Competition in the credit card space is heating up and card issuers are offering incredible perks to consumers with good to excellent credit in order to win your business. Our top-rated cards that do not charge an annual fee are all offering amazing ongoing rewards, sign-up bonuses and long intro APR periods.
Critics’ Choice Winner
Our Critics’ Choice winner is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card which offers:
- $0 Annual Fee
- A Massive Bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit) after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Great Ongoing Rewards: Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all of your purchases.
- Longer Than Average Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR will apply.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Bonus Opportunity Worth $250
To sweeten the deal, you will earn 25,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases. This is one of the largest bonuses we’ve seen from a card without an annual fee!
Unlimited 1.5 points Per $1
With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card you will earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all of your purchases. You can redeem your points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
Very Generous Introductory APR
Unlike most travel cards the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a very generous intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers. It’s one of the longest intro APRs we’ve seen on a $0 annual fee card that also offers rewards. You’ll get a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers, but that fee is likely much lower than the interest you are paying on another card. The ongoing APR will apply after that intro period is over so it’s good to make a budget and pay that balance down within 18 billing cycles if possible.
Increase Your Points by 25% – 75%
Bank of America® Preferred Rewards program members can accelerate their cash back earnings by 25% to 75%. Your eligibility for this program is based on your Bank of America® and Merrill combined balances. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
670 – 850*
View All Card Details Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This is a great travel card for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee, are looking for a straightforward way to earn and redeem their rewards and want to save money with a really long intro APR. You’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases and can easily earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases) when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% – 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Other Travel Card Options
If you are in the market for a flexible travel card without an annual fee then the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is tough to beat. Since it is always good to compare your top options, we have rounded up some other compelling cards that may appeal to you as well.
Unlimited 3X Rewards on Restaurants, Travel, Gas & More
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This rewards card from Wells Fargo offers a seriously impressive lineup of benefits, especially for a card without an annual fee. You will earn 20,000 bonus points (a $200 cash redemption value) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your ongoing rewards can add up quickly as well since you earn 3X points at restaurants, gas stations and on travel, transit and streaming services. There are no category limits to worry about and you can earn 1X points on your other purchases. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
- $0 annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR thereafter
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
This $0 annual fee credit card is a top-rated rewards card that offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. There are no caps to worry about and no rewards calendars to keep track of. Plus you will also earn 1X on all of your other purchases. New card members can also earn an impressive 20,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This bonus has a $200 cash redemption value! In addition to the cash redemption option, you can also redeem your rewards for travel, gift cards, and more. And while there is no intro APR offer for balance transfers it does offer a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR.
Premium Rewards Justify An Annual Fee
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
There’s a good reason this travel card continually receives rave reviews. It offers a generous and uncomplicated flat rate on all purchases and an elevated rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. If the massive welcome bonus doesn’t convince you then the ongoing rewards and perks surely will. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
There are a ton of options in the market today for travel rewards cards, but the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one you should seriously consider. You will earn rewards quickly with unlimited 2x miles per dollar on all purchases and 5x miles per dollar when you book your car rentals and hotel stays through Capital One Travel. The Venture Rewards Card currently has a generous welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, which will give you at least $750 in travel value. The $95 annual fee grants you access to premium travel benefits like lounge access, Hertz Five Star status, a credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck and pay no foreign transaction fees. While you’ll get the most out of your miles by redeeming them for travel, there are several other options to cash in your rewards making it an extremely flexible program and one of the best travel rewards programs out there with over 15 direct transfer partners. A 20.74% – 28.74% (Variable) APR will apply to purchases and balance transfers.
Unlimited 2% Cash Back
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a flat-rate cash rewards card that also offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers then this card is a great option. You will pay no annual fee, can earn an intro bonus and protect your cell phone from damage or theft. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
- $0 annual fee
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
This card from Wells Fargo is an exciting option that also has a $0 annual fee. You will earn an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases which means there are no activation requirements for special categories or monthly caps to worry about. Earning 2% rewards on all of your purchases is tough to beat making it a stand out option for anyone looking for a low maintenance cash rewards card that will allow you to accumulate cash rewards really quickly. There is also a sign-up bonus worth $200 in cash rewards that can be earned by spending at least $1,000 in purchases in the first three months after you are approved. It also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR.
As you can see, it is a great time to be in the market for a new credit card. Issuers are really stepping up their game and offering incredible perks to win your business. If you have good to excellent credit in the 670 – 850* range and have not recently applied for a new credit card then you should definitely apply for one of these stand-out options today.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.
