When you buy something using?links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content?is reviewed &?supervised by?The?Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.

Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in November 2024

If you are interested in a money-saving, credit-building card, you may want to start by opening a credit line without annual fees. This allows you to establish credit while earning rewards, all without expensive fees year after year.

Since many no-annual-fee cards offer opportunities to earn points or cash-back, you can reap similar benefits as you would from a premium card. However, credit cards with no annual fee often offer lower reward rates than their paid-fee counterparts.

We’ve compiled a list of the best no-annual-fee credit cards currently available.

Hide product summary Show product summary

Our picks for the best credit cards with no annual fee

Advertiser Disclosure

Best for flexible cash back rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited?

LEARN MORE
Up to 6.5% Reward Rate

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel?, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 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 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Up to $300 cash back
Regular APR
19.99%-28.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
If you’re looking for a well-rounded cash-back card that offers flexible rewards for no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited? card is a spectacular option. This card offers flat-rate cash-back on all purchases, as well as generous cash-back in other useful categories, so it’s easy to earn rewards. To sweeten the deal, Freedom Unlimited comes with a great welcome offer, and obviously, as it’s on this list, it doesn’t charge an annual fee. While this card is marketed as a cash-back card, it offers more than just that. The rewards you earn are part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, so they’re extra flexible to redeem. Although there are so many credit cards out there, the Chase Freedom Unlimited? still manages to stand out, making it one of our top options.

Best for dining and entertainment

Limited Time Offer

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

LEARN MORE
Up to 8% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart? and Target?), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal. Earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
LTO: $250
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
We like the Capital One Savor Card for its ability to provide effortless rewards in everyday categories such as dining, entertainment, streaming services, and even grocery stores. Combine that with an easily earned welcome bonus and no annual fee, and this card becomes a clear winner.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR).
  • Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
  • There are no rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
  • Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account
  • No limit to how much cash-back you can earn
  • No foreign transaction fees
Pros
  • No rotating categories that you need to sign up for
  • No spending cap
  • No annual fee
Cons
  • High APR
  • Good or excellent credit recommended
  • Low sign-up bonus
Bottom Line

The cash-back categories and welcome bonus are pretty solid, especially for a card without an annual fee.

Best for groceries

Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express

LEARN MORE
Up to 3% Reward Rate

Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year on U.S. online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
18.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express is a great choice if you want a credit card that allows you to earn cash back on everyday purchases without having to pay an annual fee. This card offers generous rewards in categories where many families spend the most, like U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retailers.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after opening the account, then 18.74% to 29.74% variable APR applies.
  • Cash back is received as Reward Dollars which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get $7/month back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $9.99 or more per month on an eligible Disney Bundle subscription (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+). Subject to auto-renewal. Enrollment required.
  • Receive up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription. Subject to auto-renewal. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Various partner benefits
  • Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
Cons
  • Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
  • 2.7% foreign transaction fee
  • Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories
Bottom Line

For a no-annual-fee option, the reward rate on this card is pretty solid, but for heavy spenders, other cards may offer more value.

Best for travel

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

LEARN MORE
Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
20,000 miles
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
Few travel rewards credit cards have no annual fee, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card does just that. It also boasts an intro APR offer, unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases, elevated rewards on eligible travel, and a generous welcome bonus, making it a good option for those who want to earn travel rewards while minimizing the hassle.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR.
  • Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
  • No limit to the amount of miles you can earn, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
  • Your miles can be used to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or travel bookings through Capital One Travel
  • Easily transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR offer
  • Low spending requirement for welcome offer
Cons
  • High APR
  • Good or excellent credit recommended
  • Few travel perks
Bottom Line

If you don’t travel a lot, this may be a good option, but unless you’re 100% set on getting a travel card without an annual fee, you’ll likely find more value elsewhere.

Best for businesses

The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card

LEARN MORE
Up to 2% Reward Rate

Earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in combined eligible purchases each year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$250
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card is a great, simple cash-back card option for business owners who don’t spend heavily in specific higher-reward categories some other cards offer. It also doesn’t charge an annual fee, making it a great option for smaller businesses.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% - 25.99% applies, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • Spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. (*The amount available for spending above your credit limit varies and is determined by your card usage, payment history, credit profile, known financial resources, and other factors. It is not unlimited.)
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Simple cash back structure
Cons
  • Spending cap for 2% rewards
  • Requires good to excellent credit
  • Limited redemption options
Bottom Line

This is a good option for businesses looking to earn simple cash back rewards, but other cards may provide higher value for big spenders.

