Tired of shelling out hundreds of dollars in annual fees on credit cards? Join me in the no-annual-fee revolution — earning great rewards on a card that costs you nothing to own.

I’ve written about credit cards for years now, and I still stick to no-annual-fee cards. They’re simple, they’re easy — and if you use them properly, they can be just as effective.

Don’t believe me? Keep reading to learn about three of my favorite no-annual-fee credit cards available now.

1. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Best for: Earning rewards on your terms

Want a card that racks up rewards on the things you actually buy? The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is worth a look. You’ll earn:

  • 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (3% back after that);
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

The “choice categories” offer plenty of options, too. You can pick from:

  • Dining
  • Travel
  • Online shopping, streaming, cable, internet, and phone plans
  • Gas and EV charging stations
  • Drugstores and pharmacies
  • Home improvement and furnishings

Other cash back cards pigeonhole you a bit, making you spend a lot in this or that category to rack up rewards. True to its name, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offers more flexibility.

The only downside is that there’s a spending cap: The 6% and 2% rates apply to up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, you’ll earn 1%. Still, it’s a great way to earn rewards on your terms for no annual fee.

Ready to learn more? Click here to read our full review of the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, apply, and earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice.

2. Discover it® Cash Back

Best for: Earning with rotating bonus categories

On the flip side, maybe you want a card that makes you adapt to it. If so, check out the Discover it® Cash Back, which comes with 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

Right now, for example, in Q2 of 2026, the rotating categories are restaurants and home improvement stores. Before that, in Q1 it was grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and select streaming services.

Maxing out the bonus category every quarter ($1,500 in spending) would net you $75 in rewards every three months — that’s $300 a year in rewards.

Plus, with Discover’s Cashback Match bonus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. That means your $300 in cash back would turn into $600 in your first year.

Want to earn a top cash back rate in different spending categories every quarter? Click here to learn more and apply for the Discover it® Cash Back today.

3. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for: Earning a flat rate on purchases

If you value simple, easy rewards above all else, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees) might be the best credit card out there, period.

That’s because it earns a straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases for a $0 annual fee, one of the best flat rates you’ll find. Just use your card anywhere and be confident you’re getting a solid return.

I use my Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for pretty much everything: shopping online, buying groceries, paying bills, and more. It’s truly a one-size-fits-all option for credit card rewards.

The welcome bonus is just as easy to earn. Right now, you can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. That’s one of the lowest spending requirements you’ll see on any card bonus.

Ready for 2% cash rewards on purchases for a $0 annual fee? Check out our full Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review and apply now to get started.

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