The Monthly Scoop: April No Annual Fee Update
Updated 3 April 2025 by Pauline Hatch, chief finance expert.
If you hate fees, cards with none are a good option, especially if it's your first credit card as the eligibility criteria are usually more forgiving (because these cards are often more basic). They're also good for those who want a cheap card to use occasionally. However, basic doesn't mean you can't get some great perks like rewards points, zero international transaction fees and even insurances.
Editor’s Pick-of-the-Bunch credit cards for March
T&Cs apply for all card offers so check our review and the PDS for details.
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How do credit cards with no annual fee work?
A no annual fee card doesn’t charge ongoing yearly fees, which will save you anywhere from $60 or so per year up to $1,450 depending on the card.
If you're thinking, "wow, that's too good to be true!", it's a good idea to pause and weigh up the pros and cons.
Pros
✔ Handy to have as an emergency card
✔ Can come with bonus points, 0% balance transfers and other offers
Cons
✖ Reduced annual fee may only be promotional for the first year
✖ May have a very high interest rate
As you can see, no annual fee cards have some great perks but won't suit everyone. Let's look at who suits these cards.
Who would choose a card with no annual fee?
Annual fees help cover costs, which is why a card with no annual fee may not include all the same bells and whistles.
That's ok though, because no annual fee cards can be useful if you want to:
👍 Have an emergency card that doesn't cost anything to keep in your pocket
👍 Use a special feature like a balance transfer to help pay off credit card debt
👍 Earn points without paying a big annual fee
👍 Build a credit score while keeping costs down
👍 Offset your mortgage with a low-cost credit cardWhile you won't get the same features as a high-end platinum card, no annual fee cards are incredibly helpful for keeping costs down while getting the benefits of a credit card.
| 💡 Try to pay off your card each month to avoid interest charges. If you think you'll need to pay interest, you could look at low interest rate cards as well. |
When another card might be a better option:
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- If you’re a frequent traveller looking for points, consider a credit card with a great rewards program that may work out better for your pocket. in the long run in terms of perks, particularly if you’re after frequent flyer points.
- If you regularly pay interest on your balance, a low interest rate credit card might be a better fit, since no annual fee cards often have a higher purchase rate.
Comparing cards for the best no annual fee deal
When you’re using our comparison guide, you’ll find some cards waive the annual fee for life, while others have conditions applied. You’ll see the details alongside each credit card to make it easy for you to compare.
When comparing, look for factors like:
Annual fee: Is it $0 forever, or just for the first year? A limited-time annual fee waiver can still be worth it. Just make sure you know when the fee kicks in, especially if you're not planning to stick around.
Balance transfer: Transferring debt? Check the purchase rate and whether the card offers interest-free days. Some no annual fee cards skip those perks while you’ve got a balance transfer going, so please, read the fine print before making the switch.
Interest free days: Not all no annual fee cards play nice. Some skip interest-free periods altogether. So unless you plan to pay off everything immediately, double-check what’s included.
Purchase rate: Some no annual fee cards make up for the savings with higher interest rates. This is especially true if you carry a balance. But, if you’re paying off your card in full each month, it’s less of a worry.
Rewards earn: Some no annual fee cards still let you earn points on your spend. But, check if the $0 fee is for life or just a nice little welcome gift. You can also score bonus point offers with no annual fee, like the Qantas American Express Discovery Card, which offers uncapped Qantas Points with no annual fee as part of a limited-time deal.
Other benefits: Perks aren’t just for premium cards. Some no annual fee options throw in extra discounts, offers or even travel perks! It’s worth checking what sweeteners come with the deal.
Previous cardholder: Some offers are for fresh faces only. Read that boring fine print before you apply again or you might not qualify
Now that you know what to watch out for, you might still have a few questions. Let’s help clear some things up with some quick FAQs
How do I apply for a no annual fee credit card?
Found a card you like? You can click through to the provider’s online application form and apply directly.
You’ll need to provide some details like identification, bank statements, and payslips, and meet certain eligibility criteria such as age and proof of residency. It's pretty straightforward at the end of the day.
Why choose a no annual fee credit card?
