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Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Review 2024

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good travel credit card for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards. It's got a solid bonus for a no-annual-fee card, and you can use your points toward a wide variety of travel purchases.

Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases

0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening

18.24% - 28.24% Variable

Earn 25,000 online bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some cards earn more rewards, though usually only in bonus categories
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can't transfer points to travel partners (though you can use points to cancel out travel purchases on your statement)

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good travel credit card for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards.

• 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 as long as your account remains open.
• 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% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America 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.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Overview

If you're in search of a no-annual-fee travel credit card that offers a straightforward points program, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth considering. This card offers a flat earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, and you can redeem your rewards toward travel expenses you charge to your card.

However, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, the card can be much more lucrative. Depending on your rewards tier, you can earn 25% to 75% more points with this card.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good choice if you don't like dealing with complicated frequent flyer or hotel rewards programs that limit award availability and make their points hard to use. And on the earning side, there are no bonus categories or spending caps to track, either. If you're new to travel rewards, this could be a great way to start earning and redeeming points.

Welcome Bonus

With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening of account opening. Each point is worth 1 cent, so the welcome bonus offer is worth $250 in travel.

0% Intro APR

New cardholders also receive a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening, after which a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR applies. This can save you money if you plan to make a large purchase but want to spread the payments out over several months — as long as you have a plan to pay off the debt before the introductory period runs out.

How to Earn Points From the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no categories or limits to keep track of. 

Things get more interesting if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. The amount of money you have on deposit (like savings or investments) with Bank of America and Merrill (Bank of America's wealth management division) determines your rewards tier. Depending on your tier, you could earn 25% to 75% more rewards.

One other way to boost your returns from the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is by purchasing travel through the Bank of America travel center. In that case, you'll earn 3 points per dollar (instead of 1.5 points per dollar) for your purchase.

How to Use Points From the Bank of America Travel Rewards 

With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you'll earn points that are easy to redeem for a wide variety of travel expenses. Once you charge a travel purchase to your card, you can apply points at a rate of 1 cent each toward a statement credit to cover the purchase. The minimum redemption amount is 2,500 points ($25), and you'll have 12 months from the transaction date to apply your points.

Bank of America has a broad definition of travel, including some purchases most would classify as entertainment. Categories that qualify for a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card travel statement credit include:

• Trailer parks
• Recreational vehicle rentals
• Campgrounds
• Car rental agencies
• Truck and trailer rental
• Cruise lines
• Travel agencies
• Tour operators and real estate agents
• Operators of passenger trains
• Boat rentals
• Parking lots and garages
• Tolls and bridge fees
• Tourist attractions
• Exhibits like art galleries
• Amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums, and zoos

If you're not traveling, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card allows you to use points for non-travel redemptions, but the rates aren't as attractive. For example, you can use points for gift cards starting at 3,125 points ($31.25), and the value per point varies.

If you prefer cash back, you can redeem points for a check or electronic deposit into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or for credit to an eligible Cash Management Account with Merrill. In that case, your points are only worth 0.6 cents apiece, which is not a great value.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Benefits and Features

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card doesn't have a ton of valuable cardholder perks, which is common among credit cards with no annual fee .

Introductory 0% APR on purchases 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. After that, there's a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR.

Using a 0% APR credit card offer can be a good way to spread out payments for a big purchase over time without incurring huge interest charges, but you'll want to be sure you have the means and a plan to pay it off. Otherwise, you'll end up with high-interest debt after the introductory period expires.

Keep in mind there are longer intro periods on the best 0% APR credit cards  available right now, and some also include balance transfers in their offers.

No foreign transaction fees

Good travel credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees , and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is no exception. Because it doesn't tack on these fees, you can use the card for international purchases and not get stung with extra charges.

Free FICO score 

Primary cardholders with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card can check their FICO score for free through Bank of America's online banking, mobile website, or mobile banking app for iPhone and Android. This is a useful tool for keeping tabs on your credit, especially if you don't have another credit card that offers free credit scores , 

Overdraft Protection

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes with an optional Balance Connect overdraft protection feature that lets you link your eligible Bank of America deposit account to your card. If you choose to use the service, Bank of America automatically transfers funds from your credit card account to cover overdrafts on your deposit account, as long as you have credit available on your credit card.

