Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of 2023

All information about the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card, the Chase Freedom Flex and the Chase Freedom Unlimited has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Comparing the best no annual fee credit cards of 2023

Editor’s picks: No annual fee credit card details

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for 2% cash rewards

Best features: Rewards are widespread and never expire so long as your account remains in good standing. This simple, yet flexible rewards card offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards on eligible purchases. It also comes with a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. Cardholders can also enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases as well as qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR.

Biggest drawbacks: Cardholders may be better served if they pair it with a card that features bonus categories in order to maximize reward earning potential. Timeliness is a factor as well, as the intro APR on qualifying balance transfers must be made within the first 120 days as a cardholder to receive the special intro rate. There’s also an intro balance transfer fee of 3% if you transfer the balance within 120 days; up to 5% if you don’t (with a $5 minimum).

Alternatives: The Citi Custom Cash offers 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle (on up to $500 in purchases, then 1%), so it automatically adjusts to fit your spending. This can prove to be more lucrative than a flat-rate card, especially if your spending varies from month to month.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a card that can set the foundation for your rewards-earning journey as well as offer forgiving balance transfer terms, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a very compelling option.

Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back categories

Best features: This popular Discover credit card offers a whopping 5% cash back in rotating categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases in Discover’s Cash Back Calendar throughout the year (enrollment required, then 1%). Also, this card’s Cashback Match™ feature at the end of your first year with the card can easily beat out other cash back cards’ sign-up bonuses.

Biggest drawbacks: If it’s not your idea of fun to chase rotating categories, this isn’t the best choice for you. Not only do you need to keep track of which categories are active, but you have to sign up each quarter to activate the bonus earnings.

Alternatives: Again, a flat-rate rewards card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash offers 2% cash rewards on purchases may better suit your needs. While this card doesn’t offer 5% back, the consistent 2% cash rewards can still be lucrative.

Bottom line: Rewards maximizers will welcome the opportunity to earn a large amount of bonus cash back on rotating categories.

Read our Discover it® Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment

Best features: This popular Capital One credit card got a makeover in 2021: Cardholders now earn 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 3% cash back on popular streaming services and 1% cash back on general purchases. There’s a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months of opening your account. That’s competitive in the realm of cash back cards’ welcome offers.

Biggest drawbacks: The ongoing APR after the welcome period is on the high side. Additionally, although it provides solid earning rates, redemption options are limited with a cash back card.

Alternatives: Moderate spenders who rarely dine out may be better off with a single flat-rate credit card like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card that doesn’t require tracking bonus categories.

Bottom line: This is one of the best cards for restaurants and a great card for foodies, given it offers best-in-class cash back on dining, groceries and entertainment for a no annual fee credit card.

Read our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for new cardholders

Best features: It doesn’t get much simpler than this: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no matter where or when you make them. No need to track spending, enroll in bonus categories or deal with complicated cash back redemption. Redeem in any amount, any time. The Quicksilver’s unlimited flat cash back rate also makes it a great choice for everyday spending, and earning the card’s sign-up bonus should be no trouble. You’ll score $200 after spending just $500 in the first three months.

Biggest drawbacks: The go-to rate after the 15-month 0% intro APR purchase and balance transfer offer ends is high, at 19.99% to 29.99% variable (See Rates and Fees), which means this is not a card you want to carry a balance on. Additionally, a 3% fee applies to amounts transferred within the first 15 months (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time. No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR).

Alternatives: While the simplicity of this card will appeal to many, anyone hoping to maximize reward earnings should look at one of the many other cards offering much higher earning rates, like the Blue Cash Everyday or the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Bottom line: We like the Capital One Quicksilver for first-time rewards credit cardholders, given the ease of earning and redeeming cash back.

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for automatically maximizing rewards

Best features: The Citi Custom Cash earns 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases each billing cycle in your top spending category (then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It automatically chooses your top spend category, taking the strategizing off your hands and makes it easier for you to earn maximum cash back on your spending.

Biggest drawbacks: The cash back cap on 5% earnings (up to $500 in purchases each billing cycle, then 1%) puts a ceiling on the card’s value.