No annual fee cards are simple credit cards that help keep credit costs low. They’re a good choice if:
- You want to save money. By not paying an annual fee, you're cutting out one of the regular costs of a credit card. Super handy if you're also not paying interest on an outstanding balance.
- You want to keep it simple. No annual fee cards tend to skimp on the extras, which suits those looking for a no fuss card or building your credit score.
- You don’t use your card that often. If you're not tapping regularly, a no annual fee card means you're not paying just to keep it in your wallet.
- You need an emergency credit card. A no annual fee card is there for those "just in case" moments. No unexpected costs and when you don’t need it, you’re not paying for it.
How does an introductory no annual fee offer work?
While some cards charge no annual fee for the life of the card, but others only waive the fee for a limited time or if you meet certain conditions.
Here are the two main types to keep an eye out for:
- No Annual Fee Introductory Offer: You won’t pay an annual fee for the first year (or however long the promo runs). After that, the standard fee kicks in. That is, unless you cancel beforehand.
- No Annual Fee After Meeting A Minimum Spend: Spend a set amount each year and the annual fee stays at $0. Fall short, and you’ll likely be charged the regular fee.
Do no annual fee cards have bonus offers?
Yes! Just because there’s no annual fee doesn’t mean there’s no fun. Plenty of no annual fee cards still come with juicy bonuses. Think rewards points, cashback and gift cards. For example, you might snag 30,000 bonus points if you are approved and spend $2,000 on your card in the first 3 months.
You’ll also find balance transfers deals, low rates and free additional cardholders. You can see the key offers in our comparison guide, right next to each card.
What’s better: a no annual fee card, or a rewards card?
No annual fee or rewards credit card? It really depends on how you spend and what you want in return. Comparing a no annual fee card to the benefits of a rewards card is a totally personal decision.
If you’re all about keeping costs down, a no annual fee card is a solid pick. But if you spend enough to earn serious points, a rewards card might be worth the annual fee.
Generally, the higher the annual fee, the better the perks. So it’s all about weighing up the fee against the value you’ll get back. Not sure? Compare rewards cards and crunch the numbers to see what fits best.
What if you want to do a balance transfer to a no annual fee card?
Plenty of no annual fee cards offer zero fees for a balance transfer, and an introductory 0% rate. Be aware that it’s common for balance transfers to have a high purchase rate or the cash advance rate applied after the waived period. If you can set up a plan to pay off your debt within the 0% timeframe, you’ll have paid no interest and no fees for the privilege of being debt-free.
What’s the best no annual fee frequent flyer credit card?
Compare the options on the best Qantas and Frequent Flyer comparison guide and select the arrow to sort by annual fees. You’ll find most cards with great frequent flyer incentives also charge higher annual fees, but providers regularly offer bonuses or 12-month no annual fee offers.
Also look for:
Bonus points offers: some cards offer big sign-up bonus points, although the annual fee waiver is most likely to be for the first 12 months, and can be quite high thereafter.
Points per dollar: a no or low annual fee card with frequent flyer points may have a lower earn rate, such as 0.75 points per dollar rather than 1 or 2.
Other benefits: many credit cards offer other bonuses like discounts on merchandise and entertainment, free travel insurance and perks on holidays and car hire. Sometimes the perks can outweigh the annual fee, so make sure you’re choosing a card that benefits your lifestyle.
What other fees might you get on a no annual fee credit card?
No annual fee cards still attract the same penalties and fees as other credit cards, including:
Cash advance fees: you should always avoid withdrawing cash from your credit card because it attracts interest immediately, which will hurt your wallet more with the higher purchase rates attached to most no annual fee cards. Some cards charge up to 30% interest on cash advances, so it’s best to avoid the practice altogether.
Late payment penalties: if you’re late on your minimum payments, you’ll be charged a late fee as per standard credit card custom. You can avoid this by setting up automatic payments from your bank account. Many providers give you the option to autopay the full amount each month so you never have to pay interest.
Currency conversion fees: when you buy from an overseas merchant or you’re travelling internationally, your spending may include a foreign exchange fee, usually a percentage of the purchase amount. Some providers waive this fee, so check the card’s terms and conditions if you’re a frequent global spender.
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