for a way to earn travel rewards on their rent, without transaction fees, can find a lot of benefits in this card.
The Bilt card can be a great addition to your wallet because no other card lets you earn on rent as widely. In addition, it comes with travel and Cellular Telephone Protection while featuring no annual fee — making this card a no-brainer for any renter’s wallet.
Unfortunately, there is no other credit card like the Bilt Mastercard. If you are looking for a simple cash-back card and your landlord takes credit cards without charging a transaction fee, consider the Citi Double Cash? Card (see rates and fees) which earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill).
The Chase Freedom Flex features strong earning rates across various categories including 5% on travel (booked through Chase Travel?), 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% on all other purchases — all for no annual fee.
The Chase Freedom Flex is an excellent card for those who have another Chase card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points. This allows you to combine the rewards from both cards and then utilize your earnings for travel purchases with Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
“I love when a cash-back card is more than a cash-back card, and that's definitely the case with the Chase Freedom Flex. I can effectively convert the cash-back rewards on this card into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points since I also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve — opening up fantastic redemptions like luxury World of Hyatt properties and top-notch premium cabins.” — Nick Ewen, Director of Content
The Chase Freedom Unlimited? is another solid option for earning cash back in popular spend categories. The Freedom Unlimited earns the same as the Freedom Flex in travel, dining and drugstore purchases but earns 1.5% cash back on all other purchases making it an excellent choice if you want a flat-rate cash back credit card that also has no annual fee.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card features no foreign transaction fees in addition to no annual fee and earns an unlimited flat rate of 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. This means there’s no need to track rotating rewards categories and you can shop with the convenience of knowing you’re earning points each time you tap your card.
Those new to travel rewards will appreciate the ease of use that comes with the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. Earning and redeeming earned points is simple making this a great starter travel card. If you’re looking for a no-fuss rewards card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card might be a great fit for you.
Although you won’t get access to luxury perks that other travel credit cards offer, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card does offer certain travel protections that include auto rental insurance, zero fraud liability and roadside assistance.
If you’re seeking more travel protections and a more rewarding earning program, the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card is an excellent choice that’s beloved by several TPG editors. The caveat is that it does feature a $95 annual fee; the Sapphire Preferred more than pays for itself, though, if you take advantage of the credits the card offers, earning categories and use transfer partners or book trips through the Chase travel portal.
First, we’re fans of the Ink Business Cash credit card because it doesn’t require cardholders to pay an annual fee. Second, we also love that the Ink Business Cash is a great credit card for those who also have another Chase card — like the Chase Sapphire Preferred — that makes it easy to transfer, earn and redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
The Ink Business Cash credit card is a solid choice for any small business that frequently spends in the office supply store and internet, cable and phone categories. This card is also great for those who want to earn cash back every time they tap their card since it earns a flat-rate 1% cash back in all other categories outside of those mentioned above, gas stations and restaurants.
“I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash, Ink Preferred and Ink Unlimited cards. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supplies, internet and phone purchases, whilst the Ink Unlimited covers everything else, with a flat 1.5% earn rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash-back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
If you’re seeking more than what the Ink Business Cash has to offer, consider the Ink Business Unlimited? Credit Card, which also features no annual fee and a healthy $900 cash back welcome offer when you spend $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. One of the biggest perks of the Ink Business Unlimited is its flexible redemption options that include gift cards, travel and more via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
What is a no annual fee card?
A no annual fee credit card provides you with the ability to access a line of credit and earn rewards like cash back and miles without the added cost of paying a yearly fee to be a cardholder.
A no annual fee credit card is a great way to earn redeemable rewards if you’re new to the points and miles game.
Who should get a credit card with no annual fee?
A no annual fee credit card is a great choice for people who like to adhere to a budget while optimizing their spending without incurring the additional cost of being a cardholder.
