Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, but it often comes with significant costs.
From flights and accommodations to dining and excursions, expenses can quickly add up.
However, with the right travel credit card, you can make your journeys more affordable and rewarding.
While many of the top travel credit cards offer excellent perks, they often come with hefty annual fees.
But what if you could enjoy great travel rewards without paying an annual fee? That’s where the best travel credit card with no annual fee comes into play.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 best travel credit cards with no annual fee for 2024.
These cards offer a range of benefits, from earning points on travel purchases to providing travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees—all without the burden of an annual fee.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning a few trips this year, these credit cards can help you save money while enjoying fantastic perks.
Why Choose a Travel Credit Card with No Annual Fee?
Choosing a travel credit card with no annual fee is a smart move for several reasons.
First, it allows you to enjoy travel-related benefits without the extra cost of an annual fee, which can range from $95 to over $500 on some premium cards.
For casual travelers or those looking to minimize expenses, avoiding an annual fee means more money in your pocket for other travel-related expenses.
Secondly, no annual fee travel credit cards often come with competitive rewards programs.
You can earn points, miles, or cash back on your everyday purchases, including travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, car rentals, and dining.
Many of these cards also offer additional perks, such as travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and access to exclusive travel deals.
Finally, these cards are ideal for those who want to build or maintain their credit without the pressure of justifying a high annual fee through card usage.
Even without an annual fee, the best travel credit card with no annual fee can provide significant value and help you achieve your travel goals.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a versatile card that offers both cash back and travel rewards, making it one of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee.
This card provides a simple and lucrative rewards structure that benefits travelers and everyday spenders alike.
Key Features:
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® shines when it comes to travel rewards, especially when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The 5% cash back on travel is a standout feature, allowing you to earn rewards faster without an annual fee.
Additionally, the card’s no foreign transaction fees make it a great companion for international travel.
Best For: Travelers looking for a straightforward rewards program with no annual fee and excellent earning potential on travel and dining.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is another strong contender in the best travel credit card no annual fee category.
While it’s primarily known as a cash-back card, its versatility makes it a valuable option for travelers who prefer simplicity.
Key Features:
- Earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay)
- No caps or category restrictions
- Option to convert cash back into Citi ThankYou® points
- No annual fee
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Citi® Double Cash Card’s straightforward earning structure—2% cash back on every purchase—allows you to accumulate rewards quickly.
You can also convert your cash back into Citi ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for travel through Citi’s travel portal or transferred to travel partners for added value.
Plus, with no annual fee, this card offers great value without additional costs.
Best For: Travelers who prefer cash back rewards but want the flexibility to convert them into travel points when needed.
3. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee.
This card offers a straightforward rewards program with added travel benefits, making it an attractive choice for frequent travelers.
Key Features:
- Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is ideal for travelers who want to earn miles on every purchase.
The ability to transfer miles to various travel loyalty programs adds flexibility, while the card’s no foreign transaction fees make it a strong option for international travel.
The 5X miles on hotel and car rental bookings through Capital One Travel can also help you maximize your rewards.
Best For: Frequent travelers who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is one of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee for those who prefer flexibility in redeeming rewards.
This card offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel purchases with no blackout dates.
Key Features:
- Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
- 25,000 online bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days (worth $250 in travel)
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Points can be redeemed for travel expenses with no blackout dates
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is perfect for travelers who want flexible redemption options.
You can use your points to cover travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even baggage fees.
The card’s no foreign transaction fees and competitive earning rate make it a strong contender in the best travel credit card no annual fee category.
Best For: Travelers who want a simple, flexible rewards program with no annual fee and no blackout dates for redemptions.
5. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is a fantastic option for those looking for a travel credit card with no annual fee and a generous rewards structure.
This card offers triple points on popular travel categories, making it easy to earn rewards quickly.
Key Features:
- Earn 3X points on eating out, gas stations, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, and car rentals
- Earn 1X points on other purchases
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Redeem points for travel, gift cards, cash back, and more
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card’s 3X points on a wide range of travel-related purchases make it an excellent choice for travelers.
