Eric Rosenberg
11 min
686
Credit cards have gotten increasingly flashy in recent years, with tons of different options for hotel credit cards, business credit cards, travel cards, and more.
Paying an annual fee on a credit card can be worth it if the rewards you earn and cardmember benefits justify it. But you might be surprised to hear that when you choose one of the best no annual fee credit cards available, you can still earn hefty rewards.
If you're the kind of person that does not believe in having to pay to use a credit card, then applying for one without an annual fee is probably a good option.
The best no fee credit cards can also be a good fit for those new to credit card use, or those managing a large amount of debt—thanks to many options within this category offering generous introductory APR rates as well.
If you fit this distinction of a new or debt-ridden credit card user, you might also consider prepaid cards, secured credit cards, credit cards for students, and best credit cards for little to no credit.
Whatever your reason, there's a no annual fee credit card option perfect for you. Check out our list below for our top picks of the best credit cards with no annual fee for cash back, travel rewards, and debt management.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
This article was last updated January 24, 2019 but some terms and conditions may have changed or are no longer available. For the most accurate and up to date information please consult the terms and conditions found on the issuer website.
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Application Process: Apply online and get a response within 60 seconds.
Bonus Offers: None.
Rewards: None.
Annual Fee: None.
Details:Citi Simplicity® Card »There's a lot to love about the BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card. First, there's the introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 months. More generally, the credit card offers a competitive rewards rate and a decent signup bonus. No foreign transaction fees are the cherry on top that makes this a great travel rewards credit card in its own right.
Overall, this is the best flat-rate flexible travel rewards credit card that offers generous bonuses despite having no annual fee. Its perfect for those that do not have an airline preference and love to travel.
If you're carrying a balance, the high APR may be a turnoff once you get past the introductory period. Honestly, if you fly a lot, it's not the best card for you. There are plenty of other travel credit cards that cater to those who fly frequently.
Application Process: Apply online or call their toll-free number if you'd rather go through the process with a human.
Annual Fee: None, none, none!
APR: A nice 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months, then a variable APR of 15.99% to 23.99% after.
Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel statement credit that can be used on flights, hotels, rentals and other related purchases.
Bonus Offers: Get excited to earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, which is equivalent to $200 of travel credit. If you're an active Bank of America checking or savings customer, get an additional 10% bonus customer points. Preferred Rewards clients can get up to 25-75% bonus points. The Points Guy calls this card a "no-brainer" if you're an existing Bank of America customer.
Details:BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card »Application Process: Apply online, and get a decision within 60 seconds or less.
Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash on all purchases. Also, get a 10% anniversary bonus on all cash rewards earned each year, effectively increasing your rewards rate to 1.65%.
Bonus Offers: Earn $150 cash back after you spend $2,500 in the first three months after opening your account.
Annual Fee: None.
Details:HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card »Application Process: Apply online and get a response within 60 seconds.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate; unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bonus Offers: Score a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases during your first 3 months as a cardholder. Get $25 more when an authorized user makes their first purchase in the same 3 month period.
Annual fee: None.
Details:Chase Freedom® »Application Process: Apply online, and get a decision within 60 seconds or less.
Rewards: Earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase, then 1% back when you pay it off. You can claim your rewards as a statement credit, gift card, or a check in the mail, with a minimum cash back redemption amount of $25 required.
Annual Fee: None.
Details:Citi® Double Cash Card »Vote to enter our $100 Amazon Gift Card giveaway.
Maddy Osman creates engaging content with SEO best practices for marketing thought leaders and agencies that have their hands full with clients and projects. Learn more about her process and experience on her website, www.The-Blogsmith.com and read her latest articles on Twitter: @MaddyOsman.
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