Who doesn’t dream of jetting off to Paris or lounging on a beach without breaking the bank? The best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees in 2025 make it possible to earn miles and points for free travel while keeping your wallet happy. These cards offer impressive rewards without the burden of yearly costs, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 6 best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and tips to earn travel miles like a pro. Let’s pack your bags with rewards!
Why Choose the Best Travel Credit Cards for Big Rewards with No Annual Fees?
Travel credit cards with no annual fees are a game-changer for savvy travelers. A 2024 U.S. News survey found that 62% of travelers prefer cards without annual fees to maximize savings. These cards let you earn travel miles or points on everyday spending, redeemable for flights, hotels, or more, without the cost of premium cards. While they may lack luxury perks like lounge access, their rewards and flexibility make them ideal for occasional or budget travelers.
Here’s why they shine:
- Cost-Free Rewards: No annual fee means more money for travel.
- Flexible Redemptions: Use points for flights, hotels, or statement credits.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Many offer generous welcome offers.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on international purchases.
Ready to earn big rewards? Here are the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees in 2025.
1. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flexible Travel Rewards
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card tops our list of the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees for its simple rewards structure and transferrable miles.
Key Features:
- 1.25X miles on all purchases; 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
- 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in 3 months (worth $200 in travel).
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 19.24%-29.24% variable APR).
Pros:
- Transfer miles to 15+ airline and hotel partners.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus.
Cons:
- Lower base rewards rate than premium cards.
- Limited travel perks.
Real-World Tip: Student Mia earns 25,000 miles yearly on $20,000 in spending, redeeming them for a $250 flight to Mexico via Capital One Travel.
Outbound Link: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: Best for Everyday Spending Rewards
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a standout among the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees for its flat-rate rewards and flexible redemptions.
Key Features:
- 1.5X points on all purchases, no caps.
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in 90 days (worth $250 in travel).
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24%-28.24% variable APR).
Pros:
- Redeem points for any travel purchase (flights, hotels, car rentals).
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Preferred Rewards clients earn 25%-75% more points.
Cons:
- No bonus categories.
- No transfer partners.
Real-World Tip: Freelancer Alex uses this card for $15,000 in annual spending, earning 22,500 points ($225 in travel) for a weekend getaway.
Outbound Link: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
3. Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for Hotel Rewards
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a gem among the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees for hotel enthusiasts, offering robust rewards at Hilton properties.
Key Features:
- 7X points at Hilton hotels; 5X at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; 3X on all else.
- 70,000 bonus points plus a Free Night Reward after spending $2,000 in 6 months (offer ends 4/29/2025).
- Automatic Hilton Honors Silver status.
Pros:
- High rewards in everyday categories.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Generous welcome bonus.
Cons:
- Limited to Hilton properties.
- Variable APR (19.99%-28.99%).
Real-World Tip: Teacher Sarah earns 80,000 points yearly on $10,000 in spending, redeeming for two free nights at a Hilton resort.
Outbound Link: Hilton Honors American Express Card
4. Discover it® Miles: Best for Simplicity in Travel Rewards
The Discover it® Miles card is among the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees for its straightforward miles and first-year match.
Key Features:
- 1.5X miles on all purchases, no caps.
- Miles Match™ doubles all miles earned in the first year.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months (then 17.24%-28.24% variable APR).
Pros:
- Redeem miles for travel or cash back.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- First-year miles doubling.
Cons:
- No bonus categories or transfer partners.
- Limited international acceptance.
Real-World Tip: Retiree Mark earns 30,000 miles on $20,000 in spending, doubled to 60,000 in year one, covering a $600 flight.
Outbound Link: Discover it® Miles
5. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for Bonus Category Rewards
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a strong contender among the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees, offering high rewards in travel and dining.
Key Features:
- 3X points on travel, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and select phone plans; 1X on all else.
- 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in 3 months (worth $200).
- 0% intro APR for 12 months (then 19.24%-29.24% variable APR).
Pros:
- High rewards in everyday categories.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Cellphone protection up to $600.
Cons:
- No transfer partners.
- Limited redemption options.
Real-World Tip: Foodie Priya earns 36,000 points yearly on $12,000 in dining and travel, redeeming for a $360 hotel stay.
Outbound Link: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
6. Bilt Mastercard®: Best for Rent and Travel Rewards
The Bilt Mastercard® rounds out the best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees by rewarding rent payments and offering transferrable points.
Key Features:
- 1X points on rent (up to 100,000 points/year); 2X on travel; 3X on dining; 1X on all else.
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners like United and Hyatt.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Pros:
- Earn rewards on rent without transaction fees.
- Flexible point transfers.
- No annual fee.
Cons:
- Requires five transactions monthly for bonus rewards.
- No welcome bonus.
Real-World Tip: Renter Liam earns 24,000 points yearly on $2,000 monthly rent, transferring to Hyatt for a free night.
Outbound Link: Bilt Mastercard®
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for Big Rewards with No Annual Fees
Picking the best travel credit card for big rewards with no annual fees depends on your spending and travel goals. Here’s a quick guide:
- Flexible Spenders: Capital One VentureOne or Bank of America® Travel Rewards for flat-rate rewards.
- Hotel Lovers: Hilton Honors AmEx for Hilton-specific perks.
- Simplicity Seekers: Discover it® Miles for easy miles and first-year doubling.
- Category Maximizers: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ or Bilt Mastercard® for bonus categories.
Actionable Takeaway: Check your spending over the past three months to identify top categories (e.g., dining, travel). Choose a card with high rewards in those areas, redeem strategically (e.g., via transfer partners for higher value), and pay your balance in full to avoid interest.
Final Thoughts: Earn Big Rewards with No Annual Fees in 2025
The best travel credit cards for big rewards with no annual fees in 2025 prove you don’t need to pay extra to travel smarter. From the Capital One VentureOne’s transferrable miles to the Bilt Mastercard®’s rent rewards, these cards make every dollar count. Pick one that fits your lifestyle, spend wisely, and start planning your next adventure with the rewards you’ve earned!