You won't be charged overdraft fees for this service, but you'll pay interest on the cash advance.

Mobile Wallet

When you add your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, you can use it for in-person, online, or in-app transactions. Because your actual card number isn't stored on your device or shared with most merchants, you'll have more security when you make purchases.

$0 Liability Guarantee

Losing a credit card or having it stolen stinks, but you won't have to worry about fraudulent or unauthorized transactions on your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card as long as you report the issue promptly.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Fees

Along with not having an annual fee and offering an intro APR, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card doesn't add foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good pick to have in your wallet when you travel abroad.

As with most other cards, you'll pay fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and late or returned payments.

Compare the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Before you decide on the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you'll want to consider similar no-annual-fee cards, because some have better earning rates and more flexible options for redeeming rewards. For example, the  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases, and you can use your rewards for whatever you like — not just travel.

Similarly, the Discover it® Miles earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases, and at the end of the first 12 billing cycles, Discover will match all the rewards you earn. This means you'll effectively earn 3 miles per dollar in the first year, and while it's framed as a travel card, you can also redeem your miles for cash back at the same rate of 1 cent per mile.

If you're more interested in cash back, Bank of America also has cash-back cards available; you can read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card review . Or, if you're looking for a higher-tier travel rewards card and are open to an annual fee, you can read our Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card review .

Bank of America Travel Rewards Frequently Asked Questions 

Most people who are approved for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card have at least a good credit score. That means a FICO score of at least 670 or a VantageScore of 700 or more.

You still have options if your credit score is below that range. Our guides to the best credit cards for fair or average credit  and for bad credit include some cards that earn solid rewards. Keep in mind there's also a student version of this card — the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students — that offers most of the same benefits and can be easier to qualify for if you're a college student. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth it if you're looking for a simple way to earn and use credit card rewards for travel without paying an annual fee. It's best suited for beginners or those who don't want to mess with complicated award programs, but to that end, it doesn't come with a lot of benefits.

Yes, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage, trip delay coverage, as well as lost luggage coverage like many other top travel rewards cards. This is a great benefit for those who want an additional layer of protection. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a Visa Signature card.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Personal Finance Insider's experts evaluated the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card relative to other no-annual-fee credit cards that earn points. It's a strong option for beginners getting into travel rewards, especially if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.

That said, its points aren't as flexible as those from comparable cards, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Discover it® Miles.

For a closer look at our methodology, see how we rate credit cards at Personal Finance Insider.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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How to use the Bank of America Premium Rewards card airline fee credit

The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card continues to fly under the radar , despite having the potential to offer the highest base cash-back rate of any rewards credit card.

If you hold $100,000 or more in assets with Bank of America and/or Merrill, you qualify for Platinum Honors in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards® program . This gives you a 75% bonus on all rewards, equating to a minimum of 2.625 points per dollar on all purchases and 3.5 points per dollar on all dining and travel purchases.

The card is also currently offering 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on the card in the first 90 days of account opening, and it carries a $95 annual fee.

How the Bank of America airline fee credit works

Bank of America's airline fee credit (up to $100 statement credit each calendar year) works a little differently from the airline incidental fee statement credit you get with Amex cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees ). Rather than have to designate an airline at the beginning of the year, Bank of America allows you to earn the credit across any eligible airline throughout the year. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For example, you could use your Bank of America airline fee credit for checked bags on Delta one month and then inflight drinks on American the next. This gives you more flexibility to use your credit where you need it, rather than forcing you to guess which single airline you'll be able to use it on.

It can potentially take anywhere from two to three weeks for your credit to post to your card account. While there are plenty of instances where we've seen that take less, don't be alarmed if it does take the whole timeframe.

Another feature that Bank of America offers is the ability to check how much of your $100 airline credit you have used.

Which airlines qualify for the credit?

Bank of America does not have an official list published that outlines which airlines qualify for the incidental fee credit, though the terms and conditions do specify that only select U.S. carriers qualify. According to some readers, Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines are excluded. The following airlines are known to work:

• Alaska Airlines.
• American Airlines.
• Delta Air Lines.
• Frontier Airlines.
• Hawaiian Airlines.
• Southwest Airlines.
• United Airlines.

