The Best Travel Credit Cards for Budget Travelers
Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to miss out on great perks. The right travel credit card can help you save money and earn rewards while exploring new places. We've put together a list of the best travel credit cards for budget travelers to help you make the most of your trips without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- The Bilt Mastercard® offers great rewards with no annual fee.
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has a 0% intro APR.
- Credit One Bank Wander® Card is ideal for those with fair credit.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card provides flexible rewards for business travelers.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has no annual fee.
Bilt Mastercard®
The Bilt Mastercard® is a unique credit card that allows you to earn points on rent payments, which is a rare feature. If you rent your home and don't have this card, you're missing out on valuable points. You can earn 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent (up to 100,000 points per year), 2x points on travel, and 3x points on dining. Additionally, you can earn double points on other purchases (except rent) up to 10,000 bonus points, plus special bonuses on the first of every month. However, you must use the card five times each statement period to earn points.
The Bilt Mastercard® has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for budget travelers. While it doesn't offer a welcome bonus, it does come with some notable perks. For instance, the BiltProtect feature ensures you won't max out your credit limit or go into debt by charging your rent to the card. Other benefits include a $5 monthly Lyft credit after taking three Lyft rides in a month (through March 31, 2024) and a free ShopRunner membership (through March 31, 2024).
The Bilt Mastercard® is the only card that lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments with no fees. If you pay rent, this card can help you accumulate points for your next trip.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option for those who want to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee. With this card, you earn 1.25 miles for every dollar spent, making it easy to rack up rewards on everyday purchases. Plus, you can earn a bonus of 20,000 miles after spending just $500 in the first three months, which is worth $200 in travel.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases
- 20,000-mile sign-up bonus
This card also allows you to transfer your miles to various airline and hotel partners, giving you more options for redeeming your rewards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Rewards Rate | 1.25 miles per dollar |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 20,000 miles ($200 in travel) |
| Transfer Partners | Yes |
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is perfect for budget travelers looking to earn rewards without the hassle of complicated categories.
Overall, this card is a great choice for anyone starting their journey into travel rewards, offering solid benefits without the cost.
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a solid choice for those looking to earn rewards while improving their credit score. It doesn't require a security deposit, making it accessible for many.
Rewards
- 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
- 5X points on eligible travel
- 5X points on dining
- 5X points on gas purchases
- 1X points on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The card comes with a $95 annual fee, which is something to consider if you're on a tight budget.
Welcome Bonus
Unfortunately, there is no welcome bonus offered with this card.
Notable Perks
- No foreign transaction fees
- Built-in travel accident insurance
The Credit One Bank Wander® Card lacks the travel-related perks that one would expect to find in a card with a sizable annual fee.
Who's This For?
This card is ideal for those with fair or average credit who want to earn generous rewards on travel, dining, and gas purchases.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a top choice for business owners looking to maximize their rewards. This card offers a massive sign-up bonus and earns points across four popular business categories: travel, shipping, advertising, and telecommunication providers. You can earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent each year in these categories.
Key Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary coverage for rental cars used for business
- Travel and shopping protections
Rewards Rate
| Category | Points per Dollar |
|---|---|
| Travel | 3 |
| Shipping | 3 |
| Advertising | 3 |
| Telecommunication | 3 |
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a better-than-basic business travel card, offering significant rewards and protections for business expenses.
This card is ideal for business owners who want to earn points on everyday expenses and enjoy travel perks. With its comprehensive benefits and high rewards rate, it's a valuable addition to any business wallet.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great choice for business owners who want simple rewards without the hassle. This card has no annual fee, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Intro Bonus
Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from the date you open your account. After that, the APR will be a variable rate between 18.49% and 26.49%.
Rewards
- Earn 2x Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases for the first $50,000 each year.
- After reaching the $50,000 limit, earn 1x point per dollar spent.
Card Details
- Spend beyond your credit limit.
- Purchase protection.
- Free employee cards.
This card is ideal for those who want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee.
Capital One Venture X Business
The Capital One Venture X Business card is a top choice for business travelers who want to elevate their travel experiences. With an annual fee of $395, it offers a range of benefits that can easily offset the cost if you maximize the travel perks.
Rewards
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
Intro Bonus
Earn up to 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is a significant bonus, but keep in mind the high spending requirement.
Additional Perks
- Unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide, with up to two guests at no extra charge
- $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, which can effectively reduce the annual fee to $95
- 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary, worth around $185
The annual travel credits and account anniversary bonus miles alone can be worth around $400. You would only need to spend about $1,700 per month with your card to break even on the annual fee.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Enjoy your travels without worrying about extra charges, as this card has no foreign transaction fees.
Charge Card
Remember, this is a charge card, so you must pay your balance in full each month to avoid penalties.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is a solid value for frequent travelers who can take advantage of the rich rewards in categories like hotels, airfare, and dining. This card stands out for its unlimited point earning potential and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel.
Rewards
- 5X points on hotels
- 4X points on airlines
- 3X points at restaurants
- 3X points on other travel
- 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Uncapped earning potential
- $50 annual statement credit
- Solid point earning rates in popular categories
Cons:
- This card features an annual fee
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card offers impressive rewards on travel and dining purchases, making it a no-brainer for frequent jetsetters.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card can make a big difference for budget travelers. The best cards offer rewards, perks, and savings that can help you travel more and spend less. Whether you're looking for no annual fees, great sign-up bonuses, or flexible rewards, there's a card out there for you. Remember to consider your own spending habits and travel needs when picking a card. With the right travel credit card, you can make your trips more affordable and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best travel credit card with no annual fee?
The Bilt Mastercard® is a top pick for a travel credit card with no annual fee. It offers great rewards and benefits without any yearly charges.
Which card is best for earning travel rewards with a 0% intro APR?
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is excellent for earning travel rewards and comes with a 0% introductory APR.
Is there a good travel credit card for people with fair credit?
Yes, the Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a great option for those with fair credit. It offers decent rewards and benefits.
What is the best business travel card with flexible rewards?
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is the best for business travelers who need flexible rewards. It offers a variety of perks suited for business expenses.
Can I get a business travel card with no annual fee?
Yes, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has no annual fee and offers good rewards for business expenses.
What is the top premium business travel card?
The Capital One Venture X Business is considered the top premium business travel card, offering a range of high-end benefits and rewards.
