There are very few ways to make $200 in a single afternoon. Applying for the right credit card is one of them.

I’ve spent years writing about personal finance, and welcome offers on no-annual-fee cards are one of the most underrated moves in the game. You spend money you were already going to spend, hit an easy threshold, and earn cash back.

The three cards below each have welcome offers worth $200 — and zero annual fee, so you keep every dollar you earn.

1. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

First up is my top pick right now for existing Bank of America customers. It not only has a cash rewards welcome offer but also earns boosted rewards for the first year!

Current welcome offer: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Who this card is best for: This one’s a great fit if you want flexibility in how you earn rewards. It lets you choose where you earn the most cash back by selecting your top spending category.

With no annual fee, this card is a long-term keeper.

2. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees) just took home Motley Fool Money’s Best Overall Credit Card award for 2026!

Current welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Who this card is best for: This card shines brightest for anyone who wants a simple, flat-rate rewards experience without tracking rotating categories or quarterly activations.

If you’re the type who just wants to swipe and earn without thinking about it, this one deserves a serious look. The math is hard to argue with.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Fun fact: I’ve had the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) personally for nearly a decade! It’s one of the best entry-level cash back cards available with sneaky good travel perks, too.

Current welcome offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Who this card is best for: If you’re already in the Chase ecosystem — or you’re interested in getting there — this card can become a real workhorse in a longer-term rewards strategy. It earns cash back on all purchases with higher rates on travel, dining, and drug store purchases.

This card keeps earning for you long after the welcome offer is cashed out.

How to pick the right one for you

Earning a $200 welcome offer is nice. But it’s always good to look past the initial offer and make sure you’re picking a card that can offer long-term value also.

Start with your monthly spending. Match the card’s reward program to where you naturally spend money most. Also consider whether you want simplicity or flexibility. Flat-rate cash back cards are great for people who don’t want to think about it. Customizable categories reward people who do.

It’s also worth asking whether you’re already a customer at one of these banks. Sticking with a bank you know can unlock extra perks and make redemption easier. And if you’re thinking long-term, look for a card that keeps working for you well after the welcome offer is cashed out.

The right card is the one that fits your life — not the one with the flashiest marketing. And since none of these carry an annual fee, the rewards are just yours to keep.

If you’re ready to start earning, browse all our top no-annual-fee cash back cards here and find the one that clicks for you.

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