At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for .
Why you can trust Bankrate
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly, people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you\'re well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience. Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way, we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial Integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
How We Make Money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Insurance Disclosure
This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.com. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states were it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Though credit cards with annual fees can be worth it, you don’t have to pay more to get valuable credit card rewards and benefits. If you're uncomfortable with a yearly fee or you’re planning to use your credit card only occasionally, a no-annual-fee card is a great choice. Check out our picks for the best no-annual-fee credit cards of 2022 from our partners.
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.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
$200
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card checks many of the boxes for a great cash back card: a straightforward rewards program, no annual fee, an easily attainable sign-up bonus and more. These qualities help make the Quicksilver a reliable source of cash back rewards and a potentially valuable addition to your wallet.
Your rewards don’t expire for the life of the account and there are many redemption options, including statement credits, checks, gift cards and more.
This card is a good option for financing large purchases with its 0 percent intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months (then 15.24 percent to 25.24 percent variable APR).
Cons
You can earn more rewards with other flat-rate or bonus category cash back credit cards.
The barrier of entry for this card may be a bit high, with a credit score recommendation of 670 or higher.
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 15.24%-25.24% variable APR after that
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.
Rewards rate
8%
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
3%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card helps you earn cash back on food and fun without paying an annual fee. And with a great cash back rate on both groceries and dining out, you don’t have to choose favorites. Earn 1 percent on all other purchases. Also, benefits include inside access to premium dining, entertainment and sports experiences.
There is a 15-month 0 percent intro APR for new purchases (then variable 15.24 percent to 25.24 percent).
Benefits include inside access to premium dining, entertainment and sports experiences.
Cons
Popular superstores like Target and Walmart are not included in the bonus rewards rate on grocery store purchases.
Amazon has a list of restricted items, such as digital music and eBooks, that you can’t redeem rewards on.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 15.24% - 25.24% variable APR after that
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.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - 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
12.24% - 23.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Here's a rare opportunity to put the three C's to work for you: categories, calendar and cash back. Plan your spending around Discover's cash back calendar to maximize your cash back earnings in categories like wholesale clubs, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and more. The cash back potential is huge, and the annual fee is $0.
Discover offers a number of consumer-friendly card terms, including no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
You can redeem the rewards you earn at any time, no minimum required.
Cons
You must enroll to activate the spending category benefits each quarter.
There’s a spending cap each quarter for the 5 percent cash back (up to $1,500, then 1 percent, enrollment required).
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - 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.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
New Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR‡ for 15 months on purchases. Then 12.24% to 23.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click "Apply Now" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
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.
Rewards rate
5%
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more;
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1.5%
1.5% on all other purchases
Intro offer
Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 23.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is more than just a cash back card. The wide range of redemption options, including the ability to redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, makes it more of a multi-purpose rewards card. With no annual fee, it’s also an economical choice.
This card is a great option to pair with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards because it's easy to pool points through the program.
If you’re a frequent traveler, this card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Cons
This card charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee.
Certain rewards, like the 5 percent cash back on travel, can only be redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, 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 Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 15.24% - 23.99%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
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.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2%
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Intro offer
$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
14.74%-24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers great cash back rates on categories we all use every day. This card may work especially well for busy families who may have high expense costs to cover at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. If working out points and miles isn’t your thing, that’s another plus.
There are a few ancillary benefits that come with this card, including car rental insurance, travel assistance, and purchase protections.
You won’t need to keep track of rotating spend categories or enrollment periods.
Cons
Popular superstores, like Target and Walmart, do not count as U.S. supermarkets and will not earn bonus rewards.
Your 3 percent bonus rewards are subject to a cap ($6,000 in purchases per year, then 1 percent).
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
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.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you’ve been hesitant to commit to a few cash back categories, the Citi Custom Cash Card offers a unique and lucrative solution. You’ll automatically earn bonus cash back in your top spending category each month and you won’t have to worry about strategic spending to maximize rewards.
The eligible bonus categories include everyday expenses, like gas stations and grocery stores.
You can redeem points for a few different options, like checks, statement credits and travel.
Cons
Your bonus category cash back is subject to a cap (up to $500 each billing cycle, then 1 percent).
There’s a high balance transfer fee with this card of 5 percent of the transferred balance or $5 (whichever is greater).
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
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.
Rewards rate
5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 23.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Many credit cards don’t charge an annual fee, but few of those no-annual-fee cards have the cash back earning potential of the Chase Freedom Flex. The card features exceptional cash back rates in a variety of spending categories, from travel to restaurants to drugstore purchases.