Best for hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Card

LEARN MORE
Up to 7X Reward Rate

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Points on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points on eligible U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3X on all other eligible purchases.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
100,000 Points
Regular APR
20.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
For those who stay at Hilton hotels occasionally, the Hilton Honors American Express Card provides decent Hilton rewards without any annual fee.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • With your Hilton Honors American Express Card, you can benefit from complimentary Hilton Honors? Silver status. Plus, if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors? Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees, so you can use your card freely while abroad.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Automatic Hilton Silver status
  • 20% bonus points on eligible stays
Cons
  • Low point redemption value
  • Need good or excellent credit to qualify
  • Fewer perks than some travel cards
Bottom Line

If you’re opposed to paying an annual fee for a hotel card, this one offers decent rewards for no yearly charge. It’s pretty lackluster on other benefits, though.

Best for flat rate cash back - 1.5%

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

LEARN MORE
Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is simple to use and understand. It offers a flat cash-back rate of 1.5% on all purchases and an even higher rate on eligible Capital One Travel purchases. You also won’t need to worry about paying an annual fee on this card, which is always nice.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; after that, a variable APR of 19.74%-29.74% applies
  • Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; Capital One may offer you a promotional 4% APR at any other time
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups required to earn cash rewards; cash back won’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • No foreign transaction fees with this card
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • No cap on cash back
  • Intro APR offer
Cons
  • Lower welcome bonus than some cards
  • Lower rewards rate than some cards with specific categories
  • Requires good or excellent credit
Bottom Line

This is a solid, straightforward cash-back card for people who don’t want to pay an annual fee or activate categories, but other cards may earn more.

Best for flat rate cash back - 2%

Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card
4.3
2% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
While bonus categories can be beneficial, sometimes they can be overwhelmingly complicated. The Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card keeps things as simple as possible, earning 2% back on everything. Note: All information for the Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card has been collected independently by?LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, then a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%.
  • No bonus categories to track, activate, or remember
  • Cash rewards earned on your card don’t expire as long as your account remains open
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations, and more with complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature? Concierge service.
  • Benefit from up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Pros
  • Unlimited 2% back on all purchases
  • Intro APR offer
  • No annual fee
Cons
  • No bonus categories
  • Smaller welcome offer than some cards
  • Charges 3% in foreign transaction fees
Bottom Line

The lack of an annual fee coupled with high flat-rate rewards makes this card a valuable asset to any wallet.

Best for building or rebuilding credit

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa? Credit Card

LEARN MORE
No Rewards

This card doesn’t earn any rewards.

Show More Show Less
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
The Chime Credit Builder Visa doesn’t require a credit check or a minimum deposit, it doesn’t charge interest fees, and it’s easy to qualify for.
Show More Show Less
Card Details

More Card Info

  • To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime? Checking Account.
  • The Chime Credit Builder Card is a secured credit card that can help consumers build credit history. It has no interest*, no annual fees, no credit check to apply, and no minimum security deposit required**
  • Help build your credit history with your own money. The money you move into the Credit Builder secured account is the amount you can spend on your card (no minimum deposit required). Turn on Safer Credit Building* and have your monthly balance automatically paid on time. Chime will report your activities to Transunion?. Experian?. and Equifax?.
  • Use your secured Credit Builder card everywhere VISA is accepted, including on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries.
  • *No Interest: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
  • **No Minimum Security Deposit: Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
  • The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa? Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
  • To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime? Checking Account.
  • ***Safer Credit Building - On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion?, Experian?, and Equifax?. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • No credit check required to apply
  • No annual interest charges
Cons
  • No credit limit greater than your deposit
  • Need direct deposit account with Chime
  • No option to upgrade

Best no annual fee cards of 2024: Editorial reviews

Chase Freedom Unlimited?

