What is the best no-annual-fee credit card?

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No annual fee is certainly one of the most attractive features in a credit card, but not all no-annual-fee credit cards are created equal. There are many to choose from and each has its own unique features, strengths and weaknesses.

When choosing a card, it’s important to consider your personal preferences, spending habits and lifestyle. If you are already carrying substantial credit card debt, you might want to consider a card with an attractive balance transfer offer. A 0% APR for a set period of time can save you quite a bit of money on interest charges. Similarly, a 0% rate on new purchases can be a big savings if you are planning a big-ticket purchase and need some extra time to pay it off.

If rewards programs are a top priority for you, you’ll find some no-annual-fee cards which offer straightforward cash back programs. Other cards have a more complex rewards program that allow you to accumulate points that can be used toward merchandise, travel, gift cards or converted to cash. These rewards programs can be weighted toward certain purchasing habits, with higher rewards for spending on dining, groceries. travel and other categories. Finding the rewards program that fits with your spending habits can be lucrative.

In all cases, you will want to read the fine print. While a card may have no annual fee there could be other fees for late payments, balance transfers, foreign transactions, cash advances, etc. You will also want to check the base interest rate, as well as possible penalty interest rates for late payments.

The process of choosing the right no-annual-fee card for you may seem daunting. Fortunately, our editors have done the leg work and have compiled the following list of the best no-annual-fee cards.