Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Dec 19, 2024+ 2 more+ 2 more
No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
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No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Show More
No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards of December 2024
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for All-around rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for Flat-rate rewards
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Rewards on rent payments
Discover it® Miles: Best for Simple rewards + matching bonus
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost: Best for Capital One miles
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®: Best for AAdvantage miles
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Best for Delta miles
United Gateway℠ Card: Best for United miles
JetBlue Card: Best for JetBlue points
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Best for Marriott points
Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for Hilton points
Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Best Western rewards
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best for IHG points
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: Best for Choice Hotels points
One Key™ Card: Best for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards
Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Capital One miles | $0 | 1.25x-5x | 40,000 miles | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for All-around rewards | $0 | 1x-3x | 20,000 points | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Simple rewards + matching bonus | $0 | 1.5x | Discover Match® | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for AAdvantage miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 15,000 miles | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Hilton points | $0 | 3x-7x | 100,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
Apply Now on Bilt's website on Bilt's website | Best for Rewards on rent payments | None | 1X-3X | N/A | Apply Now on Bilt's website on Bilt's website |
Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Marriott points | $0 | 1x-14x | 30,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Choice Hotels points | $0 | 1x-5x | 40,000 points | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Flat-rate rewards | $0 | 1.5x | 25,000 points | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for United miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 30,000 miles | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for IHG points | $0 | 1x-17x | 80,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Delta miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 10,000 miles | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo | $0 | 1.5%-3% | $300 | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
Best for JetBlue points | $0 | 1x-3x | 10,000 points | ||
Best for Best Western rewards | $0 | 2x-4x | Up to 40,000 Points |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Capital One miles
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel
- 19.49% - 29.49% variable APR; this product does not have an introductory APR period, 4% fee on amounts transferred at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost offers an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar spent.
Miles can be redeemed for statement credit against travel purchases at a value of 1 cent per mile, with no restrictions on when you travel. There's a sign-up bonus, too: Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel..
The ongoing rewards rate is lower than what some competitors offer.
Our pick for: All-around rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories.
The card earns unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The bonus offer is outstanding for a $0-annual-fee card, and you even get a introductory APR period.
The card doesn't have the perks of a dedicated airline or hotel card. You can transfer points to airline and hotel programs, but the options are limited.
Our pick for: Simple rewards + matching bonus
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% - 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Discover it® Miles offers simple flat-rate rewards, gives you control over how big your new-cardholder bonus will be, and is the rare travel card that lets you redeem your miles for cash back with no loss in value.
You earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. Miles are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for statement credit against travel purchases or for cash back. The introductory 0% APR period is one of the best in its class. And you get Discover's unique sign-up offer: UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Discover's acceptance is limited internationally. If your travels will take you outside the U.S., bring along another card or two for backup.
Our pick for: AAdvantage miles
Card details
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 20.49% - 29.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Interest will be charged on purchases unless you pay the balance due, including balance transfers, by the due date each month.
- Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater. Balance Transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the $0-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn miles on everyday purchases.
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® earns 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. It also offers a sign-up bonus, plus a discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases made with the card.
The card doesn't offer free checked bags, and its 3% foreign transaction fee could get costly if you frequently travel internationally.
Our pick for: Hilton points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
- Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- No Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Hilton Honors American Express Card earns bonus rewards on Hilton stays and in common everyday categories. You also get automatic Silver status. Terms apply.
Earn 7 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands; 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; and 3 per dollar on all other purchases. It also offers a welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. Terms Apply.
It doesn't offer an automatic award night every year, and point values are lower than they are in several other award programs. As an American Express card, acceptance abroad may be limited.
Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc
- Other features and benefits include: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Security, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Cellular Telephone Protection, and Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter.
This card earns 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent (up to 100,000 points annually). That might not seem like a jaw-dropping rate, but consider that in most cases, you either can't use a credit card for rent at all, or you can't do so without paying an extra transaction fee that more than wipes out the value of your rewards. The card also earns 3X points at restaurants, 2X on travel, 5X on Lyft (when you link your accounts) and 1X elsewhere, as long as you make at least five transactions each statement period. Those rewards rates, except for rent, are doubled for purchases on the first day of every month ("rent day"). Redemption options include using points to book travel, or transferring them to partner programs including United Airlines, Marriott and Hyatt.
You must use the card at least five times during a statement period to earn most rewards, though you will still earn 250 points on rent. There's no sign-up bonus. If the manager of your property requires that you pay rent by check rather than through an online portal, you can still earn rewards, but Bilt needs to send a check on your behalf.
Our pick for: Marriott points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
- Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
- New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Member FDIC
NerdWallet's take
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers bonus rewards on purchases made at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and other useful spending categories. You'll also earn automatic Silver status and the valuable perks that come with it.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent at qualifying Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per $1 spent on grocery store purchases, rideshare purchases, select food delivery, select streaming, internet, cable and phone services. Other purchases earn 1 point. The automatic Silver status benefit includes perks like priority late checkout, a 10% point bonus on stays, free Wi-Fi and more. There's also a sign-up bonus.