There’s a 15-month 0 percent intro APR on new purchases (then variable 15.24 percent to 23.99 percent APR), making it a good pick for financing large purchases.
You’ll enjoy World Elite Mastercard benefits, like a $5 credit towards your next ride after you take 3 Lyft rides in one month.
Cons
Though you can earn 5 percent cash back on Chase travel, beware of the 3 percent foreign transaction fee.
You must enroll before the deadline each quarter to take advantage of the rotating category benefits.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 15.24% - 23.99%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
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.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you could only have one credit card in your wallet, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card makes the case for why it should be the one. On top of a flat rate of 2 percent cash rewards and no annual fee, this card comes with plenty of perks. These include an intro APR on both qualifying balance transfers and purchases, cellphone protection and select Visa Signature privileges.
Earn unlimited 2 percent cash rewards, which will not expire as long as you keep your account open and in good standing.
On top of a $200 cash rewards sign-up bonus (after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months), cardmembers with a large purchase to make or debt to pay down will enjoy the 0 percent intro APR offer for 15 months from account opening on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% variable APR).
Cons
You have to be a Wells Fargo customer to enjoy some of the best redemption perks, such as withdrawing your cash rewards at a Wells Fargo ATM or having your rewards deposited in a checking account.
There is a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, which will be disappointing to people who enjoy traveling abroad.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
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.
Rewards rate
5%
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
5%
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2%
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
1%
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
$200 bonus
New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of
account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The U.S Bank Cash+ puts your rewards earning power in your hands. You get to choose not one, but two spending categories that will earn you 5 percent back on up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter (then 1 percent). You also get to choose where you earn on your next highest earning tier, creating a uniquely customized experience all around.
Pros
You’ll have some extra time to pay off a sizable balance or finance a large purchase because of the intro APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers.
The card’s second-highest rewards tier options account for both gas stations and EV charging stations, keeping up with modern day innovation.
Cons
You need at least $20 in rewards earnings to redeem for a U.S. Bank Rewards Card, one of many redemption options.
The quarterly spending cap could be a major limiting factor on your rewards earnings.
New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.74% - 24.74%
No Annual Fee.
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Terms and conditions apply.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
Balance transfer intro APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
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.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
1.25X
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro offer
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
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you say “yes” to travel but “no” to annual fees, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card might be the card you want to take on your next trip. With this card, every purchase puts you closer to rewards-funded travel. All this, with no annual fee.
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.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Fair to Good (580 - 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This no-frills credit card is a good option for people with fair credit who can’t yet qualify for a rewards or zero-percent interest credit card. It’s also an option for folks who fear they might be enticed to overspend with a card that offers rewards.
You could feasibly qualify for this card with a FICO score as low as 580.
The card charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
There is no welcome offer or intro APR offers that come with this card.
The regular APR on this card is quite high at 26.99 percent variable.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with our mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
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.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card offers an attractive combination of low maintenance and high rewards potential. There’s currently no welcome offer, making it somewhat less competitive in the short term, but we think the long-term value is enough to make it worthwhile, all things considered.
Holding a Citi card affords you access to Citi entertainment perks, like access to presale tickets and other popular events.
There’s an 18-month 0 percent introductory APR on balance transfers (then variable 14.74 percent to 24.74 percent APR).
Cons
There is currently no welcome bonus with this card, unlike some of its direct competitors.
There is a 3 percent foreign transaction fee with this card, which may prove inconvenient for international travel.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
A closer look at the best no-annual-fee credit cards
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best cash back card with no annual fee
What we love about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card: For a no-annual-fee card, the Quicksilver has a noteworthy set of perks and a decent rewards rate. It offers several travel and shopping protections, including emergency card replacement, and fraud coverage—and the unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases can provide steady value for cardholders. You can also earn unlimited 5 percent cash back on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
Who this card is good for: Cash back first-timers seeking a simple no-annual-fee card.
Alternatives: For people who’d rather focus their spending on a few particular categories, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card could provide higher cash back earning potential in the long run.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best no annual fee card for dining and entertainment
What we love about the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card: If you want a card that rewards fun experiences, you’ll have a hard time finding a better option than the SavorOne. The card is well-rounded and potentially lucrative for almost everyone because of its rewards rate and no annual fee, and it rewards both everyday and entertainment purchases at a decent rate. Entertainment may sound vague, but concerts, movies, sporting events, theme parks and tourist attractions are all included in Capital One’s entertainment bonus category.
Who this card is good for: People who enjoy dining out and entertainment lovers would get the most value on purchases.
Alternatives: Cardholders seeking a card with more flexibility in cash back earnings and reward redemption should consider the Discover it Cash Back card, which comes with an unlimited Cashback Match™ welcome offer.