[ jump to details ]

Most no-annual-fee cards on this list have a few solid cash-back bonus categories and then a fallback of 1% on purchases not in those categories. The Chase Freedom Unlimited? is a level above, with a fallback rate of 1.5%, along with high cash-back rates in a variety of categories. For the first year, you can also take advantage of an even higher rate with Freedom Unlimited’s unique welcome offer (available through LA Times Compare, may not be available through other sites).

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

The fact that the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee is a fact that baffles us frequently because it is such a terrific card. You can get up to 8% cash back in various categories, like 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. Coupling that with an intro APR offer, an easy-to-earn welcome offer, and its lack of an annual fee makes it one of our favorite cards on this list.

Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express

[ jump to details ]

The Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express is a great rewards card for everyday purchases. It offers a generous rewards rate of 3% cash back in everyday shopping categories (like U.S. supermarkets) on up to $6,000 of spending. After hitting this spending cap, however, the rewards rate is pretty mediocre, dropping to 1%. But all in all, for a no-annual-fee card, this one is a good option.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

Most travel credit cards have an annual fee, but not the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It’s certainly not as benefit-heavy as its paid-fee travel card counterparts, but it does come with a variety of valuable benefits. Cardholders can take advantage of an easily navigated reward program, no annual fee (obviously), a long 0% APR offer, a solid welcome offer, and more. All in all, not a bad set of perks, if you ask us. However, if you travel a lot, we give you permission to pay an annual fee and upgrade to a higher-tier travel card— you’re worth it.

The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card

[ jump to details ]

American Express business cards are some of the best in the industry, and the Blue Business Cash card is no different. With 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 spent each year, it’s a simple, straightforward way for small businesses to earn a bit back on the purchases they make. Some other business credit cards may have higher earning rates but many of them charge annual fees.

Hilton Honors American Express Card

[ jump to details ]

Most hotel credit cards charge lofty annual fees, so the Hilton Honors American Express Card stands out. It comes with a generous welcome offer, high points-earning capability, complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, and more; a great set of perks for no yearly cost.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

You may be looking at the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and wondering “Why would I get a card with 1.5% back if I can get the Wells Fargo Active Cash with 2% back?” Well, you see, unlike the Wells Fargo card, this card has the added bonus of elevated (5%) cash back on eligible travel purchases. Ultimately, the choice between the two cards depends on your personal spending habits and goals. However, if you travel even occasionally, this Capital One card may be more beneficial.

Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card

[ jump to details ]

If your goal is to earn flat-rate cash back on all purchases, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card does just that. It’s no-frills, with unlimited 2% back on all purchases and no extra reward categories. It may not be the highest-earning card out there but if you don’t like keeping track of categories, 2% can still add up quickly.

Note: All information for the Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card has been collected independently by?LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa? Credit Card

[ jump to details ]

With a structure similar to a debit card, the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa? Credit Card offers a new, safer way to build credit. Since you have to transfer money to your Chime Builder account before paying for anything, you won’t incur any interest fees. Unfortunately, however, Chime doesn’t earn any rewards. But if your goal is to build your credit responsibly, Chime could be a good option.

The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa? Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.

What is an annual fee?

An annual fee on a credit card is a yearly expense charged to your account by a bank to continue using the card. Many of the best credit cards require you to pay an annual fee in exchange for high-value rewards, but some cards do not require a yearly payment at all.

What does it mean to have no annual fee?

If you have a credit card with no annual fee, you won’t be charged a yearly cost to keep using it. However, like any credit card, you will still be required to pay other associated fees like balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and APR.

No annual fee credit cards: Pros and cons

Pros
  • Cost savings. Not paying an annual fee means saving $50 to $500 or more each year.
  • Access to credit. No-annual-fee cards provide an affordable way to access credit— great for young adults, students, or those with limited credit history who might not be ready to commit to a card with a yearly cost.
  • Building credit. By making on-time payments and keeping your balance low, you can demonstrate good credit behavior, which is reflected positively in your credit report.
  • Rewards and perks. Many no-annual-fee cards offer rewards on everyday purchases and other valuable perks.
  • Sign-up bonuses. Some of the best no-annual-fee credit cards have welcome offers— a chance to earn a chunk of cash after spending a certain amount in a set period.
  • Promotional offers. No-annual-fee cards often come with offers like 0% introductory APR to help you save on interest for a set period.
Cons
  • Fewer premium benefits. No-annual-fee cards may be missing some of the premium benefits found in fee-based cards, like comprehensive travel insurance, airport lounge access, or high-value statement credits.
  • Lower reward rates. The reward rates on no-annual-fee cards are generally lower than fee-based cards, making them less valuable for heavy spenders.
  • Credit limits. These cards may have lower credit limits, which could be a limitation for some users, especially those who plan to make large purchases.
  • Interest rates. Some no-annual-fee cards may have higher interest rates than fee-based cards. However, if you pay your balance in full every month, you can avoid interest charges altogether.