That list is very similar to Amex's list of qualifying airlines (with the exception of Spirit Airlines, which the Amex fee does cover).

What purchases trigger the credit?

According to the Premium Rewards Card terms and conditions , the following purchases will trigger your Bank of America airline fee credit:

• Preferred seating upgrades.
• Ticket change/cancellation fees .
• Checked baggage fees.
• Inflight entertainment.
• Onboard food and drink charges.
• Airport lounge fees affiliated with eligible airline carriers.

The purchases have to be paid in full with your Bank of America Premium Rewards card, and they must be made on a flight originating from a domestic airport on a qualifying U.S. airline carrier.

The terms and conditions do explicitly state that the following purchases will not qualify for the credit:

• Airline tickets.
• Mileage point purchases.
• Mileage point transfer fees.
• Gift cards.
• Duty-free purchases.
• Award tickets and fees incurred with airline alliance partners.

Also keep in mind that inflight Wi-Fi access processed through a third party like Gogo likely will not qualify.

Of course, there are sometimes exceptions to this rule. There have been data points presented by readers and in other online forums where charges outside the official list have counted. Occasionally award booking taxes, first-class upgrades and other fees will end up coding as an eligible purchase for the credit.

However, we don't suggest counting on credit for fees that the credit isn't intended to cover — it's hit-or-miss at best and easier to just use the perk as intended. In the past, you could get away with buying gift cards on certain airlines with the credit, but issuers have cracked down to close that loophole .

Bottom Line

Airlines can change the merchant category code of a certain transaction, Bank of America could update what merchant codes and charges count, and airlines can change whether or not something is processed by a third party. This means what counts toward the credit will be a living list year-to-year based on what's currently working.

If you've charged what you believe to be a qualifying airline fee and it's not automatically reimbursed, you can call Bank of America and ask for the credit.

And if you hold the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card, we'd love you to share your experience with us so we can keep the list up to date. Email [email protected] and mention this post.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Richard Kerr.

Updated 12/06/2023.

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En este momento, estamos actualizando nuestros sistemas para incorporar características mejoradas a la experiencia de recompensas en línea. Como resultado, este sitio web se encuentra temporalmente fuera de servicio. El canje de recompensas no estará disponible hasta las últimas horas de la tarde el 20 de mayo. Gracias por su paciencia.

Important Notice

We are in the process of converting your BankAmericard Privileges ® with Travel Rewards credit card to a BankAmericard Travel Rewards ® credit card. As a result, you will not be able to access the rewards site at this time. Thank you for your patience.

Your BankAmericard Privileges ® with Travel Rewards credit card has recently been converted to a BankAmericard Travel Rewards ® credit card. Please visit bankofamerica.com to access your new rewards site and find out what your new credit card program has to offer.

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Why I love the Bank of America Travel Rewards card

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Travel credit cards are a great way to earn points for money spent on flights, hotel rooms and other travel-related expenses.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss travel card that earns rewards on a plethora of purchases, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card does just that—earning you 1.5X points for every purchase made with the card.

To find out more about what makes the Bank of America Travel Rewards card stand out, we interviewed Kelli Lovett, author of the travel blog, The Vanabond Tales . She’s been using this card since 2018 while traveling full-time. Keep reading to learn about her favorite features and perks.

No annual fees

Many rewards credit cards charge an annual fee just for being a cardholder, though some cards will waive this fee for the first year. Depending on the card, annual fees can range from $95 to more than $500.

Lovett likes the Bank of America Travel Rewards card because it forgoes an annual fee.

“The Bank of America card is a great introductory travel rewards card without an annual fee,” says Lovett.

The lack of an annual fee means you can maximize your travel rewards without having to justify the cost of a high, yearly charge.

Welcome offer and intro APR

If you’re new to the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, you’ll want to take advantage of the welcome offer. If you spend at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening, you can earn 25,000 bonus points. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit to be used toward travel purchases.

Further, new cardholders receive a 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, 16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.

This offer can help you pay off a large purchase over time without interest.

