Top 10 Best Credit Cards with $0 Annual Fee in 2023

Credit cards with no annual fees are ideal if they also offer sign-up bonuses, rewards, and perks. We’ve compiled a list of the best 10 credit cards with no annual fees in 2023 to help you maximize your rewards and save money on purchases, all while improving your credit score. We wish someone had told us about these earlier—it took us a lot of tries, but now you have it!

In the U.S., an average person who is good with personal finance and has a score over 780+ owns 5 credit lines. Owning multiple credit cards can help increase your credit score by raising your overall credit limit and lowering your utilization rate. It also demonstrates to lenders that you are capable of handling multiple credit lines responsibly.

Pro Tip: It’s important to use credit cards responsibly and maintain a usage rate below 10% to enhance your credit score. For instance, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit, you should only use up to $100. Lenders love to see that you are not relying on credit to live!

As a smart Guru’s Crew member, don’t sign up for credit cards without a plan on how to spend money to earn the bonus. Instead, sign up for a new card to reduce your spending. Be patient and apply for a new credit card only when you anticipate upcoming expenses that match or exceed the card’s requirements or help you maximize your cash back. This way, you can get the most out of the card.

If you find yourself using more than 10% of the available credit, make sure to pay the account before the statement balance is generated. Treat your credit card as if it were cash and don’t spend more than what you have in your savings account. Adopting this simple mindset will set you up for success.

1. Citi® Double Cash Card (2% cash back on everything)

Remembering credit card perks can become harder the more cards you own. With the Citi Double Cash, you get peace of mind knowing that if you don’t remember a higher perk for a certain purchase, you can always use this card to get 2% back. The reward structure is very simple, and there’s no annual fee. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on every purchase and an additional 1% when they pay their balance.

Key Benefits:

2% cash back: 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay.
No annual fee: Great for long-term use.

Overall, this card is perfect for those seeking a straightforward rewards program without category limits or activation.

For more information, check this link

2. Apple Card (Best everyday + travel card)

The Apple Card comes with no annual fees and offers seamless integration with Apple products. Not only is it an excellent choice for everyday purchases, but it’s also a top travel card with no currency conversion fees.

Unique Feature: If your application is rejected, it won’t impact your credit score! You can check your approval status every few days or weeks, especially if you anticipate changes in your credit score.

Cashback Rewards:

3% cash back on purchases through select merchants/apps (Walgreens, Nike, Uber) using Apple Pay.
2% cash back on all other purchases made using Apple Pay.
1% cash back when using the physical titanium Apple Card.

The card also features dual card numbers (one for the physical titanium card and one for the digital card), enhancing security and privacy. You can rotate the digital card number whenever you wish—a great perk for online payments or if you suspect a security risk.

Additionally, the Wallet app helps you understand your balance and suggests payment amounts to avoid interest charges—a unique approach compared to other credit cards.

Limitations: It’s designed for Apple users, and you need an iPhone to sign up.

For more information about this card, check this link

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% on everything)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers impressive cashback rewards across various spending categories:

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maximize savings on travel, dining, and everyday expenses. Chase also has good relationships with private companies, offering complimentary perks from time to time (e.g., free DoorDash+ subscription for a year).

For more information about this card, check this page

4. Chase Freedom Flex (5% on categories)

Chase Freedom Flex is another versatile option with a wide range of cashback rewards:

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories (activation required).
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
1% cash back on all other purchases.

Like Freedom Unlimited, Chase often offers free perks for cardholders (e.g., 1-year free DoorDash+). With this card, you’ll also get access to many other discounts and perks at restaurants, gas stations, and shops.

For more information about this card, check here

5. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (A must for Prime users)

Issued by Chase, this card is perfect for dedicated Amazon shoppers and Prime members. Upon approval, you get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly applied to your Amazon account.

Cashback Rewards:

5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
1% cash back on all other purchases.

Other Perks:

No Foreign Transaction Fees for international use.
Visa Signature Benefits like travel/emergency assistance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.

With 6 out of 10 US households having Prime, this card is a no-brainer for Prime users looking to save on Amazon purchases.

For more information about this card, check here

6. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver offers a straightforward 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no annual fee. New cardholders can enjoy a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.

Key Benefits:

No foreign transaction fees: Great for international travelers.
Broad affiliate deals: Capital One often partners with many brands, offering exclusive promotions to cardholders.

For more information, check their website

7. American Express Cash Magnet® Card (1.5% cash back)

The Amex Cash Magnet® Card provides a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. New cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months.

Amex is known for its exceptional customer support. Building a relationship with them can be beneficial, especially if you later want to explore their travel rewards cards. However, note that American Express is not accepted everywhere (particularly at smaller shops) due to higher merchant fees.

For more information, check their website

8. Discover it® Cash Back (5% on categories)

Discover, like Amex, operates its own credit network, which can lead to more generous rewards. The Discover it® Cash Back offers rotating 5% cashback categories (up to $1,500 per quarter) and 1% cashback on all other purchases. Notably, Discover matches all the cashback earned in your first year for new cardholders—effectively doubling your rewards in year one.

For more information, check this link

9. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature®

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature is a versatile option offering cash back in various categories with no annual fee.

New Cardholder Bonus:

$200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.

Rewards Structure:

3% cash back in the category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement).
2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery/wholesale each quarter).
1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn an additional 25%-75% bonus on every purchase. As a Visa Signature card, it also includes perks like travel assistance and extended warranty protection.

For more information about this card, check here

10. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

This card is perfect for those who enjoy dining, entertainment, and travel. With no annual fee, the SavorOne offers:

3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores.
1% cash back on all other purchases.
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats (limited time offer), plus a free Uber One membership.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.

For more information, check this link

Conclusion

Credit cards with no annual fees can be highly advantageous if you manage your finances responsibly. Since there’s no cost to keep them, you can maintain them long-term and use them to save on purchases. Sign-up bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount within 30, 60, or 90 days to qualify for the reward.

The cards listed above cater to different needs and preferences—covering everything from flat-rate cash back to rotating categories, and from dining to travel. Remember to keep your usage below 10% to improve your credit score and treat your credit card like cash. Don’t spend more than what’s in your savings account to avoid financial strain.

If you want to know more about how to improve your credit score quickly, check out our in-depth article here.