No Annual Fee Credit Cards

An easy way to save money on your credit card is to pickup a card with no annual fee.

No annual fee cards are great for those who use their cards infrequently or are simply looking for a credit card that won't cost them a cent to use. With ample interest free periods and easy-to-understand terms, no annual fee credit cards can easily become the much sought after absolutely free credit card. You can also find great rewards cards, gold cards and frequent flyer cards that allow you to waive your fee by satisfying a few conditions.

HSBC Credit Card

Featured No Annual Fee Credit Card

Never pay an annual fee with the HSBC Credit Card! Transfer your existing credit card to the HSBC credit card, and take advantage of the amazing balance transfer offer.

  • $0 annual fee
  • 17.99% p.a. on purchases
  • 0% p.a. for 8 months with 2% handling fee on balance transfers
  • Cash Advance Rate of 21.99% p.a.
  • 55 days interest free
  • Minimum Income Requirement of $20,000 p.a.
  • Access to the Home & Away Privilege Program which gives you instant discounts on shopping, travel, accommodation and plenty more!

No Annual Fee

  Interest Rate (p.a.) Cash Advance Rate (p.a.) Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) Annual fee Interest Free Days  
HSBC Credit Card
HSBC Credit Card
17.99% 21.99%0% for 8 months with 2% handling fee$055 daysApply Now For The HSBC Credit Card Read More About The HSBC Credit Card
Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard
Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard
0% for 6 months (reverts to 17.99% )18.99%4.99% for 9 months$055 daysApply Now For The Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard Read More About The Bankwest Zero Gold MasterCard
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
0% for 6 months (reverts to 19.39% )20.99%0% for 6 months$0 annual fee for the first year ($87 thereafter)55 daysApply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Credit Card
Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Credit Card
1% for 5 months (reverts to 20.24% )21.74%5.99% for 5 months$0 Annual Fee for the first year ($24 thereafter)55 daysApply Now For The Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Credit Card Read More About The Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Credit Card
Westpac 55 Day Credit Card - Special Offer
Westpac 55 Day Credit Card - Special Offer
0% for 5 months (reverts to 19.59% )21.49%3.99% for 6 months$0 annual fee for the first year ($30 thereafter)55 daysApply Now For The Westpac 55 Day Credit Card - Special Offer Read More About The Westpac 55 Day Credit Card - Special Offer
Virgin No Annual Fee Credit Card
Virgin No Annual Fee Credit Card
18.99% 20.99%2.9% for 6 months$044 daysApply Now For The Virgin No Annual Fee Credit Card Read More About The Virgin No Annual Fee Credit Card
American Express Qantas Discovery Card
American Express Qantas Discovery Card
0% for 6 months (reverts to 20.74% )20.74%$044 daysApply Now For The American Express Qantas Discovery Card Read More About The American Express Qantas Discovery Card
Bankwest Zero MasterCard
Bankwest Zero MasterCard
0% for 6 months (reverts to 17.99% )18.99%4.99% for 9 months$055 daysApply Now For The Bankwest Zero MasterCard Read More About The Bankwest Zero MasterCard
ANZ First Visa Credit Card
ANZ First Visa Credit Card
19.39% 20.99%2.9% for 12 months$3044 daysApply Now For The ANZ First Visa Credit Card Read More About The ANZ First Visa Credit Card
American Express Gold Ascent Card
American Express Gold Ascent Card
0% for 6 months (reverts to 20.74% )$044 daysApply Now For The American Express Gold Ascent Card Read More About The American Express Gold Ascent Card
When you compare the benefits of a credit card with another, the most important things to consider are the fees and interest rates that are applicable to that given card. While a lot of companies realize this they can still try to lure you in to their line of sight by advertising large rewards and incentives that really just take your eye away from their high interest rates and annual fees. When making the decision, you should definitely look at those that offer no annual fees. This could save you a lot of money over the years. While it is not the only thing to look at, it is definitely an advantage having no annual fee.