Flexible rewards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns you 1.5X points on every purchase (which includes travel). Further, when you book travel and make other purchases through the Bank of America Travel Center, in particular, you can earn 3X points for those purchases (except insurance). Your Bank of America Travel Rewards points don’t expire, and there are no limits on the amount of rewards you can earn.

As a travel card earning points on every purchase, this Bank of America credit card works well for cardholders who value simplicity and versatility.

“Based on my experience, travel seems to be defined as anything you purchase while not in your home area,” says Lovett. “Being on the road most of the last three years means that almost all of my purchases qualify as travel… for which I can claim a $25 statement credit for 2,500 points earned.”

Preferred Rewards members earn more

Lovett likes that she can earn higher rewards rates as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member . “… you can also earn between 25 percent to 75 percent more points on every dollar spent, which adds up quickly.”

The Preferred Rewards program has five different tiers—Gold, Platinum, Platinum Honors, Diamond and Diamond Honors. Gold members can earn a 25 percent rewards bonus on eligible purchases, Platinum members can earn a 50 percent bonus and Platinum Honors, Diamond and Diamond Honors can earn a 75 percent bonus.

Further, Bank of America reviews your balances each month to see if you’re eligible for a higher tier. If you qualify, you’ll automatically be moved into the next tier.

Great for international travel

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees , making it an excellent option for international travel. Other cards charge foreign transaction fees between 1 percent and 3 percent of each purchase.

That’s one of the reasons Lovett uses this card primarily for international travel.

“Being a Visa card, you can use the card almost anywhere in the world, unlike other [ credit card networks ].”

Overnight card replacement

As a Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card holder, Bank of America will overnight you a new credit card if your current card is lost or stolen. Lovett says this is one of her favorite features.

“On multiple occasions, I have needed a new card,” says Lovett. “Bank of America overnights one to whatever address that I am currently located at so that I am not stranded without a means of payment.”

In comparison, she’s had other credit card companies take weeks to send a new replacement card.

The bottom line

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is worth it for anyone wanting a straightforward way to earn travel rewards. There are no limits on the amount of points you can earn as well as no annual fee. You can redeem your points for gift cards, cash back or a statement credit to cover past travel and dining-related purchases.

New cardholders can also take advantage of an introductory zero-interest offer on new purchases and a favorable 25,000-point sign-up bonus (earned after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days).

Before you apply, be sure to compare this card to other popular travel credit cards so you can find the option that’s best for your spending style.

Information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card was last updated on August 23, 2022. 

Bank of America Premium Rewards vs. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it?

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Review

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What Are the Cashier’s Check Fees at Chase, Bank of America & Other Top Banks?

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Cashier’s checks, often used for down payments on homes or vehicles, serve as a bank-certified alternative to personal checks. Rather than being drawn from the funds in a personal account, a cashier’s check is paid out directly from the bank’s funds. This way, the recipient knows that the funds are guaranteed, and the check won’t bounce.

Most  banks and credit unions charge fees to issue cashier’s checks and it’s important to understand the fees before requesting one. Read on to learn the cashier’s check fees charged by popular banks.

Cashier’s Check Fees at 10 Top Banks

Cashier’s check fees can vary depending on where you buy them. Here are some of the most popular options.

How Do You Get a Cashier’s Check?

To get a cashier’s check, you’ll need to visit a bank or credit union where you hold an open bank account , like a savings or checking account . Don’t forget to bring valid proof of identification.

Once you’re there, you can order a cashier’s check by providing the necessary information, including the payee’s name and check amount. You should also specify which account the funds should be drawn from, whether it’s checking, savings or a CD account , and verify that all of the information is correct.

You can also order a cashier’s check online from many banks and credit unions by following the instructions on their website. However, this is usually a slower method, as the check will be mailed to you or your local banking branch.

Advantages of Using a Cashier’s Check

There are many advantages to using a cashier’s check over alternatives like personal checks and money orders. For example, cashier’s checks:

• Clear faster than regular checks. Since the bank has already guaranteed the funds, cashier’s checks usually clear within a business day. Personal checks, on the other hand, could take several days to clear as the bank needs to verify the availability of the funds.
• Can be used for larger transactions. There are generally no upper limits for the amount allowed on a cashier’s check. As long as the funds are available, they can be transferred with a cashier’s check.
• Are more secure. Cashier’s checks have been pre-approved by the bank, so there’s no risk of the check bouncing.
• Are widely accepted. Most businesses and individuals will accept a cashier’s check because it’s considered a secure form of payment, enabling you to transfer large amounts of money in a variety of scenarios.

