The best no-annual-fee credit cards to add to your wallet
A no-annual-fee credit card is a great starter option if you're looking to get into the points and miles game. As their name implies, you don't have to pay a fee to hold these cards, but you can still earn cash back and other reward currencies with them. Plus, some cards offer credits and other benefits like access to exclusive cardholder offers.
At TPG, we're big fans of various types of cards, including premium travel picks like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees). The thing about these products, however, is that they usually feature equally premium annual fees.
While no-annual-fee credit cards generally feature fewer perks, they can still provide lots of value depending on what type of spender you are and your financial priorities and preferences. Either way, having a credit card with no annual fee can be a great way to earn rewards on your current spending without incurring any additional costs.
Let's review the details of the best no-annual-fee credit cards to determine whether one of our top picks is right for you.
The best no-annual-fee credit cards
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
- Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees)
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Bilt Mastercard®
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees)
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparing the best no-annual-fee credit cards
Our picks for the best no-annual-fee cards feature options from various issuers and earn a mix of cash back, points and miles:
| Card | Best for | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Freelancers | Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Flexible cash rewards | Earn $300 cash back after spending $500 within three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Balance transfers | Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Airline transfer partners | Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Office supplies | Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
No-annual-fee Amex card | Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Dining and entertainment | Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Renters | N/A |
| $0 | |
Beginner cash back | Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Quality perks for no annual fee | Earn 20,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 |
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: The Ink Business Unlimited is a solid no-annual-fee card for freelancers or small-business owners who are just starting out. The card offers a simple earning strategy: unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Additionally, you can pair this card with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) to convert your cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points and increase the value of your earnings.
For more details, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Welcome offer: Earn $300 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers elevated cash-back earning rates on select categories, like 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. It also earns 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, so if you don't want to remember which card to use for everyday purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has got you covered.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited really shines when paired with a Chase Sapphire card as cash back can be converted into Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
For more details, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash Card
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: One of my favorite no-annual-fee credit cards is the Citi Double Cash. It's a simple and straightforward way of earning cash back, which makes it a perfect match for those new to rewards credit cards.
The Citi Double Cash earns 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you make a payment. This encourages and rewards responsible credit card usage. Additionally, it can be combined with select Citi cards to convert cash back into ThankYou Rewards points.
For more details, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: Most no-annual-fee cards are cash-back cards, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card is a travel rewards credit card. This means you have the ability to earn Capital One miles, a valuable transferable rewards currency, without an annual fee.
Additionally, the card offers a simple earning structure and a decent welcome bonus for a product that doesn't charge an annual fee.
For more details, read our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
Learn more: Capital One VentureOne
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: This small-business card is packed with multiple business-centric bonus categories, a generous welcome bonus and a long introductory annual percentage rate, or APR, period. It does all of this while costing nothing, making it a great option if you're looking to keep a small-business credit card for the long term.
For more details, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash Credit Card.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: If you're looking to earn American Express Membership Rewards points on your everyday business spending and want to do so with a no-annual-fee product, look no further than the Amex Blue Business Plus card.
It earns 2 points per dollar spent on everyday business purchases, such as office supplies or client dinners, on the first $50,000 in purchases per year (then 1 point per dollar). If you max out that threshold, that's up to 100,000 points — all for no annual fee.
For more details, read our full review of The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: The Capital One Savor Cash has no annual fee and offers numerous bonus categories, including:
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
If you're already spending money in these categories, the Savor Cash can be an especially lucrative cash-back card to add to your wallet.
For more details, read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Bilt Mastercard
Welcome offer: None.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: The Bilt Mastercard is the only card that earns points on rent with no transaction fees.
As long as you make five transactions on your Bilt card every statement period, you can earn 1 point per dollar you spend on rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year). Additionally, you earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases.
Plus, Bilt points are transferable. This means you can pay for your next trip with the rewards you earn for paying your rent with this card — which is money you would've spent anyway — for no annual fee.
For more details, read our full review of the Bilt Mastercard.
Learn more: Bilt Mastercard
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: The Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a solid cash-back card. It earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase but a decent 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. In addition to no annual fee, this card also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
For more details, read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Learn more: Capital One Quicksilver
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's a great no-annual-fee card: The Wells Fargo Autograph features multiple bonus categories, a decent welcome offer and cellphone protection. If you're looking for a no-frills credit card with simple earning and redemption options, this is a solid pick.
For more details, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph
What to consider when choosing a no-annual-fee card
No-annual-fee credit cards provide an easy way to enter the credit card world. Some important factors to consider are:
Rewards earning
While none of the cards on this list have an annual fee, you should still prioritize choosing the one that best suits your spending preferences and needs. Think about your spending habits and choose a card that offers the best earning rates for you.
Additional benefits
Besides earning rates, consider the additional benefits you want from a card. For example, if you are a foodie who wants a card with cellphone protection, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph. Cardholders enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when they pay their monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Paying off your balance on time
If you're looking to add a credit card with or without an annual fee to your wallet, you still have to practice responsible credit card usage. It is important to pay off your bill in full every month and not carry a balance to take full advantage of your credit card.
You won't be able to save money with a no-annual-fee card if you're stuck paying interest on your balance.
Related: How to use credit cards responsibly
When you should consider a card with an annual fee
Not all cards are created equally. Many premium travel reward cards like the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve cost hundreds of dollars in annual fees, but they also feature premium perks like airport lounge access and travel credits that can make their fees worth it.
If you're interested in a card with an annual fee, double-check that you can take advantage of its benefits before submitting your application. For the right person, a card like the Amex Platinum, which features a hefty annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees), can be worth it.
Some notable credits offered by the Amex Platinum include:
- $200 in Uber Cash: Amex Platinum cardholders get $15 in Uber Cash to use on eligible orders with Uber Eats and rides with Uber in the U.S. each month, plus an up-to-$20 bonus in December. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.
- $300 digital entertainment credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Amex Platinum for eligible purchases with Disney+, a Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, Paramount+, YouTube TV and YouTube Premium when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers.*
- $600 hotel credit: Get up to $600 back in statement credits each calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® using your Amex Platinum. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $200 airline fee credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card or any of the additional users on your Amex Platinum account.*
- $209 Clear Plus credit: Clear Plus helps you get to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify your identity at more than 50 airports nationwide; it's also available at more than 100 stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the U.S. When you pay for your Clear Plus membership with your Amex Platinum card, you'll receive an up-to-$209 Clear Plus credit (subject to auto-renewal).*
*Enrollment is required.
If you're not quite ready for an annual fee or want to simply get a feel for the credit card rewards game, starting with a no-annual-fee card is a great choice.
Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison
Bottom line
A no-annual-fee card can certainly be a good choice for the right person. If you don't want to worry about an annual fee but still want to earn on your current spending, getting a card with no annual fee is a great way to get started. Additionally, a no-annual-fee card is a great pick for new credit card users as it allows you to join the world of credit cards without the risk of a high annual fee.
With over a dozen cards under my belt, including premium products like the Amex Platinum, I still love my no-annual-fee Citi Double Cash. Its reward structure is easy to understand, and it's been in my wallet for years since I don't have to justify paying an annual fee year after year.
Related: What credit score do you need to get the Citi Double Cash Card?
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.