Best Travel Credit Cards Without an Annual Fee (2025 Guide)
Travel rewards don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. While premium cards often charge $95–$700 per year, there are excellent no-annual-fee travel cards that still deliver strong rewards, flexible redemption options, and perks for families and savvy travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the best options available in 2025. I personally do not have any of these cards, nor am I an affiliate. A member of my Facebook group asked this question. I thought it would make a good blog post and help them out at the same time.
Let’s travel hack together! Join my Facebook group and share your points and miles adventures or learn from others -> Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s great: Good all-around travel credit card. Earn 5× miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel; 1.25× miles on everything else. Also, no foreign transaction fees
Welcome bonus: Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Best for: Occasional Travelers: It is ideal for those who travel occasionally and want to earn rewards without committing to a specific airline or hotel.
Check out my full guide on the Best Credit Cards for Travel -> Best Points Credit Cards for Travel
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Why it’s great: Earns 3x points on travel, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans.
Welcome bonus: Easy-to-achieve sign-up bonus.
Best for: Families who want broad rewards categories without juggling rotating offers.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s great: Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.
Perks: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, cruises, or dining.
Best for: Simple, flat-rate earning with flexible travel redemptions.
Check out all the places we go thanks to points and miles -> Real Points & Miles Adventures
United Gateway℠ Card
Why it’s great: Earn 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and transit.
Perks: Access to United MileagePlus program without paying an annual fee.
Best for: Travelers who fly United but don’t want to commit to a premium card.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Why it’s great: Earns Hilton points on everyday purchases.
Perks: Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status.
Best for: Families who book Hilton hotels and want elite benefits without paying for them.
Things to Keep in Mind
No annual fee cards usually have fewer luxury perks (like lounge access or travel credits).
They’re perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those just starting out in points and miles.
Always check foreign transaction fees if you plan to use the card abroad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to earn rewards without paying a yearly fee, these cards are excellent entry points into the travel hacking game. Whether you want airline miles, hotel points, or flexible travel rewards, there’s a no-fee card that fits your lifestyle. Personally, I do love Capital One cards. That is why I put it at the top, but there are good options for everyone on here. Especially if you want to start travel hacking without any start-up costs, such as annual fees.
Let’s travel hack together!
