Focused comparison

Best no-annual-fee cards

Start with cards that charge a $0 annual fee. Compare rewards and card type, then use the Cardwell questionnaire for a personalized Best Match and Second Choice.

Personal cards

$0 annual-fee personal cards

6 options in Cardwell’s focused comparison set.

Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card
Chase · personal

Freedom Unlimited

1.5% on everyday purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% through Chase Travel.

Good for: Simple everyday rewardsApply / learn more
Chase Freedom Flex credit card
Chase · personal

Freedom Flex

5% in activated quarterly categories on up to $1,500, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% through Chase Travel.

Good for: Users willing to activate rotating categoriesApply / learn more
Chase Chase Slate credit card
Chase · personal

Chase Slate

No rewards program; focused on a long introductory APR and credit-management tools.

Good for: Users prioritizing financing over rewardsReview on Chase
American Express Blue Cash Everyday credit card
American Express · personal

Blue Cash Everyday

3% at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail, each up to $6,000 yearly, then 1%.

Good for: U.S. household spendingReview on American Express
Capital One Savor credit card
Capital One · personal

Savor

3% on dining, entertainment, eligible streaming, and grocery stores; 5% on eligible Capital One Travel hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars.

Good for: Dining, grocery, entertainment and streamingReview on Capital One
Citi Double Cash credit card
Citi · personal

Double Cash

Unlimited 2% cash back: 1% when buying and another 1% when paying; 5% on eligible Citi Travel bookings.

Good for: Simple flat-rate cash backReview on Citi
Business cards

$0 annual-fee business cards

4 options kept separate from personal cards.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card
Chase · business

Ink Business Unlimited

Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase.

Good for: Simple business cash backApply / learn more
Chase Ink Business Cash credit card
Chase · business

Ink Business Cash

5% on office supply and internet, cable and phone up to $25,000 combined yearly, plus 2% at gas stations and restaurants.

Good for: Office and telecom spendingReview on Chase
American Express Blue Business Plus credit card
American Express · business

Blue Business Plus

2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year, then 1x.

Good for: Simple business points earningReview on American Express
American Express Blue Business Cash credit card
American Express · business

Blue Business Cash

2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year, then 1%.

Good for: Simple business cash backReview on American Express