Best Low Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards: Maximize Your Rewards Without Breaking the Bank

Travelling can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also come with hefty expenses. One way to mitigate these costs is through travel credit cards that offer rewards and perks. However, many premium travel cards come with high annual fees that can eat into your travel budget.
Fortunately, there are excellent low-fee annual fee travel credit cards that provide valuable benefits without the burden of high costs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best low annual fee travel credit cards available today and highlight their features, benefits, and why they stand out.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% on dining, and 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel through the Chase portal.
Why It Stands Out:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a fantastic earning potential with no annual fee. The bonus categories, especially for dining and travel, make it an ideal choice for those who want to accumulate rewards effortlessly. Plus, the ability to transfer points to other Chase cards adds flexibility for maximizing rewards.
2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $39
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates: 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Additional Perks: Access to credit monitoring and potential for credit line increase after making your first five monthly payments on time.
Why It Stands Out:
While it has a nominal annual fee, the Capital One QuicksilverOne card offers consistent cash back on all purchases, making it a solid choice for everyday use. Its straightforward rewards structure is perfect for those who want to keep things simple without worrying about rotating categories.
3. Discover it® Miles
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: Discover will match all the miles you earn in your first year.
- Earning Rates: 1.5x miles on every purchase.
- Redemption Options: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or as a statement credit.
Why It Stands Out:
The Discover it® Miles card is unique in that it offers a year-long bonus where Discover matches all the miles you earn, which can significantly boost your rewards. With no annual fee and a simple earning rate, it’s a fantastic option for those looking to earn travel rewards without added costs.
4. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates: 3x points on dining, travel, gas stations, transit, and popular streaming services; 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel, cash, gift cards, and merchandise.
Why It Stands Out:
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers a robust earning structure across a variety of spending categories, making it ideal for those who like to earn rewards in multiple ways. The lack of an annual fee paired with a generous sign-up bonus makes it an attractive option for travellers.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earning Rates: 1.5 points on all purchases; 3 points on travel purchases.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel expenses with no blackout dates.
Why It Stands Out:
This card earns unlimited points on every purchase, with no expiration on rewards. The ability to redeem points for travel expenses makes it a flexible option for frequent travellers, and the absence of an annual fee makes it even more appealing.

6. American Express Blue Sky® Credit Card
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: 7,500 bonus points after you make your first purchase.
- Earning Rates: 1 point for every dollar spent, with double points on travel purchases.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings or as a statement credit.
Why It Stands Out:
The American Express Blue Sky® Credit Card provides a straightforward approach to earning rewards on travel purchases. The sign-up bonus and no annual fee make it an appealing option for first-time travellers looking to earn points on their spending.
7. Citi® Double Cash Card
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: None, but earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- Redemption Options: Cashback can be used as a statement credit, check, or direct deposit.
Why It Stands Out:
Although it is primarily a cash-back card, the Citi® Double Cash Card earns 2% on every purchase, providing excellent value for those who want to travel while earning cash back. The flexibility in redeeming cash back makes it a great choice for those who prefer tangible rewards.
8. HSBC Travel Rewards Credit Card
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 10,000 points after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates: 3x points on travel and hotel, 1 point on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings, gift cards, and statement credits.
Why It Stands Out:
The HSBC Travel Rewards Credit Card offers a solid points earning structure specifically for travel-related purchases. The lack of an annual fee combined with a reasonable sign-up bonus makes it an attractive option for those looking to earn rewards while traveling.
Conclusion
Low annual fee travel credit cards provide excellent opportunities to earn rewards without the burden of high costs. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking to maximize your spending, these cards offer valuable benefits and flexibility.
When selecting a card, consider your spending habits, preferred travel methods, and the types of rewards that matter most to you. With the right card in hand, you can make your travel experiences more enjoyable while keeping your budget intact. Happy travels!