Worawee Meepian/Getty Images
Some of the best travel credit cards — like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®️ and The Platinum Card®️ from American Express — charge hundreds of dollars each year in exchange for premium benefits. While credit cards are great tools to reduce travel expenses and provide extra perks during your vacation, you don’t need to pay a small fortune to enjoy a decent travel card.
Here are my six favorite travel card recommendations all with annual fees under $100.
Read this before choosing a travel card with a low annual fee
Not sure what you need in a travel card beyond a low annual fee? Here are some factors to consider to help you find the most affordable option for your money goals.
A welcome bonus is one of the best ways to earn a lot of points in a hurry. These offers are available when you first open an account, and you’ll earn the bonus by meeting the card’s spending requirement before the deadline.
Earning power. The card’s earning power helps you turn everyday expenses into rewards. Choosing a card with bonus categories that align with your spending allows you to maximize your rewards.
How easy is it to redeem rewards, and are you able to redeem rewards for the type of travel you prefer? Are there any limitations or extra perks available when redeeming points?
What perks does the card offer beyond earning and redeeming points, such as elite status, an annual free night, free checked bags or travel protections.
If you have a rewards credit card, you should be paying the card in full each month to avoid interest. However, you may need to occasionally carry a balance in an emergency or with a large purchase. Having a lower interest rate reduces how much you’ll pay over time.
My 6 favorite travel credit cards under $100
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Unmatched travel rewards
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Rating Breakdown
4.3
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3x
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x
1x on all other purchases.
Rating Breakdown
4.3
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3x
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x
1x on all other purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel credit cards because of its earning power, flexible rewards and generous travel benefits.
You can earn up to 5x points when you book through Chase Travel℠. Plus, you also get 3x points on dining worldwide and 2x on all other travel purchases. Your points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards and more, or you can transfer them to 14 airline and hotel partners.
What I like most about this card is that when you book travel through Chase, your points are worth 25% more. Plus, all travel booked with the card is protected with trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and primary rental car coverage.
Capital One Venture Rewards Card: Ideal for everyday spending
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
Earn 75,000 + $250 in Travel Credit
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
Rating Breakdown
3.6
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
5x
5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Rating Breakdown
3.6
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
5x
5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
While most travel credit cards offer bonus points on select categories, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card* offers an unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, making it a great card to use for every purchase without needing to keep track of bonus categories or spending limits.
You can redeem your rewards for travel, to cover past travel purchases made in the last 90 days, buy gift cards and more. Capital One Venture Miles also transfers to more than 15 airline and hotel partners. Which can give you more value for your rewards. The card comes with complimentary Hertz Five Star elite status for eligible cardholders, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and elite-style benefits through the card’s Lifestyle Collection.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: Competitive traveling and dining rewards
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip. Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Rating Breakdown
3.7
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Pros
-
Earn a good rewards rate no matter which hotel you book or which airline you fly
-
An annual $50 statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase
-
Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
-
Strong travel protection benefits
-
No foreign transaction fees
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
5x
Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
4x
Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
3x
Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
1x
Earn 1X points on other purchases
Rating Breakdown
3.7
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Pros
-
Earn a good rewards rate no matter which hotel you book or which airline you fly
-
An annual $50 statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase
-
Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
-
Strong travel protection benefits
-
No foreign transaction fees
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
5x
Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
4x
Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
3x
Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
1x
Earn 1X points on other purchases
The newest travel card to hit the scene is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card — and it packs quite a punch. This card earns 5x points on hotel spending, 4x on airlines and 3x on dining and other travel purchases.
You also get a $50 annual statement credit when you spend at least $50 on a single transaction with any airline. Wells Fargo also introduced the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners in April 2024 and is working to add even more options to the list.
Citi Strata Premier Card: Great for gas and groceries
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
70,000 bonus points
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Rating Breakdown
3.7
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
10x
Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
3x
Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
1x
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Rating Breakdown
3.7
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
10x
Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
3x
Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
1x
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Even when you’re not traveling, you might want to maximize rewards toward your next vacation. With the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, you’ll earn unlimited 3x points on air travel, hotels, dining, groceries, gas stations and EV charging.
You can redeem your points in multiple ways: as cash back, gift cards, travel or transfer them to 18 airline and hotel partners. Every year, you’ll also receive a $100 discount when you spend at least $500 on a single stay you book through Citi Travel.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card: Nice airline benefits
CNET’S PICK
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Intro Offer
Buy One, Get One + 50,000 Bonus Miles!
50,000 bonus miles plus buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Rating Breakdown
2.8
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 4% of the amount of each transaction
3 miles
Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
2 miles
Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases.
1 mile
Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rating Breakdown
2.8
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 4% of the amount of each transaction
3 miles
Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
2 miles
Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases.
1 mile
Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card*, you’ll receive generous perks when you fly Alaska Airlines.
Your first checked bag is free for you and up to six guests traveling on the same reservation. You and your guests also get priority boarding. This card also earns 3x miles on Alaska purchases and 2x miles on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services and local transit purchases.
Plus, you’ll earn a 10% bonus each year on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America bank account. When you spend at least $6,000 before your card’s anniversary, you’ll receive a companion fare certificate toward a future flight.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Great hotel benefits
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
Earn 5 Free Nights
Earn 5 Free Nights after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rating Breakdown
3.8
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
26x
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
5x
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.
3x
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rating Breakdown
3.8
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
26x
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
5x
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.
3x
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Whether you’re flying, driving or traveling by train, getting a good night’s rest is essential while on vacation. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card* offers valuable perks like automatic IHG Platinum elite status and an annual free night worth up to 40,000 points when you stay at any IHG hotel.
With your elite status, you’ll earn up to 26x points on IHG purchases and 5x points on travel, dining and gas.
Additionally, you’ll get your fourth night free when you redeem your points for award nights. If you travel frequently, you could earn Diamond elite status if you spend at least $40,000 per year.
Comparing top travel credit cards under $100
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Special Feature |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within 3 months | Complimentary travel protections, including trip delay and primary rental car coverage |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months | Rewards can be used to cover travel purchases up to 90 days after the transaction date |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey | $95 | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within 3 months | Annual $50 statement credit when you book a flight directly with the airlines costing $50 or more |
| Citi Strata Premier | $95 | 70,000 points after spending $4,000 within 3 months | Annual $100 hotel benefit when booking a single stay of $500 or more through Citi Travel |
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature | $95 | 50,000 bonus miles plus buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. | Earn a Companion Fare each year when you spend at least $6,000 within the prior anniversary year |
| IHG One Rewards Premier | $99 | 140,000 points after spending $3,000 within 3 months | Get the 4th night free when booking an award stay of four nights or longer |
You don’t have to spend hundreds for a top-notch travel card
Unless you can offset the high annual fees, most people will find it hard to justify the $495 or higher annual fees top-tier travel cards charge. I’m a big fan of lower-budget travel cards with annual fees under $100.
Despite the lower price tag, they can still offer tremendous value, depending on how you spend your money and how often you travel. Before you hit the apply button, compare the card’s welcome bonus, spending power and perks to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
*All information about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and the IHG One Rewards Premier has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
