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The best travel credit cards with no annual fee: Which is for you?

Looking for the best travel credit cards with no annual fee? Here are 5 options you can use to save money, earn rewards, and travel smarter.

Published: January 7, 2026

If you’re someone who loves saving smart, then the idea of not paying a yearly fee for your credit card probably hits differently. Because annual fees look harmless when you sign up, but they stack up, don’t they? And those renewal fees? You’ll still pay them even when your backpack never left the closet.

So today, we’re breaking down the 5 best travel credit cards with no annual fee. You’ll learn what each card offers, the special features they have, and the incredible perks that stand out. Plus we’ll walk through their pros and cons. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. VentureOne Rewards from Capital One

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a strong option for first-time cardholders, and budget-minded travelers who want perks without an annual fee. You earn rewards miles on every purchase, plus extra miles when you book hotels, rentals, and travel through Capital One Travel. New cardholders also receive limited-time bonuses that can help reduce early travel costs.

Physical or virtual card: Physical card, as well as transactions via virtual card numbers for safer online payments.

Special features / bonuses

  • Earn up to 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in your first 3 months.
  • Bonus $100 travel credit during your first cardholder year.
  • 1.25 miles per dollar on everyday spending.
  • 5 miles per dollar on travel booked through Capital One Travel.
  • Use miles to pay for flights, stays, rental cars, or redeem as statement credit.
  • Redeem miles with Amazon and PayPal.
  • Transfer miles to 15+ partner airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • Hertz Five Star® status included.
  • Enjoy exclusive dining and entertainment perks through Capital One Dining & Capital One Entertainment.
  • 50% off handcrafted drinks at Capital One Cafés nationwide.

Cost:

Annual fee is $0. And 0% APR intro for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Variable APR applies afterward. No foreign transaction fees are applicable.

App display:

The app is intuitive, simple to use, and packed with tools. You can track your credit score with CreditWise, set up autopay, chat with Eno, the virtual assistant, lock or replace your card instantly, and receive alerts for unusual activity or duplicate charges.

Any special promos or details?

  • Limited-time miles and travel credit bonuses available for new applicants.
  • Shopping browser extension automatically applies coupon codes.
  • Exclusive access to presale tickets, dining events, and curated entertainment. experiences.

Having said that, we feel the only drawback this card has is that the variable APR jumps significantly after the intro period.

2. Revolut Travel money card

If you’re someone who wants the freedom of international spending without worrying about debt, interest, or credit checks, Revolut’s Travel money card is a standout. You can spend in 150+ currencies, exchange money at competitive rates, send money abroad, and hold 36 currencies in-app. It’s perfect for students studying abroad, backpackers, or digital nomads hopping between countries.

Physical or virtual card: Both physical and virtual.

Special features / bonuses

  • Spend in 150+ global currencies.
  • Hold 36 local currencies in your account.
  • Get real-time payment notifications.
  • Link to Apple Pay & Google Pay instantly.
  • Freeze/unfreeze your card in-app.
  • Set spending limits to stay on budget.
  • Currency exchange and ATM fee rules depend on the plan.
  • Withdraw cash abroad, fee-free up to plan limits.
  • Manage money, top-ups, and transfers fully in-app.

Cost:

Revolut offers multiple plan tiers. The Standard plan is free with basic everyday travel spending. Their Plus plan is for £3.99/month and offers better ATM & FX limits. Their top plan is the Ultra plan that comes at £55/month with premium perks like lounges, data, coverage etc. 

App display:

Revolut’s app is clean, modern, and highly intuitive. Everything from currency exchange to freezing your card to tracking expenses happens in a few taps. Perfect for travelers who want control and budgeting tools in one place.

Any special promos or details?

  • Instantly connect your virtual card to pay with your phone.
  • Built-in security alerts and card controls.
  • Some plans include travel insurance, purchase protection, lounge access, global data, and premium partner perks.
person using one of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee to buy a train ticket
Person using travel credit card with no annual fee to buy a train ticket

3. Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

The Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card lets you start earning rewards right away. If eligible, you can begin spending instantly using a virtual card, even before your physical card arrives. You earn cash back on every purchase, and your rewards never expire as long as the account remains open. One dollar earned equals one dollar you can redeem, making the rewards straightforward.