How we rate cards
Maximizing no annual fee credit cards
Take advantage of the welcome offer
Several no-annual-fee credit cards feature decent welcome offers with low spend thresholds. We recommend choosing a credit card that will earn you rewards you can redeem for cash back or transferable points or miles so you get the most bang for your buck.
It’s also worth noting that you should check the time frame you’re given to reach that spend threshold so you don’t risk the chance of missing out on it.
Pay the balance off in full each month
One of the reasons no annual fee credit cards are great is right in the name: they don’t require cardholders to pay an annual fee to keep it in their wallets. If you’re trying to cut costs or stick to a budget, another great way to keep some cash in your wallet is to pay off the balance on your no-annual-fee credit card each month.
At TPG, we always advise against carrying a balance month-to-month since it saves you interest charges (which can be quite hefty and add up quickly, to boot).
Create an earning strategy
It’s a good idea to create a spending and earning strategy when opening any new credit card. Doing so lets you take advantage of the welcome bonus and maximize your reward earnings — whether they’re points, miles or cash back.
An earning strategy is also helpful if you carry several credit cards and rotate them to earn maximum points, rewards and other perks. For example, once you know what your key spending categories are, you can match certain cards to recurring or daily expenses to earn more in each category, depending on the earning rate on that specific credit card.
How to choose the best no annual fee credit card
- Choose a no annual fee card that provides the opportunity to earn a sign-up bonus, as these are typically a great way to boost your cash back, points or miles rewards. Another plus? No annual fee cards don’t usually have high spend requirements in order to obtain a sign-up bonus making it even easier to increase your reward amount.1Sign-up bonus
- The beauty of a no annual fee card is that you don’t have to worry about paying to keep it in your wallet. And you still get the added benefits of earning points, miles and cash back like you would with a more premium card, to boot.2Annual fee
- Our picks feature decent earning rates across several bonus categories, ensuring there’s a good fit for those looking to maximize rewards without paying an annual fee on a credit card.3Bonus categories
Ask our experts
What's your favorite no annual fee card — and why?
Pros + cons of no annual fee credit cards
Pros
- Great way to get started in the world of points and miles
- Many no annual fee cards offer rotating bonus categories making it easier to maximize your rewards
- No annual fee cards with flat earning rates on all purchases are great ways to fill in the gaps in your spend/earn strategy
Cons
- These cards typically offer smaller welcome bonuses than more premium cards
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You’ll see us say this a lot because, frankly, it’s the truth: the best credit cards — whether we’re talking about the best airline, grocery or no annual fee credit cards — are the ones that align with your financial goals and spending habits.
The best no annual fee credit card for you might be one that earns a flat-rate on all purchases if you don’t want to track rotating cash back categories. If you don’t mind tracking and activating rotating categories, then you may want to opt in for a no annual fee card that features higher earning rates you have to track on a monthly or quarterly basis.
The application process for a no annual fee credit card is straightforward. You can click on any of the ‘Apply Now’ links on this page to get started.
No annual fee credit cards are excellent for those who want to get involved in the credit card rewards game as well as those who want to earn cash back or points without the added expense of an annual fee.
There are a couple of great no annual fee cards that offer killer rewards, such as the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). The SavorOne offers cardholders 8% cash back on Capital One entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, select streaming services and grocery stores (excluding Walmart? and Target?).
If any of the above are categories you frequently spend in, the SavorOne may be a solid no annual fee credit card to add to your wallet.
It’s possible to downgrade a credit card with a fee to a no-fee card by calling your issuer’s customer service line and requesting this change. The phone number can usually be found on the back of your current card.
It depends. If you’re interested in having an annual fee on a credit card waived, you can call your issuer’s customer service department and ask if they’d be willing to waive the annual fee in order to keep you as a cardholder.
That being said, the decision will be up to the representative you speak with; they may tell you they can waive the fee for a year, or they may say they can’t waive an annual fee, even if that means losing you as a customer.
If you don’t want to worry about annual fees, consider applying for one of the cards on this list. Several options include decent welcome offers, earning categories and even unlimited cash back — all for no annual fee.