Whether you’re dining out, filling up your gas tank, or booking a flight, you’ll earn triple points, which can be redeemed for travel or other rewards.
The card’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees add to its appeal for budget-conscious travelers.
Best For: Travelers who want to earn triple points on a wide range of travel-related purchases without paying an annual fee.
6. Discover it® Miles
The Discover it® Miles card is a straightforward travel credit card that offers unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
What sets this card apart is its unique mile-for-mile match at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.
Key Features:
- Earn unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases
- Miles can be redeemed for travel credits or cash back
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Mile-for-mile match at the end of your first year
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Discover it® Miles card offers a simple and rewarding way to earn travel miles.
The first-year match effectively doubles your miles, providing an extra incentive to use this card for all your travel and everyday purchases.
With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for value without extra costs.
Best For: Travelers who want a straightforward, no-annual-fee card with the potential to double their rewards in the first year.
7. American Express® Green Card
The American Express® Green Card is a versatile travel credit card that offers solid rewards and valuable travel perks.
While it’s a mid-tier card, it often comes with a reasonable annual fee. However, some limited-time promotions may waive this fee for the first year.
Key Features:
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel, including flights, hotels, transit, and rideshares
- Earn 3X points on dining at restaurants
- Includes valuable travel perks like baggage insurance and trip delay coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great for Travel: The American Express® Green Card’s 3X points on travel and dining make it a strong contender for those who travel frequently.
The added travel perks, such as baggage insurance and trip delay coverage, provide extra peace of mind.
While there may be an annual fee after the first year, the rewards and perks can easily offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Best For: Frequent travelers who want to maximize rewards on travel and dining, with valuable travel protections included.
8. Citi Rewards+® Card
The Citi Rewards+® Card is a unique travel credit card that offers bonus points on everyday purchases and a special round-up feature that rounds up your points on every purchase to the nearest 10 points.
This feature can help you maximize your rewards without paying an annual fee.
Key Features:
- Earn 2X ThankYou® points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year)
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases
- Points round up to the nearest 10 on every purchase
- No annual fee
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Citi Rewards+® Card’s points round-up feature is a unique way to boost your rewards on small purchases.
Combined with 2X points on groceries and gas, this card can help you accumulate points quickly.
These points can be redeemed for travel through Citi’s ThankYou® Rewards program, making it a great option for travelers who want to maximize their rewards without paying an annual fee.
Best For: Travelers who make frequent small purchases and want to maximize their rewards with a no-annual-fee card.
9. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a strong contender in the best travel credit card no annual fee category, offering generous rewards on dining and streaming services.
This card is ideal for travelers who want to earn points on everyday expenses and redeem them for travel.
Key Features:
- Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and food delivery
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on streaming services
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great for Travel: The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers excellent rewards on dining and streaming services, making it a great choice for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts.
The points can be redeemed for travel, making this card a valuable addition to any traveler’s wallet, especially with no annual fee.
Best For: Travelers who want to earn high rewards on dining and streaming services without paying an annual fee.
10. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
While the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is primarily a cash-back card, its flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards makes it a great option for travel as well.
This card offers cash back on groceries, gas, and select department stores, which can be a big help when saving for travel expenses.
Key Features:
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
- Earn 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores
- Earn 1% cash back on other purchases
- No annual fee
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers a straightforward way to earn cash back on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for travel expenses.
The 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets can add up quickly, especially for families, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards for future travel.
Best For: Families and individuals who want to earn cash back on groceries and gas, with the flexibility to redeem rewards for travel expenses.
Conclusion
Finding the best travel credit card with no annual fee can significantly enhance your travel experience without adding extra costs.
These cards offer a variety of rewards and perks, from earning points on travel purchases to providing travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning a few trips this year, there’s a no-annual-fee travel credit card on this list that can help you save money and enjoy your travels even more.
When choosing the best travel credit card with no annual fee, consider your spending habits, travel goals, and the types of rewards that will benefit you the most.
Whether you prefer cash back, miles, or flexible points, these cards offer something for every traveler without the burden of an annual fee.
With the right card in your wallet, you can make the most of your travels in 2024 and beyond.
Happy travels!