Comparing Annual vs. No Annual Fee Credit Cards

5 Min Read | Updated: July 17, 2023

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This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

Using a no-annual-fee card with a low or 0% intro APR can help you save money, while annual fee cards can also offer savings in rewards like travel perks or cash back.

At-A-Glance

  • Some credit cards with no annual fees may also have a low APR or 0% introductory APR.
  • They may be useful for large purchases, balance transfers, credit card debt consolidation, and building credit.
  • Credit cards with no annual fees typically don’t offer as many rewards and perks as elite travel cards.

Getting a credit card that has no annual fee and a low APR might sound like it’s too good to be true – but those features often go hand in hand. In fact, many no annual fee credit cards also offer either a low APR on an ongoing basis or a 0% APR for an introductory period. The catch: These cards often don’t provide as many rewards as credit cards with annual fees. Still, there are plenty of reasons why a credit card with no annual fee might be an attractive option. For more about APRs, read “What is APR and How to Calculate It.”

Comparing Annual Fee and No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Before examining the benefits of credit cards with no annual fee and low APR, here’s a quick look at some of the differences between annual fee and no annual fee credit cards.  

 

Credit cards with annual fees. Many credit cards with annual fees are considered “premium” or “elite” due to their extensive rewards and other benefits. For example, a premium travel card typically offers rewards points that you can redeem for travel, in addition to perks like rental car insurance, free checked bags, and airport lounge access. But a card like that might come with a higher annual fee.  

 

Credit cards with no annual fees. Cards with no annual fees tend to have fewer bells and whistles, especially when it comes to travel rewards. On the flip side, in addition to offering freedom from annual fees, some of these credit cards may also offer either an introductory 0% APR or a low ongoing APR: 

  • 0% introductory APR. Some credit cards don’t charge interest on purchases and/or balance transfers for the first 6–18 months after opening an account, depending on the card issuer – but interest rates kick in once the promo period ends.
  • Ongoing low APR. These credit cards typically offer an opportunity for an APR that’s lower than interest-accruing credit card APR.1, but they usually don’t offer 0% APR promos, and they may have fewer perks and rewards opportunities than other cards. 

 

It’s important to remember that your credit card’s interest rate may be influenced by multiple factors, such as your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and payment history.

Benefits of Credit Cards with No Annual Fee and Low APR

If you plan to use your credit card for everyday transactions like groceries and gas, a no annual fee card with low APR could help you get rewards while minimizing the cost of financing. Premium credit cards with high annual fees typically offer much higher levels of rewards, but it may be tough to justify the annual fee if you don’t plan to use the card often or can’t qualify for good enough rewards.2

Benefits of No Annual Fee Credit Cards with 0% Intro APR

A credit card with no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR period may be particularly useful for:

  • Large purchases. If you want to make a large purchase such as new furniture, new appliances, a deluxe vacation, or even a major car repair, a card with no annual fee and a 0% APR introductory period can help you pay it off over time without interest – as long as you pay off the debt within the introductory period.
  • Balance transfers or debt consolidation. If you want to make a balance transfer or consolidate other credit card debt, a card with no annual fee and an introductory 0% balance transfer APR period may be a useful tool. It may help you pay off prior credit card debt without paying interest.

Benefits of No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Low Ongoing Interest

Low interest rate credit cards with no annual fee may be particularly useful if:

  • You’re new to credit cards. People who are new to credit cards may have an easier time learning the basics with a no annual fee card.3 Not having to worry about high interest rates is another bonus
  • You have a low credit score or minimal credit history. You may be able to build your credit at lower cost than if you use a card with an annual fee and high interest rates.
  • You expect to carry a balance for an extended time. Experts generally recommend paying your credit card bill in full every month. But if you expect to carry a balance, a card with a low ongoing interest rate may help save you money in the long run.

When to Choose a Card with an Annual Fee

One key reason to choose a credit card with an annual fee is the potential for rewards and perks. That said, it’s important to align your credit card choices with your typical spending habits and financial goals. Look for a credit card that offers the features and benefits that you’re looking for, while ensuring that it fits into your budget and aligns with your expenditures.

The Takeaway

No annual fee credit cards can be a useful tool if you’re looking for financing but don’t like the idea of paying an annual fee. It’s important to think about your spending habits and financial goals when choosing a credit card to make sure you find one that aligns with your needs.

Headshot of Megan Doyle

Megan Doyle is a business technology writer and researcher whose work focuses on financial services and cross-cultural diversity and inclusion.
 
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.

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