10 Best Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
There are many travel credit cards with no annual fee and reasonable rewards. These cards can be great for those who are on a budget and who do not travel very frequently.
Table of Contents
- Best Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
- 1. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- 2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
- 3 Capital One Journey Student Credit Card
- 4. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
- 5. Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa® Card
- 6. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
- 7. Discover it® Miles
- 8. Capital One® VentureOne Rewards
- 9. United Gateway℠ Card
- 10. JetBlue Card
- How Do No-Annual-Fee Travel Cards Work?
- Why Do Credit Cards Have Annual Fees?
- Pros and Cons of Travel Cards With No Annual Fee
- How To Choose the Best Travel Credit Card With No Annual Fee
- FAQs
There are travel credit cards that offer rewards without any annual fee. These cards can be attractive to people who are infrequent travelers or to those who are on a budget. However, they may not come with the rewards as high and diverse as other credit cards offer. Therefore, it may be worth it to pay an annual fee for those who travel quite regularly as the savings from the high rewards offered can actually offset the yearly fee paid.
The best travel card with no annual fee is one that charges no foreign transaction fee, is accepted internationally, and offers reasonable travel-related rewards. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards is our best credit card for international travel due to high acceptance worldwide and you can redeem the points earned as statement credit to pay for flights, hotel stays, vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants.
We have listed the best travel credit cards with no annual fee below along with their associated benefits, rewards, and eligibility requirements.
Best Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
Lender | Scholaroo rating | Regular APR | Credit Score |
---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card Best overall for general travel Visit website | 18.24% - 28.24% | 690+ | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Best for students Visit website | 17.99% - 27.99% | 690+ | |
Capital One Journey Student Credit Card Best for cash back on travel Visit website | 29.99% | N/A | |
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Best for cash back on in-flight purchases Visit website | 20.99% - 29.99% | 690+ | |
Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa® Card Best for everyday spending rewards Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 690+ | |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card Best for dining and takeout rewards Visit website | 27.99% | No minimum credit score | |
Discover it® Miles Best for high rewards for the first year Visit website | 17.24% - 28.24% | 690+ | |
Capital One® VentureOne Rewards Best for hotel benefits Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 690+ | |
United Gateway℠ Card Best for its welcome bonus Visit website | 21.74% - 28.74% | 690+ | |
JetBlue Card Best for frequent JetBlue travelers Visit website | 21.24% - 29.99% | 690+ |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Best overall for general travel
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for students
Capital One Journey Student Credit Card
Best for cash back on travel
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Best for cash back on in-flight purchases
Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa® Card
Best for everyday spending rewards
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
Best for dining and takeout rewards
Discover it® Miles
Best for high rewards for the first year
Capital One® VentureOne Rewards
Best for hotel benefits
United Gateway℠ Card
Best for its welcome bonus
JetBlue Card
Best for frequent JetBlue travelers
1. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
3. Capital One Journey Student Credit Card
4. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa® Card
6. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
7. Discover it® Miles
8. Capital One® VentureOne Rewards
9. United Gateway℠ Card
10. JetBlue Card
How Do No-Annual-Fee Travel Cards Work?
No-annual-fee travel cards are credit cards designed for individuals who want to earn travel rewards without having to pay an annual fee for the privilege. These cards work by offering users various benefits and rewards for their everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, and more.
Earning Rewards
Some cards, like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students, allow you to earn rewards points or miles for every dollar you spend. The amount of rewards you earn per dollar spent can vary from card to card, but it’s usually expressed as a percentage (e.g., 1 point or mile per dollar spent).
Additional Benefits
No-annual-fee travel cards often come with other perks and benefits, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage. These benefits can add value to your card and enhance your overall travel experience.
No Annual Fee, but Watch for Other Fees
While these cards don’t charge an annual fee, it’s essential to be aware of other potential fees, such as foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, and balance transfer fees. It’s also crucial to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, as interest can quickly erode the value of your rewards.
Why Do Credit Cards Have Annual Fees?
