Traveling can get expensive, but using the right credit card can help you earn rewards and enjoy benefits without paying an annual fee. In 2025, there are plenty of credit cards that offer excellent travel rewards without the burden of an annual fee. These cards let you rack up points, enjoy travel perks, and save money—all while keeping your wallet happy.

Here’s a roundup of the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards for 2025 that will make your next trip more affordable and rewarding.

Key Takeaways

• No-annual-fee cards can still offer excellent rewards for travelers.
• Many of these cards come with bonus points, travel protections, and flexible redemption options.
• Even without an annual fee, these cards can help you earn miles, points, and cashback for future travel.

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for: Earning cashback on everyday purchases

Overview:

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a popular choice for travelers looking for a no-annual-fee credit card. It offers a flat-rate cashback system on all purchases, with bonus points in certain categories.

Features:

• Sign-up bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Rewards: 1.5% on every purchase; 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3% on dining and drugstore purchases.
• Redeem for travel: Points can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for travel, where 1 cent per point is typically worth more than traditional cashback.

Why It’s Great for Travelers:

The 5% cashback on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® makes it a strong choice for frequent travelers. Plus, there’s no annual fee, meaning all your rewards go directly toward your next trip.

2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Earning unlimited 1.5% cashback

Overview:

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers simple and straightforward cashback rewards on all purchases, making it ideal for travelers who want to earn on everything, from hotel stays to gas.

Features:

• Sign-up bonus: $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
• Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase, every day.
• No foreign transaction fees: Perfect for international travel.

Why It’s Great for Travelers:

With no foreign transaction fees, this card is excellent for international travelers. The cashback is easy to redeem and use for any part of your trip, whether it’s flights, accommodation, or dining.

3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Earning unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase

Overview:

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is another fantastic no-annual-fee option for travelers. It earns unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent, and the points can be redeemed for any travel purchase, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

Features:

• Sign-up bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, worth $250 in statement credits toward travel purchases.
• Rewards: 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase.
• No foreign transaction fees: Perfect for international travel.

Why It’s Great for Travelers:

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card allows for flexible travel redemptions and is perfect for those who don’t want to deal with rotating categories or bonus points restrictions. It’s also a solid choice for those traveling abroad, thanks to the lack of foreign transaction fees.

4. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Best for: Earning rewards on everyday travel-related purchases

Overview:

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that offers generous rewards on travel-related categories, including restaurants, gas stations, and select streaming services, making it a great option for frequent travelers who spend across a variety of categories.

Features:

• Sign-up bonus: 20,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months (worth $200 in travel).
• Rewards: 3% on travel, dining, and select streaming services; 1% on all other purchases.
• Redeem for travel: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

Why It’s Great for Travelers:

With bonus points in common travel-related spending categories, this card helps you earn fast on dining, gas, and streaming services. It’s a versatile card for those who want to maximize their rewards across their lifestyle, not just during travel.

5. Discover it® Miles

Best for: Earning unlimited miles with the first-year match

Overview:

The Discover it® Miles card offers a simple rewards structure—earn unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent. But what makes it stand out is its unique first-year bonus: Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Features:

• Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the miles you earn in your first year.
• Rewards: 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase.
• No foreign transaction fees: Great for international travel.

Why It’s Great for Travelers:

The first-year miles match is an excellent way to quickly boost your rewards. You can use your miles for travel purchases like flights, hotel stays, and rental cars, making this card a solid pick for travelers looking to build up miles quickly.

6. American Express® Green Card

Best for: Earning rewards on travel and dining

Overview:

The American Express® Green Card is a no-annual-fee card that offers bonus rewards on travel and dining purchases. While it’s not a typical “no-annual-fee” card in its category, it’s an excellent pick for those who travel frequently and want to maximize points on their everyday expenses.

Features:

• Sign-up bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Rewards: 3x points on travel, transit, and dining; 1x points on all other purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees: Perfect for international use.

Why It’s Great for Travelers:

This card offers solid rewards in key travel categories, including transit and dining, making it an ideal choice for frequent flyers and travelers. The point-based rewards can be transferred to a variety of travel partners, adding flexibility to how you redeem your points.

Conclusion

In 2025, there are plenty of excellent no-annual-fee credit cards for travelers that help you earn rewards without adding extra costs. Whether you want cashback, travel points, or both, these cards offer fantastic benefits for frequent flyers and globetrotters on a budget. With perks like no foreign transaction fees, sign-up bonuses, and flexible redemption options, you can travel smarter and save more on your next adventure.