Is it worth it to get a credit card with an annual fee?

Sometimes it may be worth paying an annual fee on a card. Cards with annual fees tend to have more valuable rewards than their no-fee counterparts, so if you’re in the market for a reward-heavy card, you might need to pay an annual fee.

It doesn’t cost you anything to not use a no-annual-fee card as there isn’t a yearly cost to offset. On a card with an annual fee, you need to ensure you utilize the rewards enough to counterbalance the cost, otherwise you are essentially netting a loss.

The goal with a card with an annual fee isn’t only to earn enough to offset the yearly cost, it’s utilizing the rewards beyond that point.

Blue Cash Preferred? Card from American Express vs. Blue Cash Everyday Card

Consider this example of the Blue Cash Preferred? Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express. In this illustration, we will evaluate each card after the first year.

Card Annual fee Reward rate at U.S. supermarkets Cash back earned on $1,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets yearly (approx. $19/week) Value minus annual fee Cash back earned on $5,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets yearly (approx. $96/week) Value minus annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred $95 ($0 the first year, see rates and fees) 6% back on up to $6,000/year, then 1% $60 -$35 $300 $205
Blue Cash Everyday $0 3% back on up to $6,000/year, then 1% $30 $30 $150 $150

If you frequently spend a lot on groceries at supermarkets in the U.S., (excluding Target, Walmart, or warehouse stores), then the Blue Cash Preferred card could be of immense value to you. However, if you don’t spend quite as much on groceries per week, then the no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday card may be a better option. If you tend to shop at stores like Target, Walmart, or Costco, a flat-rate cash-back card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash card may be more up your alley.

??? Read more: Blue Cash Everyday vs. Blue Cash Preferred

?? See: Best credit cards for groceries

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Another example would be the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. This example will only consider the non-travel rewards rate to make it easier to illustrate.

Card Annual fee Reward rate on all purchases Miles earned on $2,600 spent annually ($50/week) Value minus annual fee Miles earned on $10,400 spent annually ($200/week) Value minus annual fee
VentureOne $0 1.25X miles 3,250 (worth approx. $45) $45 13,000 (worth approx. $182) $182
Venture Rewards $95 2X miles 5,200 (worth approx. $72) -$23 20,800 (worth approx. $290) $195

1 Capital One mile = approximately 1.4 cents, based on our valuation.

In this example, the Venture Rewards card does not catch up with the VentureOne until you have spent almost $200 per week since the Venture had to recoup an annual fee, and the VentureOne did not.

Although these illustrations don’t consider other rewards, they can hopefully help aid your understanding of how to evaluate the benefit of a card with or without an annual fee.

?? Read more: Capital One Venture vs. VentureOne

Why do some credit cards have an annual fee?

Credit card issuers charge an annual fee to offset high-value perks or an enticing sign-up bonus. Lucrative rewards don’t often come for free, so credit issuers charge a yearly fee to recoup some of their expenses.

When shopping for a swipe card, it’s essential to see if they charge a yearly fee. Every card is different and annual fees can be hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Therefore, if you’re interested in a top-of-the-line rewards card with luxury perks, you may also have to pay a high annual fee. Credit cards with no fee generally offer lower rewards rates and few extras, but if you’re looking to stay within a budget while still racking up some decent rewards, they offer many great options.