Annual fees generally range from 40 dollars to 150. You have to make the decision based on facts and logic. If you have to pay a large annual fee, you should really consider what benefits are offered to you for that specific fee. In many cases, the money will overpower the benefits and rewards. Sure it is nice to save on flights and travel, but what about those who do not fly very often. So, you have to be able to see the full picture.

No Annual Fee Credit Card Comparison

Many people choose no annual fee credit cards because they like the idea of owning a credit card for free. However, before you decide if they are the best choice you will have to take time to understand exactly what is meant by the phrase 'no annual fee' and how to compare those types of credit cards. Any consumer should also evaluate their spending habits to make sure that no annual fee cards are the right financial choice. Because no two peoples' finances are the same there are lots of different choices, even within those that call themselves 'no annual fee' genre of credit cards. Before you apply for one you should consider the following questions and their answers.


What Are No Annual Fee Credit Cards?

While the name no annual fee credit card implies that you will not pay an annual fee to own one that is not always the case. Some cards that call themselves no annual fee cards actually do have a fee that is waived after a certain amount of spending while others only waive the annual fee the first year that you own one. As long as you understand the differences in these cards you can make an informed decision about which one saves you the most money.


There are cards that have no annual fee for life, these are the true no annual fee credit cards. These cards do come with a cost though as they usually have a higher interest rate then some cards that have an annual fee. You will have to carefully examine whether or not the increased interest are worth the lack of an annual fee. Annual fees generally range from 40 dollars to 150. You have to make the decision based on facts and logic. If you have to pay a large annual fee, you should really consider what benefits are offered to you for that specific fee. In many cases, the money will overpower the benefits and rewards. Sure it is nice to save on flights and travel, but what about those who do not fly very often. So, you have to be able to see the full picture


The other kind of no annual fee card only waives that fee after you spend a certain amount of money on your card. The amount is usually within in reach if you is the card for everyday spending. However, if the interest rate is high on these cards you might wind up spending more on interest fees then you would have on the annual fee.


The third type of no annual fee card only waive that fee for the first year. These cards can be a bit tricky to figure out because you have to compare the interest rate of this card and how it stacks up to other cards that do have an annual fee. There are instances when you might be better off paying the annual fee on another card in order to get a lower standard interest rate. Annual fees may also be waived under what is called a 'special discount' this happens when you open a card that is linked to another bank account, from the same provider. The fee may be waived the first year or it could be waived for as long as the cards are linked regardless of your spending.


How Do I Compare No Annual Fee Credit Cards?

When you compare the benefits of a credit card with another, the most important things to consider are the fees and interest rates that are applicable to that given card. While a lot of companies realize this they can still try to lure you in to their line of sight by advertising large rewards and incentives that really just take your eye away from their high interest rates and annual fees. When making the decision, you should definitely look at those that offer no annual fees. This could save you a lot of money over the years.

One of the first things that usually goes away with a no annual fee card is a rewards program. Rewards schemes cost money so if you are not paying an annual fee you will usually not have access to them. That means no points systems for shopping and dining, no frequent flyer miles, and usually no travel or purchase insurance. If you are someone who uses your card a lot and pays your bill in full each month you might miss these kinds of rewards.


As we said before the interest rate on no annual fee cards is typically higher then on traditional cards. But, we live in a market that is very competitive so you can still shop around for the lowest rate. Also, if you are going to spend on your card regularly you will have to pay it off every month in order to completely avoid interest fees. If you are paying a lot in interest, by not paying your bill each month, you might be better served with a low interest card that carries an annual fee.


The balance transfer deals offered by credit card issuers are a common hook to get new customers. Balance transfers are excellent incentive to switch cards because they let you move the balance from an old card to the new card for a very low interest rate. If you can get a no annual fee card with a zero percent balance transfer you can pay off your old credit cards for free. That said, you must be careful with these offers because they can cause you to get trapped in an allocation of payments. This is when your monthly payments are sent to the lowest interest earning debt first, in this case your balance transfer. If you spend on that credit card your purchases will earn a higher rate of interest and have no payments applied to them until after the balance transfer debt is clear. Be sure you get a card that gives you enough time at the low rate to pay off your debt and then do not spend on it until that debt is clear.