Disadvantages of Using a Cashier’s Check

While cashier’s checks offer many advantages, they also have some potential drawbacks. For instance, cashier’s checks:

• Can be used for scams. Even though cashier’s checks are considered more secure than personal checks, they can still be used in scams. For example, a scammer could send you a fake cashier’s check and receive your goods or services before the bank identifies the check as fraudulent. Make sure to use caution when accepting a cashier’s check from someone you don’t know.
• Have additional fees. Most banks charge a fee for issuing a cashier’s check, so you should consider whether the transferable amount is worth the fee.
• Are less convenient than digital payments. Unlike instant digital payments, which can be made at the touch of a button, cashier’s checks require more time and effort to purchase and process.
• Can be lost. If you  lose a cashier’s check or it gets stolen, you’ll have to file a report and wait up to 90 days for the funds to be returned.

The next time you make a large purchase, whether you’re buying a car or putting a down payment on your house, consider using a cashier’s check. The fact that the issuing bank guarantees the funds will give the seller more confidence in the transaction.

This guarantee often comes at a cost, but while most banks charge around $10 per check, some online banks offer cashier’s checks for free. Since cashier’s checks are among the most trusted ways to transfer large sums of money, consider the fee a small investment to pay for a higher degree of security and peace of mind.

• Cashier's checks are generally considered safer than personal checks. However, they can still be used in fake-check scams that lead to victims owing the bank to pay back fraudulent transactions. Do some research to learn more about the  common types of cashier's check scams and how to avoid them.
• Cashier's checks are issued directly by a bank or financial institution and are backed by the institution's own funds. Since they're secure, they're often used for larger financial transactions. In contrast, a money order is a prepaid check that can be purchased from more informal locations, such as the post office or your local grocery store. Money orders are considered less secure than cashier's checks and are meant for smaller purchases.

Data is accurate as of April 9, 2024, and is subject to change.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Chase. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase.

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Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards of April 2024

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

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Travel rewards cards are a lot like gyms. The best ones may come with tons of added benefits (saunas, yoga class, etc.) but they also cost a lot, usually with a big financial commitment upfront. 

As a result, whether you’re considering a Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card (with its $95 annual fee) or a CrossFit membership, you probably have the same question on your mind: will I really use it enough to justify paying for it? 

While there aren't any free gyms we know of, there thankfully are plenty of no-annual-fee travel rewards cards that require essentially zero commitment. And just like an ab roller or a Richard Simmons DVD, you can simply use them a few times, forget about them, and put them in a drawer until beach season. Or, you can stick with it and make them part of your daily routine—whatever works for you.

You’re also far more likely to see “instant results” with these cards, too. From 100,000-point welcome bonuses to rewards for paying rent, free travel insurance to 3X on gas, these cards offer way more than you’d expect for a fee of $0 per year. 

The best no-annual-fee travel cards for April 2024

Best overall: bilt mastercard, best for travel earnings: wells fargo autograph℠ card, best for flat-rate earnings: capital one ventureone rewards credit card, best for hotel rewards: ihg one rewards traveler credit card, best for airline rewards: united gateway℠ card.

The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points from paying rent and transfer them 1:1 to well over a dozen different travel partners including United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy. Toss in some surprisingly robust travel insurance and you have our unconventional—yet logical—choice for the best overall no-annual-fee travel card of 2024.

Why we like this card: As mentioned, the Bilt Mastercard’s most compelling feature is that it allows you to pay rent with a credit card—even if your landlord doesn’t take plastic—and avoid the transaction fee paying rent by credit card would typically incur. Then, as long as you complete five transactions each month, you’ll trigger 1X rewards on your rent payments. 

Note that rewards on rent are capped at 100,000 points per year.

In terms of earning potential, if you pay the median ~$2,000 rent in the U.S., you could earn approximately 24,000 points per year which can be used to book travel in Bilt’s portal at a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferred to any of Bilt’s airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. In other words, you could likely earn a domestic flight with United or a weekend stay at Hyatt, all for simply paying rent on time.

