Best Travel Card With No Annual Fee

Top No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards: A Practical Comparison for 2025

Travel credit cards without annual fees can offer exceptional value, especially for those who prefer not to pay recurring costs to access rewards and benefits. While premium cards often make headlines, many no-fee options provide competitive features that cater to both frequent and casual travelers. Whether you’re booking international flights or managing everyday purchases that support travel plans, selecting a no-fee credit card aligned with your spending habits can yield meaningful long-term returns.

Below, you’ll find a thoughtfully structured list of travel-focused credit cards that do not charge an annual fee, including their reward structures, strengths, and usage suitability.

Chase Freedom Flex®

Reward Maximization with Category-Based Incentives

The Chase Freedom Flex® card appeals to individuals seeking adaptable rewards. While not exclusively a travel card, it offers strong earning potential on rotating quarterly categories, in addition to fixed high-earning rates on dining and drugstore purchases. The card also includes travel protections and can be paired with a premium Chase card to unlock further travel-specific benefits.

Features

• 5% cashback on quarterly rotating categories (activation required; capped at $1,500)
• 3% on dining and drugstores
• 1% on other purchases
• Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance
• No annual fee

Use Case: A strong choice for those who optimize quarterly categories and want a multifaceted card that integrates well into a broader Chase ecosystem.

Discover it® Miles

Consistent Rewards with End-of-Year Bonus

The Discover it® Miles card provides a flat earning structure that appeals to those who prefer predictability. New cardholders receive a match of all miles earned at the end of their first year, significantly boosting initial returns.

Features

• Unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases
• First-year miles matched for new users
• No foreign transaction fees
• Miles are redeemable for travel purchases or statement credit
• No blackout dates or minimum redemptions
• No annual fee

Use Case: Suitable for those who value a simple earning structure and prefer flexibility in redemption without fee-related restrictions.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Flat Rate Points and Favorable Terms Abroad

This card from Bank of America delivers consistent rewards across all categories and appeals to international travelers due to its absence of foreign transaction fees. It also integrates with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, which can elevate the point-earning rate for eligible customers.

Features

• 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• 25,000 online bonus points after qualifying spend
• Points redeemable for a wide range of travel-related purchases
• No annual fee

Use Case: Appeals to cardholders who spend across a range of categories and want uncomplicated travel rewards with international usability.

Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature®

Cashback Toward Investment or Travel Accounts

The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature® card offers 2% unlimited cash back when rewards are deposited into a qualifying Fidelity account. This makes it ideal for those seeking to link financial growth with travel or other personal finance goals.

Features

• 2% cash back on every purchase
• Rewards are directly deposited into eligible Fidelity accounts
• No limits or rotating categories
• No annual fee

Use Case: Strong option for savers or investors who value reward redemption flexibility without additional card fees.

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Credit Building with Tiered Cashback Incentives

Targeted at those with limited or fair credit histories, the Petal 2 Visa rewards responsible financial behavior. It offers up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases and increases rewards over time with on-time payments.

Features

• Starts at 1% cash back; increases to 1.5% after 12 on-time monthly payments
• Up to 10% cash back at selected partner merchants
• No annual, late, or foreign transaction fees
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus

Use Case: Best suited for individuals establishing or rebuilding credit who still want access to travel-friendly benefits.

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Amazon-Centric Rewards with Travel Flexibility

This card provides high-value returns for Amazon Prime members, especially for those who also travel occasionally. It features competitive cashback rates in everyday and travel categories, as well as international spending support.

Features

• 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods
• 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
• 3% back on travel booked through Chase
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee (with Prime membership)

Use Case: Ideal for frequent Amazon users who also seek moderate travel perks without added cost.

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

High-Tier Cashback for Credit Union Members

Alliant Credit Union’s Visa Signature card offers one of the highest cashback rates among no-annual-fee cards. However, users must meet membership and account requirements to qualify for the best rate.

Features

Use Case: Best for eligible consumers aiming to maximize cashback while maintaining low ongoing costs.

Updated Card Removed: Wells Fargo Propel American Express®

Note: The Wells Fargo Propel card is no longer available for new applications. As of 2025, Wells Fargo has shifted its focus to other products, including the Autograph and Active Cash cards. If travel rewards are a priority, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (no annual fee, 3x points on travel and restaurants) is a more relevant alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best no-annual-fee travel card right now?

The answer depends on your priorities. For flat-rate rewards, the Discover it® Miles or Bank of America Travel Rewards are competitive options. For those already within the Chase ecosystem, Chase Freedom Flex® is a strategic choice when paired with another Chase travel card.

Can no-annual-fee cards still offer substantial travel rewards?

Yes. While premium cards often offer luxury perks, many no-annual-fee options provide flexible redemption, solid point accrual, and travel-specific features, such as no foreign transaction fees.

Do these cards provide travel protections?

Some, such as Chase Freedom Flex®, include trip cancellation or interruption insurance. However, coverage tends to be more limited than with premium cards. Always review each card’s benefits guide for specifics.

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Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: Best Travel Card With No Annual Fee

https://fangwallet.com/2025/06/12/travel-rewards-cards/

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