Best Rewards Credit Cards for No Annual Fee in 2024
Updated: October 25, 2024
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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.
MoneyGeek experts take a close look at all new and existing no-annual-fee rewards credit cards each month. They follow this up by comparing them based on parameters such as reward rates, welcome offers, APRs and added benefits. The result of their labor is this list of the top cards.
If you wish to use a credit card for business purposes, consider taking a look at what the top business rewards cards have to offer.
MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 5 Rewards Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
Quick Summary
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: A good travel rewards card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back.
- 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.
- IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Great card for earning points fast for IHG loyalists.
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
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 See Rates and Fees
- Generous welcome bonus
- High earning rates with Hilton
- No foreign transaction fees See Rates and Fees
- Automatic Hilton Silver status
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
- No annual fee. See Rates and Fees
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back
- 1.5%–6.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 20.49%–29.24% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a solid option if you want easy cash back without an annual fee. It combines 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1.5% cash back on other purchases. It’s great if you’re looking for a one card solution, but you can also earn higher value by pairing it with other Chase cards.
Pros
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
- 0% intro APR offer
Cons
- Requires good/excellent credit
Key Features
- Card Uses: Cash Back, Balance Transfer, Zero Interest
- Annual Fee: $0
- Introductory Offer: Earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases.
APR and Fees
- Introductory APRs: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Regular APRs: 19.99% - 28.74% variable
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable
- Balance Transfer Fees: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Late Fees: Up to $40
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Perks and Protections
- Zero Liability Protection
- Extended Warranty Protection
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- DashPass Membership
- $10 Off Quarterly on DoorDash Non-Restaurant Orders
- Chase Pay Over Time
- Citi Double Cash® Card
A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back
- 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 4 monthsBalance Transfer Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Citi Double Cash® offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for those who want a simple, hassle-free way to earn rewards without worrying about categories or limits.
Pros
- Easy 2% cash back on all purchases
- Lengthy 0% intro APR on balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Accepts fair credit
Cons
- No intro 0% APR for purchases
- Penalty APR
Introductory Offers
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After this period, the APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points, equivalent to $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay off the purchase.
- Get 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2025.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- Balance transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on purchases unless the entire balance, including transfers, is paid by the due date each month.
- There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for transfers made within the first four months. After that, the fee is 5% (minimum $5).
- Chase Freedom Flex® Card
An easy-to-use cash back card with quarterly rotating bonus categories
- 1%–5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 20.49%–29.24% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Chase Freedom Flex® Card is great for strategic spenders who can track rotating categories to maximize cash back. It lets you earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (with quarterly caps and activation) and 3% on dining and drugstores. Notably, it’s a part of the Chase Trifecta strategy.
Pros
- High cash back on rotating categories
- Good cash back on dining and drugstores
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- Sign up bonus
Cons
- Rotating categories require activation
- Requires good to excellent credit
Introductory Offers
- Cash Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the introductory period, the variable APR ranges from 19.99% to 28.74%.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Cash Back
- Rotating Categories: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories each quarter (activation required).
- Fixed Categories: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points can be redeemed for cash back or transferred to Chase Sapphire cards for travel rewards.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 28.74% variable.
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable for late or missed payments.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the transferred amount (minimum $5).
- Late Fees: Up to $40 for missed payments.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% on each transaction made outside the U.S.
Perks & Benefits
- Zero Liability Protection: Protection against unauthorized purchases.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible purchases.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement for covered travel disruptions.
- Cell Phone Protection: Coverage for damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Provides primary rental car insurance when you decline the rental company’s insurance.
- DashPass Membership: Complimentary access to DashPass, offering discounts on food delivery with DoorDash.
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Great card for earning points fast for IHG loyalists
- 2-17 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 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2X points per $1 spent 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.Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points expiration period extension
- High reward rate
- Numerous hotel redemption options
Cons
- Gold Elite status requires high spending
- High APR depending on your credit
- No luxury benefits or perks
- Must pay to transfer points
Introductory Offers
- Earn 100,000 IHG One Rewards Points after spending $2,000 in the first three months.
Rewards
- Earn up to 17 points per dollar spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- Earn 3 points per dollar on monthly bills, gas stations, and restaurants.
- Earn 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Redeem three nights and get the fourth night free at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
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 CardBest ForAvg. Reward RateAnnual FeeCredit Needed
- Hilton Honors American Express Card
A rewarding travel card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts3–7 Points per $1*$0 - Chase Freedom Unlimited®
An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back1.5%–6.5% Cash Back$0 - Citi Double Cash® Card
A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back - Chase Freedom Flex® Card
An easy-to-use cash back card with quarterly rotating bonus categories1%–5% Cash Back$0 - IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Great card for earning points fast for IHG loyalists2-17 Points per $1$0
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.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
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.
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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