Alternatives: Depending on your spending habits, the fact that you only earn a high rewards rate in your top spend category means you may be missing out on big rewards in your second and third top spending categories. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card does just that – you can earn 3% cash back in an eligible category of your choice, plus 2% back on groceries and at wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined 3% and 2% categories per quarter, then 1%), and then 1% on everything else. While it’s not as much as 5%, you can strategize to earn more than 1% on multiple spend categories.

Bottom line: This no annual fee card fires on a lot of cylinders, so if you’re looking for the combo of cash back, a lucrative sign-up bonus and a promotional APR, consider it a top contender.

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for occasional travel + intro APR

Best features: Occasional travelers will want to check out the VentureOne card. It comes with a sign-up bonus as well as a simple way to earn rewards: 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Cardmembers can also earn 20,000 miles (worth up to $200 in travel purchases) after spending $500 in the first three months of account opening.

Biggest drawbacks: The flat rate of 1.25 miles per dollar on purchases isn’t the highest you’ll find for travel cards with no annual fee.

Alternatives: Any traveler who wants to maximize their rewards earning potential will want to look at cards that offer at least 1.5 miles per dollar on general purchases, like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card.

Bottom line: The sign-up bonus and intro APR offer make this a great choice for the occasional traveler looking for a travel card with no annual fee.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for customized rewards categories

Best features: This Bank of America Customized credit card has an unique feature: Cardholders can choose their big bonus category: Earn 3% cash back on gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvements or furnishings. You’ll also earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 a quarter in combined 3% and 2% categories, then it’s 1%). You can change your customized rewards category each calendar month.

Biggest drawbacks: Your bonus rewards are subject to that quarterly $2,500 cap. Plus, if you want to make purchases and earn rewards without having to worry about which card to pull out, you may want to consider another card. There are no annual fee flat-rate cash back cards with 1.5% or even 2% cash back on the market.

Alternatives: The earnings cap on bonus rewards means big spenders can earn more elsewhere, such as with the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card or the Capital One SavorOne card.

Bottom line: This card is a solid option for Bank of America and Merrill customers with at least $20,000 across checking, savings or investment accounts as they can qualify for a 25% to 75% rewards boost through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program. It’s also an option for people that want a rewards program that can shift alongside their spending.

Read our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best Bank of America card for flat rate cash back

Best features: If you’re an existing Bank of America customer with assets in eligible savings, checking or investment accounts, you could benefit from this cash back credit card, which offers 1.5% back on all purchases, and a potential 25% to 75% rewards boost for Preferred Rewards members (actual value of the boost varies, depending on how much you have in your Bank of America accounts).

Biggest drawbacks: You’ll need at least $20,000 across Bank of America and/or Merrill accounts to be eligible for any Preferred Rewards boost. If you carry a balance beyond the introductory period, you could end up paying quite a bit in interest, particularly if your card has a higher APR.

Alternatives: If you don’t meet the requirements to fully benefit from this card’s Preferred Rewards boost, then it might be best to take a look at another flat-rate cash back card with a similar welcome bonus, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.

Bottom line: Existing Bank of America customers with at least $20,000 across savings, checking or investment accounts will see a lot of utility from the rewards boost the bank offers through its Preferred Rewards program.

Read our Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Bilt Mastercard: Best for paying rent

Best features: Its perks for renters are unique among credit cards and its travel rewards program and point redemption values are unmatched among no annual fee cards. Points are worth 1.25 cents each when you redeem for travel through the Bilt portal — 25% more value than you’ll get with other no annual fee rewards cards. You may get an even higher redemption value if you transfer points to one of the card’s airline or hotel partners (easily the most impressive list we’ve seen on a card with no annual fee).

Biggest drawbacks: You’ll get the best redemption values when you use points for travel, so the card may fall short if you only travel occasionally or don’t plan to rent long-term. Despite its high point values, the card may also disappoint some travelers since it lacks perks like airport lounge access or credits for expedited security screening.

Alternatives: Cash back fans, infrequent travelers and people with low monthly rent costs may find a card that offers more redemption flexibility and earns more in everyday categories more rewarding, such as the Blue Cash Everyday Card.

Bottom line: This card is a great fit for long-term renters, aspiring homeowners and frequent travelers who want to minimize fees.

