Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys—but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, the right credit card can turn your everyday spending into free flights, hotel stays, and exclusive travel perks. Even better? You don’t have to pay a hefty annual fee to unlock these benefits.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel rewards credit cards in 2025 that charge no annual fee, perfect for both occasional travelers and jet-setters looking to maximize value without the cost.
Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card with No Annual Fee?
Most premium travel cards come with fees ranging from $95 to $695. While these often include lounge access, statement credits, and elite status, not everyone needs (or wants to pay for) those features.
Cards with no annual fee:
- Provide accessible rewards without cost.
- Are great for beginners or occasional travelers.
- Can be kept long-term to build credit history.
- Still offer valuable points or miles for travel redemptions.
🔝 Top 5 Travel Rewards Credit Cards with No Annual Fee (2025)
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase (convertible to Ultimate Rewards points).
- Travel Perks: Combine with a Chase Sapphire card to transfer points to airline/hotel partners.
- Why It’s Great: High everyday earn rate and flexibility.
- Ideal For: Travelers already in the Chase ecosystem.
2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Rewards: 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase.
- Travel Perks: Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners.
- Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
- Why It’s Great: Simple structure with valuable transfer options.
- Ideal For: Beginners who want flexible rewards.
3. Discover it® Miles
- Rewards: Unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar.
- Welcome Offer: Double your miles at the end of your first year (no cap).
- Travel Perks: Redeem miles for travel or statement credit.
- Why It’s Great: First-year match can yield massive value.
- Ideal For: First-time cardholders or students.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Rewards: 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases.
- Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in 90 days.
- Travel Perks: Points never expire, flexible redemption.
- Why It’s Great: Boost earnings if you’re a Bank of America customer.
- Ideal For: Loyal BOA customers and casual travelers.
5. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
- Rewards: 3x points on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, and more.
- Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
- Travel Perks: Great earning categories for travel-related purchases.
- Why It’s Great: Excellent everyday multipliers with no annual fee.
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious travelers with varied spending.
🧳 How to Maximize Travel Rewards Without Paying a Fee
- Use your card for everyday expenses: Gas, groceries, and streaming all earn rewards.
- Pair with a premium card later: Start with no-fee cards, then graduate to premium ones when ready.
- Watch out for foreign transaction fees: Not all no-fee cards are good for international use.
- Redeem wisely: Use points/miles for flights, hotels, or transfer partners—not gift cards.
✅ What to Look For in a Travel Rewards Card Without an Annual Fee
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sign-up bonus | Jump-starts your rewards stash. |
| Flexible redemption | Travel, statement credit, or transfers. |
| Foreign transaction fee | Prefer cards with no fee for international use. |
| Bonus categories | Higher earnings on travel, dining, etc. |
| Credit requirement | Most require good to excellent credit (680+). |
✈️ Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune—and your credit card shouldn’t either. Whether you’re new to travel rewards or just want to keep things simple, these no-annual-fee travel credit cards offer excellent value. With smart usage, you can turn everyday purchases into memorable getaways without ever paying a fee.
So, pick the card that fits your lifestyle, start earning, and let your next adventure begin—on points.