Ryan Noonan began working in marketing for Bankrate in December 2018 and used his industry expertise as a writer, contributing to both Bankrate and Creditcards.com.
During his time in Columbus, Ryan was involved with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and led philanthropy efforts for his fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa. Ryan is fascinated by the doors credit card rewards open up to incredible opportunities and experiences, particularly world travel. Ryan has traveled to the Cayman Islands, the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland, among other destinations thanks to credit card and airline mile programs.
Jessica Merritt is a seasoned personal finance writer specializing in credit cards, consumer banking, and financial wellness. With 8 years of experience analyzing credit card offers, rewards programs, and money-saving strategies, she helps readers make informed financial decisions. Jessica’s expertise lies in breaking down complex financial topics into clear, actionable advice, whether finding the best 0% APR credit cards, maximizing travel rewards, or improving credit scores. Her work has been featured in leading finance publications, including U.S. News, CNN Underscored, and DepositAccounts.com by Lending Tree, guiding consumers toward smarter spending and responsible credit management.
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.
Erica SandbergSmall Business Credit Expert Contributor
Expertise
Business, credit and money management, debt
Highlights
Author of Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families—Publishers Weekly starred review and published in two editions
Contributing reporter for U.S. News & World Report, focusing on credit news
Personal finance program host. Produced Making it in San Francisco on KRON-TV and Adventures in Money podcast
Experience
Erica Sandberg is a credit and money management expert who began her career at Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). There, she helped individuals and families overcome their debt issues and developed budgets, then transitioned into the agency’s primary media spokesperson.
For CreditCards.com, Erica produces stories and advice columns, including her current Small Business Credit Profile, an interview platform that features entrepreneurs and the way they use credit products. She also pens the Business Banter column for Bankrate where she answers questions about credit options and writes articles about money and credit topics.
Other clients of Erica’s include Experian, Discover and First Republic Bank. Passionate about communicating money and credit information, she has represented Chase, Western Union, the Better Business Bureau and Learning Resources in media campaigns and is a speaker for journalism conferences.
As an expert, Erica provides commentary for news programs, from CNN to Fox, as well as on her local San Francisco news outlets. She has also been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.
As a dedicated community advocate, Erica devotes her time to causes that move her, including to Downtown Streets Team where she helped people experiencing homelessness fix their credit problems, open bank accounts and prepare for a financially independent future.
Her volunteer board experience includes San Francisco Police Department’s Community Advisory Board on Homelessness, San Francisco SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) and the Salvation Army Harbor Lights Center advisory board.
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics
Our editorial team and expert review board provide an unbiased analysis of the products we feature. Our comparison service is compensated by our credit card company partners, and may influence where or how products are featured on the site. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please note: The star-rating system on this page is based on our independent card scoring methodology and is not influenced by advertisers or card issuers. Learn more about our partners and how we make money.
A no annual fee card can be affordable while offering value in lucrative sign-up bonuses, ancillary benefits and rewards programs. Some no annual fee cards are less about earning rewards and more focused on helping you pay down high-interest debts via a balance transfer. You might earn more rewards and get better perks with annual fee cards, but you’ll never have to worry about outpacing annual fee value with a card that has no annual fee.
A no annual fee card can be affordable while offering value in lucrative sign-up bonuses, ancillary benefits and rewards programs. Some no annual fee cards are less about earning rewards and more focused on helping you pay down high-interest debts via a balance transfer. You might earn more rewards and get better perks with annual fee cards, but you’ll never have to worry about outpacing annual fee value with a card that has no annual fee.
Our rating:4.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
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 at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
1%
1% Cash Back on all other purchases
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn $200 Cash Back
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn $200
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.24% variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool.
Our rating:4.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Cashback Match
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
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
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn 20,000 miles
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
All information about the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card, Citi Custom Cash® Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, and the Chase Freedom Flex 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 benefits may be 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 2025
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. With the best no annual fee cards, you can use your card without paying for it every year.
People who are new to credit cards and establishing will have an easier time learning the basics and building healthy financial habits with a no annual fee card. If you prefer straightforward functionality and aren’t very interested in rewards or benefits, a no annual fee credit card is the way to go.
Pros and cons of no annual fee cards
Pros
0% intro APR: Many cards with no annual fee tend to offer longer 0% intro APR terms, a crucial feature if you’re looking to move debt or make a large purchase.
