6 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee [2025]

Finding the right credit card can feel like a full-time job. You want a card with all the features, but who wants to pay an annual fee?

Fortunately, many cash back credit cards have no annual fees. The highest-earning cash back credit card for you will depend on your spending habits, but with no-annual-fee cards, there's less to worry about, and you can just focus on earning as much as possible.

We've identified some of the best cash back credit cards with no annual fees by researching top options from popular card issuers. The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card(Rates and fees) stands out as one of the best choices we've found for earning cash rewards on purchases at a flat, high rate. For rotating bonus categories, we recommend the Chase Freedom Flex^® and Discover it^® Cash Back. But to earn different rates on different spending categories, such as groceries or travel, we like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees), and Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express.

Learn why we picked each of these cards and the others on this list.

Compare cash back credit cards with no annual fee

Credit card	Great for you if	Rewards type
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	You want to earn a high flat cash back rate	Flat-rate
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express(See rates and fees) 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	You do a lot of online shopping	Tiered categories
Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	You want to earn a high everyday cash back rate + bonus categories	Tiered categories
Discover it® Cash Back(Rates and fees) 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	You want to maximize your earning with changing categories	Rotating bonus categories
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	You spend a lot on food	Tiered categories
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) 4.5 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	You want travel benefits	Tiered categories

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

The flat rate the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card offers is a nice break from tracking categories and worrying about which credit card to use. In addition, it comes with a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable), so if you have balances to transfer, you can get them paid off without interest.

Despite not having an annual fee, you can still enjoy many benefits including:

• Cell phone protection up to $600 against theft or damage (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel emergency assistance services
• Roadside dispatch

However, keep in mind that this card doesn't offer any bonus categories with higher rewards rates. This can be a major downside for someone who travels frequently, as the travel benefits are also limited.

Apply now or find more details in our Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Citi Double Cash^® Card

If the Wells Fargo Active Cash doesn't sound like a match for you, the Citi Double Cash card could be a better fit. This card, which has also received a very high FinanceBuzz star rating, is probably the Active Cash's closest competitor. It earns 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. Plus, the two cards provide comparable value, according to our FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, and similar welcome offers.

The reason we didn't choose the Citi Double Cash for this list is because the Wells Fargo Active Cash offers up to 2% on purchases cash back without withholding any earnings until after you pay for the purchases, which can make it easier to know how much you've really earned.

That said, I could see the Citi Double Cash being the better choice for you if you would benefit from a bit of incentive to pay off your credit card bill, especially if you prefer Citi over Wells Fargo.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

If you need a $0 annual-fee cash back card for when you're out grocery shopping or buying stuff online, the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express is far and away one of the best options. It's like a light version of the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, which earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter annual fee. The Blue Cash Everyday is a powerhouse for the average American's spending habits, earning 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.

We especially love that better rate on U.S. online retail purchases since many credit cards don't include this spending category in elevated earnings.

However, you've got to keep that annual spending limit of $6,000 each category in mind if you go with this card. You'll earn a lower base rate on everything after you meet that maximum, so it could be smart to pair this with a flat-rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card.

Learn more or read our full Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Review

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

While earning 1.5% cash back isn't anything to write home about, there's no cap on your spending, so you can earn unlimited rewards. I also like that there are bonus categories allowing you to earn 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.

The card also has intro APR periods:

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 18.99% - 28.49% Variable)
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 18.99% - 28.49% Variable)

This gives you time to pay off large purchases or those pesky credit card balances. While the card doesn't include many travel benefits, you can earn 2% total cash back on Lyft rides through September 2027. You also get a complimentary 6-month DoorDash DashPass when you activate by December 31, 2027. After, you'll be auto-enrolled at the currently monthly rate.

Apply now or learn more in our Chase Freedom Unlimited review.