Unlike other hotel cards with annual fees, you won't get a free night's stay every anniversary. Also, bonus categories are somewhat limited compared with other cards.
Our pick for: Choice Hotels points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
- Earn 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
- Earn 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Receive 10 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Gold level status each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you're partial to the affordable, family-friendly brands in the Choice Hotels portfolio, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® deserves a good look. It offers strong earning potential for a $0 annual fee.
You earn 5 points per dollar spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels; 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores, as well as on phone plans; and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply. The card also comes with automatic Gold elite membership in the Choice Privileges program.
Choice's focus on the budget segment of the travel market limits your options if you're hoping to redeem rewards for a more upscale experience.
Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is blessedly simple. You earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. Redeem those points for restaurant purchases or for travel, either by booking through the issuer or as a credit on your statement.
This card has one of the broadest definitions of travel, giving you more ways to use your points. You can also earn up to 75% more points if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® client. There's a nice sign-up bonus and a 0% APR period, too. And since it's a Visa card, you'll find broad acceptance overseas.
A flat-rate card means you don't earn bonus rewards for travel purchases.
Our pick for: United miles
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Limited-time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles
- No annual fee
- 2x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations
- 2x miles on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- Member FDIC
NerdWallet's take
The United Gateway℠ Card gives occasional flyers who prefer United Airlines the opportunity to try out an airline credit card for free.
You earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, as well as at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, and 1 mile per dollar on other spending. There's a decent bonus offer for new cardholders, and the card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
You won't get the free checked bags, priority boarding or other perks that give other airline cards much of their appeal (and which can more than make up for the annual fee on such cards).
Our pick for: IHG points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 80,000 Bonus Points
- No Annual Fee
- Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
NerdWallet's take
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns rewards quickly on IHG hotel stays and eligible everyday purchases.
Earn 15 points total per $1 spent on stays at IHG hotels (5 points with the card and 10 points as an IHG Rewards Club member); 3 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, eligible monthly bills, restaurants; and 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. The card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, and there's a generous sign-up bonus. It also offers a fourth night free when you redeem points for a stay of four nights or more. Terms apply.
Unlike some other hotel credit cards, this card doesn't offer automatic elite status. You have to spend $10,000 to earn Gold status and the perks that come with it. There's no free anniversary night benefit, and point values are relatively low.
Our pick for: Delta miles
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an ideal option for Delta devotees who want rewards without paying an annual fee.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide and on purchases made directly with Delta, and 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases. The card features a modest welcome bonus, plus a 20% discount on in-flight purchases in the form of statement credit when you use the card to buy food and beverages. Terms apply.
It doesn’t offer perks like free checked bags or priority boarding. Since it's an American Express card, you may face limited acceptance abroad.
Our pick for: Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
Card details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn $300 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms.
- Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining and 1.5% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- Get Automatic Silver tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 15% or more with Silver Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. Unlock Gold when you spend $15,000 per calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The One Key™ Card is ideal for Expedia deal-seekers and offers a fair amount of value and perks for a $0-annual-fee card.
You'll be eligible for a relatively generous sign-up bonus, and the card's bonus categories go beyond just travel bookings on Expedia sites. You'll also gain automatic Silver tier status within the One Key rewards program, which confers a variety of perks.
What you won't get are higher-end perks, like travel credits. And as with any co-branded travel card, there's little flexibility: You're locked into earning and redeeming within the Expedia family, which also includes Hotels.com and Vrbo.
Our pick for: JetBlue points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
- Earn 3X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases.
- Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don't expire.
- 50% inflight savings on beverages and meals.
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
- No blackout dates. Redeem for any seat, any time on Jet-Blue operated flights.
- Points do not expire.
NerdWallet's take
With the JetBlue Card, you can earn easy rewards on everyday purchases in addition to airfare. And you won’t have to worry about blackout dates once you’re ready to redeem them.
The card earns 3 points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases; 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. You’ll also enjoy 50% in-flight savings on cocktail and food purchases, and there's no foreign transaction fee. Plus, there's a sign-up bonus.
The card doesn’t offer a free-checked-bag benefit.
Our pick for: Best Western rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn up to 40,000 bonus points with qualifying spend.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 4 points per $1 on Best Western stays and purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
- Automatic Gold Elite Status.
- Earn 10,000 bonus points by spending $5,000 during each cardmember year.
- When you pay your monthly wireless bill with your card, your cell phone will be protected for the next calendar month.
- When you book travel with your card, you'll receive up to $300 when you're stuck for more than twelve hours.
- When you purchase travel with your card, you'll be covered for your non-refundable fare up to $2,000 if your trip is interrupted or cancelled.
NerdWallet's take
The Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card offers solid rewards you can redeem for stays and a variety of other options. With automatic Gold status, you also get additional perks.
The card earns 14 points per $1 spent on Best Western stays (10 points as a Best Western Rewards member, 4 points with the card) and 2 points per $1 spent on everything else. There's a solid sign-up bonus: Bonus points offer of 10,000 to 40,000 points with qualifying spend. You’ll see your bonus points offer before you apply. With automatic Gold status, you also get perks like a 10% points bonus, early check-in and late checkout, and more.
