Good Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

✈️ Good Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee: My Go-To Picks for Smart Adventures

Truth be told I used to think travel credit cards were only for high-rollers, business travelers, or people who could drop thousands a month on flights and hotels. But then I learned something surprising: you don’t need to pay an annual fee to get serious travel perks.

Yep, I said it. You can still travel smart without paying a dime in annual fees.

So in this post, I’m laying out some of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee based on my own research, some friendly advice from fellow travelers, and a little trial and error on my part. If you're like me and love to get rewarded for everyday spending (without fees eating up your points), you're in the right place.

🧭 Why I Chose Travel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

Before we jump into the cards, I just wanna explain why I became obsessed with this no-annual-fee thing.

A couple years ago, I signed up for a premium travel card with a hefty $550 annual fee. The perks looked amazing airport lounges, credits, fancy metal card vibes. But you know what? I didn’t use half the benefits. And when that renewal fee hit? Ouch.

That was my wake-up call.

Now, I’ve found a few cards that don’t charge me to keep them in my wallet but still help me rack up points and travel benefits. It’s honestly kind of amazing.

💳 1. Chase Freedom Unlimited® – My Everyday Hero

Why I love it: This card is a sleeper hit. While it’s not technically a “travel card,” it earns transferable points that can turn into travel rewards when paired with a premium Chase card or used via Chase’s travel portal.

Perks that won me over:

• 3% on dining and drugstores

• 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards

• 1.5% back on everything else (which adds up, believe me)

• No annual fee (yay!)

• Purchase protection + extended warranty coverage

I use this card for groceries, takeout, and the occasional impulse Amazon buy then funnel the points into travel when I’m ready to book.

My Takeaway: It’s an underrated travel tool, especially if you’re just starting out. If you ever upgrade to a Chase Sapphire later, you’ll thank your past self for all those points.

🌍 2. Discover it® Miles – Easy, Flexible, and Rewarding

This was actually my first “travel” card and I still keep it open for a few key reasons.

What surprised me: There are no blackout dates, no minimum redemption, and the points never expire. And that first-year match? Chef’s kiss. 😘

Key perks:

• 1.5x miles on every purchase

• First-year points match (so you’re effectively getting 3x for the first 12 months!)

• Redeem for any travel expense flights, Uber, Airbnb, even toll roads

• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

I used this card for a weekend getaway to San Diego. Covered the flight and hotel just by cashing in my miles.

My Takeaway: Super simple and stress-free. Great for folks who don’t want to fuss with transfer partners or portals.

🧳 3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – For the Budget Jetsetter

I picked this one up on a whim when I saw a nice welcome bonus with a low spend requirement.

Standout features:

• 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases

• 25,000 points bonus (worth $250) after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days

• No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees

• Points are easy to redeem for statement credits on travel

It’s super straightforward. I didn’t have to learn a new system or memorize a travel partner chart.

My Takeaway: Solid choice if you bank with BofA (they give extra points to Preferred Rewards members), or if you want a basic but effective travel card.

🌟 4. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Hidden Gem with Big Multipliers

This one caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting Wells Fargo to roll out a travel-friendly card with no annual fee but here we are!

What makes it stand out:

• 3X points on travel, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans

• 1X on everything else

• No annual fee

• Cell phone protection included

Honestly, the 3X on transit and phone bills is what sold me. I’m paying that stuff anyway, so I might as well get rewarded for it.

My Takeaway: Great if your travel isn’t all about flights and hotels you earn on the everyday stuff, too.

 🤔 What About Travel Insurance or Lounge Access?

Okay, so let’s be real: most no-annual-fee cards won’t come with travel insurance, airport lounge access, or Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits.

But here’s how I see it I use these cards to earn points, then use those points to cover flights or hotels. If I want those premium perks, I’ll look into one-time upgrades or even pay out of pocket when I need them (usually cheaper than paying a yearly fee I might not maximize).

🔄 How I Rotate These Cards for Maximum Rewards

Confession: I’m a bit of a card nerd. 😅

I actually use two or three of these cards together, depending on what I’m buying:

• Groceries & everyday: Chase Freedom Unlimited

• Travel expenses & flights: BofA Travel Rewards or Autograph

• Everything else: Discover it Miles

I track my points in a simple spreadsheet and make sure I never miss out on promos or introductory bonuses. (Yes, I’m that person.)

💡 Tips If You’re New to Travel Credit Cards

Here’s what I wish someone told me:

1. Don’t hoard points forever – Use them! They’re not gaining interest.

2. Watch for foreign transaction fees – Not all “travel” cards are created equal.

3. Always pay in full – Interest charges will eat up any rewards.

4. Know your credit score – These cards usually require good to excellent credit (think 670+).

5. Look out for signup bonuses – They’re free money (as long as you meet the spend requirement responsibly).

☕ Final Thoughts Over Coffee: Should You Get One?

Absolutely. If you love to travel (or just want to start traveling smarter), getting a good travel credit card with no annual fee is a no-brainer.

You're not paying to keep it open. You're earning rewards on the stuff you already buy. And you’re building credit history while you’re at it. Honestly, what’s not to like?

My advice? Start with one that fits your lifestyle. See how it goes. You can always upgrade later, but this is the perfect low-risk way to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards.

If I had to recommend just one? Chase Freedom Unlimited® versatile, rewarding, and future-proof.

✈️ Safe travels and happy swiping!