Table of Contents
Introduction
Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards for International Travel
Credit Cards: When it comes to saving money on flights, hotels, and even restaurant bills when traveling abroad, travel credit cards can save the day. And here’s good news for international travelers looking for a travel credit card that doesn’t charge extra annual fees—you’ve come to the right place! There are really, very many options in 2024 that may provide the best rewards along with travelling benefits but that charge annual fees. So with those cards, although apart from being foreign transaction-free, hence there would never be surcharge charges added every swipe for traveling internationally, but besides that feature, incredible reward benefits stand to win a lot for users’ credit card accounts.
We’re going to talk about the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards for international travel in 2024. We will learn what’s specific about each card, why they’re great for travelers, and how you can maximize your rewards. We’ll also give some tips on how to pick the best card for your travel needs, and at the end, we will answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started finding the perfect card for your international adventures!
Discover it® Miles
Key Features:
- Earn unlimited 1.5x miles per dollar on every purchase.
- At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned.
- No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international use.
- Simple rewards structure – no need to track categories.
Why it’s Great for Travelers: The Discover it® Miles card is straightforward and rewarding. While some cards complicate things with rotating categories or bonus points for specific purchases, Discover keeps it simple. You earn 1.5x miles on every purchase, no matter what you buy. The big draw is Discover’s unique miles-matching offer at the end of your first year. If you earn 20,000 miles in your first year, Discover will double that and give you a total of 40,000 miles, which can be a major boost in rewards!
Pros:
- No annual fee.
- Rewards match at the end of the first year.
- Easy-to-understand rewards structure.
Cons:
- Discover is not as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard.
- No travel perks like lounge access or priority boarding.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Key Features:
- Earn unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase.
- Redeem miles for travel purchases without blackout dates.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Miles Boost program for additional rewards in specific categories.
Why it’s Great for Travelers: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card is flexible, making it perfect for travelers who don’t want to be tied down by a single airline or hotel chain. The Miles Boost program adds an extra layer of earning potential, especially if you’re making purchases in specific categories like dining or entertainment.
Pros:
- Flexible redemption options for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses.
- No annual fee.
- Miles Boost offers extra miles on some categories.
Cons:
- Slightly lower earning rate (1.25x) compared to some other travel cards.
- No premium travel perks, like lounge access or hotel upgrades.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Key Features:
- Earn 3x points on popular travel categories like dining, gas, and transit.
- No foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
- Includes cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card.
Why it’s Great for Travelers: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers a strong rewards structure for everyday spending categories that many travelers will appreciate. Not only does it offer bonus points for dining and gas, but it also provides added peace of mind with cell phone protection – a handy perk for travelers who rely on their phones for maps, translations, and communication abroad.
Pros:
- Generous rewards on travel-related categories.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Includes cell phone protection.
Cons:
- Limited travel-specific perks.
- Wells Fargo’s reward redemption options are more limited compared to some other cards.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Key Features:
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees, ideal for international travel.
- Access to the Bank of America online travel booking portal for additional perks.
Why it’s Great for Travelers: This card keeps it simple with a flat rewards rate of 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, so you don’t need to think about spending in specific categories. This straightforward earning structure makes it easy to maximize rewards. The online travel booking portal through Bank of America can also add value, as you may get special discounts or perks by booking travel through it.
Pros:
- Flat-rate rewards are simple to track.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Access to travel booking portal for additional benefits.
Cons:
- Limited travel benefits outside of the flat-rate rewards structure.
- No extra perks like travel insurance or airport lounge access.
United Gateway℠ Card
Key Features:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, gas stations, and transit.
- Redeem miles for United Airlines flights and other travel options.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Priority boarding and baggage benefits with United.
Why it’s Great for Travelers: If you’re a frequent United Airlines flyer, the United Gateway℠ Card offers excellent value. It’s the only card on this list with specific airline benefits, so it’s perfect for those who often choose United for their flights. With perks like priority boarding, you can enjoy a smoother travel experience and potentially score free checked bags, which saves money on every trip.
