10 Of The Best Travel Cards To Use This Summer

It’s going to be a busy summer of travel. Some experts are even saying summer 2023 could be the summer of peak travel. Over 60% of adults in the U.S. plan to travel this summer, an increase of 61% from the same time last year, according to a recent survey by Bankrate. That is why when it comes to  planning your summer vacation, finding the right travel credit card can significantly impact your overall experience. If you’re searching for the best travel credit card with no annual fee, there are plenty of options for you to complete all your summer adventures.

1. Bank of America^® Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is the ultimate starter card for travelers. If you are looking for something simple then getting a card with unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases is the way to go. It offers an introductory 0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. Plus you can earn a signup bonus of 25,000 online bonus points, which is a $250 travel or dining statement credit value, after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. Not too shabby!

2. Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex card is ideal for those who want a card with rotating rewards. It offers 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories, including popular retailers like Lowes and Amazon. You can also earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery), and 3% on drugstore purchases.Earn a $200 bonus for a limited time after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months. The card also has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

3. American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^®

The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card is an excellent choice if you’re a loyal American Airlines customer. This card offers 2x miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores and on American Airlines purchases and 1x miles for every $1 spent on other purchases. You can earn a signup bonus of 10,000 AAdvantage bonus miles and a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first three months. Remember that the regular APR is higher than other cards, so it’s essential to pay off your balance each month.

4. Discover It^® Cash Back

The Discover It Cash Back card is an excellent option for travelers who don’t have a specific airline or hotel chain preference. It offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places every quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Although it doesn’t currently have a signup bonus, it does come with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases. With its low variable APR, this card can be valuable to your wallet.

5. Alliant Visa^® Signature Credit Card

The Alliant Visa Signature Credit Card is a cash back card that rewards you for everyday purchases. Get 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle (for Tier One Only) and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. While it doesn’t have a welcome bonus or an introductory APR, it provides additional perks such as no monthly service fees and ATM rebates of $20. The tier system for rewards is also beneficial if your expenses ever increase.

6.  Hilton Honors American Express Card

For Hilton enthusiasts, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a must-have. It offers a generous rewards rate, including 7x points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 5x points on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), groceries at U.S. supermarkets, and gas at U.S. stations, and 3x points on all other purchases. Earn that signup bonus of 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a free night reward if you spend $1,000 on card purchases within the first three months. Remember that the regular APR is variable and on the higher side.

7. Delta SkyMiles^® Blue American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is an excellent choice if you frequently fly with Delta. It offers 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, 2x miles on Delta purchases, and 1x miles on all other purchases. You can earn a signup bonus of 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on the card within the first six months. The card also provides benefits such as 20% savings for in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees. However, it doesn’t offer an introductory APR, and the highest miles-back category requires Delta purchases.

8. Wells Fargo Autograph℠Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a value-packed card with no annual fee. It offers unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Other spending earns 1 point per dollar. You can earn a bonus of 20,000 points when you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months, equivalent to a $200 cash redemption value. The card also comes with a 0% intro APR for 12 months. However, it doesn’t provide the perks of a dedicated airline or hotel card, and points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel programs.

9. Citi^® Double Cash Card

While the Citi Double Cash Card is not specifically a travel card, its generous rewards structure makes it a great option for travelers. You can earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you make the purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off. The card doesn’t have a signup bonus or introductory APR, but its simplicity and high cash back rate make it a valuable addition to your wallet.

10.  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a travel card with no annual fee that offers flexible rewards. You can earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, with no limits or categories to worry about. It also provides a signup bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months. The card comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, making it a great choice if you’re planning a big trip.

 Bottom line

Choosing the best travel credit card with no annual fee depends on your personal spending habits and travel preferences. These ten options provide a range of benefits, from cashback rewards to travel miles, allowing you to find the card that aligns with your needs.

Remember to use your travel credit card responsibly, pay your bills on time, and monitor your account for fraudulent activity. Choosing the right travel card can unlock rewards and benefits to enhance your summer adventures and make your travels even more memorable.