Best Cashback Credit Cards with No Annual Fee (2024 Rankings)

best cashback credit cards

Looking to earn money back on your everyday purchases without paying a yearly fee? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ve ranked the best cashback credit cards with no annual fee in 2024. Whether you want to save at the grocery store, on gas, or just enjoy a flat cashback rate on all purchases, there’s a no-fee card for you.

Why Choose a No-Annual-Fee Cashback Card?

Annual fees can eat into your rewards. Choosing a cashback card without an annual fee ensures every dollar you earn goes right into your pocket. These cards are ideal for:

  • Beginners new to credit cards
  • Budget-conscious users
  • Everyday spenders looking for passive savings

Let’s break down the top-performing no-annual-fee cashback credit cards of 2024.


1. Citi® Double Cash Card

Best For: Flat-rate cashback on all purchases
Cashback Rate: 2% total (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay)
APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable
Intro Offer: None

Why We Like It:

The Citi Double Cash Card is perfect for people who want simple, no-hassle rewards. You earn a total of 2% on every purchase without needing to track bonus categories.

Pros:

  • High flat-rate cashback
  • No annual fee
  • Flexible redemption options (statement credit, check, bank deposit)

Cons:

  • No signup bonus
  • No bonus categories

2. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best For: Earning a welcome bonus and flat cashback
Cashback Rate: 2% unlimited on all purchases
APR: 20.24% – 29.99% variable
Intro Offer: $200 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months

Why We Like It:

This is one of the few no-annual-fee cards that offers both unlimited 2% cashback and a generous welcome bonus.

Pros:

  • High flat cashback rate
  • Valuable signup bonus
  • Cell phone protection included

Cons:

  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Higher credit score needed (good to excellent)

3. Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best For: Rotating bonus categories
Cashback Rate:

  • 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter)
  • 5% on travel booked via Chase
  • 3% on dining and drugstores
  • 1% on all other purchases
    APR: 20.49% – 29.24% variable
    Intro Offer: $200 after $500 in 3 months

Why We Like It:

The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the most rewarding cards if you’re willing to keep track of quarterly categories.

Pros:

  • Up to 5% cashback in multiple areas
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Travel and purchase protection

Cons:

  • Rotating categories require activation
  • 5% cap is limited to $1,500 per quarter

4. Discover it® Cash Back

Best For: Cashback match for the first year
Cashback Rate:

  • 5% in rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter)
  • 1% on all other purchases
    APR: 17.24% – 28.24% variable
    Intro Offer: Cashback Match™ at the end of your first year

Why We Like It:

Discover will match all the cashback you earn in your first year—making this card one of the most lucrative options if you maximize bonus categories.

Pros:

  • 5% cashback in categories like groceries, gas, and Amazon
  • Cashback Match in year one
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

  • Requires quarterly activation
  • Lower acceptance abroad than Visa/Mastercard

5. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Best For: Supermarket and gas station spending
Cashback Rate:

  • 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year)
  • 3% on U.S. online retail and gas stations (up to $6,000/year)
  • 1% on all other purchases
    APR: 19.24% – 29.99% variable
    Intro Offer: $200 statement credit after $2,000 in 6 months

Why We Like It:

The Blue Cash Everyday card rewards your most common household expenses and has no annual fee—a rare combo.

Pros:

  • Solid 3% categories
  • Great intro bonus
  • Expense tracking via Amex app

Cons:

  • Caps on 3% categories
  • Fewer travel perks

Tips for Choosing the Best No-Fee Cashback Card

When comparing no-annual-fee cashback cards, consider these factors:

  • Spending habits: Do you spend more on groceries, gas, or general purchases?
  • Redemption flexibility: Can you redeem for cash, statement credit, or travel?
  • Welcome bonus: Some cards offer lucrative one-time bonuses.
  • Extra perks: Cell phone protection, purchase insurance, or credit monitoring.

Final Thoughts

Cashback credit cards with no annual fee are a fantastic way to put money back in your pocket without paying for the privilege. From flat-rate cards like Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash to rotating-category champions like Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it, there’s a card for every lifestyle.

Evaluate your spending habits, look for valuable intro bonuses, and choose a card that maximizes your everyday purchases in 2024.

Bonus Tip: Use multiple cashback cards to optimize rewards across spending categories without paying annual fees.

 

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