Travelers are itching to hit the skies and explore the world once again. Whether you’re planning a well-deserved vacation or just a quick getaway, earning rewards on your travel spending is always a bonus. However, many travel credit cards come with hefty annual fees, which might not make sense for occasional travelers.
At Personal Finances Blog, we understand the importance of saving money while still enjoying the benefits of travel rewards. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee for January 2024. So, let’s dive in and discover your perfect travel companion without breaking the bank!
Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards Compared 2024
Our Recommendations
Best for Cash Back on Travel: Costco Anywhere Visa
If you’re a Costco member and want a no-annual-fee card that offers cash back on travel, the Costco Anywhere Visa is unbeatable. This card rewards you with an impressive 3% cash back on travel categories including airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel agencies, cruise lines, and Costco Travel. Plus, you’ll also earn cash back on other purchases at Costco and Costco.com. The only catch is that the rewards are in the form of Costco Cash, which can be redeemed for merchandise or cash at Costco.
- 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent each year on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, then 1% thereafter.
- 3% cash back at restaurants worldwide.
- 3% cash back on eligible travel purchases.
- 2% cash back on all other purchases at Costco and Costco.com.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
Best for Hilton Stays: Hilton Honors American Express
If your travel plans involve staying at Hilton hotels, the Hilton Honors American Express card is a must-have. Earn an impressive seven Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar spent at participating Hilton hotel properties, as well as five Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar on U.S. restaurant and gas station purchases. This card is also great for international travelers as it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
- 7 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at any participating Hilton hotel.
- 5 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
- 3 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
Best for United Miles: United Gateway Card
United MileagePlus enthusiasts looking to boost their mileage balances without paying an annual fee should consider the United Gateway Card. Earn two United miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, gas stations, and local transit and commuting. Additionally, the card offers 25% back on United inflight and United Club premium drink purchases, as well as essential travel insurance coverage.
- 2 United miles per dollar spent on United purchases.
- 2 United miles per dollar spent at gas stations.
- 2 United miles per dollar spent on local transit and commuting.
- 1 United mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- No annual fee.
- Member FDIC.
Best for American Miles: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp
If you’re an American Airlines fan and want to earn miles on your purchases, look no further than the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card. Earn two AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at grocery stores, making it a great choice for everyday expenses. The card also offers a unique feature of helping you earn elite status with American Airlines.
- 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services.
- 1 AAdvantage mile per dollar spent everywhere else.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
Best for Delta Miles: Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express
Delta Air Lines flyers can earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee by holding the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card. This card offers two SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and restaurants, as well as a 20% rebate on in-flight purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, it’s an excellent choice for international travelers who prefer SkyTeam.
- 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
- 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent at restaurants.
- 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
Best for ThankYou Points: Citi Rewards+ Card
The Citi Rewards+ Card may not be specifically designed for travel, but it currently offers bonus points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal. If you’re already invested in the Citi ThankYou Points ecosystem, this card is a must-have for its point bonus on redemptions, including a 10% rebate on point redemptions. Combine your ThankYou Points accounts for even greater benefits.
- 5 ThankYou Points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions when booked through the Citi Travel Portal (until June 30, 2024).
- 2 ThankYou Points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent per year at supermarkets and gas stations, then 1X Points thereafter.
- 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
Our Methodology
At Personal Finances Blog, we follow a rigorous methodology to bring you the best recommendations. To determine the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, we thoroughly reviewed offerings from various banks, U.S.-based airlines, and major hotel chains. Our criteria included cash back cards that earn greater than 2% cash rewards on travel, as well as co-branded hotel and airline cards that offer at least two points per dollar on brand purchases. By aligning your preferred travel brand with the right no-annual-fee card, you can maximize your miles and points.
Time Stamp: Brand Loyalty Can Be Rewarding
If you’re a Costco member, the Costco Anywhere Visa offers the best travel rewards across a variety of travel purchases. However, if you’re not a Costco member, don’t fret! Simply choose the entry-level card from your preferred travel brand that offers the best rewards with no annual fee. Loyalty to your chosen brand can reap significant rewards.
For more financial tips and tricks, visit Personal Finances Blog. Happy travels!
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