If you're looking for the best credit cards for travel no annual fee, you've come to the right place! In this guide, we will discuss some of the best options available to you. These cards offer great rewards and benefits, without requiring an annual fee. So, whether you're planning a summer vacation or just want to earn some extra points on your everyday purchases, we've got you covered!
Best Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee in 2023 Table of Contents
What is an Annual Fee on a Credit Card?
Why Do Credit Card Companies Charge Annual Fees?
What Are The Best Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee?
How Do You Redeem Air Miles on a Credit Card?
What Are The Best Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee If You Have Bad Credit?
What Are The Best Business Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee?
What Are The Best Hotel Travel Credit Card With No Annual Fee?
What are Reward Credit Cards?
Reward credit cards offer points, miles, or cash back on your purchases in exchange for using the card. Some reward credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can earn you even more rewards. There are many different types of reward credit cards, so it's important to choose one that best suits your needs.
If you travel often, a rewards credit card with no annual fee is a great way to earn points or miles without paying an annual fee. Here are our picks for the best travel rewards credit cards with no annual fee:
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flat-Rate Travel Rewards
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flexible Travel Redemption
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for Travel and Dining Rewards
- Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card: Best for Gas, Grocery, and Restaurant Rewards
- Citi Premier Card: Best for Hotel and Airline Rewards
- Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard: Best for Easy to Use Points
What is an Annual Fee on a Credit Card?
An annual fee is a charge that card issuers assess every year to keep the card active. It’s important to note that not all credit cards have an annual fee, and some even offer rewards or perks that can offset the cost of an annual fee.
There are a few different types of annual fees:
- Flat-rate: A set amount regardless of your spending
- Variable: Based on a percentage of your account balance, usually around 0.25 – 0.50%
- Tiered: Higher for cardholders who spend more money per year
- Authorized user: An additional fee charged when you add another person to your account
- Balance transfer: A one-time fee charged when you transfer a balance from another card
Why Do Credit Card Companies Charge Annual Fees?
There are a few reasons credit card companies might charge an annual fee:
- To offset the cost of rewards programs: If you have a rewards credit card, the issuer may charge an annual fee to help offset the cost of the rewards program.
- To cover the costs of premium features: Some cards offer premium features like airport lounge access or concierge services. These come with a higher price tag, so the issuer may charge an annual fee to cover these costs.
- To make up for low interest rates: Cards with introductory 0% APR periods or low ongoing APRs often have higher annual fees to make up for the low interest rates.
- To profit from high spenders: Card issuers may charge annual fees to customers who they know will spend a lot on their card each year. This helps them offset the cost of processing all those transactions.
What Are The Best Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee?
With these cards, you can earn rewards that can be used towards future travel expenses, and they all have signup bonuses that can help offset the cost of your trip:
Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card
This card offers a great rewards rate for a no annual fee card, and you can earn unlimited miles. There is no foreign transaction fee, and you can get a signup bonus of 20,000 miles if you spend $500 in the first three months.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of the best travel credit cards available, and it has no annual fee. You can earn two points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and there is a signup bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4000 in the first three months. There is also no foreign transaction fee.
Citi Prestige® Card
The Citi Prestige card offers a great rewards rate, and you can earn three points per dollar spent on travel and dining. There is also a signup bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $4000 in the first three months. The annual fee is $495, but it is waived for the first year.
These are some of the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee. If you are looking to save money on your travel expenses, these are great options to consider.
How Do You Redeem Air Miles on a Credit Card?
There are a few different ways to redeem your air miles. The most popular way is to use them towards travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. You can also redeem air miles for merchandise or gift cards. To redeem your air miles, simply log into your account and select how you would like to use them.
If you're looking for the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee, our top pick is:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $625 in travel credits when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
What Are The Best Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee If You Have Bad Credit?
There are a few things to consider when looking for the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee and bad credit. The first is what type of card you want. There are two main types of cards: secured and unsecured. Secured cards require a deposit, which acts as your collateral in case you can't pay your bill, while unsecured cards don't have this requirement.