The Bilt card also provides trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement, and primary rental car insurance (terms apply)—perks you wouldn’t typically find on a no-annual-fee credit card.

With a generous welcome bonus in exchange for an attainable spend amount, 3X on travel, and a fancy name, you’d think the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card would command an annual fee of at least $95. But it doesn’t, making it a superb candidate for general travel use.

Why we like this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and even your landline bill too if you have one, plus 1X points on other purchases—all without charging an annual fee. And, to make traveling a little cheaper/less stressful, you’ll also get $600 worth of cell phone protection (minus a $25 deductible) as long as you pay your phone bill with this card and secondary rental car insurance. 

Cardholders can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to Wells Fargo’s first wave of transfer partners including Air France‑KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, and Iberia Plus and 1:2 to Choice Privileges. 

But even if you aren’t a member of those loyalty programs, earning 3X on dining, travel, gas, and more is hard to pass up. You can redeem points at a value of 1 cent each to offset past purchases on your account, meaning you can wield the Autograph either as a no-annual-fee travel card or as a cash-back card effectively earning unlimited 3% back in a wide swath of useful categories. 

Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph .

Sometimes, you just want a card that offers a little more than 1X on every purchase—without having to worry about what this quarter’s rotating rewards are, or whether a specific merchant qualifies as “groceries” for the purposes of your card’s rewards. If you value simplicity and the lack of an annual fee in your travel card, you’ll probably be a fan of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and its straightforward rewards program.

Why we like this card: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards offers 1.25X miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. That’s pretty much all that you have to remember. You can also get a nice welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, which is a solid payout for a very attainable spending target. 

Capital One Miles can be transferred to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 rate. Partners include Air Canada’s Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards, among others. Other ways to book travel include redeeming miles through Capital One’s portal or making the purchase directly, paying with your card like normal, then using miles for a statement credit to cover the transaction. 

The Venture One also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (after that, the variable APR will be 19.99%–29.99%). There’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open , then 4% per transfer for any promotional APR offered after. 

Come to think of it, provided you have the excellent credit needed to apply, the VentureOne could make a great travel companion for a grad student given its simplicity, lengthy intro APR period and low spending threshold required to trigger the welcome bonus.

Check out our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards .

If you’re looking for a hotel rewards card that offers the most free nights for no annual fee, wait until you read about the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. With a six-figure welcome bonus, up to 17X on stays and other compelling rewards, it’s currently the gold standard for no-fee hotel rewards.

Why we like this card: We like calling the IHG One Rewards Traveler card the “Liam Hemsworth” of travel rewards cards because it lives in the shadow of its big brother—the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card —but still delivers plenty of quality and substance in its own right (with no annual fee, to boot). 

For starters, you can get a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, potentially worth around $500 to $700 in IHG redemption. 

Plus, enjoy up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, instant Silver Elite status and a handy bonus where you redeem points for three consecutive nights and get the fourth night in your stay free. So, if you book a three-night stay using your welcome bonus, you’ll essentially be getting a complimentary four-night stay at a nice IHG property for no annual fee.

Check out our full review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler .

As a no-annual-fee airline card, the United Gateway℠ Card currently edges out its rival the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card by offering a more generous welcome bonus and travel insurance that the Delta card does not provide. If you fly occasionally and would like to earn miles, but aren’t willing to make the commitment of $95 or more for a mid-tier airline card with more perks, the Gateway is a strong choice. 

Why we like this card: The United Gateway card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting plus 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Considering a United Mile is worth roughly around 1.2 cents these days, effectively earning 2.4 cents back on everyday purchases is a solid value proposition. 

You’ll also get a welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. And, you can save with a discount of 25% back on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases. 

New cardholders will enjoy a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, after 21.99%–28.99% variable applies.

If the United Gateway card has a small lead on the Delta Skymiles Blue Amex at this point, it soars ahead (pun intended) when you look at the included travel and shopping protections. Both cards offer secondary rental car insurance, but only the Gateway includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection. 