Pros:
- Good for United Airlines travelers.
- Travel perks like priority boarding and baggage benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Limited earning categories beyond United purchases and a few other categories.
- Only valuable for those who frequently fly with United.
Choosing the Best Card for You
When picking the best no-annual-fee travel credit card for international travel, here are a few things to consider:
- Rewards Structure: Do you want a flat-rate card, or do you prefer bonus points on specific spending categories? Flat-rate cards are simpler, while category-based cards can yield higher rewards if they align with your spending habits.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None of the cards on this list have foreign transaction fees, which is ideal. Make sure this is a priority if you’ll be using the card frequently while abroad.
- Travel Perks: Some cards come with perks like priority boarding, cell phone protection, or access to a travel portal. Decide what features matter most to you.
- Your Travel Habits: Are you loyal to a specific airline? If so, a co-branded airline card like the United Gateway℠ Card could be ideal. If you value flexibility, go for a card that lets you redeem points across multiple airlines and hotels.
Tips for Maximizing Your Travel Rewards
- Use Your Card for Everyday Spending: To maximize rewards, use your travel credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining out.
- Pay Your Balance on Time: Interest charges can negate your rewards quickly, so avoid carrying a balance whenever possible.
- Plan for Big Purchases: For cards with first-year bonus features (like the Discover it® Miles), time your big purchases to maximize rewards.
- Track Your Points: Set up an account with your card issuer’s rewards program to easily track your earnings and explore redemption options.
- Look Out for Promotional Offers: Some issuers offer promotional miles or bonus points for spending in specific categories or with partner brands.
Conclusion
Choosing the best no-annual-fee travel credit card depends on your unique travel habits, spending patterns, and which benefits matter most to you. From the straightforward rewards of the Discover it® Miles to the airline-specific perks of the United Gateway℠ Card, each card offers something different. By understanding the strengths of each card and aligning them with your travel goals, you can enjoy a rewarding and cost-effective international travel experience. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a frequent flyer, there’s a no-annual-fee travel card that’s just right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a foreign transaction fee?
A foreign transaction fee is an extra charge that some credit cards impose when you make a purchase in a foreign currency or with a foreign-based retailer. Many travel credit cards waive this fee, which can save you around 2-3% on each purchase abroad.
- Can I use these travel cards for everyday purchases?
Yes! Each card on this list is designed for everyday spending as well as travel purchases. In fact, using them for everyday spending is a great way to earn more rewards.
- Are there any downsides to no-annual-fee travel cards?
No-annual-fee travel cards often come with fewer premium perks compared to cards with annual fees. However, they can still offer great rewards and are a budget-friendly choice for casual travelers.
- What’s the benefit of a flat-rate rewards card?
Flat-rate rewards cards, like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards card, make it easy to earn consistent rewards on all purchases without tracking categories. They’re ideal for users who prefer simplicity.
- Can I redeem miles for cash back?
Some travel cards allow you to redeem points or miles for cash back, though the value might be lower than redeeming for travel.
- Is Discover widely accepted outside the U.S.?
Discover has expanded its network internationally, but it may not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard in certain regions. It’s always a good idea to have a backup payment option when traveling internationally.
- Do any of these cards include travel insurance?
No-annual-fee cards generally don’t offer comprehensive travel insurance, though some cards may offer certain protections like rental car coverage or trip delay insurance. Check the specific terms of each card.
- Can I transfer my miles between travel credit cards?
In most cases, miles or points are tied to a specific rewards program and can’t be transferred between different card issuers. Some cards, however, may allow you to transfer points within their own network of partner airlines or hotels.
- What’s the best way to redeem miles or points?
Travel rewards generally yield the best value when redeemed for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses. Cash-back redemptions might not offer the same value.
- Are co-branded airline cards worth it if I only fly occasionally?
Co-branded cards, like the United Gateway℠ Card, are best for frequent flyers of a specific airline. If you fly different airlines, a flexible rewards card may be a better fit.