Discover it^® Cash Back

The Discover it^® Cash Back requires plenty of tracking as its bonus categories change quarterly, but it might be worth it since you can earn a healthy 5% cash back on those categories when you activate. The downside is the limit is $1,500 combined in all bonus categories per quarter.

The Discover it Cash Back card also offers intro APR offers:

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable)
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable)

There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*, so keep that in mind.

There is a $0 annual fee. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This card could be very helpful, especially if you focus on the bonus categories. However, I wouldn't use it for large purchases or travel because it doesn't include travel or extended warranty benefits like the other cards on the list.

Apply now or get more info in our Discover it^® Cash Back(Rates and fees) review.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

If a majority of your spending is on dining or entertainment, you can earn a decent amount of cash back with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, including 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. The best news is that the cashback is unlimited, so you don't have to worry about hitting spending limits on your favorite categories.

I also like this card for its travel benefits without categorizing itself as a "travel credit card." Earning 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) is a great perk.

While these are great perks, since this is a Mastercard, the basic benefits are limited and don't include things like auto rental collision damage waivers, roadside assistance, or luxury hotel benefits.

Learn more in our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards review.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Though similar to the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Capital One Quicksilver deserves its own spot on this list in our eyes. This is primarily because it offers travel benefits that the Freedom Unlimited, not to mention most other cards on this list, don't.

This includes no foreign transaction fee and travel protections, including complimentary concierge services,² <p class="">For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.<br></p> travel accident insurance,² <p class="">For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.<br></p> and 24/hour travel assistance.² <p class="">For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.<br></p> I'd also recommend this one for fans of Capital One Travel because booking hotels, flights, and other travel through this portal can be a good way to make your cash back earnings stretch farther (maybe you prefer Capital One's travel partners over Chase's travel partners?). Turns out, you don't really have to choose between a high cash back rate on everything and travel perks.

Learn more in our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review | Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited^® vs. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card comparison

What to consider before you choose a cash back card

When considering a cash back card, there are many factors to consider:

• What type of cash back will benefit you the most? Do you prefer a flat rate so you don't have to think about it or do you like bonus offers and rotating categories? Look at your previous expenses to see if the rotating categories would benefit you.
• Will you use the rewards? Most cards offer a cash redemption option, but they may offer more value for other options. Consider if you'll use those options or if you strictly want cash back to find the highest redemption options.
• What features do you need? Some of the no-annual-fee cash back credit cards have limited benefits outside of earning cash back, but others are chock full of benefits. Think about what you need and/or would use when finding the right credit card.

Cash back cards that didn't make our list

Chase Freedom Flex^®

Make no mistake — this is a fantastic cash back credit card, and it's a juggernaut in the category of no-annual-fee credit cards. But its bonus categories change quarterly, and this can be tricky for some people to navigate. If you're looking for a cash back card from Chase, the Freedom Unlimited might be the easier option. The Freedom Flex earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service); and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you're up to the task of navigating a cashback calendar, this is a great card that's similar to the Discover it® Cash Back. But we chose the Discover it® Cash Back for our main list because it offers potentially higher values in years one and two, plus slightly lower regular APRs. To choose between these two cards, compare their cashback calendars against your past spending.

Learn more in our Chase Freedom Flex review | Read our Chase Freedom Flex^® vs. Discover it^® Cash Back comparison

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

This is a good option if you want a high cashback rate at U.S. supermarkets, but it is capped. You can earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases. It also does come with an annual fee of $95.

Learn more in our Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card review

Bottom line

Earning cash back on a credit card is great, but make sure you'll use the rest of the card's features and that it has no annual fee, or at least an affordable one. The best credit card is the one that fits your spending habits and goals the best. The suggestions provided should help you start your journey in finding the perfect cash back card.

FAQs

2025 award winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Benefits

Card Details

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
• Apply Now

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

on Wells Fargo’s secure website

Rates and fees

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

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Why we like it

• If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card could be a good option for you. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

• This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.

• Apply Now