Best no annual fee credit cards in Mexico
By Sofía Vargas (Editor-in-chief) · Reviewed by Sofía Vargas (Editor-in-chief) · Published · Reviewed
Also available in es-MX on Mexico.
The no annual fee segment in Mexico is dominated by neobanks and fintechs that have eliminated annual and maintenance fees as their main selling point. In this guide we review the options available for 2026, comparing products from Stori, Nu, Klar, Mercado Pago and Santander with data verified directly with each issuer. Our shortlist prioritizes products with no hidden fees, fully digital onboarding and at least six months of track record in the market.
Direct answer
For no annual fee — mexico, the strongest pick today is Stori Clásica, according to the BestCardIn editorial review.
Quick answers
- What does it mean for a Mexican card to be "no annual fee"?
- It means the issuer does not charge an annual fee just for holding the card. It does not exempt you from other charges such as interest on revolving balances, cash advance fees or optional insurance.
- Does a no annual fee card build credit history the same way as one with a fee?
- Yes. Credit history is built through payment behavior and line usage, not through the annual fee. Stori, Nu, Klar and Mercado Pago report to the Buró de Crédito in Mexico just like any traditional bank.
- What is the difference between Stori Clásica and Stori Black?
- Both have no annual fee; Stori Black requires a stronger payment profile and grants 1% cashback plus premium benefits like access to exclusive promotions. Stori Clásica is the entry-level version for users with no credit history.
- Can I have several no annual fee cards at the same time?
- Yes, there is no legal restriction. However, too many applications in a short period can affect your credit score; the recommendation is to not open more than two new products in six months.
Selected cards
Stori Clásica
Stori
Annual fee: No annual fee
The most requested no-fee card for users with limited credit history: fast approval, low but scalable initial line and no income proof requirement.
Nu Platinum México
Nu México
Annual fee: No annual fee
Free premium tier of Nu, with rotating-category cashback and a polished app experience; ideal for those who already pay on time and want to scale their credit line without paying a fee.
Klar Platinum
Klar
Annual fee: No annual fee · Cashback: 1.50%
Klar combines a zero annual fee with a flat 1.5% cashback on selected purchases and zero international transaction fee, an unusual combination in this segment.
Mercado Pago Platinum
Mercado Pago México
Annual fee: No annual fee · Cashback: 2.00%
The best option if you shop frequently on Mercado Libre: high cashback inside the ecosystem and interest-free installments without paying any annual fee.
Nu Tarjeta de Crédito
Nu México
Annual fee: No annual fee · Cashback: 0.30%
Nu's entry-level product remains a solid gateway to building credit history; modest but predictable cashback and strong in-app spend controls.
Quick comparison
| # | Card | Issuer | Annual fee | Cashback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stori Clásica | Stori | No annual fee | - |
| 2 | Nu Platinum México | Nu México | No annual fee | - |
| 3 | Klar Platinum | Klar | No annual fee | 1.50% |
| 4 | Mercado Pago Platinum | Mercado Pago México | No annual fee | 2.00% |
| 5 | Nu Tarjeta de Crédito | Nu México | No annual fee | 0.30% |
"No annual fee" is a phrase with nuances: some cards eliminate the fee from year one, others condition it on a minimum spend volume, and others only during an introductory promotion. The five cards above do not require minimum spend to keep the fee at zero, which sets them apart from the rest of the market.
If your main goal is to build credit history, prioritize Stori Clásica or Nu Tarjeta de Crédito: both report to the Mexican credit bureau (Buró de Crédito) from the first month and allow automatic line increases when good payment behavior is demonstrated.
If you already have a solid credit history and want to optimize rewards, Klar Platinum and Mercado Pago Platinum offer better effective cashback rates, although they depend on your usual spend ecosystem (mostly digital purchases and delivery).
FAQ
What does it mean for a Mexican card to be "no annual fee"?
It means the issuer does not charge an annual fee just for holding the card. It does not exempt you from other charges such as interest on revolving balances, cash advance fees or optional insurance.
Does a no annual fee card build credit history the same way as one with a fee?
Yes. Credit history is built through payment behavior and line usage, not through the annual fee. Stori, Nu, Klar and Mercado Pago report to the Buró de Crédito in Mexico just like any traditional bank.
What is the difference between Stori Clásica and Stori Black?
Both have no annual fee; Stori Black requires a stronger payment profile and grants 1% cashback plus premium benefits like access to exclusive promotions. Stori Clásica is the entry-level version for users with no credit history.
Can I have several no annual fee cards at the same time?
Yes, there is no legal restriction. However, too many applications in a short period can affect your credit score; the recommendation is to not open more than two new products in six months.
Do no annual fee cards charge fees on foreign purchases?
It depends on the issuer. Klar Platinum charges no foreign transaction fee. Stori, Nu and Mercado Pago apply between 1.5% and 3% on top of the exchange rate. Always verify the contract before traveling.
Methodology
For this selection we reviewed the contract, fee schedule and CAT (annualized total cost) tables published by each issuer on their portal and, when available, on the CONDUSEF portal. We only include active products with national origination and at least six months in the market. We exclude co-branded retail products with fees conditioned on a minimum spend. The ranking weighs real annual fee, transparency of the CAT, acceptance network coverage and user satisfaction in the official app stores (App Store and Google Play).
Conclusion
The best no annual fee product depends on your goal: to build credit history we recommend Stori Clásica; to maximize cashback on digital spend, Klar Platinum or Mercado Pago Platinum; and for a free premium experience with a strong app, Nu Platinum México. Always compare the CAT and cash advance costs before choosing.