Jump back to this card’s offer details.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for U.S. gas station and U.S. supermarket purchases

Best features: It’s hard to match the Blue Cash Everyday Card’s 3% cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%) without paying an annual fee. If you max out this bonus category, you’ll earn close to $180 cash back per year. Plus, you earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%).

Biggest drawbacks: The spending cap may make it difficult for people with large groceries and gas budgets to earn on every purchase throughout the year. If you spend more than $500 on gas and groceries, then you’ll hit that 3% rewards spending limit and earn only 1% until the next year.

Alternatives: If you are willing to pay an ongoing $95 annual fee (after the $0 intro annual fee for the first year) for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, it might be a better choice for the larger family or someone with a sizable commute. Also offering great rewards on regular purchases, the Blue Cash Preferred offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%) and 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.

Bottom line: We love this card for frugal families due to the lack of an annual fee and the competitive bonus categories for everyday expenses.

Read our Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express review.

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card: Best for earning rewards + avoiding fees

Best features: With the Petal 2 card, you get an unsecured credit card with no annual fee, foreign transaction fee, late payment fee or penalty APRs. This makes it easier for people with average credit to focus on boosting their credit score and gaining access to improved financial products and services. Cardholders also immediately earn 1% cash back on every purchase.

Biggest drawbacks: If you’re saddled with a low $300 credit limit, this card may not be good for much besides credit building. A credit limit that low may not cover emergency expenses. And if your credit utilization ratio exceeds 30%, your credit score will take a hit. That means carrying a balance over $90 with a $300 credit limit into your next billing cycle will slow down your credit-building goals.

Alternatives: If your credit falls in the good-to-excellent range, you’ll have an easier time qualifying for credit cards with better perks like unlimited 2% cash back on purchases, sign-up bonuses and up to 5% back in select categories.

Bottom line: People with fair-to-good credit who want a chance to earn rewards while building their credit will get a lot of value out of this credit card that comes with no unnecessary fees.

Read our Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card review.

What is a ‘no annual fee’ credit card?

A no annual fee credit card is a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. An annual fee on a credit card is a charge made each year, like a membership fee. Annual fees are often tacked onto cards that give access to special benefits, like credit-builder cards, rewards cards or luxury travel cards, for example. With the best no annual fee cards, you can take advantage of many of those specialty benefits without the added yearly cost.

Some annual fee cards will waive the annual fee for your first year as a cardholder. But once these charges start occurring on an annual basis to keep your account active, the fees can be daunting. Some cardholders find ways to make up for it through clever spending and earning of rewards, but some annual fee cards can cost $550 or more each year. With the right fit, no annual fee cardholders can take advantage of surprising rewards without that yearly cost.

Are credit cards with annual fees ever worth it?

Opting for a no annual fee credit card might seem like the easy choice. Who would pay a yearly fee when you don’t have to? However, there are instances when an annual fee is justified.

Many credit cards that carry an annual fee can pay for themselves as long as the fee is within your budget. Consider an annual fee to be the yearly subscription cost for access to better rewards rates, high-end travel perks and lucrative sign-up bonuses. To determine if the card is truly worth it, estimate your potential rewards earnings, factor in the premium benefits you’ll receive and compare that to the annual price tag. Frequent travelers, business owners and other big spenders will certainly want to do the math before making a decision.

However, people new to credit cards will have an easier time learning the basics with a no annual fee card. People who want to establish credit should focus on practicing healthy financial habits and devote less of their budget towards an annual fee and the perks that come along with it. For many, the true value of a credit card lies in its convenience and not everyone shares the same interest in accumulating cash back, points and miles or weighing their value against an annual fee. If you prefer straightforwardness and aren’t as interested in building rewards, a no annual fee credit card is the better choice.

Pros and cons of no annual fee cards

Should I get a no annual fee credit card?

Getting a no annual fee card may be a good idea for some people, but it may not be the ideal option for everyone based on their specific needs. For example, if you need to build credit, consolidate debt or add a low maintenance card to your wallet, a no annual fee card is best suited. However, if you travel frequently or desire luxury rewards and perks, a no annual fee card may not be the best option for you.

