The Best Top 5 No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards

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The Top 5 No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards

Introduction to Travel Credit Cards

Are you looking for the best travel credit cards that allow you to earn rewards without the burden of an annual fee? You’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of travel credit cards and highlight the top five options that offer fantastic travel benefits, generous rewards, and no annual fee. By leveraging these cards, you can earn points, miles, or cashback on your everyday spending while enjoying the perks of free travel. But first, let’s explore the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards available today.

Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards are credit cards that offer specific benefits and rewards for travel-related expenses. These cards are typically affiliated with airlines, hotel chains, or travel companies, allowing cardholders to earn travel reward points or miles based on everyday spending. These points can be redeemed for travel-related perks, such as free flights, hotel stays, or other travel experiences. In this article, we will just cover flexible points that can transfer to other partners. If you would like to learn more about the best no-annual-fee hotel cards keep reading.

Features and benefits of reward travel credit cards

Earning travel rewards

These cards offer accelerated earning rates on specific categories, such as airline tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, or dining. They may also provide a base earning rate on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonuses

Travel reward credit cards often come with sign-up bonuses, where you can earn many points or miles after spending a certain amount within a specified timeframe. These bonuses can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance. Read this post for cards with the best sign-up bonuses.

Redemption options

Travel reward points or miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or other travel-related expenses. Some cards have their own travel booking portals, while others allow you to transfer points to partner loyalty programs. I find transfer partners give the highest value options. For more infomation read our post Top 10 Airline Reward Programs.

Travel benefits

Many travel reward credit cards offer additional perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance coverage, priority boarding, free checked bags, and concierge services. Unfortunately, you won’t get those benefits with no annual fee cards. Read this post on the best airline lounge access card. 

Foreign transaction fees

Some travel reward credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travelers.

When choosing a travel reward credit card, it’s essential to consider your travel preferences, the airlines or hotels you frequently use, and the flexibility of redeeming your rewards. Then, compare the earning rates, redemption options, annual fees, and additional benefits to find a card that aligns with your travel goals and spending habits. For example, I chose my first card because it earned the highest points at gas stations. 

Chase Freedom Unlimited®:

  • This card offers unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases, a generous sign-up bonus, and an introductory 0% APR period. It’s an excellent option for those who want simplicity and cashback rewards. If you are looking to transfer points from this card for more travel rewards value, read about Freedom Unlimited’s big brother, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, in my post here.
  • Generous flat-rate cashback: Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases, allowing you to earn rewards on every transaction.
  • Sign-up bonus: The card often offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, providing an opportunity to earn additional cashback or rewards.
  • Introductory APR: Enjoy an introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, which can be beneficial if you’re planning a large purchase or need to consolidate debt.
  • No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it more accessible and cost-effective for cardholders.
  • Flexible redemption options: Cashback rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or used for travel, gift cards, or merchandise.
  • Limited bonus categories: Unlike some other cards, Chase Freedom Unlimited® doesn’t offer rotating bonus categories or higher cashback rates for specific spending categories.
  • Foreign transaction fees: The card charges foreign transaction fees, which can add extra costs when making purchases abroad.
  • Cashback redemption minimum: There is a minimum redemption requirement for cashback rewards, typically requiring you to accumulate a certain amount before you can redeem.
  • Qualification criteria: Like any credit card, approval for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is subject to meeting the issuer’s creditworthiness requirements, so not everyone may qualify.
  • Cashback versus travel rewards: While cashback is a valuable feature, you may find other cards more suitable if you prefer travel rewards such as airline miles or hotel points.

Discover it® Cash Back:

  • This card provides rotating 5% cash back categories that change quarterly and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover matches all the cashback earned in the first year, making it a popular choice for maximizing rewards.
  • Rotating cashback categories: Earn 5% cashback on specific categories that change every quarter, such as gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, or online shopping (up to the quarterly maximum upon activation). This allows you to maximize rewards in various spending areas throughout the year.
  • Cashback match: Discover matches all the cashback earned in the first year, effectively doubling your rewards for the initial 12 months.
  • No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it cost-effective to hold and maintain.
  • Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for a specific period, allowing you to make interest-free purchases or transfer balances from other cards.
  • Discover benefits: Access to additional benefits, such as free FICO credit score monitoring, fraud protection, and 24/7 customer service.
  • Quarterly activation required: To earn the 5% cash back in rotating categories, you need to activate the categories each quarter. Forgetting to activate may result in missing out on earning the higher cashback rate.
  • Limited acceptance: Discover cards may not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, especially outside of the United States.
  • Caps on cashback categories: The 5% cashback rate is limited to a quarterly maximum spend (typically up to a specific dollar amount). Once you reach that limit, you’ll earn a lower cashback rate on those categories.
  • Redeeming cashback: Cashback rewards are redeemed through statement credits, direct deposits, or for purchases on Amazon.com. Some users may prefer more redemption options, such as gift cards or travel rewards.
  • Qualification criteria: Approval for the Discover it® Cash Back card is subject to meeting creditworthiness requirements, so not everyone may qualify.

