Credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee can be a great option for consumers who want to earn rewards, build credit, or enjoy the convenience of a credit card without the extra cost. Whether you’re new to credit cards or just want to avoid paying unnecessary fees, there are plenty of high-quality options available. Below are some of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in the U.S. for 2025, covering a variety of needs from cash back to travel rewards.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Plus, get 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- Sign-up Bonus: $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 20.24%–28.99% Variable APR).
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, access to purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel benefits.
Best For:
- Cash back lovers who want a simple rewards structure with a variety of bonus categories.
- Travelers who will use Chase Ultimate Rewards® to maximize their points.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay for those purchases.
- Sign-up Bonus: None.
- APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months (then 18.24%–28.24% Variable APR).
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, purchase protection, and access to a range of Citi perks.
Best For:
- Consumers who want simplicity and consistent rewards on every purchase.
- Those looking to transfer balances at 0% interest for the first 18 months.
3. Discover it® Cash Back
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, activation required) and 1% on all other purchases.
- Sign-up Bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, making it effectively a 10% cash back rate on bonus categories in the first year.
- APR: 0% intro APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 16.24%–27.24% Variable APR).
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, free FICO® credit score, and cashback redemption options.
Best For:
- Consumers who are willing to activate quarterly categories to earn up to 5% cash back.
- First-time cardholders who want to take advantage of the cash back match for the first year.
4. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Sign-up Bonus: None.
- APR: 19.24%–29.24% (Variable APR) for purchases and balance transfers.
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, access to Capital One’s CreditWise credit monitoring service, and free access to your FICO® score.
Best For:
- Cash back seekers who want an easy-to-use, no-fee card for everyday purchases.
- People with average credit looking to build or improve their score while earning rewards.
5. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select department stores, and 1% on other purchases.
- Sign-up Bonus: $150 after you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (then 18.24%–29.99% Variable APR).
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, extended warranty, purchase protection, and access to American Express benefits like travel and purchase protections.
Best For:
- Supermarket spenders looking to maximize rewards on everyday purchases.
- Consumers looking for a strong introductory APR for large purchases.
6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 2% cash rewards on every purchase, no categories to track.
- Sign-up Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%–27.24% Variable APR).
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card, and access to Wells Fargo’s mobile app.
Best For:
- Consumers who want a simple, high cash back rate on all purchases.
- Those who want a low-maintenance credit card with no category tracking.
7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 3% cash back in your choice of categories (such as gas, online shopping, dining, or travel) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store purchases each quarter).
- Sign-up Bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases (then 17.24%–27.24% Variable APR).
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, access to Bank of America’s mobile app for budgeting, and no annual fee.
Best For:
- Consumers who want flexible rewards that can be customized each month.
- Those who prefer category-based cash back with high earning potential in their top spending categories.
8. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases right away, 1.5% after making 12 on-time payments.
- Sign-up Bonus: None.
- APR: 18.24%–30.24% Variable APR.
- Other Benefits: No annual fee, no late fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no penalty APR. Also, a great option for people with limited or no credit history.
Best For:
- People with no credit history or those looking to build credit while earning cash back.
- Consumers who want to avoid fees while enjoying simple rewards.
Conclusion
No-annual-fee credit cards provide a great way to earn rewards and build credit without the added cost of an annual fee. Whether you’re looking for straightforward cash back, travel rewards, or specialized categories, there’s a card that fits your needs. Carefully consider your spending habits and rewards preferences to find the best card for you. Each of the options above offers solid benefits with no annual fee, making them ideal for maximizing rewards and minimizing costs in 2025.
