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What different scores mean
9+
Excellent
These cards offer the lowest ongoing purchase rates, high number of interest free days, and may earn rewards points - all for no annual fee.
7+
Great
Reasonable ongoing purchase rates and interest free days.
5+
Standard
These cards offer no fees, but may have higher interest rates.
0+
Basic
These are basic cards with no annual fee.
The lowdown on Finder Score
To qualify for this category, credit cards must:
- Charge no annual fee for at least 12 months.
Every month, we carefully analyse over 250 credit card products and assess the most important features and benefits of each card.
We assign scores out of 10 for each feature, and adjust the scores depending on what category we're looking at.
Credit card scores are category-specific (e.g. No annual fee, Rewards), meaning the same card will receive a different score within each category.
Our Finder Score methodology is designed by our editorial and insights team. Products are reviewed objectively and commercial partners carry no weight. Remember that Finder Score is just one factor to consider. Look at other aspects like fees, features, benefits and risks to make sure a product is suitable for you. Double-check details that matter to you before applying or buying.
Annual fee credit cards - score weightings
| Feature | Definition | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Ongoing fees per year | Lower fees get higher scores, with $0 getting the highest score | 30% |
| First-Year Fee | Introductory fee for the first year | Lower fees get higher scores, with $0 getting the highest score | 20% |
| Interest-Free Days | The number of interest-free days | Higher number of interest-free days score more points, up to 55 days | 10% |
| Value of points earned per month | Points earned for every dollar spent on eligible purchases | Points awarded per dollar | 20% |
| Purchase Rate | Interest rate on new purchases | Lower rates receive higher scores | 20% |
Finder Score by the numbers
- 9+ Excellent - These cards offer the lowest ongoing purchase rates, high number of interest free days, and may earn rewards points - all for no annual fee.
- 7+ Great - Reasonable ongoing purchase rates and interest free days.
- 5+ Satisfactory - These cards offer no fees, but may have higher interest rates.
- Less than 5 – Basic - These are basic cards with no annual fee.
More guides on Finder
-
When do you pay the annual fee on a credit card?
Make the most of credit cards offering $0 annual fee in the first year and learn about other ways to save on this yearly cost with this guide to annual fees.
-
Credit cards with additional cardholders
Share your credit card with a partner or family member but watch for extra costs. Compare cards and learn more about credit cards that offer free additional cardholders.
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Compare No Annual Fee Credit Cards With Rewards
Compare no annual fee rewards credit cards and earn points on all eligible purchases without paying a yearly fee.