MoneyGeek's Take

Best Rewards Credit Cards for No Annual Fee in 2023

The best rewards credit cards with no annual fee give you the ability to earn higher-than-usual rewards without needing to overcome a yearly fee. Several of the top cards come with sizable welcome bonus offers too.

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This article is part of our larger series on Best Rewards Credit Cards

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Last Updated: 5/2/2023

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

The top no-annual-fee rewards credit cards typically offer high reward rates on spending across specific categories such as travel, dining, groceries and gas. Some also come with higher-than-standard reward rates on all purchases. A number of these cards give you the means to earn spend-based welcome bonuses in the form of cash back, points or miles.

If you favor using a particular airline or group of hotels, you might benefit from getting a co-branded rewards credit card. Examples of cards from this segment that make the cut include the Hilton Honors American Express Card and the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card.

If you plan to use your no-annual-fee rewards credit card outside of the U.S., look for ones that do not charge foreign transaction fees. Other factors to consider when selecting a card that works well for you include APRs and added benefits.

OUR REVIEW AT A GLANCE

Our Top 5 Picks
Summarized List of All Winners
Tips for Comparing Credit Cards

This article is part of our larger series on
Best Rewards Credit Cards

MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 5 Rewards Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

Quick Summary

Upon going through our list of the best rewards credit cards with no annual fee, you’ll notice that reward rates vary based on the card you get and the bonus categories on offer. We have taken this into account and also have paid attention to APRs, welcome offers and foreign transaction fees to make our selections. To view more options, scroll further down the page.

Hilton Honors American Express Card
- 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.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- 1.5–5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 20.49% – 29.24% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is an impressive card that pairs affordability with abundant rewards. With no annual fee, it offers a compelling welcome bonus and provides substantial cash back in various everyday categories. It's especially beneficial for those who travel, dine out or have regular drugstore purchases. The card is also an ally for big-ticket spending or balance transfers with its initial interest-free period. Plus, its flexible and enduring cash back rewards system means you can redeem them whenever you wish. However, it's best suited for those with strong credit histories.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other cards with lower interest rates.
Citi® Double Cash Card
- 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
- 18 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
- 19.24% – 29.24% VariableAPR
- $5 or 3% whichever is greater; $5 or 5% after first four months*Balance Transfer Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Citi® Double Cash Card offers a straightforward and rewarding cash back system, ideal for those who appreciate simplicity in their rewards. With no annual fee and the potential to earn cash back on every purchase, it stands out as an everyday card for regular spenders. Its attractive introductory offer provides a buffer for balance transfers, making it a beneficial choice for those aiming to consolidate debt. However, it's vital to utilize the introductory period wisely, as balance transfer fees and APRs can rise after. While it might lack some of the flashy bonuses of other cards, its clear-cut benefits make it a reliable choice for many.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other cards with no annual fees from our partners.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
- 1–5% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 20.49% – 29.24% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers remarkable value, especially for those who can maximize the diverse cash back categories. Imagine rewarding your everyday grocery runs or those occasional online splurges. New cardholders are welcomed with a bonus, and its 0% introductory APR offers a financial cushion for initial months. Worried about those accumulated rewards? They're yours to keep indefinitely. While it's a boon for those with good credit and an affinity for diving into rotating reward categories, it's less rewarding for generic purchases. A solid pick for strategic spenders!
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- 1–2 Points per $1Rewards Rate
- 21.49% – 28.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We recommend the no-annual-fee IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card to people who frequently stay at properties that are part of the InterContinental Hotels Group and wish to earn reward points faster. You earn up to 17X points per dollar at IHG Hotels and Resorts. Purchases at restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores come with 2X points, and you get 1X points on all other purchases.
If you spend $10,000 or more on purchases in a calendar year, you get Gold Elite Status that remains valid until the end of the following year. If you redeem your points for stays of four or more nights, you get a free reward night. This card is perfect to use outside of the U.S. as it comes with no foreign transaction fees.
Additional benefits include purchase protection and travel insurance coverage.
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.

Summary of the Best Rewards Cards for No Annual Fee

Find out how all the top cards from this category fare against each other based on aspects such as APRs, welcome offers and reward rates by going through this no-annual-fee rewards card comparison table.

Credit Card
Best For
Avg. Reward Rate
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
Hilton Honors American Express Card
A good travel rewards card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts
3–7 Points per $1*
$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited
An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back
1.5–5% Cash Back
$0
Citi® Double Cash Card
A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back
Chase Freedom Flex℠
An easy-to-use cash back card with quarterly rotating bonus categories
1–5% Cash Back*
$0
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Great card for earning points fast for IHG loyalists
1–2 Points per $1
$0
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Great no-annual-fee card for diverse spenders
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
A great no-annual-fee card that comes with unlimited 1.5% cash back across categories
1.5% Cash Back
$0
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for intro APR on balance transfers and purchases with ongoing value
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
One of the best cards available for Costco members who spend a lot on gas
1–4% Cash Back*
$0
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Best balance transfer card with travel rewards
Citi Rewards+® Card
An excellent no-annual-fee rewards card with a 0% introductory APR offer
1–2 Points per $1*
$0
United Gateway Card
A great no-annual-fee rewards card for people who fly United
1 Mile per $1
$0
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
A great miles rewards card with no annual fees
up to 2 Miles per $1*
$0
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
A great travel card with no annual fee for frequent flyers on American Airlines
1–2 Miles per $1
$0
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Great no-annual-fee card for earning points at Marriot properties
1–2 Points per $1
$0
Simmons Rewards Visa Signature®
A great no annual fee card that offers rewards and travel benefits
1.25 Points per $1
$0
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
A simple cash back card that’s best for everyday purchases.
1–3% Cash Back*
$0

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

No-fee does not mean no-frills. Many cards today offer attractive benefits and rewards without having to pay an annual fee to use them. -- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.

How to Compare Rewards Credit Cards & Intro Offers

Given the significant number of good no-annual-fee rewards credit cards to choose from, paying attention to different factors is important when making a selection.

Co-branded or not

If you are a frequent flyer or regularly use any particular group of hotels, you may benefit from getting a co-branded no-annual-fee rewards credit card. Some of the top options include the Amex Hilton Honors Card, the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card, the United Gateway Card and the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card.

Rewards rate

Depending on the card you get, you might stand to earn higher rewards on category-based spending. For instance, the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card offers 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and on drugstore purchases. All other purchases come with 1.5% cash back. The Citi® Double Cash Card, on the other hand, lets you earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you make purchases and an additional 1% when you make your payments on time.

Welcome offer

Several of the top cards from this category come with welcome offers. For example, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a one-time early spend cash bonus of $200 if you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first three months.

APR

Not all cards from this segment come with similar APRs. Pay particular attention to this aspect if you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account from one billing cycle to the next. In such a scenario, you might be better off getting a low APR card. Some no-annual-fee rewards cards also come with time-based 0% APR offers.

Foreign transaction fees

If you use a credit card with foreign transaction fees outside of the U.S., expect to pay up to 3% extra on each international transaction. Some of the rewards cards with no annual fees that waive foreign transaction fees include the Amex Hilton Honors Card, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.

Added perks

Features and perks tend to vary from one no-annual-fee rewards card to the next. Some of the card-specific benefits you may get include free additional cards, $0 fraud liability, purchase protection, extended warranty and basic travel insurance coverage.

*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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