There are plenty of different credit cards on the market, many with tempting offers and rewards, so it can be hard to figure out which card is best for you. Some credit card companies charge a fee when you are first approved for a card which is an expense you can avoid if you search for a "no annual fee" credit card. Credit cards without an annual fee are attractive because you aren't paying a yearly premium just to use a line of credit.
While no annual fee credit cards are attractive, some of these cards have fewer rewards. If you get a credit card without an annual fee, you might not be able to amass as many bonus points or cash back rewards. But for many consumers, a credit card without an annual fee is still the right choice, and one that will ultimately leave you with more cash in your pocket.
Here are seven of the top credit cards with no annual fees:
Capital one quicksilver cash rewards
The Capital One Quicksilver card is a very attractive cash rewards credit card that also comes with no annual fee and a relatively low APR. You receive 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers until December 2015 (almost nine months from today). Then, the on-going APR is 12.9% to 22.9%. The rewards are incredibly strong and easy to understand. Cardholders receive 1.5% back on all purchases with no limit to the amount. In addition, you receive a $100 bonus after you spend $500 during the first three months of card ownership. The card does have a balance transfer fee of 3%, but no foreign transaction fees. You need "good" credit to qualify for this card.
Chase Slate®
The Chase Slate® card has no annual fee, and comes with a 15-month introductory period where the APR is 0% on both purchases and balance transfers. The most attractive feature about this card is the lack of any balance transfer fees for the first 60 days of card ownership. Most card issuers charge a 3% fee to transfer your balance, so this is a significant savings. The card’s on-going APR ranges from 12.99% to 22.99%, depending on your credit worthiness. There are standard perks such as fraud protection, Chase Online Management, and the ability to add additional credit card users. However, this card does not come with the rewards that are associated with a number of other credit cards. You’ll also need excellent credit to get this card.
Discover it®
The Discover it card has a very attractive APR, ranging from 10.99% to 22.99%. There is a 0% introductory period for the first 14 months of card usage on both purchases and balance transfers. This card also has a rewards program, unlike some cards that have no annual fee. You can get 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, and 5% on revolving categories each quarter. Those categories include movie theaters, restaurants, home improvement, holiday shopping and gas stations. You need a strong credit history in order to qualify for this card.
bLUE CASH EVERYDAY FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS
Besides having no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express has one of the best rewards features on the market. Cardholders receive 3% back on supermarket purchases up to $6,000 per year; 2% back on purchases at gas stations and select department stores; and 1% back on all other purchases. There is a one-time bonus of $100 that you'll receive in the form of a statement credit once you spend $1,000 during the first three months of owning the card. Consumers receive 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; and then an on-going APR ranging from 12.99% to 21.99%. You will need excellent credit to be approved for this card. In addition, there is a 3% balance transfer fee.
Discover it Miles
If you are looking for mileage rewards, the Discover it Miles card is tough to beat. You receive 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend. Plus, during the first year, Discover will double the miles you've earned. In addition to no annual fee, the card has an attractive introductory offer of 0% for 12 months on purchases. The on-going APR is 10.99% to 22.99% depending on your credit worthiness. Discover pays for your in-flight Wi-Fi fees (up to $30 a year) with a statement credit. There is a 3% balance transfer fee. Like a number of these cards with no annual fees, you need excellent credit to be approved.
Capital One Platinum Prestige
The Capital One Platinum Prestige card may not have a rewards program, but it has one of the lowest on-going APRs of any major credit card on the market: 10.9% to 20.9%. In addition, the card has a 0% introductory APR until June 2016 (almost 15 months from today). There are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. There is a 3% balance transfer fee. Consumers with "good" credit may qualify for this card.
Citi simplicity mastercard
Along with no annual fee on the Citi Simplicity card, you can expect a variable APR of 12.99 to 21.99%. Additionally, the card comes with 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 21 months of card ownership, the best introductory offer of any major card. The card also has no late fees or penalty fees. The card does not have a rewards program. You’ll need an excellent credit profile to get your hands on this card too.
Each of the cards on this list requires either a good or excellent credit score. These cards are extremely attractive, and credit card companies know that consumers want to get a card without an annual fee.
It’s great to be able to get out of one of the many fees that are associated with credit cards. If you have worked hard to achieve or maintain great credit, you will likely be eligible to choose from one of these cards. Make sure that apart from the no annual fee, you are selecting a credit card with characteristics that fit your lifestyle and purchase patterns. When you are deciding between several cards, be sure to research the terms and conditions of every card you are considering to fully understand the charges you may be incurring.
