Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards in 2025
Best credit card with no annual fee
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Best credit card with no annual fee
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is the best no-annual-fee credit card — not just for earning points* on rent (up to 100,000 points per calendar year) but for anyone looking for a great no-annual-fee rewards card (see Rates & Fees). You’ll get flexible rewards with generous bonus categories, monthly Rent Day promotions and an intriguing list of airline and hotel transfer partners.
Key takeaways
- Credit cards without annual fees allow cardholders to earn valuable rewards without needing to outearn the card’s annual fee.
- Many no-annual-fee cards offer rewards and perks similar to cards with higher annual fees.
- Maximize your rewards by selecting one of the best cards with no annual fees whose bonus categories match where you spend the most.
- Winner/Best rewards credit card with no annual fee: Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (see Rates & Fees)
- Best credit card for airline miles with no annual fee: American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
- Best travel credit card with no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Best cash back credit card with no annual fee: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best credit card for gas and groceries with no annual fee: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (see rates & fees)
- Best secured credit card with no annual fee: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Best business credit card with no annual fee: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Best hotel rewards credit card with no annual fee: Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
- Best student credit card with no annual fee: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Best metal credit card with no annual fee: Prime Visa
10 Best credit cards with no annual fee
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Apply Now
on Bilt Rewards's secure site Rates & Fees |
Rewards credit card
|
1X - 5X points
| N/A | See rates & fees |
Apply Now
on Bilt Rewards's secure site Rates & Fees |
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Airline miles
|
2X miles
| 15,000 miles
Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
| 20.24% - 29.24% (Variable) |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card*
|
Travel credit card
|
1X - 3X points
| 20,000 points
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
| 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR | |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Cash back credit card
|
1% - 8% cash back
| $200 Cash Back
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
|
Gas and groceries
|
1% - 3% cash back
| $200 statement credit
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
| 20.24%-29.24% Variable | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Secured credit card
|
1% - 2% cash back
| Match all cash back
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
| 27.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Business credit card
|
1.5% cash back
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
| $750 cash back
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| 17.49% - 23.49% Variable |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card*
|
Hotel credit card
|
1X - 14X points
| 60,000 points
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
| 19.99% - 28.49% Variable | |
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Student credit card
|
1% - 5% cash back
| Unlimited Cashback Match
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
| 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Prime Visa
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Metal credit card
|
1% - 5% cash back
| $150 Amazon gift card
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
| 19.49% - 28.24% Variable |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Methodology: How we chose the best no-annual-fee credit cards
To bring you the list of best no-annual-fee cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
We rank cards based on the following criteria:
We calculate the rewards earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up bonus and annual bonuses (including annual free night certificates). We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum redemption thresholds, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits — such as purchase protections, travel protections, elite status benefits and travel credits — against benefits from other cards.
Note, that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best rewards credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
Winner: Best rewards credit card with no annual fee
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards: 1X - 5X points
- Earn rewards on rent (up to 100,000 points per calendar year) with no transaction fees (see Rates & Fees)
- Bonus points on dining and travel purchases
- Transfer points 1:1 to a wide variety of partners, including United Airlines and Hyatt
- $0 foreign transaction fee (see Rates & Fees)
- Solid travel protections
- No sign-up bonus
- Homeowners cannot benefit from the card’s biggest benefit: points on rent payments
- Must use the card five times each statement period to earn points
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is a no-brainer for renters, since it lets you earn points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per calendar year)* with no transaction fee (see Rates & Fees). However, anyone looking for a good no-annual-fee rewards card should give it a close look (see Rates & Fees). It offers all-around great rewards and perks that are typically reserved for annual fee cards.
That includes the option to transfer points to a wide variety of travel loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, to maximize your rewards. You also get double points on dining and travel purchases, making it the most potentially rewarding card on our list in terms of rewards earned per dollar spent*. It offers other great travel features, including $0 foreign transaction fees and trip cancellation and interruption protection (see Rates & Fees).