Another option to consider is the number of interest free days you will get. Interest free days are usually between 44 and 55 days. The catch with interest free days is that to get them you must have paid off your bill in full in the previous month. So, if you want a completely free credit card you have to have no annual fees and pay your bill off a the end of each billing period.


Are No Annual Fee Credit Cards Right For Me?

The thing about no annual fee credit cards, really all credit cards, is that you have to carefully evaluate how you are going to use them before you know if they are right for you. They are not meant to for people who spend regularly and revolve their balance each month. If you are that kind of card user you will wind up spending a small fortune on interest that will quickly cancel out the savings you had by not having to pay an annual fee.


These cards are ideal for a certain type of card user, like those who use credit cards for emergencies only. There are plenty of people who choose to live in a 'cash only' world. But, they still need to have a credit card in case of an emergency like a major car or home repair. A credit card has also become a necessity to make reservations, rent cars, or book flights. If you will only use your credit card for these purposes then the interest rate probably does not matter to you. However, saving the annual fee charges each year could be a big savings for you, so they become an excellent choice.


There are also people who pay off their balance every month who can benefit from a no annual fee card. Using a credit card is basically a short term loan from the card issuer. If you pay your bill each month and do not pay an annual fee then you will have gotten that short term loan for free. As mentioned before, you might be able to get some rewards for your spending from cards that have an annual fee, but if you will not use the rewards (many people do not) then there is no point in paying the extra money for them.

No annual fee credit cards can also be a great choice if you need to finance a large purchase for a short term. Instead of getting high interest financing from a store or a bank you can use your card and as long as you pay it off before the interest free period ends it will cost you nothing. Just be sure that you are actually able to pay it off prior to incurring any interest charges.


Make your purchases on time

If you do pay off your balance right away, then you still might be better off getting a standard card. You could get a credit card with a low interest rate and 55 days of interest-free purchasing, or get a reward program card to help you accumulate points.

There are advantages to getting a no annual fee credit card, but in many cases they simply aren’t worth it. The only time it may be worth it is a few estimate spending less than about $500 in a year, and can also assume that what it will only take between one 220 days to get it paid off.

If you find a card that offers no annual fee and an introductory – 55 days interest-free, then it is always best to make your purchases quickly and make sure that you can pay off the balance within that promotional periods. This will mean that you don’t have any interest charges.

Conclusion

Now you know the truth about no annual fee credit cards and how to figure out if they are right for you. If you are honest about your spending habits you can decide which kind of card will best suit them. You might realise that spending a little on the annual fee will cost you less in the long run or that because of your satisfactory bill paying strategy you can actually use a credit card for free by getting one. Whatever you choose, carefully evaluate all of the offers so that you get the best rates and terms on your credit card. Always keep in mind that your concern is how to spend the least amount of money to own a card. This may mean no annual fee, low interest, or big rewards. It all depends on how you spend at what you value in a credit card.

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Editors Choice: Top Credit Cards

  Interest Rate (p.a.) Cash Advance Rate (p.a.) Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) Annual fee Interest Free Days  
HSBC Credit Card
HSBC Credit Card
17.99% 21.99%0% for 8 months with 2% handling fee$055 daysApply Now For The HSBC Credit Card Read More About The HSBC Credit Card
Bankwest Breeze MasterCard
Bankwest Breeze MasterCard
0% for 6 months (reverts to 10.99% )21.99%4.99% for 9 months$4955 daysApply Now For The Bankwest Breeze MasterCard Read More About The Bankwest Breeze MasterCard
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
11.99% 21.74%0% for 12 months with 3% handling fee$9955 daysApply Now For The Citibank Clear Platinum Card Read More About The Citibank Clear Platinum Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
0% for 6 months (reverts to 19.39% )20.99%0% for 6 months$0 annual fee for the first year ($87 thereafter)55 daysApply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card

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