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While there are plenty of credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee, there are still ongoing costs to watch out for. For starters, you’ll pay credit card interest whenever you carry a balance from month to month, and you’ll likely encounter other fees like over-the-limit fees and late fees.
If you’re considering a new credit card and worried about paying late, consider these options that don’t charge a late payment fee.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Best for cash back: Discover it Cash Back
Best for students: Discover it Student Cash Back
Best if you don’t want to track bonus categories: Discover it Miles
Best if you’re building credit or new to credit: Petal 2 Visa
Best for debt consolidation: Citi Simplicity
Best if you spend a lot at Apple: Apple Card
Compare the best credit cards with no late fees for the first late payment (or ever)
Average credit card late fees are $35 to $41, and can vary from card to card. And remember that, on top of late fees, you may also be assessed a penalty APR when you pay your bill late. This APR is typically higher than the interest rate you’re currently paying, and card issuers have the right to charge it any time you pay your bill past your due date.
But some credit cards don’t charge any late fees for your first late payment, or, in some cases, any late fees at all. This benefit can be important if you’re worried about falling behind on payments due to financial upheaval, or if you just want to make sure you have some wiggle room every once in a while.
Discover it Cash Back
Late fee benefit: You won’t pay a late fee on your first late payment, and paying late won’t trigger a penalty APR. After that, the fee is up to $41.
Key features:
Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating quarterly bonus categories (then 1%) as well as 1% back on other purchases Discover It Cashback rotationDiscover will match all the rewards you earn as a new cardholder at the end of your first yearEvery $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem for statement credits, gift cards, and more
Best for: This card is ideal for anyone who wants to earn cash back rewards without an annual fee. Since your rewards never expire and you can redeem them in $1 increments, the Discover it® Cash Back is also a good option for anyone who wants flexibility.
Review: Discover it Cash Back card review
Discover it Student Cash Back
Late fee benefit: You won’t pay a late payment fee on your first late payment, and there’s no penalty APR.
Key features:
Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating quarterly bonus categories (then 1%) as well as 1% back on all other purchases Discover It Cashback rotationDiscover will match all the rewards you earn as a new cardholder at the end of your first year
Best for: This student credit card lets young people build credit and earn rewards at the same time. It’s best for those with limited credit histories who can’t qualify for a traditional unsecured credit card quite yet.
Review: Discover it Student Cash Back card review
Discover it Miles
Late fee benefit: This card won’t charge a late fee for your first late payment, nor will it charge a penalty APR. After that, the fee is up to $41.
Key features:
Earn 1.5 miles for each dollar you spendDiscover will match all the miles you earn as a new cardholder at the end of your first yearRedeem your miles to cover travel purchases made to your card, or for cash back or statement credits for other purchases
Best for: The Discover it® Miles lets you earn flexible miles you can redeem for any type of travel or for straight cash back, making this card a good option for frequent travelers who don’t want to be tied down to just one hotel or airline loyalty program
Review: Discover it Miles card review
Petal 2 Visa Card
Late fee benefit: This card doesn’t charge any late fees or hidden fees.
Key features:
Earn 1% back on your eligible purchases right away, then graduate to 1.25% back after six on-time payments and 1.5% back after you make 12 on-time payments with your credit cardReceive a credit limit from $300 to $10,000 (based on your credit profile)No annual fee
Best for: The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card (card issued by WebBank, Member FDIC) was created to help people with limited credit build their credit history over time. With that in mind, this card is ideal for anyone who wants to build credit and earn rewards at the same time without any fees.
Citi Simplicity Card
Late fee benefit: This card doesn’t charge any late fees at all, and it doesn’t have a penalty APR.
Key features:
Secure Citi Simplicity® Card, followed by an APR of 14.74% – 24.74% (Variable)5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5) applies when you transfer a balanceNo annual feeChoose your payment due date
Best for: The Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t offer any rewards — it’s geared toward people who need to consolidate debt instead. You’ll get one of the longest 0% intro APR offers on the market today, which can help you consolidate debt and pay it off faster.
Review: Citi Simplicity credit card review
Apple Card
Late fee benefit: The Apple Card doesn’t charge any penalty fees or late fees.
Key features:
Earn 3% back on all purchases made with Apple and on purchases with select merchants made through Apple Pay, 2% back on all purchases made through Apple Pay, and 1% back on all other purchasesNo annual feeSpecial financing offers for Apple products, including iPhones
Best for: This card is a winner for anyone who purchases a lot of Apple products, or makes many of their purchases using Apple Pay.
Review: How the new Apple Card compares to top rewards credit cards from Amex, Capital One, and more