what if you don’t want to pay a hefty annual fee just to enjoy those perks? That’s where the best credit card for travel with no annual fee comes in. These cards let you earn points or miles on everyday purchases, redeem them for travel, and keep your rewards without worrying about yearly costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best no annual fee travel credit cards, explore the best credit card for travel Reddit recommendations, compare perks, and answer key FAQs to help you choose the right card.
Why Choose a No Annual Fee Travel Credit Card?
Not everyone travels frequently enough to justify a $95, $250, or $695 annual fee. A no-fee travel card is perfect for:
- Casual travelers who want to earn rewards without committing to high fees.
- Budget-conscious users who want points/miles without extra costs.
- Beginners who want to test the waters before upgrading to premium travel cards.
Plus, these cards often still offer solid rewards, purchase protection, and travel perks.
Best Credit Cards for Travel with No Annual Fee
Here’s a look at some of the top no-annual-fee travel credit cards available in 2025:
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Best For | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% on dining & drugstores, travel redemptions via Chase Ultimate Rewards | Travelers who want flexible redemption options | Chase |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards | $0 | 1.25x miles on every purchase, 5x miles on hotels & car rentals via Capital One Travel | Simple, flat-rate rewards | Capital One |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card | $0 | 1.5x points on every purchase, no foreign transaction fees | Everyday spending & international travel | Bank of America |
| Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | $0 | 3x points on dining, travel, gas, streaming & phone plans | Travelers who want strong bonus categories | Wells Fargo |
| Discover it® Miles | $0 | 1.5x miles on all purchases, first-year match (double miles) | Beginners & occasional travelers | Discover |
What Reddit Users Say – Best Credit Card for Travel Reddit Picks
If you browse threads about the best credit card for travel Reddit, you’ll notice some recurring recommendations:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® is often praised because rewards can be transferred to premium Chase cards (like Sapphire Preferred) later on.
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards gets love for its simplicity and international acceptance.
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is highlighted for strong bonus categories without fees.
- Many Redditors suggest starting with a no-fee card, then upgrading to a premium travel card once you’re traveling more often.
Checkout —> Best Travel Credit Card in the USA: A Complete Guide (2025)
Best Credit Card for Travel Points (No Annual Fee)
If your goal is to earn travel points, here are the standouts:
- Bank of America Travel Rewards – 1.5x unlimited points on everything.
- Wells Fargo Autograph – 3x points on dining, travel, gas, streaming, and transit.
- Capital One VentureOne – Miles are transferable to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners.
These cards allow you to rack up points without worrying about annual fees eating into your rewards.
Pros & Cons of No Annual Fee Travel Cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No yearly cost | Fewer luxury perks (like lounges) |
| Good rewards for beginners | Lower earning rates than premium cards |
| Great starter cards | Smaller welcome bonuses |
| Can be paired with premium cards later | May not include travel credits or insurance |
Who Should Get a No Annual Fee Travel Credit Card?
You should consider one if:
- You don’t travel often but still want to earn miles/points.
- You’re new to travel rewards and want to start simple.
- You want to avoid paying high fees while earning flexible points.
You may want a premium card instead if:
- You travel multiple times a year.
- You value lounge access, statement credits, and higher rewards.
- You can easily offset an annual fee with perks.
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FAQs About the Best Credit Card for Travel with No Annual Fee
1. What is the best credit card for travel with no annual fee?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One VentureOne Rewards are two of the most popular choices for 2025.
2. Are no annual fee travel cards worth it?
Yes. They let you earn rewards without any cost, especially great for beginners or light travelers.
3. Can I upgrade later to a premium travel card?
Absolutely. Many issuers (like Chase and Capital One) allow you to upgrade to a premium card once you’re ready for more perks.
4. Do no annual fee cards have foreign transaction fees?
Some do, but cards like Bank of America Travel Rewards and Capital One VentureOne waive them—perfect for international travelers.
5. Which no annual fee travel card is best for points?
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card and Bank of America Travel Rewards are excellent options for maximizing travel points.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best credit card for travel with no annual fee comes down to your goals. If you want flexible redemptions, Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a strong choice. If you prefer simple flat-rate rewards, the Capital One VentureOne is excellent. For bonus categories, Wells Fargo Autograph shines.
If you’re just starting your travel rewards journey, these no-fee cards are the perfect way to earn miles and points without risk. Later, you can always upgrade to premium cards for even more perks.
Disclaimer: The credit card offers mentioned above are provided by their respective issuers including Chase, Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Discover. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Please visit the official issuer websites for the latest terms and conditions.
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