Our top 3 favorite cards without annual fees

Advertiser Disclosure
Best for dining and entertainment

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
LEARN MORE
4.7
Annual Fee?
$0
Welcome Offer?
LTO: $250
Regular APR?
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit?
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
EARNING REWARDS
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart? and Target?), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal. Earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Show More Show Less
Best for groceries

Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express
LEARN MORE
4.6
Annual Fee?
$0
Welcome Offer?
$200
Regular APR?
18.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit?
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
EARNING REWARDS
Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year on U.S. online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Show More Show Less
Best for travel

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
LEARN MORE
3.8
Annual Fee?
$0
Welcome Offer?
20,000 miles
Regular APR?
19.74% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit?
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
EARNING REWARDS
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Show More Show Less

No-annual fee cards: Should you get one?

Who should get a no-annual-fee card?

Credit cards without annual fees can benefit almost anyone but can be especially useful for:

Who shouldn’t get a no-annual-fee card?

No-fee credit cards are perfect for those who don’t make many purchases or don’t want to deal with a yearly cost. In some cases, however, paying an annual fee may be worth it.

How to choose a credit card with no annual fee

Consider the following when choosing a no-annual-fee credit card:

  1. Spending habits. Consider your spending habits to decide if a no-annual-fee card is the best fit. If you spend heavily in specific categories, a card with higher reward rates and an annual fee might offer better value.
  2. Rewards and benefits. Compare the reward programs and additional benefits of no-annual-fee cards. Look for cards that align with your spending patterns and offer rewards you will actually use.
  3. Introductory offers. Take advantage of introductory offers, but pay attention to when these offers expire and what the terms are after the promo period ends.
  4. Interest rates. Check the card’s interest rates and make sure you can manage payments to avoid high interest costs. If you plan on carrying a balance, consider a card with a lower APR.
  5. Credit score requirements. Look at the credit score requirements for the cards you are considering. Some may require an excellent credit score for approval, while others may be more accessible to those with good or fair credit.

?? See: How to check your credit score

How to maximize your no-annual-fee card

How we selected our top cards

We picked our top credit cards based on their rewards rates, sign-up offers, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, travel perks, and more. We wanted to focus on cards that still offer high rewards and bonuses without the additional cost of an annual fee.

? ? ? ? ?

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please visit this page.

No annual fee credit cards FAQ

Is it ever worth it to pay an annual fee?

As a cardholder, you are likely to earn better rewards and benefits if you pay an annual fee. However, you need to consider how often you use your card. To break even, you would, for example, need to earn a minimum of $49 in rewards if you pay $49 in annual fees. A no-annual-fee card is better if you use your card minimally.

No annual fee credit cards are great for budget-conscious people and many offer rewards for everyday purchases.

Can I get a no annual fee credit card if I have bad credit?

It’s possible to get a credit card with bad credit, but it may not come with the cash back match rewards and travel points that premium cards may offer. Often, it will be a basic card that allows cardholders to build their credit.

Will there still be a welcome bonus if the card has no annual fee?

Possibly, depending on the card that you choose. Not all no-fee cards have a welcome bonus, but they may offer different incentives and rewards.

A welcome bonus is a great option for earning extra cash. However, if you’re watching your budget, it may be hard to qualify since most require a certain amount of purchases made within a specified period. On cards with no annual fee, the bonuses are often smaller, and the spending requirements are lower than on other cards.

Which credit card has the highest annual fee?

The exclusive, invite-only Centurion Card from American Express has the highest annual fee, at a whopping $5,000 per year.

Is it good to get a credit card with no annual fee?

Cards with no annual fee are great for people who don’t use a credit card very frequently or who don’t want to worry about a yearly cost to offset. They can also help to fill reward-earning gaps from where your other credit cards may fall short.

What is the best no fee credit card for rewards?

The best no-fee credit card for you depends on your spending habits, but we love the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express for their high-value rewards on everyday categories.

About the Author

The comparison team is a proud partner of the LA Times and is a combination of expert freelance writers, editors, and contributors specially selected for their extensive experience writing and working in the financial industry. Every article written is thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed, and then fact-checked by a member of The LA Times Business Development staff before publication to ensure you receive accurate information.

* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

BACK TO TOP
seductrice.net
universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
prowp.net
webmanicura.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
mfhoudan.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
kftz5k.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
casino-natali.com
iprofit-internet.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
healthandfitnesslives.com
androidnews-jp.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
britsmile.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
kakakpintar.com
jerusalemdispatch.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
rajasthancarservices.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
hemendekor.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
worldhealthstory.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
techguroh.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com