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.028 in rewards per $1 spent.**
- The average cardholder can earn around $863 in rewards in the first year.**
**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statements, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Other features and benefits include: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Security, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Cellular Telephone Protection, and Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Select Apply Now to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
Best credit card for airline miles with no annual fee
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 miles
Welcome offer details: Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn valuable AAdvantage miles at twice the rate on grocery purchases
- Get a solid sign-up bonus
- 25% discount on in-flight purchases
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Few airline benefits
- Limited bonus categories
- No travel protections
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card gives you the chance to stack up valuable (and hard to come by) AAdvantage miles on your grocery purchases. It’s the only AAdvantage card to offer a bonus on grocery purchases, which means even annual fee AAdvantage card holders might consider adding it to their arsenal.
While it doesn’t offer priority boarding or free checked bags, it does give you a 25% discount on in-flight purchases. But you may want to keep this airline credit card at home during international travel because of its 3% foreign transaction fee.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.023 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $731 in rewards in the first year.*
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening for balance transfers only. After that the variable APR will be 20.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater. Balance Transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
Best travel credit card with no annual fee
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 points
Welcome offer details: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- 3x points on common spending categories
- Flexible redemption options, including airline and hotel partners
- Intro offer on purchases
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- Intro APR offer doesn’t include balance transfers
- Only a handful of transfer partners to choose from
- Limited travel protections
With 3x points on a wide variety of travel-related purchases, a generous sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees, the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers a lot to frequent travelers. Wells Fargo recently introduced transfer partners, which significantly enhances the value of its rewards. Plus, all cardholders receive cellphone protection and rental car coverage.
New cardholders also get an intro APR offer on purchases, which can help you finance an upcoming trip.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.022 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $696 in rewards in the first year.*
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Best cash back credit card with no annual fee
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn $200 Cash Back
Welcome offer details: Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- One of the highest earning rates on food and entertainment purchases
- Earn a large sign-up bonus
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Potentially high APR
- Balance transfer fee applies on promotional rates
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding cash back cards around, especially if you love to eat out and have fun. It offers unlimited 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for travel. You’ll also get a long intro APR on balance transfers and new purchases (a balance transfer fee applies).
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.023 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $652 in rewards in the first year.*
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment 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
- 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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Best credit card for gas and groceries with no annual fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit
Welcome offer details: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- High rewards rate on U.S. gas and U.S. supermarket purchases
- Solid welcome offer
- Monthly credits on popular streaming subscription services (subject to auto-renewal)
- Long intro APR
- Cap on higher rewards rate
- Bonus categories are limited to U.S.-based purchases
- Foreign transaction fees
If you’re looking for a dedicated card for U.S. gas and U.S. supermarket purchases, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express may be your best bet. It offers one of the highest rewards rates among no-annual-fee cards for these categories combined.
Plus, the card includes statement credits of up to $7 per month for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal) and up to $15 per month on Home Chef meal kits***.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.019 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $583 in rewards in the first year.*
***Enrollment required.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Best secured credit card with no annual fee
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Match all cash back
Welcome offer details: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- Earns rewards on every purchase
- Matches cash back in the first year for new cardholders
- Automatic reviews to graduate to an unsecured card starting at seven months
- No penalty APR
- No late fee for first missed payment
- Security deposit required
- Bonus cash back is capped
- High APR
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the most rewarding secured credit cards you can find. It earns cash back on every purchase, including bonus rewards on your first $1,000 on gas station and restaurant purchases each quarter. And it matches all the cash back that you earn at the end of the first year for new cardholders.
There is no credit score required to apply, and you can get started with a security deposit of just $200. Discover also offers automatic account reviews starting at seven months. By responsibly using your card, you may qualify for a higher credit limit or an upgrade to an unsecured card.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.013 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average beginner cardholder can earn around $91 in rewards in the first year.*
- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO® Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best business credit card with no annual fee
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back
Welcome offer details: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Large sign-up bonus
- High flat rate of 1.5x points on all purchases
- Intro APR on purchases
- Free employee cards
- No bonus categories to earn extra points
- Cannot transfer points without an eligible Chase card
- Foreign transaction fees
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers some of the best rewards of any no-annual-fee business credit card. You’ll get a very generous sign-up bonus, and you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business. Plus, with free employee cards, all of your employee purchases will earn rewards too.
