I Get What I Don’t Pay For – My Favorite No Annual Fee Card Benefits

No Annual Fee Card Benefits

I recently described several card benefits I pay for but don’t use.  In those cases, I obtain enough value out of other card benefits and avoiding certain ones doesn’t matter.  I’m discussing the exact opposite today.  While many exist, what no annual fee card benefits are my favorites?  Why?  They’re below in no particular order.  Are yours on this list?  What others do you enjoy using?  Let me know!

Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard

Now issued by FNBO, this no fee Amtrak Mastercard provides a 5% point rebate on Amtrak award redemptions.  The rebate essentially makes Amtrak points worth more compared to cash rates.  When making an Amtrak redemption, cardholders receive 5% of the award price back in their point balance.  Interestingly, the $99 annual fee Amtrak Preferred card only offers the same 5% points rebate.

Chase United Gateway

I’ve never gotten around to a no annual fee United card, and I probably never will.  As an Explorer cardholder several years ago, I should’ve downgraded to the previous version of the Gateway (it’s a longer story).  Downgrading to this card quietly offers a useful benefit for many United loyalists – continuous access to expanded award availability.  That’s not a huge player for me right now, as I have plenty of United TravelBank to book with first.  But this one benefit means every United cardholder should consider downgrading to the Gateway rather than closing.

Chase Ink Business Cash

I focus on many no annual fee cards’ bonus spend categories, particularly bank rewards currencies I cash out.  Chase offers some solid options, the biggest being the Chase Ink Business Cash.  Cardholders earn 5% back earning at office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services, up to $25k spend in a cardmember year.  I’ve historically chosen to max this out with office supply stores.

Cardmembers can opt to add an annual fee card like the Business Preferred or Sapphire Preferred to transfer to travel partners.  Instead, I’ve chosen to pair this with the Chase Sapphire Reserve to optimally leverage Pay Yourself Back feature for 6.25% cash back.  But many can justify more simply cashing out at 5% by solely holding the Business Cash.

Chase Freedom

Not as lucrative but still useful, Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders have access to a rotating list of 5% back categories.  Unfortunately, this inflated earning is capped at $1.5k spend per quarter.  On the bright side, Chase has continually offered generous categories where most cardholders can take substantial advantage.  Think grocery stores, gas, PayPal, etc.  Even better, cardholders can take advantage of the same additional card strategies described above to obtain more value via travel partners or Pay Yourself Back.

Citi AAdvantage MileUp

Let’s pause to remember that we still live in a world where American Airlines is not a permanent transfer partner with any of the major credit card issuers’ programs.  AA loyalists must rely on co-branded cards to pile up the miles.  Beyond these cards’ signup bonuses, savvy hobbyists should focus on bonus categories.  The no annual fee MileUp card provides 2x miles (and 1 Loyalty Point) on all grocery purchases.  While not a headline-grabber, this card quietly delivers reliable amounts of redeemable miles and loyalty currency.  I’m a big fan of American’s Loyalty Points scheme, and we are glad to have this card in our portfolio once again.

Sam’s Club Mastercard

The Sam’s Club Mastercard provides cardholders 5% back on all gas purchases, up to $6k annual spend.  Members can easily cash out that $300 at Customer Service or with a knowledgeable cashier at normal checkout.  The card randomly offers bonus earning on gas purchases, as well, including the current promo for 10% back on gas purchases every Monday in November (I received this notice via email).  But for those who are Sam’s Club members, anyway, and want to keep it simple, it’s hard to beat 5% cash back on gas spend with a no annual fee card.

Target Red Circle Card

Now called the Target Circle Card, my wife and I hold the Mastercard version and enjoy 5% back in rewards on most all Target spend.  Sure, I’ll sometimes take it up a notch by using discounted Target gift cards, but I like the peace of mind and steady earning from this credit card.  This Circle card’s even more important now, given that the more recent, outstanding Target Circle Bonuses require spend on the card (not including gift card spend).

Target offers multiple versions of this card (credit and debit).  Check out all the options here.

No Annual Fee Card Benefits – Conclusion

I’ve only scraped the surface here.  I’d love to hear your favorite no annual fee card benefits – share in the comments!  With such a mind-blowing hobby, it’s impossible to keep up with everything all the time.  I’d have it no other way.  Admittedly, I pay more attention to benefits from cards I pay for more than those from no annual fee versions.  Here’s to more rewards for everyone, whether there’s a price for admission or not!

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