You might think travel cards with annual fees have the best rewards and perks. And while it’s true those types of cards offer elite travel benefits, you can find a no-annual-fee travel card that’s just as rewarding.
This is especially true if you don’t travel very often and are unable to justify the extra cost of an annual fee. Travel rewards cards without annual fees are also a good choice if you’re trying to save money. If your goal is frugal travel, a no-annual-fee credit card is a good fit for your needs.
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Answer a few questions and we’ll recommend one or more credit cards that best fit your needs.
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Pros
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Save money up front. Not paying an annual fee saves you money right out of the gate.
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Earn rewards. No-annual-fee travel cards still offer rewards for everyday spending. And many have fairly lucrative sign-up bonuses.
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Enjoy additional perks. Some no-annual-fee travel cards offer benefits like extended warranty and credit monitoring tools.
Cons
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No elite travel perks. While no-annual-fee travel cards come with good benefits, travel cards with annual fees offer top-tier perks like free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, trip cancellation insurance and complimentary airport lounge access.
It might feel overwhelming to find the best travel credit card with no annual fee, but follow these guidelines to make the process a little less stressful.
- Calculate rewards. You will earn rewards at different rates depending on the type of no-annual-fee travel card you choose, so consider your spending habits. Also, compare sign-up bonuses because they can greatly increase the overall amount you can earn with a card.
- Consider international necessities. If you frequently travel outside the U.S., make sure the card you choose is accepted internationally and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
- Look up additional perks. Most credit cards offer benefits beyond their standard rewards, such as free credit score access, extended warranty coverage, concierge service and travel accident insurance. Decide what benefits matter most to you and look for a card with those perks.
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A no-annual-fee travel credit card is a good option for you if:
- You enjoy travel but only take trips occasionally.
- You need to travel on a budget.
- You’re not a big spender, so the rewards you’d earn don’t justify paying an annual fee.
You’re probably better off with a more elite travel credit card if you:
- Travel frequently and will benefit from a generous rewards program
- Like the rewards and perks offered by annual-fee cards
- Are a big spender, so the rewards you’ll earn will outweigh the cost of an annual fee
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Selecting Credit Cards
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Rating Credit Cards
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