While premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®️ and The Platinum Card®️ from American Express offer top-tier benefits, their high annual fees—often exceeding $300—can be a dealbreaker for many travelers. However, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy the perks of a travel credit card. There are plenty of options with low annual fees that still provide strong rewards, welcome bonuses, and travel benefits. In this article, we will explore six top travel cards, all with annual fees under $100, and how they can help you maximize your travel rewards without breaking the bank.
Key Factors to Consider for Low Annual Fee Travel Cards
Before choosing a travel card with a lower annual fee, consider these factors to ensure you’re selecting the best option for your needs:
- Welcome Bonus: Look for cards that offer a generous bonus when you meet the spending requirement within the first few months.
- Earning Power: Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits to maximize points or miles earned.
- Redemption Options: Ensure the card offers flexible redemption options, including transfers to travel partners or direct bookings.
- Additional Perks: While low-fee cards may not offer all the premium perks, check for travel protection, insurance, and partner benefits.
- Interest Rates: Compare the regular APR to avoid high interest charges that could negate the card’s benefits.
Six Favorite Travel Credit Cards Under $100
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earning Power: Up to 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel purchases
- Key Perks: Primary rental car coverage, trip delay insurance, and 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase’s travel portal
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earning Power: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x on all other purchases
- Key Perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, Hertz Five Star status, flexible redemption options
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earning Power: 5x points on hotel spending, 4x on airlines, 3x on dining and travel
- Key Perks: $50 annual statement credit for airline purchases, no foreign transaction fees, travel protection benefits
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 70,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earning Power: 10x points on hotels, 3x on air travel, hotels, dining, groceries, and gas stations
- Key Perks: $100 hotel discount on stays of $500 or more booked through Citi Travel
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 miles plus a companion fare after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
- Earning Power: 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, 2x miles on gas and streaming services
- Key Perks: Companion fare benefit, free checked bags, and priority boarding for up to six guests
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $99
- Welcome Bonus: 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Earning Power: Up to 26x points on IHG stays, 5x points on travel, dining, and gas
- Key Perks: Automatic IHG Platinum elite status, fourth night free on award stays, annual free night
Comparing the Best Travel Cards Under $100
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | 60,000 points | Trip delay insurance, primary rental car coverage, 25% more value on travel redemptions |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 75,000 miles | Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, flexible redemption options |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey | $95 | 60,000 points | $50 annual airline credit, no foreign transaction fees, strong travel protection benefits |
| Citi Strata Premier℠ | $95 | 70,000 points | $100 hotel discount, 10x points on hotel bookings |
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature | $95 | 50,000 miles + companion fare | Companion fare, free checked bags, priority boarding |
| IHG One Rewards Premier | $99 | 140,000 points | Platinum elite status, annual free night, fourth night free on award stays |
Why You Don’t Need to Spend Hundreds for a Great Travel Card
While top-tier cards with high annual fees come with luxury perks like lounge access, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a good travel card. Many travel cards with fees under $100 offer impressive rewards rates, welcome bonuses, and valuable perks like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and elite status with hotel programs. If you travel regularly but don’t need every premium benefit, these low-fee cards can provide excellent value without the hefty price tag.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a travel card with a low annual fee, it’s essential to consider your spending habits and travel needs. Look for a card that offers strong earning potential in categories where you spend the most and provides perks that enhance your travel experience. With the right strategy, you can enjoy significant savings and rewards without paying hundreds in fees each year.
