AMERICANS are being hit with steep hikes on premium credit cards, but there are still solid options that won’t cost a dime in annual fees.
Big players like American Express and Chase have confirmed fee jumps on some of their most popular cards.
Chase defended its Sapphire Reserve fee increase by pointing to expanded perks like $500 hotel credits (stock)[/caption]
Chase will hike its Sapphire Reserve fee to $795 starting October 26, while Amex Platinum cardholders are already paying $895 as of this month.
Both companies have tacked on new perks to soften the blow, but the reality is clear – premium cards are becoming more expensive.
The good news is that shoppers can still grab a handful of no-annual-fee credit cards, with some offering cash or credit bonuses worth up to $200.
These options let you avoid hefty yearly charges while still reaping rewards on everyday spending.
One of the strongest picks is the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which currently comes with a $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 in the first three months.
Cardholders also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it a steady choice for daily expenses.
Another contender is the Discover it Cash Back card, which doubles all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
That means if you rack up $150 in rewards, Discover matches it, handing you a total of $300.
For those who want grocery savings, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
It also comes with $200 back after you spend $2,000 in the first six months.
Citi’s Double Cash Card is another popular no-fee option.
You earn 2% on every purchase – 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.
It doesn’t come with flashy perks, but steady rewards make it a reliable everyday card.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card rounds out the top five, offering a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months.
It also pays 2% cash rewards on all purchases, putting it directly in competition with Citi’s Double Cash.
These five cards are considered some of the best no-fee options on the market for 2025.
They don’t have the premium extras of high-fee cards, but they’re easier to qualify for and often come with lower spending requirements to grab a sign-up bonus.
That’s a key factor, since consumers often struggle to hit the $4,000–$6,000 spend thresholds required by premium cards like Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum.
No-fee cards also allow you to keep them long-term without worrying about whether the perks outweigh the cost.
But the trade-off is that you’ll miss out on higher-end perks like free lounge access, airline credits, or elite hotel status.
Some also come with higher interest rates and balance transfer fees, so carrying a balance can eat into your savings.
Still, with Chase and Amex making luxury cards harder to afford, no-fee cards are drawing more attention.
Chase, for example, defended its Sapphire Reserve fee increase by pointing to expanded perks like $500 hotel credits, $300 dining credits, and StubHub credits.
Cardholders also now get IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, with upgrades to Diamond Elite for heavy spenders who shell out $75,000 a year.
American Express rolled out its fee hike with a new $600 Fine Hotels + Resorts credit and $400 dining credit for Resy restaurants.
The company is also investing in new Centurion Lounges and expanding access to hotel and restaurant reservations.
Amex called the move its “largest investment ever in a card refresh,” while Chase pitched its revamp as a way to keep premium customers engaged.
But for everyday Americans who don’t want to pay nearly $800–$900 just to hold a card, the five no-fee alternatives with cash bonuses are an easy win.
And with cash back up to $200 on the table, these cards can put money back in your pocket without any annual hit.
