How to have a credit card strategy without annual fees

If you ask of TPG employees a credit card recommendation, there is a good possibility that we recommend a card that has a Annual rate. Most of Our favorite cards Come with many benefits that provide value far beyond the cost of their annual rates, so we consider them Well it is worth paying.

But you don’t have to pay an annual rate to have a solid credit card strategy. Whether it is new on credit cards and doubt to make that kind of commitment or if you adhere to a tight budget, you can decide to opt for one (or more) of the Excellent annual rate credit cards In the market.

Here are some ways to have a credit card strategy without paying an annual rate.

Cash return strategy

Most annual rate credit cards are in the cash return category. Many For beginners Prefers the flexibility of cash return rewards, but also attract more advanced users who do not have the time (or inclination) to worry about maximizing points and miles.

To maximize your cash return rewards, try to have a Card with a flat gain rateone with consistent bonus categories and one with rotary categories.

For example, you can stack the following non -annual cash return cards:

• Cashionwards OnePay card: Get an unlimited 5% cash refund in Walmart purchases (online or in the store) as a Walmart+ Member or 3% for not members. In addition, get a cash refund of 1.5% unlimited in all other purchases. Even better, you will enjoy There are no foreign transaction rates In purchases outside the United States
• Citi Double Cash® card (see rates and rates): Get 2% back in all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill).
• Capital One Cash Rewards ced ced rewards of rewards: Get 5% return in hotels, holiday rentals for reserved car rental through the ONE capital travel reservation site; 3% return in grocery stores (excluding superstiens such as Walmart and Target), meals, entertainment and popular transmission services; and 1% reimbursement in cash in all other purchases. In addition, do not enjoy foreign transaction rates in purchases outside the United States
• CHASE FREEDOM FLEX® (see rates and rates): 5% win up to the first $ 1,500 spent on rotating categories each quarter (required activation), 5% return on reserved trips through Chase Travel℠3% in dinners (including eligible delivery and delivery services) and in pharmacy purchases, 2% return on Lyft trips (until September 30, 2027) and 1% in all other purchases.

Just keep in mind that some cash cards charge an annual rate, so verify the small printing of the card before applying.

Related: The best cash credit cards

Travel Rewards Strategy

Even those who wish to gain travel rewards on their cards have options for non -annual rate cards.

Hotel and airline cards

Generally, airline and hotel The charges that do not charge annual rates will not come with many advantages.

Some non -annual fees hotel cards Automatic elite state with property benefits; These cards are the best for newer travelers or for those who are not loyal to a particular hotel chain.

The non -annual rate Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and rates), For example, it comes with automatic Hilton Silver elite statethat allows you to take advantage of the program Free Fifth Night Benefit.

As for an annual seamless airline cards, they generally come with flight discounts for that airline. They can also offer additional advantages if it meets a certain spending threshold.

For example, the United Gateway℠ card (see rates and rates) offers a 25% discount as a food declaration credit, drinks and Wi-Fi. In addition, United Gateway offers two Free Reviewed Bags After spending $ 10,000 or more on your card in a year.

Transferable rewards cards

While it is not very common, some non -annual cards win transferable rewards. He Blue Business® Plus credit card by American ExpressFor example, it has no annual rate (see rates and rates) and win Membership rewards points that can transfer to any of The 20 Hotel and Airlines partners of Amex.

If you are worried about Qualification for a presentation cardIt is much easier than you think. Even a simple lateral hustle as dog walking is enough to Get a card Like the Blue Business Plus.

There is also the aforementioned Double effective citiwho earns 2% return (1% when buying and 1% when they pay) in the form of Citi thanks to the points. These points can now be transferred To Citi’s Travel partnersalthough in a reduced relationship.

You can also take advantage of the non -annual rate rewards duo: the Capital One Ventureone Rewards CED Credit and the Capital Cash Taste Rewards.

Solo, the ventureone wins 1.25 transferable Capital a mile by spent dollar. Although the taste is a cash return card, keeping both allow Combine your rewards of both letters.

When doing this, you can take advantage of the full range of ventureone refund options, including access to the impressive Capital One List of more than 15 transfer partners.

Related: Better together: the best guide for the best credit card combinations

End

You don’t have to pay annual rates to have an excellent card strategy. Whether you want to obtain cash reimbursement, transferable rewards or simply be able to maximize its use of points, there are some excellent annual fee card options for you to choose.

Being with a budget does not have to say goodbye to credit card rewards. In fact, depending on the card you choose, a rate card is not annual can help you save even more money.

Related: 7 reasons why (and maintain) a credit card without annual height

For Hilton Honors Amex rates and rates, click here.
For the rates and rates of AMEX Blue Business Plus, click here.