Best Amex Credit Cards for No Annual Fee in 2024

Name: Best Amex Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in 2024
Item: Best Amex Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in 2024
Author: Rajiv Baniwal

American Express manages to fill this space well, given that it offers no-annual-fee cards for individuals and businesses alike. What’s more, it also provides a couple of co-branded no-annual-fee cards. Depending on the card you get, you might be able to earn cash back, points or miles.

ByRajiv Baniwal

Reviewed byLee Huffman

ByRajiv Baniwal

Reviewed byLee Huffman

Updated: March 14, 2024

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American Express gives you multiple no-annual-fee credit cards from which to choose. While some of the features remain the same no matter which of these cards you get, there are some notable differences as well. For instance, while the Amex Cash Magnet Card is a good alternative for earning flat-rate cash back on all purchases, the Blue Cash Everyday Card offers higher cash back rates on category-based spending.

If you hope to find a no-annual-fee Amex credit card that works well for you, paying attention to your spending patterns and individual requirements is essential. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might benefit by looking at what Amex’s no-annual-fee co-branded cards have to offer.

OUR REVIEW AT A GLANCE

Our Top 6 Picks
Tips for Comparing Credit Cards

This article is part of our larger series on
Best No Annual Fee Cards

MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 3 Amex Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

Quick Summary

If you intend to use your card outside of the U.S., take a look at the foreign transaction fee you might need to pay. With many Amex cards that charge this fee, you’ll need to pay 2.7% on each international transaction. We’ve narrowed down on the top no-annual-fee Amex credit cards after accounting for this factor as well as others such as APRs, cash back/reward rates and additional perks. Scrolling further down the page presents even more options.

American Express Cash Magnet® Card
A great no-annual-fee card that comes with unlimited 1.5% cash back across categories
- 1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 19.24%–29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The American Express Cash Magnet® Card stands out with its mix of value and functionality. Offering a combination of no annual fees, an enticing welcome credit and a 0% intro APR, it's a compelling choice for the savvy spender. The unlimited cash back is a genuine bonus, though it's worth noting it can only be redeemed as statement credits. Note that some may find the post-introductory APR a bit steep and Amex's acceptance less ubiquitous than Visa or Mastercard.
Pros
No annual fee
With bonus statement credit
0% intro APR for 15 months
Unlimited cash back on all purchases

Cons
Potentially high APR
Amex is not widely accepted like Visa/Mastercard
Rewards are only redeemable as statement credita
No annual fee
Enjoy a 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on your new card within the first six months
After 15 months, the variable APR ranges from 18.99%–29.99%
Plan It® allows you to divide purchases of $100 or more into monthly payments with a fixed fee
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your purchases
Cash back is redeemed as Reward Dollars for statement credits
The Global Assist® Hotline offers 24/7 emergency assistance when you travel over 100 miles from home, with costs for third-party services being your responsibility
Car rental loss and damage insurance
Amex Offers rewards for shopping, dining, traveling and more at select locations

Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. For more details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated rewards cards from our partners.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Great no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spending
- up to 2X Membership Rewards® pointsRewards Rate
- 18.49% – 26.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a compelling option for small business owners in search of a simple yet rewarding credit solution. With no annual fee, the card is budget-friendly and designed to cater to the needs of businesses, particularly those with significant everyday expenses. The rewards structure is straightforward: cardholders earn a solid rate of Membership Rewards® points on their business purchases up to a generous cap each calendar year, before the rate drops to a lower tier.
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR on purchases
Simple flat-rate rewards on all purchases
Flexible redemption options
Good for small businesses

Cons
No intro APR on balance transfers
Foreign transaction fees
Fees for transferring points and booking flights through American Express Travel
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Terms, rates and fees apply
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Straightforward cash back for businesses with no annual fee
- 1–2% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 18.49% – 26.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a solid choice for small businesses. It's particularly attractive for its uncomplicated cash back structure and the absence of an annual fee. This combination allows businesses, even those with modest expenses, to realize a net gain from spending. Additionally, it offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases.
Pros
High flat-rate cash back
No annual fee
Modest intro APR offer on purchases