The card includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage to protect your business, and rental cars receive primary rental car insurance against damage or theft. New cardholders also get an intro APR offer, providing extra time to pay off purchases to even out your cash flow.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.015 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $1,050 in rewards in the first year.*
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Best hotel rewards credit card with no annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points
Welcome offer details: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn a very generous sign-up bonus
- Earn up to 14x points at Marriott properties
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Travel and purchase protections
- Limited Marriott perks
- Meager earning rate outside of Marriott purchases
- Dynamic pricing on award nights impacts the value of rewards
- No intro APR offers
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card comes with a very large sign-up bonus for a card with no annual fee. You’ll get other decent perks like automatic Silver elite status. The card also lets you earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, and cable and phone services. Plus, earn 1X point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
If you want to achieve higher elite status with Marriott, you’ll receive a jump start with five Elite Night Credits each year. When traveling, keep the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card handy since it has $0 foreign transaction fees and includes valuable travel protections, which cover lost or delayed baggage, trip delays and more.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.01 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $1,184 in rewards in the first year.*
- Earn 60,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
- Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
- 2X points for every $1 spent on purchases at grocery stores.
- 2X points for every $1 spent on rideshare and select food delivery.
- 2X points for every $1 spent on select streaming, and internet, cable and phone services.
- 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Receive 5 Elite Night Credits annually, plus complimentary Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn unlimited Marriott Bonvoy® points and get Free Night Stays faster.
Best student credit card with no annual fee
Discover it® Student Cash Back
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn Unlimited Cashback Match
Welcome offer details: Earn Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- No credit score required to apply
- Earn a high rate of cash back on rotating categories
- Unlimited cash back match the first year
- Intro purchase APR offer
- You have to activate categories each quarter to earn the bonus
- Quarterly bonus categories are capped
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great way to build a credit history. It doesn’t require a credit score to apply, and you don’t need a security deposit to open it. Plus, you’ll enjoy a rewards program that’s on par with some of the best cash back cards — as long as you don’t mind activating bonus categories each quarter. You’ll earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
While it doesn’t have a traditional welcome offer, all of your cash back rewards are doubled after the first year, no matter how much you spend.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.017 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average beginner cardholder can earn around $119 in rewards in the first year.*
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best metal credit card with no annual fee
Prime Visa
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Get a $150 Amazon gift card
Welcome offer details: Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
- Earn up to 5% as an Amazon Prime member
- Earn bonus rewards on gas, dining and transit
- Get an Amazon gift card upon approval
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Travel and purchase protections
- Must be an Amazon Prime member
- No intro APR offers for new accounts
- Must choose between rewards and interest rate promos
The Amazon Prime Visa is a fantastic card for Amazon and Whole Foods shopping, but it’s even more than that: It’s a metal card that you can use for a variety of everyday purchases. You’ll earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
It’s also a decent option for travel, since it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. It even offers a few travel protections, like baggage and car rental protection.
How rewarding is it?
- The average cardholder can earn around $0.021 in rewards per $1 spent.*
- The average cardholder can earn around $564 in rewards in the first year.*
- Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
- Member FDIC
Pros and cons of credit cards with no annual fee
- Earn cash back, points or miles that you can use to pay off your balance, book a trip or redeem for products
- 0% APR intro periods that allow you to save money on balance transfers
- Build credit history for free as long as you pay your statement balance in full each month
- Keep your card open indefinitely to improve the age of your accounts without having to pay an ongoing fee
- Won’t offer premium travel benefits like cards that have annual fees
- May be less rewarding than some annual fee cards
- May offer a lower sign-up bonus
What is an annual fee on a credit card?
An annual fee is a fee that you pay once a year for the privilege of using a card and its benefits. Annual fees typically range from $35 to $500, but some premium cards — like The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates & fees) and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates & fees) — go even higher. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that the average annual fee was $94 from smaller issuers and $157 from larger ones.
Not all credit cards charge annual fees. Some cards may waive the annual fee in the first year so you can try out their benefits before committing to the fee. Other cards (including our top credit cards with no annual fee), don’t charge any annual fee at all.
Why do credit cards have annual fees?
