I’ve reviewed a lot of credit cards. And one thing I’ve learned is that the best ones don’t make you work hard to get value out of them.

These three cards each come with an easy-to-earn welcome offer, charge no annual fees, and require nothing more than spending like you normally would to earn it. Groceries, gas, your usual monthly stuff — that’s it.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a rewards card, any of these three would be a great place to start.

1. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card — our pick for best overall credit card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees) just won our Motley Fool Money Best Overall Credit Card award for 2026. That’s not an accident! It’s one of my first recommendations when helping people choose an everyday rewards card.

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

Best for: Anyone who wants easy cash rewards without having to worry about categories, point systems, or complicated rules.

Most people do better with flat-rate cards than they realize. You don’t have to think about which category you’re spending in or if this purchase “counts.” You just spend and earn. That peace of mind is worth something — and at flat 2% cash rewards rate on purchases, you’re not leaving much on the table either.

2. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card — best for a specific high spending category

The spend requirement is a little higher than the other two cards here, but the trade-off is worth it if you’re someone who can put that category-boosted cash back to work.

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.

Best for: People who know their spending habits and want to optimize around them.

This card lets you pick your top earning category — gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement — and earn an elevated rate there. You can also change it monthly if your spending shifts.

It also works especially well if you’re already a Bank of America customer. Existing members in the Preferred Rewards program can unlock even higher earning rates on top of the standard structure.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited® — the card that grows with you

I’ve personally had this card for nearly a decade. It was one of my first “real” rewards cards and it’s never left my wallet. What I love about it is how well it scales and pairs with other Chase cards.

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

Best for: Big spenders and light users alike — this one fits almost any wallet.

Whether you’re new to cash back or a rewards veteran, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) holds its own — and if you ever add a Chase Sapphire card down the road, your rewards can transfer into Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth potentially a lot more than cash.

It’s a true entry-level card that earns like it belongs in a seasoned cardholder’s wallet.

Which one should you pick?

Honestly? Any of them.

The best one for you just comes down to your spending habits. Someone who wants to set it and forget it will love a flat-rate card. Someone who knows exactly where their money goes each month can squeeze a lot more out of a card that rewards them there.

Whatever you pick, a welcome offer of this value is a great reason to get started. And if none of these feel like quite the right fit, there are plenty of other no-annual-fee cards worth a look.

Check out our full list of the best no-annual-fee cards that pack serious rewards.

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