Some of the most popular credit cards out there offer big welcome bonuses, generous bonus categories, travel perks…and high annual fees. Sometimes paying $450 per year for a card that offers $300+ worth of travel credits can be worthwhile.
While some may be worth the cost, it’s possible to find cards that provide excellent value without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore ten of the best rewards credit cards with no annual fees, perfect for savvy consumers who want to maximize their rewards without added expenses.
10 Best Rewards Cards with No Annual Fee
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Top Features:
- Earns 1.5% cashback on all spending
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
- Rewards doubled during the first year of card membership
- Convert cashback rewards to Chase Ultimate Rewards points with another Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a popular choice for those looking for a solid no-annual-fee rewards card. It earns 1.5% cashback on all spending, and these rewards are doubled during the first year of card membership.
If you have another Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Ink Business Preferred, you can convert your cashback rewards to Ultimate Rewards points. With 13 airline and hotel partners, such as Hyatt, United, and Southwest, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly valuable.
2. Citi Double Cash
Top Features:
- 2% cashback on all spending (1% when you charge purchases, 1% when you pay them off)
- Option to convert cash back to Citi ThankYou points
The Citi Double Cash card is an excellent option for those seeking a generous cashback card with the flexibility to convert rewards into points. It earns 2% cashback on all spending, with 1% earned when you charge purchases and another 1% when you pay them off.
The ability to convert rewards to Citi ThankYou points effectively means you can earn 2 ThankYou points for every $1 spent, making it a fantastic choice for a no-annual-fee card.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Top Features:
- 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
- Earns 3 points per $1 at Marriott hotels, 2 points on travel purchases, and 1 point everywhere else
- 15 elite night credits every year, enough for Silver elite status
Chase introduced the Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card earlier this year, offering solid benefits without an annual fee. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in 3 months. The card earns 3 points per $1 at Marriott hotels, 2 points on travel purchases, and 1 point everywhere else.
While the earning rates aren’t as impressive as other co-branded Marriott cards, they’re still noteworthy for a no-annual-fee option. Additionally, the card comes with 15 elite night credits each year, enough for Silver elite status, which can help you reach your desired elite status tier with Marriott without incurring extra costs.
4. Radisson Rewards Visa Card
Top Features:
- Annual free night certificate when you spend $10,000 on the card (up to three free nights)
- No annual fee
The Radisson Rewards Visa Card is a great choice for those interested in the Radisson hotel chain, which features high-end properties in places like Paris and Dubai. This card offers an annual free night certificate when you spend $10,000 on the card, and you can earn up to three free nights this way. This is an impressive benefit for a card with no annual fee.
5. Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Credit Card
Top Features:
- Earns 3 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, transit, and restaurants
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Points convert to cashback at a 1:1 ratio
The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Credit Card is an excellent option for those who qualify. It earns 3 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, transit, and restaurants, covering most major daily spending categories.
All other spending earns 1 point per $1 spent. Points convert to cashback at a 1:1 ratio, so the 3 points per $1 bonuses are equivalent to 3% cashback. To qualify for this card, you’ll need to become a member of Navy Federal Credit Union. Be sure to research eligibility requirements to determine if you can join.
6. Citi Rewards+
Top Features:
- Earnings rounded up to the nearest 10 points per $1 spent
- 10% of redeemed points back on the first 100,000 points every year
- Earns 2 points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent annually at supermarkets and gas stations
The Citi Rewards+ card is often overlooked in comparison to other Citi ThankYou points earning credit cards, but it offers unique benefits. All earnings are rounded up to the nearest 10 points per $1 spent, so a $2 purchase would earn 10 points instead of just 2 points.
Cardholders also receive 10% of their redeemed points back on the first 100,000 points every year. If you earn and redeem 100,000 Citi ThankYou points, you’ll get 10,000 back.
These points can be transferred to partners like JetBlue, allowing you to potentially score a one-way ticket between the West Coast and New York. Additionally, the card earns 2 points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent annually at supermarkets and gas stations, making it a fantastic no-annual-fee option.
7. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Top Features:
- Earns unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No foreign transaction fees
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a no-annual-fee card. It earns unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no limits or expiration dates.
New cardholders can also earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international travel.
8. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Top Features:
- Earns 4 points per $1 spent on dining, including takeout and delivery
- 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas stations, and streaming services
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No foreign transaction fees
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a great no-annual-fee rewards card, especially for those who spend a significant amount on dining. Cardholders can earn 4 points per $1 spent on dining, including takeout and delivery, 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas stations, and streaming services, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
New cardholders can also earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. With no foreign transaction fees, this card is a suitable option for international travelers as well.
9. Discover it® Cash Back
Top Features:
- 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Discover matches cashback earned at the end of your first year
The Discover it® Cash Back card is another excellent no-annual-fee rewards card, offering 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter) and 1% cashback on all other purchases. This card provides a great opportunity for savvy spenders to earn high rewards on their spending.
One unique feature of the Discover it® Cash Back card is that Discover matches all the cashback earned at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. This can make the card especially rewarding for new cardholders.
10. American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Top Features:
- 2% cashback on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%
- No annual fee
- Expanded buying power for your business
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a fantastic choice for small business owners seeking a no-annual-fee rewards card. It offers 2% cashback on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cashback on all subsequent purchases.
This card also features expanded buying power, allowing you to spend beyond your credit limit to help your business grow. The amount you can spend above your limit adjusts with your use of the card, payment history, credit record, and other factors.