Ongoing interest: No annual fee cards’ ongoing APRs can often be lower than their premium siblings, but the ultimate goal is to avoid interest charges altogether, so find an affordable option with personally valuable rewards.
Free credit score: Many no annual fee cards, such as the Discover it Cash Back card, now offer a free credit score snapshot without affecting your credit.
Cons
You get what you pay for: Generally, credit cards that do not charge an annual fee offer fewer benefits when compared to credit cards that do charge an annual fee. This is a classic case of getting what you pay for and, really, the one major drawback of no annual fee cards.
Lower sign-up bonuses: If the card even has a sign-up bonus, it will likely be a smaller offer than those associated with its counterparts that carry an annual fee.
The card may carry other fees: While not having to pay an annual fee is a nice perk, your card may have other fees. It’s important to consider what you’ll be using the card for. If you plan on traveling abroad, a card with a 3% foreign transaction fee may not make sense for you.
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.
You should get a no annual fee card if:
You’re new to credit cards
You need to consolidate debt
You’re rebuilding credit
You want to diversify from premium cards
You only use credit cards occasionally
You shouldn’t get a no annual fee card if:
You value rewards and benefits
You travel frequently
You want to maximize rewards and bonuses
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, such as cards that offer excellent rewards, 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.
How we picked the best no annual fee credit cards
Our editorial team and expert review board analyzed over 2,500 no annual fee credit cards to identify some of the best offers on the market. The major factors we considered were:
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:
This can be explained by observing the relationship between the cost and pricing of a card. A card that offers high rewards rates and valuable benefits will typically cost more for issuers to provide, so they will charge a higher price. Also, for consumers with below-average credit or a limited credit history, the annual fee will compensate for the financial risk that the issuer assumes.
Whether having an annual fee or not is better solely depends on the user and what your financial goals are. Individuals at the beginning of their credit journey, or those who want to rebuild their credit can focus on the card’s credit-building capabilities and other benefits while not worrying about having to pay an annual fee. This also holds true for those looking to consolidate debt, as many cards with no annual fee offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.
However, the highest tier of rewards and luxurious perks are typically reserved for cards that carry an annual fee. Those who frequently travel and want to maximize their spending may opt for an option that offers premium benefits and the ability to offset their card’s annual fee in other ways.
It’s rare, but there are credit cards without an annual fee for consumers with bad credit and even no credit history. For example, there’s the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, which offers 2% at gas stations and restaurants for up to $1,000 a quarter in combined purchases, then it’s 1%.
If you are looking to potentially have your annual fee waived, at least in the short term, there are a few strategies you can use when conversing with your issuer. These include:
Ask to cancel: Explore calling your card issuer’s retention department. If you explain to them you want to close your account due to the annual fee, they may waive it. However, this is a risky move, as they may in fact close your account.
Ask for a match: If your issuer offers comparable cards that provide many of the same perks and benefits without the annual fee, you’re in a good spot to bargain. Make sure to research your options thoroughly before you begin negotiating.
Ask for a waiver in exchange for use: Your card issuer may be more inclined to waive your annual fee if you agree to spend a specific dollar amount using that card within a given amount of time. For example, if you spend $4,000 within six months, the issuer may offer you a credit for the amount of your fee. This scenario is also risky as you will not want to commit to spending more than you can pay back.
Unfortunately, you will still have to pay. Think of the annual fee as the cost to access the line of credit. You’ll be subject to the same fee whether you’re a frequent user or only make purchases on your card in emergency situations.
If you’re stuck with an annual fee you don’t want, do not immediately cancel your card, which can affect your credit score negatively. Your best recourse is to ask your issuer for the fee to be waived. If you’re denied, ask to downgrade your card. Credit card issuers may allow you to switch to a different card if they offer a version with no annual fee.
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 Author
Jessica Merritt
Jessica Merritt is a personal finance writer with 8 years of experience covering credit cards, banking, and financial wellness. She specializes in turning complex financial topics into clear, actionable advice, with work featured in U.S. News, CNN Underscored, and DepositAccounts.com.
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.
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Advertiser Disclosure
CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
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Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe.
Let’s face it — there’s a lot of jargon and high-level talk in the credit card industry. Our experts have learned the ins and outs of credit card applications and policies so you don’t have to. With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.
Our top goal is simple: We want to help you narrow down your search so you don’t have to stress about finding your next credit card. Every day, we strive to bring you peace-of-mind as you work toward your financial goals.
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