Citi® Double Cash Card:

  • With this card, you can earn 2% cashback on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off. It’s a straightforward and reliable option for those who want consistent cashback rewards. Want to get even more bang for your points? Transfer them to the Citi Premier Card. Read our post Amazing Citi Premier Card Benefits Top 10 to learn more.
  • Double cashback: Earn 2% cashback on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off. This straightforward structure allows you to earn consistent rewards on all your spending.
  • No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning cashback rewards.
  • Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a specific period, which can help you save on interest charges if you carry a balance on another card.
  • Flexibility in redemption: Cashback rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or a check, giving you the freedom to choose how to utilize your rewards.
  • Additional benefits: The Citi® Double Cash Card may offer benefits such as access to Citi Entertainment, which provides special access to events and pre-sale tickets.
  • No sign-up bonus: Unlike some other credit cards, the Citi® Double Cash Card does not typically offer a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
  • Foreign transaction fees: If you use the card for purchases in foreign currencies or while traveling abroad, you’ll be subject to foreign transaction fees, which can add extra costs.
  • Minimum redemption requirement: There is a minimum redemption requirement for cashback rewards, usually requiring you to accumulate a certain amount before you can redeem.
  • Qualification criteria: As with any credit card, approval for the Citi® Double Cash Card is subject to meeting creditworthiness requirements, so not everyone may qualify.
  • Lack of bonus categories: While the 2% cashback rate is attractive, the card does not offer higher cashback rates for specific spending categories like some other cards do.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card:

  • This card is ideal for travelers, offering 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases. Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, making it a flexible choice for those who want to earn travel rewards without an annual fee.
  • Travel rewards: Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no caps or category restrictions, allowing you to accumulate miles quickly on your everyday spending.
  • Sign-up bonus: The card often offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, providing an opportunity to earn additional miles after meeting the spending requirement.
  • No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning and redeeming travel rewards.
  • Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a specific period, which can be advantageous if you plan to make a large purchase or need to finance expenses.
  • Flexible redemption options: Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more, providing flexibility and freedom in utilizing your rewards.
  • Limited travel perks: While the card offers travel rewards, it may not provide the same premium travel benefits as other travel-focused credit cards.
  • Foreign transaction fees: If you use the card for purchases in foreign currencies or while traveling abroad, you’ll be subject to foreign transaction fees, which can add extra costs.
  • Lower miles earning rate: Compared to other travel credit cards, the 1.25 miles per dollar earning rate may be lower, potentially resulting in a slower accumulation of miles.
  • Qualification criteria: As with any credit card, approval for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is subject to meeting creditworthiness requirements, so not everyone may qualify.
  • Redemption limitations: While miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, the redemption process may have limitations, such as specific travel partners or blackout dates, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card:

  • With this card, you can earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel expenses. It’s a solid choice for frequent travelers who want a no-fuss travel rewards card. Our full review of the BOA Travel Rewards Credit Card.
  • Travel rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, allowing you to accumulate points on your everyday spending.
  • Sign-up bonus: The card often offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, providing an opportunity to earn additional points after meeting the spending requirement.
  • No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning and redeeming travel rewards.
  • Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a specific period, which can be advantageous if you plan to make a large purchase or need to finance expenses.
  • Flexible redemption options: Points can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more, offering flexibility and choice in utilizing your rewards.
  • Additional benefits: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card may offer benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable choice for international travel.
  • Lower rewards rate: Compared to some other travel credit cards, the 1.5 points per dollar earning rate may be lower, potentially resulting in a slower accumulation of points.
  • Limited travel perks: While the card offers travel rewards, it may not provide the same premium travel benefits as other travel-focused credit cards.
  • Qualification criteria: As with any credit card, approval for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is subject to meeting creditworthiness requirements, so not everyone may qualify.
  • Redemption limitations: While points can be redeemed for travel expenses, the redemption process may have limitations, such as blackout dates or specific travel partners, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions.

Before applying for a credit card, consider the terms and conditions, interest rates, rewards programs, and other relevant factors. Your eligibility for these cards may also depend on your creditworthiness and other factors. Rember to always pay your bill on time. If you are paying money on interest, then you have less to spend on travel.

Keeping your Travel Rewards Cards Safe

Travel reward credit cards that contain chips and utilize RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology offer convenience and security for frequent travelers. The inclusion of RFID chips in these cards allows for contactless transactions and faster processing at various locations around the world. However, it is important to be aware of the need to protect these cards from potential RFID skimming or unauthorized scanning. You can read our post about RFID Wallets for more details.

Conclusion:

Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to the availability of no annual fee travel credit cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited, Discover it Cash Back, Capitol One VentureOne, and Bank of America Travel Rewards Card are excellent options for earning points and miles for travel rewards. You may need to upgrade to an annual fee card or have a travel partner with one to get the most out of these cards. Read more about top-rated travel cards here. They have an annual fee but are worth it due to the benefits offered.

Remember to assess your spending habits, travel preferences, and desired rewards to select the card that aligns best with your needs. Then, start earning travel rewards today and unlock a world of exciting adventures without the burden of an annual fee! Still can’t decide? Check out this article from Forbes on their top choices for fee-free cards.

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