No annual fee: cut fixed costs and still get cashback.

If you clicked on "No annual fee," your focus is very clear: eliminate unnecessary fixed costs while simultaneously earning real daily rewards.

Why is "no annual fee" so powerful?

The annual fee is a toll you pay every year just to have the card.

If the benefits don't more than outweigh the costs, this expense erodes the value of your effort—especially when the goal is to save money and simplify.

A good no-annual-fee credit card allows every dollar of reward to stay with you, not the issuer.

In addition, keeping a no-annual-fee credit card for many years helps your credit history.

You don't need to cancel the product due to cost, preserving the "average age" of accounts and strengthening your profile over time.

Cashback that works in the real world.

For most people, the best no-annual-fee credit card is one that delivers concrete returns where the money actually goes: groceries, meals, medicine, delivery, transportation, travel, and online shopping.

Simple cashback, with clear categories and consistent bonuses, works better than confusing programs that require monthly activation or hidden rules.

How much could this yield?

Practical example of monthly expenses in the USA:

600 in supermarkets and restaurants
300 in pharmacies and everyday items
200 in trips through the issuer's portal and reservations
400 distributed among other purchases

With a card that offers a solid foundation on all purchases and bonuses in popular categories, it's common to see an annual return of several hundred dollars — with no annual fee.

Add in a possible welcome bonus, and the total cost in the first year becomes even higher.

The point is: you don't need a card full of conditions to capture value. You need a clear structure that fits your budget every month.

Simplicity and predictability matter.

Credit cards that require activating a category every quarter, redeeming through specific portals, or accumulating points with uncertain expiration dates end up reducing the real return.

Those who work, pay bills, and get on with their lives want something that works automatically.

That's what makes a no-annual-fee card a perfect "daily top-up": turn it on, use it, earn, redeem.

How to use it without an annual fee to strengthen your credit score.

Always pay the full amount of your bill; high interest rates negate the value of your cashback.
Maintain consistent usage of the limit below 30%.
Keep the card active for many years: the longevity of the account helps build a history.
Set up alerts in the app so you're never late and can take advantage of any automatic credit limit increases.

With no annual fee, you have no reason to close the card and interrupt your history — which is great for your points balance over time.

Strategy “one base card + one supplementary card” (optional)

Basic card with no annual fee: use it for 100% of your daily purchases.
Complementary card: only for a category where you actually spend a lot and that offers superior bonuses.

If you don't want to manage two, that's fine: a good credit card with no annual fee and strong categories will solve your problem and deliver consistent returns.

Quick checklist to find out if this is your moment.

Do you want to cut fixed costs and keep the card for many years?
Do you prefer clear cashback to complicated points programs?
Are you looking for bonuses in categories that are already part of your monthly allowance (restaurants, pharmacies, travel through the issuer's portal)?
Looking for a large issuer with a robust app and a good reputation?

If you answered yes, the next step makes sense.

Mistakes that reduce your return.

Top up your balance and pay interest.
Forgetting to use the card for recurring expenses (streaming, delivery, apps) that would help accumulate more.
Opening too many cards in a row dilutes their use, losing focus and impact.
Ignore seasonal offers from the issuer, such as travel bonuses through the portal.

Real-life example of a monthly routine.

Start of the cycle: concentrate subscriptions and predictable bills on the no-annual-fee card.
Weekly: monitor the app, see how much cashback you've accumulated, and adjust your usage accordingly.
Three days before closing: if usage exceeds 30%, make a partial payment.
Due date: pay the total amount.
After payment: redeem the cashback to offset your next bill. Repeat.

This simple flow maximizes value and protects your score.

Short testimonials

“I switched from a credit card with an annual fee to one with no annual fee and good cashback. Just by eliminating the annual fee plus the rewards, I saved over $300 in the first year.” — Bianca, Tampa, FL

“I don’t have time to learn the rules of points. The cashback became automatic and turned into a real discount on my bill.” — Felipe, Dallas, TX

Why consider Chase Freedom Unlimited?

Among popular no-annual-fee credit cards in the US, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is often cited for combining three things that matter: simplicity, relevant categories, and a robust ecosystem for those who want to evolve in the future.

In general, you will find:

Cashback on all everyday purchases, with bonuses in categories such as restaurants and pharmacies.
Potential to earn more on trips booked through Chase's own portal.
A robust app with easy redemption options and integration with other bank products.
Your history with Chase can open doors for future upgrades or combinations, should you ever wish to evolve to more advanced strategies.

Remember to check the current terms, welcome bonuses, eligibility, and any promotions directly on the official page, as offers may change.

👉 See the benefits and current conditions on the official Chase website:
https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/freedom/unlimited

Quick questions

"Does no annual fee always win?"
For daily use, in most cases, yes. Credit cards with annual fees only pay off when you use them intensively, to the point where they far outweigh the cost.

"Cashback or points?"
Cashback is simple, predictable, and suitable for any profile. Points can yield more for frequent travelers who understand the transfer rules. If your priority is cutting fixed costs and getting a guaranteed return, cashback without an annual fee is the way to go.

"Do I need another card besides the one with no annual fee?"
No. A good no-annual-fee card can be your primary card for many years. Only consider a second one if you really plan to take advantage of bonuses from a specific category.

Conclusion: Cut costs, maintain profits.

A no-annual-fee credit card with consistent cashback solves most people's needs.

It gives you money back on actual purchases, helps you maintain a clean credit history, and reduces day-to-day financial friction.

When it makes sense, you can complement it with another product — but it's not mandatory.

Take the next step, compare current terms and see if Freedom Unlimited fits into your spending habits today.

👉 Visit the official Chase Freedom Unlimited page:
https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/freedom/unlimited

Arthur November 4, 2025

Finances