Explore the Top No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards of 2024

By Hetal Bansal

Travel credit cards are a popular choice for frequent travelers looking to earn rewards and perks while they spend. While many travel credit cards come with an annual fee, plenty of options offer great benefits without the extra cost. In this guide, we'll explore the top no-annual-fee travel credit cards of 2024, including their benefits, rewards, and how they compare to each other.

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a versatile travel credit card that offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cardholders can also earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The card comes with no annual fee and includes benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

2. Wells Fargo Autograph Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is another no-annual fee travel credit card that offers rewards on every purchase. Cardholders can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases, with the option to redeem rewards for travel, gift cards, or cash. The card also includes cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees.

3. Hilton Honors American Express Card

For those who stay at Hilton hotels frequently, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a fantastic choice. Cardholders can earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership. The card also offers 7x points on eligible purchases at Hilton properties, 5x points on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases.

4. Discover it Miles

With no yearly costs, you can earn 1.5x Miles for each dollar you spend on any transactions with the Discover it Miles credit card. By year's end, Discover will automatically match every Mile you have accrued. Additionally, for purchases and balance transfers made with this card, there is a 14-month promotional APR of 0% (after which the APR will vary from 11.99% to 22.99%). There are also no yearly or foreign transaction fees.

5. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

For every $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services and every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card earns two AAdvantage points. This travel credit card has no annual charge. In addition, cardholders receive one AAdvantage mile for each $1 spent on non-purchase items. Additionally, when you use your card on American Airlines flights, you save 25% on in-flight purchases of food and beverages.

6. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers looking for a no-annual-fee travel credit card. Cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles once they spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Additionally, cardholders earn 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, and pay no annual fee. There are also no foreign transaction fees.

7. Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a no annual fee travel credit card that offers 2X miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, and at U.S. supermarkets. Cardholders also earn 1X mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Additionally, cardholders receive 20% back on in-flight purchases on Delta flights.

8. Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

There is no annual fee for the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, which gives you 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all transactions. You can exchange points for statement credits to pay for your travel expenses. Additionally, after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of opening an account, new cards can earn 25,000 online bonus points, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel-related expenditures.

9. Bilt World Elite Mastercard Credit Card

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard Credit Card is a no-annual-fee travel credit card that offers 3 Bilt Rewards points per dollar spent on rent and 2 points per dollar spent on travel. Cardholders also earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Additionally, cardholders receive a $100 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and more.

10. Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

With no annual fees, you may use the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card to book travel and earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 within the first three months after opening an account. In addition to earning 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel-related purchases, cardholders can accrue up to 14X total Bonvoy points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy.

Functioning of No-Annual-Fee Travel Cards

No-annual-fee travel credit cards work similarly to other credit cards but offer specific benefits tailored to travelers. These cards typically earn rewards, such as points or miles, for every dollar spent on purchases. These rewards can then be redeemed for travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.

Additionally, many no-annual-fee travel cards offer perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees. Some cards may also offer introductory bonuses, where cardholders can earn a large number of points or miles after spending a certain amount within the first few months of account opening.

Overall, no-annual-fee travel cards are designed to provide travelers with cost-effective ways to earn rewards and enjoy travel-related benefits without having to pay an annual fee.

Qualification for Travel Cards With No Annual Fee

Eligibility for travel cards with no annual fee varies depending on the card issuer's criteria. Generally, applicants must have a good to excellent credit score to qualify for these cards. A good credit score demonstrates to the issuer that the applicant is responsible for credit and is likely to repay any debt incurred on the card.

In addition to credit score, other factors that issuers may consider include income, employment status, and existing debt. Applicants with higher incomes and stable employment histories are more likely to be approved for travel cards with no annual fee.

It's also important for applicants to have a credit history that demonstrates responsible credit usage. This includes paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding opening multiple new credit accounts within a short period.

You may also like to read: 10 Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards for Maximum Savings

Benefits of No-Annual-Fee Travel Cards

No-annual-fee travel cards can be worth it for many travelers, especially those who don't want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn rewards on their purchases. These cards can provide a range of benefits, including:

Rewards: No-annual-fee travel cards typically earn points or miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses. For frequent travelers, these rewards can add up quickly and offset the cost of travel.

Perks: Many no-annual-fee travel cards offer perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees. These perks can provide added value for travelers, especially those who frequently travel internationally.

Introductory Bonuses: Some no-annual-fee travel cards offer introductory bonuses, where cardholders can earn a large number of points or miles after spending a certain amount within the first few months of account opening. These bonuses can provide a significant boost to a traveler's rewards balance.

Cost-Effectiveness: As the name suggests, no-annual-fee travel cards do not charge an annual fee, making them a cost-effective option for travelers who want to earn rewards without paying for the privilege.

Conclusion

No annual fee travel credit cards offer a range of benefits and rewards for travelers looking to maximize their spending. With options like cash back, points, and miles, these cards can help you save money on your travels and earn rewards for future trips. Whether you're a frequent traveler or just looking for a card that offers great rewards on everyday purchases, there's a no-annual-fee travel credit card out there for you. Consider your travel habits and spending patterns to find the card that best suits your needs and start earning rewards today.