Many no-annual-fee travel cards also offer introductory bonuses. These are large amounts of rewards points or miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card within the first few months of account opening. These bonuses can be substantial and provide a great boost to your travel rewards.
Pros and Cons of Travel Cards With No Annual Fee
Here are some of the pros of getting a credit card without an annual fee:
- Cost Savings: The most significant advantage of these cards is obvious—they don’t charge an annual fee. This means you can enjoy the benefits of a travel rewards card without the ongoing expense.
- Earn Travel Rewards: You can still earn points or miles for your everyday spending, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Introductory Bonuses: Many no-annual-fee travel cards offer introductory bonuses, providing you with a substantial amount of rewards upfront when you meet the spending requirements.
- No Pressure to Spend: Since there’s no annual fee, you’re not pressured to spend a specific amount to justify the cost. This can be a good fit for occasional travelers or those who don’t want to commit to a high annual fee.
- Build Credit History: Using a no-annual-fee travel card responsibly can help you build or improve your credit history, which is essential for future financial endeavors.
Credit cards that don’t charge a fee can also have drawbacks:
- Limited Rewards: No-annual-fee travel cards often offer fewer rewards and benefits compared to their annual fee counterparts. You might earn rewards more slowly or have fewer redemption options.
- Lower Perks: While some basic benefits like travel insurance may be included, you won’t get premium perks like airport lounge access or elite status with airlines or hotels.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Some no-annual-fee cards may still charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up when using your card abroad. This can negate the savings from not paying an annual fee.
- Lower Credit Limits: These cards might have lower credit limits compared to premium cards, which can limit your ability to make significant purchases or handle unexpected expenses.
- Interest Charges: To maximize the benefits of a no-annual-fee travel card, you should pay your balance in full each month. If you carry a balance and accrue interest charges, it can quickly offset any rewards you earn.
How To Choose the Best Travel Credit Card With No Annual Fee
Choosing the right travel credit card with no annual fee involves considering your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right card:
Compare Rewards Programs
Take a close look at your monthly expenses. Where do you spend the most? Do you dine out frequently, travel often, or make substantial purchases in specific categories like groceries or gas? It’s important to choose a card that will reward you for what you actually use.
Consider Earning Potential
Check how many reward points or miles you can earn for each dollar spent on the card. Some cards offer higher reward rates in specific categories, so choose one that matches your spending patterns.
Introductory Bonuses
Look for cards that offer enticing sign-up bonuses. These can provide a significant boost to your travel rewards. Ensure you can meet the spending requirements to earn the bonus.
Redemption Options
Evaluate the flexibility of redemption options. Can you redeem points or miles for various travel expenses, or are you limited to specific airlines or hotels? More flexibility is generally better.
Additional Benefits
Consider the card’s additional perks, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties. These benefits can enhance your overall card value.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel internationally, choose a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up when using your card abroad.
Read the Fine Print
Carefully review the card’s terms and conditions, especially regarding interest rates, fees (other than the annual fee), and any limitations on rewards.
FAQs
Are there any airline credit cards that don't charge an annual fee?
Yes, United Gateway℠ Card and JetBlue Card are two airline credit cards that do not charge an annual fee.
Are no-annual-fee travel credit cards worth it?
No-annual-fee travel credit cards can be worth it for infrequent and budget travelers if there are rewards and benefits that you can use. The real issue is whether there is a card that’s more worthwhile for you to use, even if it has an annual fee.
Do all travel credit cards have an annual fee?
No, not all travel credit cards have an annual fee. Some cards do charge a fee but the rewards may be well worth it. It’s always wise to compare travel cards, whether they have an annual fee or not, to find one that best suits your spending habits.
What is the best card for international travel?
The cards that are widely accepted worldwide, charge no foreign transaction fee, and offer various travel-related rewards and benefits are the best international travel credit cards. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is one of the best options for such cards that also gives you 1.5x unlimited rewards on all purchases that can be redeemed on various travel-related purchases.