Can I qualify for a no annual fee credit card with bad credit?

Not typically, no. You'll need to have reasonably good or average credit to qualify. If your credit score is very low, you may want to consider looking into getting a prepaid credit card. This type of card doesn't give you access to credit, but it does allow you to shop online and earn rewards in some cases.

Will I earn rewards with a no annual fee credit card?

For the most part, yes! Many no-fee credit cards offer rewards such as points or cashback when you spend money. The only caveat is that the return on rewards that you get will often be lower than what you might receive from a premium card or one that comes with an annual fee.

Which credit card is best without annual fee?

The best no-annual-fee credit card for you will depend on a range of factors. For example, if you don't pay your card balance in full every month, you'll need to look for a card that charges a low-interest rate on purchases. If you want to be rewarded for your spending, look for the no-fee credit card that offers the highest rewards earn rate or that offers extra cash back at retailers you frequent.

Is no annual fee always a good thing?

Paying no annual fee is always going to be better than paying a fee. However, credit cards that have annual fees tend to offer higher rewards and more bonus perks than no-fee credit cards. If you use your card frequently and want to maximize your reward-earning potential, you may be better off choosing a card that comes with an annual fee.

Do you have to pay the annual fee on a credit card if you don't use it?

Yes. You will still need to pay the annual fee each year even if you have not used the card to make any purchases.

Can I get my credit card annual fee waived beyond the promotional first-year offer?

Unfortunately, most credit card owners won't be able to get an extension of the annual fee waiver. This is why it's important to take advantage of promotional offers and try to pay down your balance as much as you can while you're being charged little or no interest.

What if my application is denied?

Credit card applications are denied for a variety of reasons, including recent late payments and short employment history. You won't know the specific reason or reasons you've been denied until the credit card issuer sends a letter in the mail letting you know why. Once you receive the letter, use the details to help you figure out how to proceed with your next credit application. You may need to improve your credit before you apply for a credit card again.

Do 0% credit cards still exist?

Not really. At the time of writing, there were no credit cards in Canada with a 0% rate on purchases. Several card issuers do provide promotional offers for 0% interest on balance transfers. However, this promotional rate only applies for a limited introductory period, such as six or nine months, and the card will revert back to its standard rate after that.