Best no annual fee travel credit cards
Travel rewards credit cards are an excellent way to save money while indulging your wanderlust. However, annual fees can sometimes deter potential cardholders from reaping the benefits of such cards. Thankfully, there are plenty of travel rewards credit cards that offer no annual fees (AF) while still providing competitive rewards, perks, and valuable travel protections. Here, we’ll dive into the top no-AF travel cards and explore how to maximize their potential for your adventures.
1. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a standout for its robust earning structure without an annual fee:
- Earning Structure: 3x points on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, and streaming services.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed as statement credits or for travel bookings, gift cards, and more.
- Additional Perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel protections, and access to Wells Fargo’s Go Far Rewards portal.
For those who value simplicity and flexibility, pairing the Autograph with the Wells Fargo Active Cash card (which offers unlimited 2% cashback) creates a powerful no-AF setup. While Wells Fargo’s travel transfer partners are limited, this card’s diverse rewards categories make it a solid choice for everyday and travel-related spending.
2. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect
Effective September 9, 2024, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card becomes a no-annual-fee travel powerhouse:
- Earning Structure: 4x points on travel and gas purchases, 2x on groceries, dining, and streaming services.
- Travel Perks: Priority Pass lounge visits, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credits, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or merchandise.
This card is particularly beneficial for frequent road trippers or those with significant gas expenditures. The inclusion of travel protections and lounge access further enhances its value.
3. Capital One SavorOne and VentureOne Cards
Capital One offers excellent no-AF options with the SavorOne and VentureOne cards:
- SavorOne: Designed for foodies, it offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores.
- VentureOne: Earns 1.25x miles on all purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
- Additional Benefits: Both cards come with no foreign transaction fees and provide basic travel protections.
For those who desire more premium benefits, upgrading to the Venture X card might be worth considering, but keep in mind its $395 annual fee—offset partially by a $300 travel credit when booking through Capital One’s portal.
4. Citi Rewards+ and Custom Cash Cards
Citi’s offerings shine with flexibility:
- Custom Cash: Automatically earns 5% back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500).
- Rewards+: Earns 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations and rounds up rewards to the nearest 10 points for every purchase.
- Travel Perks: No foreign transaction fees and robust redemption options through Citi’s ThankYou Points program.
Pairing these cards with the Citi Premier ($95 AF) can unlock higher redemption values for booking travel through Citi’s portal or transferring points to partners.
5. Chase Freedom Unlimited and Flex
Chase’s no-AF cards are ideal for building a travel-focused setup:
- Freedom Unlimited: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with bonus categories for travel and dining.
- Freedom Flex: Rotating 5% cash-back categories and 3% on dining and drugstores.
- Travel Benefits: When combined with the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) or Reserve (CSR), these cards’ rewards can be transferred to Chase’s travel partners or redeemed for higher value through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
The CSP remains an excellent option for travelers, offering valuable perks like a $50 annual hotel credit and a low $95 annual fee.
6. Discover it Miles
This card is perfect for those seeking simplicity:
- Earning Structure: 1.5x miles on all purchases.
- Redemption: Miles can be used as a statement credit for travel purchases.
- Unique Feature: Discover matches all miles earned in your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.
While it lacks some of the travel perks found on other cards, its straightforward earning and redemption structure make it a strong contender.
Maximizing No Annual Fee Travel Cards
To get the most out of your no-AF travel cards, consider these strategies:
- Pairing Cards: Combine cards that complement each other, such as using one for gas and dining (e.g., U.S. Bank Altitude Connect) and another for general spending (e.g., Wells Fargo Active Cash).
- Portal Redemptions: Use travel portals or real-time rewards programs to boost the value of your points or miles.
- Foreign Spending: Prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad to save on extra charges.
- Supplement with Low-AF Cards: Consider adding a low-annual-fee card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Citi Premier, to access premium perks like travel transfer partners and higher redemption rates.
Conclusion
No annual fee travel rewards cards offer exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re planning road trips, international getaways, or just want to earn rewards on everyday spending, these cards provide flexibility and benefits without adding a financial burden. By choosing the right combination of cards and utilizing their features effectively, you can enjoy a rewarding travel experience without the cost of an annual fee.
