Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards in the USA (2025)

Finding a credit card that offers strong rewards and benefits without an annual fee is a smart financial move. Whether you’re looking for cashback, travel perks, or balance transfer options, many top issuers provide competitive choices with no yearly cost. Here’s a breakdown of the best no-annual-fee credit cards available in 2025.

1. Chase Freedom Flex®

Best for: Rotating 5% cashback categories

The Chase Freedom Flex® is a top choice for those who want to maximize rewards without paying an annual fee. It offers 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in spending), 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other spending. Additionally, new cardholders can take advantage of a solid intro APR and a generous welcome bonus.

Key benefits:

• 5% cashback in quarterly rotating categories (activation required)
• 3% on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1% on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

2. Citi® Double Cash Card

Best for: Flat-rate cashback

If you prefer simplicity, the Citi® Double Cash Card is hard to beat. It offers an effective 2% cashback—1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. There are no categories to track, making it ideal for those who want straightforward rewards.

Key benefits:

• 2% cashback (1% on purchases, 1% when paid off)
• No limit on earnings
• No annual fee
• Intro 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months

3. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for: Unlimited 2% cashback

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is another great flat-rate option, offering an unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase. With no annual fee and a competitive welcome bonus, this card is an excellent choice for everyday spending.

Key benefits:

• Unlimited 2% cashback
• $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in the first three months
• No annual fee
• Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

4. Discover it® Cash Back

Best for: Cashback match for the first year

Discover’s flagship cashback card offers 5% on rotating categories (like grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants) up to a quarterly cap, plus 1% on all other spending. What sets it apart is Discover’s unique Cashback Match program, where they match all cashback earned in the first year.

Key benefits:

• 5% cashback in rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required)
• 1% on all other purchases
• Cashback Match—Discover matches all cashback earned in the first year
• No annual fee
• Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

5. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Simple 1.5% cashback

For those who want easy, no-hassle rewards, the Capital One Quicksilver Card provides unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase. The welcome bonus and lack of foreign transaction fees make it an appealing choice for frequent travelers.

Key benefits:

• Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in the first three months
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Customizable 3% cashback categories

This card allows users to select a 3% cashback category from options like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement. It also offers 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases.

Key benefits:

• 3% cashback on a category of your choice
• 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• 1% on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

7. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card

Best for: Everyday spending on groceries and gas

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card provides solid rewards on common household expenses, making it ideal for families. It offers 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 3% at U.S. gas stations and online retailers, and 1% on other purchases.

Key benefits:

• 3% cashback on groceries (up to $6,000 per year)
• 3% at gas stations and online shopping
• 1% on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Choosing the Right No-Annual-Fee Credit Card

The best no-annual-fee credit card for you depends on your spending habits and financial goals. If you spend heavily in rotating categories, Chase Freedom Flex® or Discover it® Cash Back could be the best fit. If you prefer a simple flat-rate cashback structure, Citi® Double Cash or Wells Fargo Active Cash® might be the right choice. Those looking for category customization should consider Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards, while frequent travelers might benefit from the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

No-annual-fee credit cards provide an excellent way to earn rewards, build credit, and enjoy valuable perks without the cost of membership fees. When choosing a card, consider the rewards structure, welcome bonus, and any additional benefits to find the best option for your financial needs. Always pay off balances in full to avoid interest charges and maximize the value of your rewards.