Best Amex Credit Cards for No Annual Fee in 2024

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Updated: October 24, 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

Each month, MoneyGeek experts go through our extensive database and select all new and existing no-annual-fee travel credit cards from American Express. An in-depth comparison follows, where they pay due attention to parameters such as welcome offers, reward rates, APRs and foreign transaction fees. Only then do they publish their revised list of the top cards from this segment.

10%Welcome Offer
 
5%Cash Back Rate
 
2%Miles and Points Rates

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, then a variable APR of 18.99%–29.99% applies. See Rates and Fees
    • Unlimited cash back on all purchases

    Terms and Limitations Apply.

    Cons

    • Potentially high APR
    • Amex is not widely accepted like Visa/Mastercard
    • Rewards are only redeemable as statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
    • No annual fee See Rates and Fees
    • 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 18.99%–29.99% applies. See Rates and Fees
    • Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on your new card within the first six months.
    • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
    • Cash back is awarded as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
    • Maximize the Plan It® feature to divide purchases of $100 or more into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
    • Access 24/7 emergency assistance through the Global Assist® Hotline when traveling over 100 miles from home. Third-party service costs are your responsibility.
    • Utilize car rental loss and damage insurance coverage.
    • Benefit from Amex Offers for rewards on shopping, dining, travel, and more at select locations.
    • Terms Apply.

    All information about the American Express Cash Magnet Card has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com. The American Express Cash Magnet Card is no longer available through Moneygeek.com.

    American Express Cash Magnet® Card
  • 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

    • Introductory Offers

      • Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
      • Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then a variable APR of 17.74% - 25.74% after that. APR will not exceed 29.99%. See Rates and Fees

    • Rewards

      • Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases like office supplies and client dinners, up to $50,000 per year. After that, earn 1 point per dollar.

    • APRs, Fees, and Penalties

    • Perks & Benefits

      • Expanded Buying Power lets you spend beyond your credit limit, adapting to your card usage and payment history. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
      • Terms Apply.
    The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
  • 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

    • Introductory Offers

      • Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
      • Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date you open your account. After the intro period, a variable APR of 17.74% – 25.74% applies, depending on your creditworthiness. See Rates and Fees

    • Rewards

      • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back is automatically credited to your statement.

    • APRs, Fees, and Penalties

    • Perks & Benefits

      • With Expanded Buying Power, you can spend beyond your credit limit. The amount is flexible and adapts to your card usage and payment history. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
      • Terms Apply.
    The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
  • 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


    Cons

    • Potentially high APR
    • High credit requirement

    • Introductory Offers

      • Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first six months. Offer ends January 8, 2025.

    • Rewards

      • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar spent directly with Hilton hotels and resorts.
      • Earn 5X points on purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
      • Earn 3X points on all other eligible purchases.

    • Perks & Benefits

      • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status.
      • Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status by spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
      • No foreign transaction fees for international purchases.

    • APRS, Fees, and Penalties

    Hilton Honors American Express Card
  • 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

    Frequent Delta flyers who want to maximize their rewards will benefit from the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, 2x miles on Delta purchases, free checked bags, priority boarding and more—making it ideal for Delta travelers.

    Pros

    • High rewards on U.S. dining
    • Generous bonus miles offer
    • High rewards on Delta flights
    • Free first checked bag on Delta flights
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights

    Cons

    • High annual fee after the first year
    • Limited value if not flying Delta

    • Introductory Offers

      • Earn 10,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in the first six months.

    • Rewards

      • Earn 2X Delta SkyMiles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
      • Earn 2X Delta SkyMiles per dollar on Delta purchases.
      • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

    • Perks & Benefits

      • Receive a 20% savings as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
      • Pay with Miles: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed when booking on delta.com.
      • No foreign transaction fees.

    • APRS, Fees, and Penalties

    Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
  • 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 is a good choice for extra cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping. It offers 3% cash back in these categories, capped at $6,000 annually per category, and a 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers and then 18.49%-29.49% variable APR afterward (See Rates and Fees). However, the bonus cash back rates are capped, which might limit its appeal for heavier spenders.

    Pros

    • Bonus cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping
    • No annual fee
    • 0% APR intro period for purchases and transfers
    • Good card perks

    Cons

    • Spending limits on bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fee

    • Rewards

      • Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that.
      • Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that.
      • Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.
      • Enjoy 1% cash back on all other purchases.
      • Cash back is received as Reward Dollars and redeemable as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

    • Introductory Offers

      • Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first six months of opening your new card.
      • Benefit from 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After the intro period, a variable APR of 18.49%-29.49% applies. (See Rates and Fees)

    • Perks & Benefits

      • Receive a $7 statement credit each month after spending $12.99 or more on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle with your Blue Cash Everyday Card.
      • Enjoy up to $15 back each month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday Card.

    • APRs, Fees, and Penalties

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express

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.

  1. 1
    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.

  2. 2
    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.

  3. 3
    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.

  4. 4
    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.

  5. 5
    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.

  6. 6
    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.

Further Reading

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

Read Full Bio »
*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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