So, if you’re seeking a no-annual-fee card you can use to rack up miles—and you either tend to fly United most of the time or you’re at minimum not devoted to a competing airline—the United Gateway is the card to beat.

Check out our full review of the United Gateway Card for more info.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page  

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for international transactions without extra charges.

Zero foreign transaction fees is actually a common benefit among travel rewards cards, including many with no annual fee. For example, neither the Bilt Mastercard nor the United Gateway card charges a foreign currency conversion fee. 

What is the best travel credit card for a young person? 

If you’re still paying rent, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice since it can generate points from rent payments which can then be transferred 1:1 to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners. If you’d prefer a card with a welcome bonus, which the Bilt card lacks, the IHG One Rewards Traveler card currently offers a massive welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card—potentially worth hundreds of dollars toward a future IHG hotel stay. 

Is a travel card with an annual fee worth it?

Using a travel rewards card with an annual fee can be worth it as long as you’re extracting enough points and benefits to justify paying the fee each year. If you travel infrequently or just want one less fee to worry about, consider one of the no-annual-fee cards on our list above. But, the best perks and protections are typically available on cards with annual fees.

For example, the Capital One Venture X card offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. If you use that every year, you’ve gone a long way toward offsetting the $395 annual fee. You also get 10,000 bonus miles, worth at least $100 toward travel, every year starting on your account anniversary.

Methodology

To bring you our top picks for the best travel rewards cards with no annual fee, the Fortune Recommends surveyed more than a dozen cards currently available from today’s top issuers. From there, we ranked each one based on the following core categories and weights:

• Welcome bonus (10%): Some cards—even those with no annual fee—offer welcome bonuses that you can earn once you make enough purchases within a certain time frame, such as spending $1,000 within three months of account opening.
• Travel earnings (25%): These are the point rewards you’d earn by making travel-related purchases (e.g. 3X on hotels, 2X on airfare).
• Car rental insurance (15%): Many, but not all travel-centric rewards cards include an auto rental collision damage waiver, which allows you to decline a portion of the rental company’s insurance and save potentially up to $30 per day. We gave extra consideration to if a card offers primary rental car insurance versus secondary, because primary kicks in immediately in a covered scenario—whereas secondary only applies after your own, personal insurance. 
• Travel insurance benefits (15%): Some travel rewards cards automatically apply trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/delayed luggage reimbursement and even travel accident insurance on travel bookings made using the card.
• Gas earning (5%): Since road trips remain a common form of travel, whether or not a card offers points rewards at the pump factored into our rankings.
• Dining earning (10%): If a no-annual-fee travel rewards card offered 2X or more on restaurant purchases it favored well in this category.

The remaining 20% was based on the card’s main focus: hotel, airline or general travel rewards. 

• For general travel—points transferrable to partners (20%): Points are literally worth more if you can transfer them to certain partners, so a card’s ability to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners factored into our rankings.
• For hotel rewards—free award night with booking (20%): Some hotel rewards cards offer a BOGO-like perk where if you redeem a certain number of nights with points you get an extra tacked on for free.
• For airline rewards—ability to spend towards status (20%): Most airline rewards cards allow you to earn miles, but not all of them count those miles towards your next loyalty status. If a card treated them as “qualifying miles,” it fared better in this category.

Lastly, just keep in mind that virtually every aspect of a travel rewards card—from the rewards to the welcome bonus and fee structure—is subject to change, which could impact how many miles or points you earn. 

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

• Today’s best savings rates

What you need to know about savings rates this week

Top reasons to open a high-yield savings account today.

• Weigh these factors when choosing a high-yield savings account 

Methodology

Best savings rates today -- don’t miss out on apys up to 5.35%, april 4, 2024.

The sooner you open a high-yield savings account, the more interest you stand to earn.

Liliana Hall

Associate Writer

Liliana Hall is a writer for CNET Money covering banking, credit cards and mortgages. Previously, she wrote about personal credit for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She is passionate about providing accessible content to enhance financial literacy. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in journalism, and has worked in the newsrooms of KUT and the Austin Chronicle. When not working, she is probably paddle boarding, hopping on a flight or reading for her book club.