Discover it Cash Back: Best no annual fee card for rotating cash back categories
What we love about the Discover it Cash Back card: Discover’s cash back categories are noteworthy, and you could potentially double your cash back earnings at the end of your first year with the Cashback Match program (Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year). Plus, it offers 5 percent cash back (activation required) on up to $1,500 spent in quarterly rotating bonus categories, then 1 percent. With no annual fee, this card will add plenty of value to any wallet.
Who this card is good for: Someone who wants to cash in on a variety of seasonal expenses.
Alternatives: Flat-rate cash rewards cards such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card may be better for people who prefer a simple rewards structure.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best rewards card with no annual fee
What we love about the Chase Freedom Unlimited card: Its versatility and flexible redemption options prove that there is a ton of potential value packed into this card. It earns a decent cash back rate for a no-annual-fee card at 1.5 percent, and not only can you redeem your rewards for both cash back and travel (purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards), but you can do so for equal value—1 cent apiece.
Who this card is good for: For someone who can’t decide between a cash back or a travel credit card, this card is a great way to dip a toe into travel rewards without an exclusive commitment.
Alternatives: For international travelers, credit cards without a foreign transaction fee such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit card could earn you better rewards when booking travel outside of the U.S.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Best no annual fee card for families
What we love about the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: The simple, everyday bonus categories make this card worthwhile, especially since it has no annual fee. Cardholders will also receive a welcome offer of $200 in statement credits—given they spend $2,000 within the first six months of account opening—making the card one of the most lucrative options among other no-annual-fee cards.
Who this card is good for: Someone seeking a low-maintenance cash back card to use on everyday essentials or for those looking to earn an additional 2 percent cash back at select U.S. department stores.
Alternatives: Target, Walmart or Sam’s Club loyalists may find that a retail store card such as the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® offers more value since these stores don’t qualify for the Blue Cash Everyday Card’s U.S. supermarket cash back category.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best no annual fee card for automatic bonus category
What we love about the Citi Custom Cash card: The bonus category automatically shifts to match your spending on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (the card touts 5 percent cash back in 10 bonus categories—one of the highest cash back rates for a card with no annual fee).
Who this card is good for: Someone who wants to earn a high cash back rate without being limited to one or two category options.
Alternatives: If you want to earn rewards in multiple categories simultaneously or want to consistently earn higher cash back on both groceries and gas, for example, you may be better off with a more traditional tiered card such as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
Chase Freedom Flex: Best no annual fee card for cash back in multiple categories
What we love about the Chase Freedom Flex card: Cardholders can take advantage of its flexibility, as the Freedom Flex features bonus categories that rotate each quarter. If you have commitment issues when it comes to rewards categories, this card could be a great fit.
Who this card is good for: Someone who wants to earn rewards in several purchase categories.
Alternatives: For grocery shoppers looking to get a go-to card that consistently rewards these purchases exclusively, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express might better align with your spending—especially if you make significant grocery purchases each week.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Best no annual fee card for flat-rate cash rewards card with perks
What we love about the Wells Fargo Active Cash card: The sign-up bonus and unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases alone make this a standout flat-rate credit card, and the 15-month 0 percent intro APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening (then 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% variable) adds even more value.
Who this card is good for: Anyone looking for a well-rounded flat-rate cash rewards credit card with no annual fee and plenty of perks.
Alternatives: For rewards seekers looking to earn more than 2 percent back in select categories, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature Card could give more overall value in key spending categories.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card: Best no annual fee card for bonus categories
What we love about the U.S. Bank Cash+: The freedom to customize so much of your earning experience is a strong draw for this card. You have the power to choose all of your top earning spending categories, two in your highest earning tier and one in your second highest.
Who this card is good for: Seasoned credit card spenders and rewards strategists who know exactly where their money goes and exactly where they can earn the most.
Alternatives: Hitting the quarterly spending cap on this card can dampen your earning potential quickly. If unlimited rewards on all kinds of purchases is something you’re after, the Wells Fargo Active Cash offers one of the highest flat rewards rates on the market.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best no annual fee card for travel expenses
What we love about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card: With this card, the freedom to book your rewards based on your preferences is a huge advantage. You can use your Capital One miles to book hotels, flights and rental cars through Capital One’s website, or you can use your card to book travel through another service or website and redeem your miles as a statement credit to cover the cost.
Who this card is good for: People who are occasional or beginner travelers.
