Are you looking to earn rewards on your daily spending without paying a yearly fee? You’re not alone. Many people want to enjoy cashback, points, or travel perks without the burden of annual charges. That’s where no annual fee credit cards with rewards come in—they offer valuable benefits without costing you a dime each year.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best no annual fee rewards credit cards for 2025, highlight what to look for, and help you pick a card that matches your spending style.
💳 Why Choose No Annual Fee Credit Cards With Rewards?
Getting rewards for your everyday purchases without paying a yearly fee is the best of both worlds. Whether you’re buying groceries, booking travel, or simply filling up your gas tank, these cards offer reward points, cashback offers, or travel perks—all while saving you money on fees.
Benefits of Rewards Cards Without Annual Fees:
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No yearly cost to keep the card active
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Earn rewards on everyday purchases
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Ideal for budget-conscious users
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Often include signup bonuses or introductory offers
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Help build or improve credit (if used responsibly)
🏆 Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards With Rewards in 2025
Let’s dive into the top no fee credit cards with cashback, travel rewards, and other benefits for various spending needs.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
One of the top no fee credit cards with cashback, this card is perfect for everyday spenders.
Key Features:
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1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
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5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
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3% on dining and drugstore purchases
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$200 sign-up incentive after spending $500 in the first 3 months
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0% intro APR for 15 months
Why it’s great: Ideal for users who want simple cashback without tracking categories.
2. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
A top contender for flat-rate cash rewards.
Key Features:
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2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases
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$200 introductory bonus
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0% APR for 15 months
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No foreign transaction fees
Why it’s great: Flat-rate cashback on everything, perfect for people who prefer straightforward rewards.
3. Citi® Double Cash Card
Earn double rewards with this card.
Key Features:
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Earn 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay
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No cap on earnings
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No annual fee
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Redeem for cashback, statement credit, or gift cards
Why it’s great: Great for maximizing rewards without worrying about categories.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
Popular for rotating cashback categories and introductory bonuses.
Key Features:
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5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (activation required)
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1% on all other purchases
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Cashback match at the end of the first year
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No annual fee
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Access to FICO® credit score
Why it’s great: Excellent cashback offers for those who don’t mind tracking rotating categories.
5. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Perfect for travelers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee.
Key Features:
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Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases
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20,000 mile sign-up bonus (worth $200 toward travel)
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No foreign transaction fees
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Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and more
Why it’s great: One of the best no annual fee travel rewards credit cards for casual travelers.
6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards
A flexible cashback card that lets you choose your bonus category.
Key Features:
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3% cashback in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, travel, dining, etc.)
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2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
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$200 bonus offer
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No annual fee
Why it’s great: Good for users who want control over their reward categories.
✅ How to Choose the Best No Annual Fee Rewards Credit Card
With so many credit cards with rewards and no annual charges, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
📌 1. Spending Habits
Do you spend more on dining, travel, groceries, or online shopping? Match your card to your spending to maximize rewards.
📌 2. Redemption Options
Look at how you can use your rewards—statement credits, travel bookings, gift cards, or direct deposits.
📌 3. Introductory Offers
Many cards offer sign-up incentives—like bonus points or cashback. These are great value if you meet the spending requirement.
📌 4. Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel abroad, choose a card with no foreign transaction fees to save on every purchase.
📌 5. Credit Score Requirement
Most of the best rewards credit cards without annual fees require good to excellent credit (670 or above). If your credit is fair or building, consider starter cards with limited rewards.
💡 Real-Life Example: Everyday Savings with Zero Annual Fee Reward Cards
Meet Sarah, a working mom of two who uses the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card. She earns:
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3% on groceries and pharmacy purchases
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1.5% on utility bills
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5% on travel she books for family vacations
By using her card for daily needs and paying it off monthly, she earns $500+ in cashback annually—all without ever paying an annual fee.
📊 Table: Comparison of No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Rewards
| Credit Card | Reward Type | Sign-Up Bonus | Key Perks | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Cashback | $200 | 1.5%-5% cash back, 0% APR | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® | Cashback | $200 | 2% flat-rate cashback | $0 |
| Citi® Double Cash | Cashback | None | 2% total cashback | $0 |
| Discover it® Cash Back | Cashback | Cashback Match | 5% rotating categories | $0 |
| Capital One VentureOne | Travel Miles | 20,000 miles | 1.25x miles, no foreign fees | $0 |
| Bank of America Customized Cash | Cashback | $200 | Choose 3% category, 2% groceries | $0 |
❓FAQs About No Annual Fee Credit Cards With Rewards
1. What’s the catch with no annual fee credit cards with rewards?
There’s no hidden catch—these cards are designed to attract responsible users. As long as you pay your balance in full, you avoid interest and fees while earning rewards.
2. Can I earn travel perks with a no fee credit card?
Yes! Many no annual fee travel rewards credit cards, like Capital One VentureOne, offer miles, trip protections, and no foreign transaction fees.
3. Do I need excellent credit to get one of these cards?
Most top cards require good to excellent credit (670+), but options for fair credit exist with smaller rewards.
4. How do sign-up bonuses work?
Sign-up bonuses or introductory bonuses are awarded after you spend a certain amount in the first 3–6 months. They often come in the form of cashback or points.
5. Are the reward points easy to redeem?
Yes, most cards allow you to redeem through your online account for statement credits, travel bookings, cash, or gift cards—often with flexible redemption options.
6. What’s the difference between cashback and points?
Cashback is a fixed return on your spending in dollars. Points or miles may be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other perks—and may offer more value depending on how you redeem them.
7. Is it worth getting multiple zero annual fee reward cards?
If you can manage them responsibly, yes. Having different cards for different spending categories can help you maximize rewards without extra cost.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Get More, Pay Less
If you want to earn rewards without paying a yearly fee, no annual fee credit cards with rewards are a smart choice. From cashback on groceries to miles for your next vacation, these cards provide real value—especially when you pair the right card with your lifestyle.
Explore the options above, compare benefits, and pick a card that aligns with your spending. Just remember: Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest and keep those rewards truly rewarding.
✅ Key Takeaways
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No annual fee means more savings over time
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You can still earn reward points, cashback offers, and travel perks
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Look for cards that match your spending habits and redemption preferences
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Use responsibly to build credit and avoid debt
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