Credit cards are an essential financial tool, offering convenience, rewards, and building credit history. However, annual fees can sometimes make credit cards less appealing, especially if you’re looking to save money. Thankfully, numerous credit cards come with no annual fee while still providing excellent benefits like cashback, rewards points, travel perks, and more. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards with no annual fee in 2025, helping you find the perfect card for your financial needs.
What Is a Credit Card with No Annual Fee?
A credit card with no annual fee is one that doesn’t require you to pay a fee simply for owning the card. These cards offer a variety of benefits without the burden of an upfront yearly charge. They’re an excellent choice for individuals who don’t want to commit to a high annual fee but still want the advantages of a credit card.
Key benefits of no annual fee credit cards:
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Cost-Effective: You avoid the cost of annual fees while still gaining access to credit card features like cashback or rewards points.
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Flexibility: You can still earn rewards, points, or cashback, just without the extra cost of an annual fee.
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Low Maintenance: No annual fee means you don’t have to worry about meeting high spending thresholds to justify the cost.
Top Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in 2025
Let’s dive into some of the best credit cards with no annual fee currently available in 2025. These cards are ideal for different financial goals, whether you’re looking to save on interest rates, earn rewards, or enjoy travel perks.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a great all-around option for those who want a simple and rewarding credit card. It offers cashback rewards on all purchases and comes with no annual fee, making it a favorite among casual spenders.
Key features:
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Earn 1.5% cashback on every purchase.
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Earn 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
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Earn 3% cashback on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases.
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No annual fee.
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0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then a variable APR of 20.49%–29.24% applies).
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Bonus: Get a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Why it’s great for you: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is perfect for anyone who wants a simple cashback card with no annual fee and attractive rewards categories. Plus, the introductory 0% APR offer is excellent for anyone looking to carry a balance for a while.
2. Discover it® Cash Back
Another fantastic card that offers rewards without an annual fee is the Discover it® Cash Back card. This card stands out due to its rotating 5% cashback categories, making it ideal for those who like to take advantage of specific spending opportunities.
Key features:
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Earn 5% cashback on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter on rotating categories (activation required).
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Earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.
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No annual fee.
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0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then 16.24%–27.24% variable APR applies).
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Bonus: Discover will match all the cashback you’ve earned at the end of your first year automatically.
Why it’s great for you: With its rotating bonus categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card can earn you significant cashback on certain types of spending. Plus, the cashback match at the end of your first year makes it a compelling choice for those who are new to cashback cards.
3. Citi® Double Cash Card
If you prefer a flat-rate cashback card without the need to track rotating categories or bonus categories, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent option. It offers a straightforward, no-annual-fee structure while allowing you to earn cashback on every purchase.
Key features:
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Earn 2% cashback on every purchase: 1% when you buy, plus 1% when you pay for those purchases.
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No annual fee.
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0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months (then 16.24%–26.24% variable APR applies).
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No categories to track—earn the same cashback rate on everything.
Why it’s great for you: For those who don’t want to keep track of categories or worry about rotating offers, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a no-brainer. With 2% cashback on every purchase, you’re guaranteed solid rewards with no extra effort.
4. Capital One QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal choice for those with average credit who want a simple and rewarding credit card with no annual fee. It offers flat-rate cashback on all purchases and is accessible to a wider range of applicants.
Key features:
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Earn 1.5% cashback on every purchase.
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No annual fee.
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Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
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0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months, then variable APR applies.
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Credit Limit Increase: You may be considered for a higher credit limit after making your first 5 monthly payments on time.
Why it’s great for you: If you have average credit and want to earn rewards without worrying about annual fees, the Capital One QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option. Its flat-rate cashback structure makes it simple to use.
5. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
For those who want a rewards credit card with no annual fee and strong cashback in specific categories, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a top contender. It excels at offering high cashback rates on everyday spending categories.
Key features:
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Earn 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1%).
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Earn 2% cashback at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores.
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Earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.
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No annual fee.
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Introductory Offer: Earn $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
Why it’s great for you: If you frequently shop at supermarkets and gas stations, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers high cashback rates in these categories. It’s perfect for individuals who want a no-annual-fee card and a generous sign-up bonus.
6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card with straightforward cashback rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card might be perfect for you. This card offers a generous cashback rate with no need to worry about rotating categories or restrictions.
Key features:
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Earn 2% cashback on every purchase.
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No annual fee.
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0% Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 months (then 19.99%–27.99% variable APR applies).
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$200 Cash Rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Why it’s great for you: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is perfect for individuals who want a flat 2% cashback on all purchases, no annual fee, and a substantial introductory APR offer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a No Annual Fee Credit Card
While choosing the best no-annual-fee credit card can be exciting, there are several factors to consider to make sure you select the right one for your needs:
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Rewards Structure:
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Some cards offer flat-rate cashback, while others provide higher cashback on specific categories like dining or gas.
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Consider your spending habits to determine if a rotating category card or a flat-rate card suits you best.
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Sign-up Bonuses:
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Many no-annual-fee cards come with attractive sign-up bonuses, which can significantly increase the card’s value in the first few months.
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Make sure the spending requirements for the bonus are realistic for your budget.
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Interest Rates (APR):
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If you plan on carrying a balance, pay attention to the APR after any introductory 0% offers. Some cards offer 0% APR for an introductory period, which could save you money on interest if you need to make large purchases.
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Additional Benefits:
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Consider other perks such as travel protections, purchase protections, and extended warranties, which could add value to your card.
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Foreign Transaction Fees:
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If you plan to use your card internationally, check if there are any foreign transaction fees. Some cards waive these fees, making them better for travel.
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Conclusion
No-annual-fee credit cards can be a fantastic option for individuals who want to earn rewards, enjoy perks, and avoid extra costs. Whether you’re looking for cashback, travel benefits, or the ability to earn points, there are numerous cards available with no annual fee in 2025 that can fit your needs. The Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Discover it® Cash Back, and Citi® Double Cash Card are just a few of the top contenders that can help you maximize your spending without paying annual fees.
Always consider your spending habits, financial goals, and preferences when selecting a card to ensure it’s the best fit for your lifestyle.