Alternatives: If you are a frequent traveler looking to maximize your rewards earnings, and you wouldn’t mind paying a few hundred dollars for an annual fee, you may prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve®—as it offers a higher rewards rate than VentureOne Rewards.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best no annual fee card for free credit monitoring
What we love about the Capital One Platinum card: For a card available to consumers with less-than-ideal credit, its set of features is very impressive. The Capital One Platinum has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your account will be automatically reviewed for a higher credit limit after six months.
Who this card is good for: Someone with fair to good credit trying to improve their score.
Alternatives: There are no-annual-fee cards with more valuable perks such as the Citi Custom Cash Card for rewards seekers looking to earn cash back or points on purchases.
Citi Double Cash Card: Best no annual fee card for flat-rate cash back
What we love about the Citi Double Cash card: With no bonus categories or annual fee to worry about and a solid cash back rate, this card can be a valuable, stress-free addition to most wallets. Plus, its unique rewards system lets you earn 1 percent cash back when you buy and another 1 percent when you pay.
Who this card is good for: People who want a flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee.
Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card might be a better choice for those looking for a more lucrative sign-up bonus.
A no-annual-fee credit card is a type of credit card that gives cardholders an opportunity to have a credit card, earn rewards and use credit card perks without charging the typical annual fee. If you’re on the search for a credit card, you’ve probably noticed that some cards charge a yearly fee for simply having the card, but come with lucrative rewards and perks. In many cases, you’ll still get the same long-term value—including rewards and perks—from a credit card without an annual fee.
How to choose the best no annual fee credit card
There are plenty of cards on the market that don’t charge an annual fee but still offer some notable perks. When trying to decide what no annual fee card is best for you, consider these questions:
What are your spending habits?
Understanding your spending habits is key to figuring out which no annual fee card will be most beneficial for you. A lot of cards offer boosted rewards rates for spending in certain categories. Therefore, knowing which of these categories you spend the most in will help you pinpoint the card that gives you the most bang for your buck.
What benefits and rewards do I need?
It’s important to note that some cards may offer higher rewards rates than others. Other cards may also offer specific types of rewards that vary for each card. For example, one credit card may only offer rewards in the form of cash back while another card may offer travel points and miles. Always know exactly what you’re looking to get out of your card in terms of rewards and benefits.
Do the rewards compensate for not having an annual fee?
Keep in mind that cards with an annual fee usually come with more desirable perks. If you’re still uncomfortable with the idea of an annual fee, you’re just getting started on your credit card journey or you’ve done your research and the rewards associated with a no annual fee card fit well with your lifestyle, sticking to a card without that extra cost could be your best bet.
How can you maximize your no annual fee credit card?
A no annual fee credit card can be a great addition to your wallet if used correctly. Keep these tips in mind when using your card:
Pay your balance on time and in full each month. Keeping your spending in check so you can pay off your balance in full each month will allow you to take full advantage of your no annual fee card’s low ownership cost and keep your credit utilization low.
Pair the no annual fee card with a rewards card. When you’re comfortable managing your no annual fee credit card, it’s worth taking a look at pairing it with a card that charges an annual fee but earns more rewards.
Keep the card open when you upgrade. With no annual fee to pay for keeping the card, you can use an old no annual fee card to boost your credit score by keeping the card open to improve your credit utilization ratio and credit history length.
For example, one of the best no annual fee credit cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited, earns cardholders cash back on certain categories, but pairing it with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® on travel will earn solid cash back and travel rewards at the same time.
Pros and cons of no-annual-fee credit cards
Pros
A low-cost method to build up your credit: Your credit card activity will be reported to the credit bureaus each month and responsible use, like paying down your balances and making payments on time, will help you to build up a positive credit history—all at no extra cost.
Earn rewards, skip the fees: You don’t have to pay a premium to get rewards with the best no-annual-fee credit cards. Your card may also come without foreign transaction fees, late fees and more.
No planning to cover the cost of an annual fee: If your card carries an annual fee, you have to think about affording that fee. The good news is that with a no-annual-fee card, you don’t have to worry about covering this cost.
Cons
Small sign-up bonuses: If the card has a sign-up bonus at all, it’s typically smaller than the offers associated with annual fee credit cards.
Rewards aren’t usually as valuable as annual fee card counterparts: No-annual-fee credit cards usually have lower rewards rates and fewer extras than their fee-charging counterparts.
The card may carry other fees: No-annual-fee cards might always seem like the best choice at first glance, but that’s not necessarily the case and you’ll need to review a card’s full terms and conditions to make sure it fits with your financial goals and spending habits.
Bankrate insight
Travel credit cards usually come with annual fees. But if you’re a frequent traveler, a good travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can easily make up for its annual fee in rewards value.
Who should get a no-annual-fee credit card?