If you have bad credit, your best option is probably going to be a secured card. However, there are a few unsecured cards that may work for you as well. The best way to find out is to check each card's requirements and see if you qualify.
Another thing to consider is what kind of rewards you're looking for. Some cards offer cash back, while others offer points or miles that can be used for travel. There are also cards that offer a combination of both. Figure out what type of rewards you want and then compare the different cards to see which one offers the best benefits.
Finally, make sure you read all the fine print before applying for any credit card. This includes understanding the interest rates, fees, and other terms and conditions associated with each card.
Here is our list of the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee if you have bad credit and details about each one:
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
This is a great option for those with bad credit because it has no annual fee and a low minimum deposit of $49, which is refundable if you close your account. You'll also earn two miles per dollar spent on purchases.
Discover it® Secured Card
This card offers cash back on every purchase, plus a bonus of 20% cash back at the end of your first year (up to $200). There's no annual fee and you can qualify with a deposit as low as $200.
Secured Visa® from Capital One
This card has no annual fee and requires a minimum deposit of $49. You'll earn one point per dollar spent on purchases, and you can redeem those points for cash back, travel, or gift cards.
Wells Fargo Secured Visa® Card
This card comes with a low annual fee of $25 and requires a minimum deposit of $300. You'll earn one point per dollar spent on purchases, which can be redeemed for cash back, travel, or merchandise.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
This card has no annual fee and requires a minimum deposit of $200. You'll earn two ThankYou points per dollar spent on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more. Plus, you'll get 20% off select Citi entertainment experiences.
What Are The Best Business Credit Cards for Travel With No Annual Fee?
Business credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards on your business spending, and many come with valuable perks like free travel insurance and lounge access. But with so many different cards on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs.
If you're looking for a business credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee, there are still plenty of options available. Here are some of the best business credit cards for travel with no annual fee:
American Express Business Gold Card
The American Express Business Gold Card offers four Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on the two categories where you spend the most each month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year). You'll also get a welcome bonus of 35,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card offers two miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and you can earn a bonus of 50,000 miles if you spend $5000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening. There's no annual fee for this card, and you'll also get a free night stay at any Eligible Hotel when you book through Capital One Travel.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase offers three Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. You'll also get a welcome bonus of 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $5000 on eligible purchases in the first three months from account opening. There's no annual fee for this card.
These are just a few of the best business credit cards for travel with no annual fee. Be sure to compare different cards to find the one that best suits your needs.
What Are The Best Hotel Travel Credit Card With No Annual Fee?
There are a few different types of hotel travel credit cards with no annual fee. The best ones depend on what you're looking for in a card. If you want a card with great rewards, the best choice is probably the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. If you're looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees, the best option is the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
What Credit Card Is Best for International Travel?
While there are a number of great credit cards for international travel, the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and spending habits. If you're looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option. If you're looking for a card with generous rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is worth considering. And if you're looking for a card with low interest rates, the Discover it® Miles may be the best choice.
No matter which card you choose, be sure to compare different offers and find the one that best suits your needs. With so many great options available, there's no reason to pay more than you have to when it comes to travel credit cards.
Is It Better to Have a Credit Card With No Annual Fee?
The best credit cards for travel with no annual fee are out there. You just have to know where to look. The best way to find them is by using a credit card comparison website.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when you're looking for the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee. The first is that you need to make sure the card doesn't have any foreign transaction fees. Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, so you want to avoid them if at all possible.
Another thing to look for is a card that offers rewards points or cash back on travel expenses. This can help offset the cost of your travel, even if there's no annual fee. Finally, make sure the card has a good interest rate. This way, if you do carry a balance, you won't be paying too much in interest.
By following these tips, you can be sure to find the best credit cards for travel with no annual fee. So start your search today and enjoy your next vacation worry-free.