Travel credit cards are a fantastic way to save money on flights, hotels, and everyday purchases—but many come with hefty annual fees. The good news? In 2025, there are plenty of no-annual-fee travel credit cards that still deliver solid rewards and perks.
If you want to earn points, avoid hidden costs, and keep your wallet happy, here are the best options this year.
Why Choose a No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card?
- Zero cost of ownership: Keep the card long-term without worrying about annual fees.
- Great starter cards: Perfect for beginners exploring points and miles.
- Everyday rewards: Many cards earn 1.5%–3% back on travel and dining.
- Pair with premium cards: Use these alongside premium cards for maximum value.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why It’s Great: A flexible cash-back card that doubles as a travel rewards starter card when paired with a Chase Sapphire card.
Rewards:
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Can combine points with Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve for higher-value redemptions
- Intro APR on purchases
Cons:
- Requires pairing with another Chase card to maximize travel value
2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards
Why It’s Great: The no-annual-fee sibling of the famous Venture card.
Rewards:
- 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases
- 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
Pros:
- Transfer partners (airlines and hotels)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Easy flat-rate earning
Cons:
- Lower earn rate than the paid Venture card
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great: Simple, flat-rate earning that appeals to minimalists.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
- Points can be redeemed for statement credits against travel and dining
Pros:
- No blackout dates
- No foreign transaction fees
- Extra bonus if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards client
Cons:
- No airline/hotel transfer partners
4. Discover it® Miles
Why It’s Great: A beginner-friendly card with unique “Miles Match” doubling.
Rewards:
- 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases
- Miles can be redeemed for travel credits or cash back
Pros:
- First-year match doubles all miles earned
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Easy redemption system
Cons:
- Smaller network of transfer partners compared to Chase or Amex
5. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Why It’s Great: Strong bonus categories with travel perks at no cost.
Rewards:
- 3x points on dining, travel, gas, transit, and streaming
- 1x on all other purchases
Pros:
- Cell phone protection with $600 coverage
- No annual fee
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- No airline/hotel transfer partners yet
6. Citi Rewards+® Card
Why It’s Great: Round-up feature makes it unique for small purchases.
Rewards:
- 2x points on supermarkets and gas (up to $6,000 annually)
- 1x on all other purchases
- Rounds up to the nearest 10 points per purchase
Pros:
- Great for small daily transactions
- 10% points rebate on redemptions
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Lower bonus categories compared to rivals
7. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Why It’s Great: A foodie-friendly card with solid travel perks.
Rewards:
- 4x points on dining and takeout
- 2x on groceries, gas, and streaming
- 1x on all other purchases
Pros:
- $15 annual credit for streaming services
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection included
Cons:
- Travel earning isn’t as strong as some competitors
8. American Express Blue Sky® Card (Regional Availability)
Why It’s Great: A simple Amex option for travel rewards without annual fees.
Rewards:
- 2x points on travel booked through Amex Travel
- 1x on all other purchases
Pros:
- Access to Amex Offers for savings
- No annual fee
- Good entry point into Amex ecosystem
Cons:
- Fewer perks than premium Amex travel cards
Tips for Maximizing No-Annual-Fee Travel Cards
- Pair wisely: Combine with premium cards for better redemption rates.
- Redeem smart: Use points for travel statement credits, not just cash back.
- Use abroad carefully: Pick cards with no foreign transaction fees.
- Leverage intro offers: Many cards offer 15–20k bonus points with modest spending.
- Keep long-term: These cards are great for building credit history since there’s no annual fee pressure to cancel.
Sample Strategy: Beginner-Friendly Combo
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® → Earn cash back, pool with Chase Sapphire Preferred® for travel transfers.
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ → Strong on dining, gas, and streaming.
- Capital One VentureOne → Use for international travel thanks to no foreign fees.
This three-card combo covers everyday spending, travel redemptions, and international trips—all without paying a dime in annual fees.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, you don’t need a $695 premium card to earn valuable rewards. From the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to the Wells Fargo Autograph℠, there are plenty of no-annual-fee travel credit cards that still deliver impressive perks.
Your strategy:
- Start with one no-fee card to earn points on everyday spending.
- Add a second card with stronger bonus categories.
- Consider pairing with a premium card later if you want airline/hotel transfers.
With the right setup, you’ll earn free flights, hotel stays, and travel perks—without ever paying an annual fee.