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Our pick for an Amex card with no annual fee: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Up to 3%
Cash back
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | $150 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | 1.5% cash back on all purchases (redeem as statement credit) |
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | Up to $250: 20% back on Amazon.com purchases in the first 6 months for up to $150 back, plus $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months
|
| Estimated welcome offer value | $200 based on Finder's valuation |
| Rewards | 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%), 2% at US gas stations and select US department stores and 1% on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit) |
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 15.74% to 24.74% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | 100,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus earn up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels in the first 12 months. Offers expire 8/25/2021 |
| Estimated welcome offer value | $600 based on Finder's valuation |
| Rewards | 7x points on Hilton Honors purchases, 5x at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations, 3x on all other purchases |
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 15.74% to 24.74% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | 10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | 2x miles at restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 23.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | 2x points on Amex Travel and 1x points on all other purchases. |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 12.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | 15,000 points after spending $1,500 in your first 3 months |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | 2x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year then 1x points after that and on all other purchases |
American Express has a solid variety of credit cards without an annual fee, though they’re all quite specialized from one another. To choose the right one, ask yourself the following questions:
We looked at a few factors to rate no-annual-fee American Express cards. Comparisons were based on factors such as available intro APRs, reward points or cash back earned per dollar spent, redemption categories and point values, travel perks and any other added benefits. The cards we chose performed exceptionally well in a particular area, warranting a spot on our list.
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card earned a spot on our list this year. As the only Delta card without an annual fee and strong rewards opportunities, this versatile card is great for frequent and occasional Delta flyers alike.
Both the American Express Cash Magnet® Card and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express lost their intro APRs on balance transfers. Also, at the time of this writing, neither card offers balance transfers at all to new applicants. These are clear downgrades, though they may not matter much if you never planned on making transfers anyway.
Of the Amex cards that feature annual fees, a majority of them lay in the $200 range. Though like most credit cards, the price you pay on a credit card’s annual fee typically correlates to the number of perks and benefits you can expect to come with the card. Here’s an example of the types of perks offered with a low-cost and high-cost card.
| Annual fee | Card | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| $95 (see Terms apply, see rates & fees) | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
|
| $695 (see Terms apply, see rates & fees) | The Platinum Card® from American Express |
|
Due to the variety of American Express credit cards with no annual fee, finding the right card is relatively easy. You can choose between flat cash back on all purchases, accelerated cash back on groceries and gas, rewards and benefits at Hilton hotels or rewards and benefits on Delta flights.
But if you think that none of these cards are quite what you’re looking for, consider comparing other no-annual-fee credit card options.
A high-yield savings account that supports multiple currencies.
A checking account-debit card combo marketed for people with disabilities.
Bank of Missouri’s Show Me Savers earns 0.1% APY but can’t be opened online.
It’s easy to qualify for these online store cards.
A checking account that earns up to 1.75% APY and up to $25 in ATM reimbursements.
Navy Federal’s Visa Buxx card has no fees, but you must qualify for membership with the credit union.
A good rewards option for those with average credit.
A strong cashback card if you want to build your credit score.
A must-have for parents looking to teach their little ones healthy money habits early on.
Pay for your rent fee-free using this card.