There's no free anniversary night benefit, and point values are only so-so.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST NO ANNUAL FEE TRAVEL CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
» FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE TRAVEL REWARDS
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Our pick for: All-around rewards
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards
One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.
Discover it® Miles
Our pick for: Simple rewards + matching bonus
The Discover it® Miles is the rare travel credit card that lets you redeem your rewards for travel or for cash back at the same rate. (Also rare among travel cards is its intro APR period for balance transfers.) You earn unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar spent on purchases, and the miles are generally worth 1 cent apiece — that's a solid rate for a card with no annual fee. As with other Discover cards, this one matches the rewards you earn in your first year. Read our review.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost
Our pick for: Capital One miles
With the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost, you don't pay an annual fee, but you also don't get rewards as rich as those on the regular Venture card (see rates and fees). Still, the bonus offer makes this a solid card for starting out with travel rewards. Read our review.
» FOR AIRLINE TRAVEL
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Our pick for: AAdvantage miles
For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn not only miles but also credit toward elite frequent-flyer status. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Our pick for: Delta miles
To unlock the most valuable perks of airline credit cards, you'll have to pay an annual fee. But if you're a leisure traveler just hoping to earn airline miles in the background, it's hard to do better than the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Read our review.
United Gateway℠ Card
Our pick for: United miles
This entry-level card gives occasional leisure flyers who prefer United Airlines a way to try out an airline credit card for free. Unlike a lot of cards in its class, it won't cost anything to carry, even if you seldom use it. But it lacks valuable airline-card perks, such as free checked bags and early boarding. Read our review.
JetBlue Card
Our pick for: JetBlue points
With the JetBlue Card, you can earn easy rewards on everyday purchases in addition to airfare. And you won’t have to worry about blackout dates once you’re ready to redeem them. Read our review.
» FOR HOTEL REWARDS
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Our pick for: Marriott points
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers bonus rewards not only on purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, but also on other useful spending categories. Plus, you'll earn automatic Silver status and the valuable perks that come with it. Read our review.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Our pick for: Hilton points
The Hilton Honors American Express Card earns bonus rewards on Hilton stays and in common everyday categories. You also get automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver status. Terms apply. Read our review.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Our pick for: IHG points
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns rewards quickly on IHG hotel stays and eligible everyday purchases. Read our review.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Our pick for: Choice Hotels
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns a fairly high rate on stays at Choice Hotels, as well as on major everyday spending categories. It's a solid choice if you're a Choice loyalist, but a general-purpose travel card offers more flexibility. Read our review.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
Our pick for: Wyndham points
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card rewards you well for Wyndham stays, while also earning bonus points in some popular everyday categories. It offers Gold status and a way to earn a free night each year if you spend enough, all for a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Best Western rewards
The Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card offers solid rewards you can redeem for stays and a variety of other options. With automatic Gold status, you also get additional perks. Read our review.
ASK OUR CREDIT CARD EXPERTS
Kenley Young
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I think once an annual fee exceeds $95 — which is more or less the mass-market standard on a travel card — you need to be prepared to do some math to ensure you're getting a deal.
Kenley Young
Editor, credit cards
Craig Joseph
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
Oftentimes a big sign-up bonus can negate the annual fee for multiple years, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a card without much out-of-pocket expense.
Craig Joseph
Writer, travel rewards
Sally French
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I pay more than $1,000 in annual fees on credit cards, so my line is, uh, not exactly low. Maybe this is obvious, but if you can't justify the benefits with ease, then don't keep the card open. And the ability to justify those benefits varies by not just person, but the stage of your life. A credit card with automatic elite status and free hotel night certificates might make sense the year you're having your honeymoon, but not the year you're raising infants. The second you start to get anxiety about using the benefits (as opposed to being thankful for all your upgrades and other VIP perks) is the second you should drop that card.
Sally French
Writer/spokesperson, travel rewards
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
The annual fee has to be easy to make up with the card’s perks and rewards. It can’t take a lot of brain power or planning for me. As long as I’m not required to jump through hoops and overspend for the card to pay for itself, I’m open to a higher annual fee.
Melissa Lambarena
Writer, credit cards
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I think once an annual fee exceeds $95 — which is more or less the mass-market standard on a travel card — you need to be prepared to do some math to ensure you're getting a deal.
Kenley Young
Editor, credit cards
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
Oftentimes a big sign-up bonus can negate the annual fee for multiple years, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a card without much out-of-pocket expense.
Craig Joseph
Writer, travel rewards
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I pay more than $1,000 in annual fees on credit cards, so my line is, uh, not exactly low. Maybe this is obvious, but if you can't justify the benefits with ease, then don't keep the card open. And the ability to justify those benefits varies by not just person, but the stage of your life. A credit card with automatic elite status and free hotel night certificates might make sense the year you're having your honeymoon, but not the year you're raising infants. The second you start to get anxiety about using the benefits (as opposed to being thankful for all your upgrades and other VIP perks) is the second you should drop that card.
Sally French
Writer/spokesperson, travel rewards
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.