Why No-Annual-Fee Rewards Cards Are a Smart Choice
Rewards credit cards make it easy to earn points, miles, or cashback on everyday spending. These rewards can be redeemed for travel, shopping, or even to pay down your credit card balance, adding extra value to your purchases.
Benefits of Rewards Credit Cards
Using a rewards credit card can offer several advantages:
- Earn rewards on everyday spending: Whether it’s groceries, dining, or travel, rewards can add up over time and provide meaningful value.
- Flexible redemption options: Points, miles, or cashback can often be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or travel.
- Sign-up bonuses: Many cards offer generous bonuses for new cardholders who meet spending requirements, giving an extra boost to your rewards balance.
- Additional perks: Some cards include benefits like purchase protection, extended warranties, and travel insurance for added security and convenience.
Advantages of No-Annual-Fee Rewards Cards
Unlike premium rewards cards with high fees, no-annual-fee options provide long-term value without extra costs:
- No ongoing cost: Keeping the card open won’t cost you anything, making it a great low-risk option.
- Easy to keep long-term: Without an annual fee to justify, you can keep the card open indefinitely, which can help your credit score.
- Great for beginners: If you’re new to rewards cards, a no-annual-fee option lets you earn perks without financial commitment.
- Pairs well with other cards: Combining no-annual-fee cards with other rewards cards can help you maximize earnings across different spending categories.
For those looking to earn rewards without extra costs, no-annual-fee cards offer an easy way to build a strategy that fits your spending habits.
Different Types of Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards credit cards come in several forms, each offering different benefits based on how you spend and redeem points. Choosing the right type can help you get the most value from your purchases.
Cashback Credit Cards
Cashback cards offer a simple way to earn rewards, returning a percentage of what you spend. Some provide a flat cashback rate on all purchases, while others offer higher rewards in specific categories. Redemption is easy, with options like statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Designed for frequent travelers, these cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Many also include perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, and travel insurance, making them a great option for those on the go.
Points and Miles Credit Cards
These cards offer flexible rewards that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards. Some allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, increasing their potential value when used strategically.
Co-Branded Credit Cards
Co-branded cards are linked to specific brands, such as airlines or hotels, and provide exclusive rewards for loyal customers. Perks often include free hotel nights, priority boarding, or elite status, making them ideal for those who frequently use a particular brand.
Business Rewards Credit Cards
Business owners can benefit from cards that earn rewards on expenses like office supplies, advertising, and travel. Many also offer business-friendly perks, including expense tracking, employee cards, and purchase protection, making them a valuable tool for managing company spending.
How to Maximize Rewards with No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards
A no-annual-fee rewards card can still deliver great value when used strategically. Making smart spending choices and optimizing rewards structures will help you get the most out of your card.
Using Your Card Effectively
Maximize rewards by making your credit card your primary payment method for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can cancel out your rewards. Keep track of bonus categories and special promotions to ensure you’re earning the most points or cashback possible.
Optimizing Rotating Bonus Categories
Some cards offer rotating bonus categories that change each quarter. Stay informed about these categories and adjust your spending to take advantage of them. Setting calendar reminders can help ensure you activate and use the right categories at the right time. If possible, time larger purchases to align with these bonuses to maximize earnings.
Making the Most of Sign-Up Bonuses
Sign-up bonuses can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance. Check the spending requirements before applying to ensure you can meet them within the required timeframe. If you have major upcoming expenses, applying at the right time can help you hit the bonus requirement without unnecessary spending.
Combining Multiple Cards for Better Rewards
Using multiple rewards cards strategically can help maximize earnings across different spending categories. Choose cards that complement each other, ensuring you always get the highest possible rewards for each type of purchase.
If you have cards in the same points ecosystem, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, pooling points can increase their redemption value, especially for travel.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a No-Annual-Fee Rewards Card
Finding the right no-annual-fee rewards card means looking at a few key factors to ensure it fits your spending habits and financial goals.
Spending Habits and Budget
Review how you spend to find a card that maximizes rewards in your top categories, like groceries, gas, dining, or travel. Also, make sure any spending requirements for sign-up bonuses fit your budget to avoid overspending or carrying a balance.
Preferred Rewards Type
Choose a card that aligns with how you want to redeem rewards:
- Cashback: Great for those who prefer simple, flexible rewards.
- Travel Rewards: Best for earning points or miles that cover flights, hotels, and other travel costs.
- Points and Miles: Ideal if you want multiple redemption options, including transfers to travel partners.
Additional Card Benefits
Beyond rewards, look for extra perks that can add value:
- No foreign transaction fees if you travel internationally.
- Purchase protection and extended warranties for added security on purchases.
- Travel insurance and perks like airport lounge access and trip protections.
Ease of Redemption
A simple redemption process can make a big difference. Some cards allow direct statement credits, while others offer flexible options like travel redemptions, gift cards, or merchandise.
Issuer’s Customer Service and Reputation
A reliable issuer with strong customer support can make managing your card easier. Look for one known for responsive service and a solid reputation for security and reliability.
Final Thoughts
Earning rewards doesn’t have to come with extra costs. The right no-annual-fee credit card can help you maximize cashback, travel perks, or points without paying just to keep it in your wallet. Choosing a card that fits your spending habits ensures you get the most value from every purchase.
Take a moment to compare your options and pick the one that aligns with your financial goals. Whether you want to earn on everyday spending or boost your travel fund, the right rewards card can put more money back in your pocket.