Cons
Cap on cash back earnings
Foreign transaction fee
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99% Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement. From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power. Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors. No Annual Fee Terms Apply
Terms, rates and fees apply
Hilton Honors American Express Card
A rewarding travel card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts
- 3–7 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a traveler's dream come true. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it's a financial no-brainer for those frequenting Hilton properties or just seeking exceptional value. Whether dining out stateside or shopping abroad, you'll accumulate points seamlessly without those pesky foreign transaction fees. And here's the kicker — this card instantly boosts you to Hilton's Silver status! Want more perks? Just up your spending game, and Gold status awaits. This card truly embraces both the occasional and the dedicated traveler.
Pros
No annual fee
Generous welcome bonus
High earning rates with Hilton
No foreign transaction fees
Automatic Hilton Silver status

Cons
Potentially high APR
High credit requirement
Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24.
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
No Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
A great miles rewards card with no annual fees
- up to 2 Miles per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We love the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card for more than its no-annual-fee feature. This card lets you earn 2X miles on restaurants worldwide and Delta purchases. All other purchases come with 1X miles.
An welcome offer gives you the ability to earn 10,000 bonus miles. All you need to do is spend at least $1000 on purchases within the first six months.
This card comes with no international transaction fees, which makes it perfect for use when traveling overseas. Other travel benefits include earning 20% as a statement credit when you use your card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance.
Cardholders also stand to benefit through purchase and fraud protection in different scenarios.
Pros
No annual fee
With welcome offer
Gives perks for Delta purchases
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
Good/excellent credit needed
Limited benefits compared to others
No lounge access perks
Less rewarding for non-Delta spend
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. No Annual Fee. Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets. No Foreign Transaction Fees. Terms Apply.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
A simple cash back card that’s best for everyday purchases.
- 1%–3% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 19.24%–29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express lets you earn 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. If you need financial flexibility, this card offers a 15-month 0% intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR afterward. However, its bonus categories have spending caps, and the cash back rate becomes 1% after the yearly limit.
Pros
A cash back of 3% at supermarkets, online retailers, and gas stations in the U.S
15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, then a 19.24%–29.99% variable APR after that
No annual fee
A $200 welcome offer

Cons
Bonus categories have spending limits
Low regular cash back rate
Longer 0% APR periods are available
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee. See rates and fees
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR. See rates and fees
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 of up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
1% cash back on general purchases
Earn $7 statement credit each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.

Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

How to Compare Amex Credit Cards & Intro Offers

American Express provides multiple no-annual-fee cards, so it’s important that you consider different factors when narrowing down on one that might work best for you.

Welcome Offer

It's common for no-annual-fee Amex credit cards to come with spending- and time-based welcome offers. These might come in the form of cash back that you get as a statement credit or reward points/miles that go toward a hotel/airline loyalty program.

Co-branded or not

If you’re a frequent Delta flyer or stay at Hilton properties every so often, you may consider getting the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card or the Hilton Honors Card. If not, there are other options from which to choose.

APR

Take a close look at the APRs on offer if you plan to maintain revolving balances on your card. Co-branded no-annual-fee Amex cards tend to come with higher APRs than ones that are not. You might also want to check if any of the cards currently come with a 0% introductory APR on purchases.

Foreign transaction fees

If you wish to use your card outside of the country, getting an Amex no-annual-fee card with no foreign transaction fees might be in your best interest. Cards that fit the bill include the Hilton Honors Card and the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card.

Cash back/rewards rate

You get the option of choosing from no-annual-fee Amex credit cards that offer cash back, reward points and reward miles. Further, the earn rate depends on the card you get. For example, the Cash Magnet Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Blue Cash Everyday Card, on the other hand, lets you earn 3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on purchases of up to $6,000 per year, 2% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Additional features

Fraud protection, complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance, and access to Global Assist Hotline are common features with all Amex consumer cards from this category. Some let you get free additional cards. Business cards may also come with purchase and extended warranty protection.