You’re not alone if you’re looking for a credit card but are unwilling to pay an annual fee.

The top no annual fee credit cards provide competitive rewards programs, introductory 0% APR periods, and competitive interest rates. And depending on your purchasing habits, they may provide more value than a card with a high annual charge (some as high as $500).

We have analyzed the top no annual fee credit cards in a variety of categories for users wishing to maximize their spending.

Here are the best credit cards with no annual fee.

Best No Fee Credit Cards

Best for Balance Transfers

The Citi Simplicity® Card offers the longest introductory periods for balance transfers, with 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the initial transfer (After that, variable 18.74% – 29.49%). Transferring a balance must be accomplished during the first four months of account opening. This can be advantageous if you have a significant balance or if your cash flow does not permit you to pay off the debt within the 6-, 12-, 15-, or 18-month time periods of other balance transfer cards.

This card comes with an initial balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater, for transfers made within the first four months of account opening. The cost thereafter will be 5% of each transfer, with a minimum of $5. This may be beneficial if you are paying a high-interest rate.

New cardholders have four months to complete balance transfers (longer than the typical 60 to 90 days). While you have more time to complete a transfer, the introductory APR period begins at account opening; therefore, you should finish the transfer as quickly as possible to maximize the interest-free term.

This card also features a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account activation (then 18.74% – 29.49% variable APR) and never levies late fees (though we always recommend you pay your balance on time and in full). There are no welcome bonuses or loyalty programs.

Best for Cash Back

Since its inception in 2014, the Citi® Double Cash Card has offered one of the greatest cash-back programs with a flat rate. On all purchases, cardholders earn 2% cash back: 1% when they make a purchase and an extra 1% when they pay their credit card payment.

There is no limit to the amount of cash back you may earn, and enabling extra categories is unnecessary. Cash back can be redeemed for a credit to your account statement or direct deposit.

This credit card is also an excellent option for debt consolidation. On balance transfers, the APR is 0% for the first 18 months and thereafter varies between 18.74% and 28.74%. There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% of any balance transfer (minimum of $5) made within the first four months of account setup. The cost thereafter will be 5% of each transfer, with a minimum of $5. 

Best for Low Interest

The Andrews Federal Credit Union Visa® Titanium Signature Rewards Card is an excellent option for individuals who carry a balance month-to-month. The variable interest rate ranges from a low of 13.99% to a maximum of 16.79%. You can save on interest charges if you qualify for one of the lowest rates.

This card offers both a low-interest rate and a robust rewards program. Earn 3X points on purchases of gas and groceries and 1.5X points on all other expenditures. In addition, you will receive 10,000 additional points after spending $1,500 within the first 90 days.

This card requires credit union membership, however, anybody can join Andrews Federal Credit Union. You may choose to join the American Consumer Council if you do not match the eligibility standards (ACC). Simply enter the discount code “Andrews” to join the ACC for free.

The Takeaway

To discover which credit cards provide the best value and have no annual charge, we have reviewed the most popular credit cards offered by the largest banks, financial institutions, and credit unions open to anybody and with no annual cost. Excluded were credit cards with no annual fee for the first year after account setup but an annual fee in later years.

We compared each card based on various parameters, including a rewards program, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer charge, welcome incentives, and international transaction fees, as well as characteristics like the card’s minimum credit score and customer reviews, when applicable.

When calculating expected returns, we assumed that cardholders redeem points/miles for a maximum of one penny per point or mile. 

Our final selections for no annual fee credit cards are mainly influenced by the highest five-year returns, as it is often prudent to hold onto a credit card for several years. This strategy also avoids providing cards with huge welcome incentives, an undue advantage.

We did not estimate the points consumers could receive when analyzing the top secured credit cards because secured cards often have considerably lower spending limitations.

Despite the fact that the five-year forecasts are based on a budget close to that of the average American, you may receive a larger or lower return depending on your shopping habits.