Physical or virtual card: Virtual as well as physical card. You can manage it digitally via the mobile app.

Special features / bonuses

  • 5% cash back each quarter on everyday purchases such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.
  • $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee, meaning you’re never responsible for unauthorized charges.
  • Added security features include Social Security number alerts if your information is found on the dark web.

Cost:

No annual fee. 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% intro balance transfer fee until April. After that, a 17.49% to 26.49% variable APR applies, and future balance transfers may carry a fee of up to 5%.

App display:

Everything lives inside one app. And it’s super easy to use. You can track cashback rewards, receive instant payment notifications, set alerts,and freeze your card right from your phone.

Any special promos or details?

  • Cashback Match feature where Discover automatically matches every dollar of cash back earned in your first year.
  • Free Social Security number monitoring.

4. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card delivers strong travel value without an annual fee. It’s a solid pick for everyday spenders who want reward points that stretch more when they hit the road. You’ll earn bonus points across travel, dining, transit, streaming, and phone plans. Basically, you’ll earn perks and benefits across categories that naturally fit both day-to-day life and frequent travel routines.

Physical or virtual card: Physical card. Virtual card available for instant use depending on eligibility.

Special features / bonuses

  • 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, redeemable for ~$200 toward travel.
  • Earn 3X points on travel, restaurants, gas, transit, EV charging, popular streaming services, and phone plans.
  • Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.
  • Cell phone protection (up to $600 with $25 deductible).
  • Roadside dispatch service.
  • Emergency card replacement & cash disbursement.
  • Zero liability protection for unauthorized transactions.
  • Access to My Wells Fargo Deals for personalized cashback offers.

Cost:

$0 annual fee. And no foreign transaction fees as well. Standard APR varies by credit profile.

App display:

Clean interface with simple reward tracking, card controls, real-time security alerts, and deal notifications integrated directly in the Wells Fargo mobile app.

Any special promos or details?

  • Exclusive access to select live events & experiences.
  • Visa Signature® Concierge and Luxury Hotel Collection benefits.
  • Strong category multipliers (3X on most high-spend lifestyle + travel categories).

5. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

We saved one of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee for last! The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is flexible, and built for everyday travel perks. It’s a favorite for travelers who want rewards without dealing with annual fees, blackout dates, or complicated bonus categories. Every purchase earns travel points, whether you’re booking flights, grabbing airport coffee, or ordering dinner at home. With an attractive welcome bonus and flexible redemption options, it’s a strong card for travelers who want value on their transactions.

Physical or virtual card: Physical card. 

Special features / bonuses

  • Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent.
  • Redeem points for travel and dining purchases.
  • No blackout dates or booking restrictions.
  • Points never expire as long as the account remains open.
  • Flat-rate earning. 

Cost:

No annual fee. And low introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. 

App display:

Clean interface with clean and simple reward tracking. Easy redemption for travel and dining credits. Plus push alerts for purchases and payments.

Any special promos or details?

  • 25,000 bonus points after $1,000 spent in the first 90 days (worth $250 in travel or dining credits).
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Flexible travel and dining redemption.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

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Why travel credit cards with no annual fee give travelers a real advantage

The best no annual fee credit cards for travel are more than payment tools; they let you save smarter and experience more. By eliminating annual charges and offering rewards on everyday spending, these cards help you build credit, earn perks, and protect your international purchases without added costs. They can reduce currency fees, support better budgeting, offer stronger fraud protection, and include travel benefits that make every journey smoother. Whether you’re a student planning your first international trip, a frequent flyer exploring a new destination, or a digital nomad balancing work and adventure, the right no-fee travel card keeps your money where it belongs, and that’s with you. 

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Niyati Shinde

Niyati Shinde

Freelance writer

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