Just about anyone can benefit from the right no annual fee credit card. If you want to get one, consider how you might use the card, your typical spending habits and your overall financial priorities. A credit card with no annual fee may be right for you if you fit any of the following consumer types:
If you’re new to the world of credit cards, a card with no annual fee might be the right choice until you become more experienced. You won’t have to worry about developing a strategy to maximize the card’s benefits to compensate for an annual fee.
Not having an annual credit card fee added to the mix makes it easier to keep your budget simplified, which can be a welcome relief for anyone building or rebuilding their credit. There are a number of cards designed for people with no credit history or bad credit that don’t charge annual fees (although secured credit cards typically require a one-time security deposit).
Some no-annual-fee cards offer 0 percent introductory APR on purchases, balance transfers or both. These cards can provide a temporary interest-free window to pay for a large purchase or a balance transferred from a different credit account.
Those who already own top-tier cards might find the addition of a carefully chosen no-annual-fee card worth their time. Credit card combinations, like pairing a premier travel card with an everyday cash back card, could round out your plastic portfolio.
Still unsure if a no-annual-fee credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
Are credit cards with annual fees ever worth it?
Choosing a no-annual-fee credit card might seem like a no-brainer — who would want to pay a yearly fee when you don’t have to? However, there are times where an annual fee is justified.
When it’s worth the fee
When it’s not worth the fee
Think of annual fees as paying a yearly subscription for premium benefits. Plenty of annual fee credit cards can pay for themselves—just be sure it’s affordable for you. To see if an annual fee card is truly worth it, estimate how much you could earn in rewards and add it to the value of the card’s perks and benefits. Then compare this value to the card’s annual price tag.
Credit card beginners might have an easier time learning the basics with a no-annual-fee card. They’re also more likely to be in the early stages of their careers, with less room in their budgets to absorb the cost of an annual credit card fee. For some cardholders, the true value of credit cards lies in their convenience instead of their potential for rewards. Not everyone has the same interest in cash back or travel miles, or the willingness to balance them against an annual credit card fee. If stockpiling rewards doesn’t interest you, a no-annual-fee card is likely the better choice.
Bankrate insight
Not all credit cards with annual fees have the long-term value you may need. Instead of canceling your card and taking a hit on your credit score, you could always downgrade to a no-annual-fee card.
How we chose our top no-annual-fee credit cards
All credit cards from our partners are rated with a 5-star scoring system. For cards in this category, we focused on the merits of each selection apart from charging no-annual-fee. Those specific criteria included:
Rewards rate and value
Some no-annual-fee cards offer fairly decent flat-rate cash rewards or travel miles (usually between 1.5% to 2% back) while others have rotating spending categories that offer boosted rewards rates directly dependent on how you spend (typically between 2% and 5%, though bonus rewards may be subject to a cap and then revert to a base spending rate after that cap is met).
Redemption options
Rewards often come in the form of cash back that you can get as a direct deposit into a bank account, statement credit, gift cards and more. Some no-annual-fee travel credit cards earn miles that can be redeemed for statement credits or transferred to a number of airline or hotel partners. The best no-annual-fee credit cards let you redeem rewards in a useful, flexible way.
Extras and discounts
Some no-annual-fee credit cards offer retail discounts, insurance coverage and other perks that improve their overall value. These additions make the perk of no-annual-fee just a little sweeter because you still have access to key assets and benefits.
Variable APR
The best no-annual-fee credit cards offer reasonable interest rates in case you carry a balance. Having a no-annual-fee card with a high interest rate could hamper the benefits of having no-annual-fee, especially if you’re a budget-conscious shopper or you expect to rotate a balance from time to time. (Note: it’s best to pay off balances in full whenever possible to avoid interest).
More information on credit cards with no annual fee
Here are some additional Bankrate resources on no-annual-fee credit cards:
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
The information about the Centurion Card from American Express has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently asked questions about no annual fee credit cards
The simplest explanation involves the relationship between cost and benefits. A card that offers higher rewards rates and more valuable perks will cost more to provide, so the issuer charges an annual fee.
No annual fee cards for bad credit are rare but not impossible to find. A likely option might be getting a secured credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee.
Unfortunately, yes. Annual fees are the cost of having access to the credit line, not using it.
There are strategies you can use to potentially get your card issuer to waive an annual fee, at least temporarily, like contacting customer service or seeking a waiver for use exchange.
The “best” rewards program depends on the person. Each consumer has different financial needs that a credit card must meet to be considered the best for them.
Mariah Ackary is a personal finance writer who specializes in small businesses and credit. Mariah is a lifelong writer, but joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to mackary@bankrate.com
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.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. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
