Best American Express Cards With No Annual Fee of 2024
Best No Annual Fee Hilton Amex Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
On American Express's Website
3.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 7X Reward Rate
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within theRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 80,000 points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Good,Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Hilton Honors American Express Card isn’t the most valuable Hilton card available, but if you’re set on a Hilton card without an annual fee, this is an option.
Why We Like It
The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver status and the opportunity to upgrade to Gold status after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year.
What We Don’t Like
Hilton Honors points can be less valuable than other hotel points, and the card lacks significant benefits beyond Silver elite status. If you’re getting this card for status, it’s better to consider other Hilton Honors cards.
Who It’s Best For
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is best for those who want to earn Hilton Honors points but are against paying an annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- High point earning rates
- Generous welcome bonus
- Automatic Silver status includes fifth night free on award stays
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- No blackout dates
- Low point redemption value
- Silver status comes with limited benefits
- Poor transfer rate to airline partners
Card Details
- Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- No Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No Annual Fee Cash-Back Amex Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
3.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up toRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a strong option that offers cash back received in the form of Reward Dollars on everyday purchases without an annual fee.
Why We Like It
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides above-average earnings at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and online retailers in the U.S. However, earnings in each category are capped at $6,000 per year. After that, you’ll earn a lower rate of 1% back in rewards on these purchases. This card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and on balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 19.24%-29.99%. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.
What We Don’t Like
Depending on your spending habits, it may make sense to choose a different card without a spending cap.
Who It’s Best For
The Blue Cash Everyday Card is best suited for cardholders who prefer to earn cash back, don’t want to pay an annual fee and won’t go over the cap for increased rewards earnings on bonus categories.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- Above-average earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online retail purchases in the U.S.
- Elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. are capped at $6,000 in annual spending per category
- Rewards earning outside of the bonus categories is just 1% cash back
Card Details
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No Annual Fee Flat-Rate Cash-Back Amex Card
American Express Cash Magnet® Card *
3.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
1.5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases
Welcome Bonus
Earn $200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The American Express Cash Magnet® Card* isn’t the most exciting card out there, but its simplicity may be right for some.
Why We Like It
The Amex Cash Magnet offers simple flat-rate cash-back rewards and comes with access to Amex Offers and limited travel protections. The American Express Cash Magnet® Card* features a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Balance transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening and a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. This is useful if you have a big purchase coming up. The card also offers secondary rental car loss and damage insurance.
What We Don’t Like
Most cardholders won’t maximize their earnings with a simple card like the Amex Cash Magnet.
Who It’s Best For
If you’re looking for a low-hassle cash-back card, the Amex Cash Magnet might be right for you; but know you’re likely giving up rewards potential in exchange for simplicity.
Pros & Cons
- Rewards never expire
- No limits on cashback rewards
- Flexible payment options
- No category enrollment required
- No bonus spending categories to boost rewards
- Foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Card Details
- Earn $200 back after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. The $200 back will be received in the form of a statement credit
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases
- No annual fee
All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn $200 back after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best For Earning Amex Membership Rewards
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card *
3.1
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 2x Reward Rate
Earn 2X points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1X); Earn 2X points at American ExpressRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 10,000 points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 29.24% variable
Credit Score
Good/Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card* wants to be just that—an everyday use card. You’ll have to use your card for 20 purchases or more in a billing cycle to earn 20% extra points on those purchases. But if you can regularly do that, this is a strong option.
Why We Like It
While other no annual fee American Express cards might earn more rewards, the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card* provides access to Membership Rewards® points. This makes it a great starter card for those who want to gain access to Amex’s transfer partners. Additionally, it has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a regular APR of 18.24% – 29.24% variable. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.
What We Don’t Like
To qualify for earning 20% extra points, you must make at least 20 purchases in a billing cycle.
Who It’s Best For
This card is ideal for those who want to start earning Membership Rewards without paying an annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- Possible to earn 20% bonus on all points earned
- 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar)
- No annual fee
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
- Spending cap on bonus points at grocery stores
- Requires 20 purchases per month to earn 20% bonus
Card Details
- Earn 10,000 membership rewards points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of card membership
- Earn 2 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year (then 1 point)
- Earn 2 points for every dollar when you use your card to book your trip through American Express Travel
- Earn 1 point for every eligible dollar you spend on everything else
- You can use membership rewards points towards eligible charges you make on your card, such as retail, dining, entertainment and more
- Use your card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra points on those purchases
All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 10,000 points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No Annual Fee Delta Amex Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
On American Express's Website
2.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta; Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide and on takeout andRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 10,000 miles
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Good, Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
Those who want to start earning Delta SkyMiles without an annual fee may want to consider the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.
Why We Like It
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit and the ability to pay with miles. The card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers car rental loss and damage insurance¹. Consumer benefits like purchase protection² and extended warranty coverage² are available for eligible purchases.
What We Don’t Like
Those who fly Delta often could benefit more from the benefits offered by Delta’s more premium co-branded cards.
Who It’s Best For
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex card is best for those interested in joining the Delta ecosystem but who don’t value the luxury benefits offered by Delta’s premium cards.
Pros & Cons
- Earn bonus points on Delta flights and dining purchases
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- 20% back on in-flight purchases
- No free checked bag benefit
- No priority boarding privileges
- No discount on award flights
Card Details
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Summary of the Best Amex Cards With No Annual Fee
Credit Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
American Express Cash Magnet® Card *
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card *
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Best No Annual Fee Hilton Amex Card
Good,Excellent
$0
Earn 80,000 points
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best No Annual Fee Cash-Back Amex Card
Excellent/Good
$0
Earn $200
American Express Cash Magnet® Card *
Best No Annual Fee Flat-Rate Cash-Back Amex Card
Excellent/Good
$0
Earn $200
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card *
Best For Earning Amex Membership Rewards
Good/Excellent
$0
Earn 10,000 points
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Best No Annual Fee Delta Amex Card
Good, Excellent
$0
Earn 10,000 miles
All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $200 back after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Earn 10,000 points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