Banks charge annual fees on credit cards to help cover the cost of benefits and rewards, as well as the operational costs of offering the cards. Many rewards credit cards charge annual fees of around $100, but some can go as high as $695. Typically, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits are included to justify the cost of owning the card.
When do you pay the annual fee on a credit card?
Annual fees typically post on the anniversary date of when you opened your account and are included in the following statement balance. You won’t earn rewards on annual fees, but they are treated like a purchase for interest charges if you don’t pay your balance in full. Some credit cards waive the first year’s annual fee to allow new customers to try out the card’s features before committing to paying an annual fee.
LendingTree Study: Would you pay an annual fee for a credit card?
According to a recent LendingTree survey on credit card annual fees, nearly half (45%) of the more than 1,600 respondents said they’d never pay an annual fee. The other responses varied from “less than $100” to more than $1,000, depending on benefits. 3 out of 4 respondents were unwilling to pay more than $100.
These results indicate that many consumers are willing to pay an annual fee when they see enough value in a card’s rewards and benefits.
Can you switch to a card with no annual fee?
In many cases, yes, it is possible to switch to a card with no annual fee if the issuer has a suitable no-annual-fee option. In many cases, switching from a credit card with an annual fee to a card with no annual fee is considered “downgrading.” This is because cards with no annual fees tend to have fewer benefits and rewards than annual fee cards.
Remember that issuers can impose restrictions on product changes. They may:
- Require your account to open for a certain amount of time
- Disallow changes to a particular card
- Require that changes be kept within the same card “family” (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards or Marriott Bonvoy cards)
If downgrading isn’t an option, you can cancel a credit card. But before you cancel your credit card with an annual fee, remember that the length of your credit history factors into your credit score. You may notice a slight drop to your credit score when you close a credit card. You can raise your credit score with positive actions like making payments on time and keeping your credit utilization ratio low.
→ Learn more about product changes: How to request a product change with Capital One
How to ask about a credit card annual fee waiver
There’s no guarantee that an issuer will give you a credit card annual fee waiver, but it never hurts to ask.
- Call your credit card’s toll-free number and ask if they’ll waive your annual fee. Highlight your positive payment history and tell them you’d like to remain a customer.
- Ask the credit card issuer to match a competitor’s offer. Many credit cards have similar benefits and features. If you find a no-annual-fee credit card that’s comparable to your card, ask your card’s customer service department if they can waive the fee in exchange for you keeping your card.
- Inquire about military benefits. For cardholders who are active duty military members, your credit card issuer may offer you benefits in addition to those given under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
- Ask for a retention offer. Banks know it is expensive to attract new customers, so they may be willing to provide a retention offer to keep you from closing your account. Retention offers may include waived or reduced annual fees, bonus points or higher rewards on purchases.
Should you get a credit card with an annual fee instead?
A credit card with an annual fee may be a better overall value if you can make use of the card’s rewards and benefits. Depending on how much you spend, you may come out ahead even after paying the annual fee. In our spending example below, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers $45 more in rewards value** than the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, with the annual fee factored in:
Example earnings on $20,000 yearly spend**
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 (see rates & fees) | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (see rates & fees) |
| $6,000 spent at U.S. Supermarkets | 3% ($180) | 6% ($360) |
| $2,000 spent on online retail | 3% ($60) | 1% ($20) |
| $2,000 spent at U.S. gas stations | 3% ($60) | 3% ($60) |
| $10,000 spent on other purchases | 1% ($100) | 1% ($100) |
| Total | $400 | $540 |
| Total minus annual fee | $400 | $445 |
→ See the best rewards credit cards
Frequently asked questions
No annual fee credit cards are an excellent choice for consumers and small business owners watching their budgets. These cards offer a way to earn rewards, benefit from intro APR offers and build credit without paying a fee. As your finances improve, compare the increased rewards and benefits of credit cards with an annual fee to determine if it is worthwhile to switch.
There are several strategies you can use to get all or part of a card’s annual fee waived. Banks may waive a card’s fee to retain good customers, match a competitor’s offer or recognize military service. On some cards, the value of rewards, annual credits and perks outweigh the cost of the card’s annual fee. If all else fails, converting to a no-annual-fee credit card may be an option.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