How to make the most of a no annual fee card

A no annual fee card can be a very helpful addition to your wallet when used properly. To do so, keep these tips in mind:

• Pay down existing credit card debt. A credit card that does not charge an annual fee while also offering 0% intro APR on balance transfers is an attractive option for anyone focused on paying off an existing balance. By keeping your spending in check and paying off your balance each month, you can keep your credit utilization low and take advantage of your card’s low ownership cost.
• Pair with a premium card. A no annual fee card used for everyday purchases gives you greater financial flexibility when paired with a premium card with specific rewards categories, Plus, when used responsibly, having multiple cards can be a boon to your credit score.
• Take advantage of credit-building features. Many no annual fee cards provide free credit score monitoring and other useful credit building tools for people who are new to credit.

Are credit cards with annual fees ever worth it?

Opting for a no annual fee credit card might seem like the easy choice. Who would pay a yearly fee when you don’t have to? However, there are instances when an annual fee is justified.

Many credit cards that carry an annual fee can pay for themselves as long as the fee is within your budget. Consider an annual fee to be the yearly subscription cost for access to better rewards rates, high-end travel perks and lucrative sign-up bonuses. To determine if the card is truly worth it, estimate your potential rewards earnings, factor in the premium benefits you’ll receive and compare that to the annual price tag. Frequent travelers, business owners and other big spenders will certainly want to do the math before making a decision.

However, those in the beginning stages of owning a credit card will have an easier time learning the basics with a no annual fee card. Individuals looking to establish credit will want to focus on practicing healthy financial habits and devote less of their budget towards an annual fee and the perks that come along with it. For many, the true value of a credit card lies in its convenience and not everyone shares the same interest in accumulating cash back, points and miles or weighing their value against an annual fee. If you prefer straightforwardness and aren’t as interested in building rewards, a no annual fee credit card is the better choice.

How we picked the best no annual fee credit cards

Research methodology: We analyzed 2,744 no annual fee credit cards to identify the best offers currently on the market. The major factors we considered in our analysis include:

• Rates and fees: Annual fees aren’t the only common costs associated with credit cards. We looked at whether the card touted APRs that were reasonable, relative to the card’s category. We also considered whether it charged industry-standard (or better) foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, balance transfer fees and more.
• Rewards rate: Not all no annual fee credit cards carry rewards as some are designed to assist with other financial goals (like paying off high interest debt via a balance transfer). However, for cards that do offer rewards, we considered whether the return rate was competitive for the category. For instance, many popular cash back credit cards with no annual fee offer 1.5% back on general purchases, so to be competitive in that category, a no annual fee card would need to offer that rate or higher.
• Promotional APRs: Some no annual fee credit cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. If a card touted such an offer, we considered if the length of the promotional offer and any fees associated with it were competitive for that card category.
• Other features and benefits: Many no annual fee credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, certain supplemental insurance, price protection or extended warranties. We factored these and other ancillary benefits when choosing the best no annual fee credit cards.

All criteria used: Rates and fees, rewards rates, sign-up bonus, other promotional offers, redemption options and flexibility, regular APR, extra features and benefits, customer service, credit needed, security, ease of application, ability to upgrade

Additional information on no annual fee credit cards

For more information on all things no annual fee cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Tips for negotiating an annual fee
• No annual fee credit card reviews
• Best no annual fee business credit cards
• Best no annual fee credit cards for small dollar purchases

About the Author

Ryan Noonan

Ryan Noonan Ryan Noonan is a former writer for Bankrate and CreditCards.com and is a graduate of the School of Journalism at Ohio State University. 

About the Editor

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Reviewer

Erica Sandberg

Erica Sandberg is a prominent personal finance authority and author of "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families." Her articles and insights are featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Pregnancy, Babytalk, Redbook, Bank Investment Consultant, Prosper.com, MSN Money and Dow Jones MarketWatch. An active television and radio commentator, Sandberg is the credit and money management expert for San Francisco’s KRON-TV, a frequent guest on Forbes Video Network, Fox Business News, Bloomberg TV and all Bay Area networks. Prior to launching her own reporting and consulting business, she was affiliated with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of San Francisco where she counseled individuals, conducted educational workshops and led the media relations department. Sandberg is a member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and on the advisory committee for Project Money.