Paying a yearly fee doesn't always make sense. I found the best no-annual-fee credit cards that still earn great rewards.
Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating: 4.4/5
Rating Breakdown:
- Welcome Bonus: 4.0
- Rewards Program: 5.0
- Value for Money: 5.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 4.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
How We Rate Credit Cards
Rating: 8.8/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
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Intro Offer: $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate: 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Recommended Credit: 670 – 850 (Good – Excellent)
APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers an unlimited 2% flat cash rewards structure, making this a simple but powerful card. There’s no worrying about reward limits or bonus categories -- you’ll earn a flat rewards rate on eligible everyday purchases. Plus, if you spend $500 in purchases in the first three months of opening your account, you’ll earn a $200 cash rewards welcome bonus. You can also take advantage of the low introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, as this is a well-rounded card. Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card for more details.
Pros
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- Up to $600 in cell phone damage or theft protection subject to a $25 deductible
Cons
- No outstanding cardholder perks or statement credits
- 3% foreign currency conversion fee
- Rewards must be redeemed in $20 or $25 increments for some redemption options
Rating Breakdown:
- Welcome Bonus: 4.0
- Rewards Program: 5.0
- Value for Money: 5.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 4.0
Card Details
Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee: up to 5%, min: $5
Rewards Rates: 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
A Card That Adapts to Your Spending
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Rating: 3.7/5
Rating Breakdown:
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
How We Rate Credit Cards
Rating: 7.4/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
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Intro Offer: $200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 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
Rewards Rate: 1% – 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.; Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Recommended Credit: 580 – 850 (Fair – Excellent)
APR: 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
The Citi Custom Cash Card offers flexibility in your rewards, but unlike the Discover it Cash Back and Chase Freedom Flex, the flexible category is based on your highest eligible spend category. Without having to manually activate anything, this credit card will apply 5% cash back to your topmost spending category each billing cycle, on up to $500 spending per billing cycle (then 1%). Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment. As with the other options on this list, you can also take advantage of the welcome bonus and introductory APR with this card. For more details, see our full review of the Citi Custom Cash Card.
Rating Breakdown:
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
Card Details
Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Rewards Rates: 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.; 4% Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.; 1% Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Flexible Rewards
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Rating: 3.8/5
Rating Breakdown:
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 4.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
How We Rate Credit Cards
Rating: 7.2/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
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Intro Offer: $200
Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first 90 days of account opening. To claim this offer, select “Apply Now” and see all details.
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate: 2% Earn 2% cash back on purchases in your top two categories (up to $2,000 combined quarterly).; 1% Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.
Recommended Credit: 670 – 850 (Good – Excellent)
APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card has a rotating 5% cash back bonus category and allows you to earn 2% cash back on two of your chosen categories each quarter on up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases per quarter, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. In addition to this rotating bonus category, you can earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. With the Cash+ Card, you will have a wide range of options to choose from. For a deeper look at this card, see our full review of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card.
Rating Breakdown:
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 4.0
Card Details
Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. After that, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR applies.
Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases. After that, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR applies.
Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Rewards Rates: 5% Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases in the bonus categories each quarter (then 1%).; 2% Earn 2% cash back on purchases in your top two categories (up to $2,000 combined quarterly).; 1% Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.
We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening
- Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee: up to 5%, min: $5
Rewards Rates
- 3x: Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
- 1x: Earn 1X points on other purchases
Good for general spenders
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 3.7
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
How we rate credit cards
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
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Intro Offer: Up to $300 cash back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) -- worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
- 5%: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3%: Cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
- 1.5%: Cash back on all other purchases
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 3.7
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
Best cash-back credit card with no annual fee
Chase Freedom Flex®
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 4.1
- Welcome Bonus: 3.0
- Rewards Program: 5.0
- Value for Money: 5.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
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Intro Offer: $200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
- 5%: Cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
- 5%: Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3%: Cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1%: Cash back on all other purchases
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 4.1
- Welcome Bonus: 3.0
- Rewards Program: 5.0
- Value for Money: 5.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
A solid balance transfer card
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 3.8
- Offer Length: 5.0
- BT Fee: 3.0
- Offer Terms: 3.0
- On-going Value: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.0
How We Rate Balance Transfer / Intro APR Cards
We rate credit cards using our balance transfer / Intro APR methodology for cards whose primary feature is a promotional period where new purchases or a transferred balance will accrue no or low interest for a period of time. We rank these credit cards based on the quality of their introductory offers, fees, lasting value and standard rates. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers.
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening.
- Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5%, min: $5
Rewards Rates
N/A: This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points.
Pros
- Pay down a qualifying transferred balance or a new purchase while avoiding interest for a period of time
- Can help pay down existing credit card debt
- One of the longest introductory APR periods
Cons
- There’s a balance transfer fee
- There are no rewards
Recommended for good to excellent credit
Best travel card with no annual fee
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 3.1
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 3.0
- Value for Money: 3.0
- Benefits: 2.0
- Fees and APR: 3.0
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Intro Offer: 25,000 online bonus points
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
- 1.5x: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases
- 3x: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
20.24% – 30.24% Variable
Rating Breakdown
- Rating: 3.1
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 3.0
- Value for Money: 3.0
- Benefits: 2.0
- Fees and APR: 3.0
Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers rewards on everyday spending categories. It offers one of the best cash-back rates on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. You can also take advantage of its 0% introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% to 29.99%. If you need to finance a large purchase or pay down a high-interest debt from another credit card, this card is a solid option. You can read more about it in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
Rating Breakdown
- Overall Rating: 3.6
- Welcome Bonus: 3.0
- Rewards Program: 4.0
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits, and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
How we rate credit cards
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings.
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Rewards Rates
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Rewards for Hilton customers
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Rating Breakdown
- Overall Rating: 3.5
- Welcome Bonus: 3.0
- Rewards Program: 3.5
- Value for Money: 3.5
- Benefits: 4.0
- Fees and APR: 3.0
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
- Intro Purchase APR: N/A
- Regular APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
Rewards Rates
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio
- 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Best for dining and entertainment rewards
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating Breakdown
- Overall Rating: 3.6
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 3.5
- Value for Money: 4.0
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 3.5
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Rewards Rates
- 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
The Capital One SavorOne is a great weekend companion. You’ll earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target and Walmart). You can also earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Plus, earn 10% cash back on purchases with Uber and Uber Eats, plus a complimentary Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024. If you’re someone who’s often catching live shows and dining out, you could get a lot out of this card. And for those who prefer quiet nights in, you can binge your favorite shows and buy the snacks while still earning rewards.
A strong flat-rate rewards card
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating Breakdown
- Overall Rating: 3.3
- Welcome Bonus: 3.5
- Rewards Program: 2.5
- Value for Money: 3.5
- Benefits: 3.0
- Fees and APR: 2.5
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Rewards Rates
- 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase