Can you have a credit card for free?

Yes, you can have a credit card for free. If you apply for a card with no annual fees, monthly fees, or one-time "processing" fees, and you avoid interest charges by paying the bill in full by the due date every month the regular APR is in effect, owning a credit card can be free. The best free credit cards also offer 0% intro APRs, $0 foreign transaction fees, and $0 balance transfer fees.

Popular Credit Cards You Can Own for Free

Watch Out for Interest Charges

It’s worth noting that if you have a "free" credit card, it may still cost you if you carry a balance to the next billing period. If you pay off your balance within the credit card’s grace period, interest charges do not apply. But if you don’t pay your balance in full every month, you will lose the grace period and you’ll owe interest on the balance, unless your card has an introductory 0% APR offer. Without the grace period, interest charges accumulate daily until the balance is paid in full.

Also, if you’re late in paying at least the minimum amount due, you may be charged a late fee and possibly a penalty APR.

Options for All Credit Levels

The best free credit cards are typically reserved for applicants with good credit or better, but people with bad credit or no credit can qualify for a free credit card, too. In some cases, you might have to place a refundable security deposit.

If you’re not sure which free credit card is the right fit for you, our editors’ picks for the best free credit cards can help you narrow your search.