Kelly Ernst

Kelly is an editor for CNET Money focusing on banking. She has over 10 years of experience in personal finance and previously wrote for CBS MoneyWatch covering banking, investing, insurance and home equity products. She is passionate about arming consumers with the tools they need to take control of their financial lives. In her free time, she enjoys binging podcasts, scouring thrift stores for unique home décor and spoiling the heck out of her dogs.

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

If you’re serious about growing your savings, a high-yield savings account can help you reach your goals faster than a traditional savings account. It might be convenient to keep your savings at the same bank as your primary checking account, but these accounts typically offer annual percentage yields, or APYs, as low as 0.01%. With the best high-yield savings accounts , you can earn up to 5.35% APY. 

If you’re ready to open a HYSA to maximize your interest earnings, now’s the time. The Federal Reserve forecasts three interest rate cuts in 2024, which could bring variable savings rates down.

Read on to learn more about today’s top savings rates.

Key takeaways

• Today’s best high-yield savings accounts offer interest rates more than 10 times the national average. 
• The top high-yield savings account offers an APY of 5.35%. 
• Even after rates fall later this year, HYSAs will continue to offer better APYs than traditional ones.

Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a savings account to get the best APY possible. You can enter your information below to see CNET’s partners’ rates in your area.

Today’s best savings rates

Here are some of the top savings account APYs available right now:

Savings rates have been trending upward since the Federal Reserve began increasing its benchmark federal funds rate in March 2022 to fight record inflation. As the Fed steadily raised the federal funds rate 11 times to fight record inflation, borrowing money with a credit card or loan became more expensive. Banks also raised interest rates on consumer products like savings accounts and certificates of deposits to remain competitive. 

But since July 2023, the federal funds rate has held at its target range of 5.25% to 5.5%, indicating to experts that savings rates are likely at their peak. 

Experts expect rate cuts to begin later this year. But after the most recent Consumer Price Index report revealed an uptick in inflation, the timeline for future rate cuts is less clear. 

Here’s where rates stand compared to last week:

The average APY for the top high-yield savings accounts we track at CNET is 4.88% -- with some accounts offering as high as 5.35%. That’s more than 10 times the national average of 0.47%. We haven’t seen any significant changes in weeks, but yesterday, Marcus by Goldman Sachs decreased its rate from 4.50% to 4.40%.

Since savings rates are variable, your APY is likely to go down once the Fed drops rates. Yet even after rates fall later this year, high-yield savings accounts will continue to offer significantly better APYs than traditional ones. 

Savings rates have been high for the last few years. And even though the rate environment may shift in the next several months, a high-yield savings account can always be a smart and low-risk savings strategy. 

Here’s what makes HYSAs stand out:

• High rates: HYSAs often have APYs 10 times higher (or more) than the national FDIC average.
• Low or no fees: Monthly maintenance fees can eat into your savings. Many online banks can charge low or no fees thanks to their lower operating costs.
• Liquidity: You can access money in your HYSA anytime without penalty (as long as you mind any withdrawal limits). CDs, another popular savings product, charge a penalty if you take out funds before the term is up.
• Accessibility: If you open an HYSA at an online bank, you’ll enjoy 24/7 account access through its mobile app. You may also have lots of customer service options, including by phone, online chat and secure messaging.
• Low risk: HYSAs are protected by federal deposit insurance if they’re held at an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union. That means your money is safe up to $250,000 per account holder, per account type.

If you’re earning less than 1% with your current savings account -- some big banks offer as little as 0.01% APY -- you don’t have to close your existing account to enjoy higher rates. You can open a new account from an online bank in minutes and set up recurring transfers or direct deposits to start funding it.

Weigh these factors when choosing a high-yield savings account 

High-yield savings accounts usually have higher APYs than traditional savings accounts, which help you yield a bigger return. But there are other factors you should consider when choosing the right account for your financial goals. 

“Some accounts have mandatory minimums, transaction fees or other charges you might not expect,” said Ben McLaughlin , chief marketing officer and president of digital savings marketplace Raisin. “These hidden fees can chip away at your savings, so be sure you are satisfied with the terms and conditions before opening an account.”

In addition to APY, you should weigh the following when comparing savings accounts:

• Minimum deposit requirements: Some HYSAs require a minimum amount to open an account -- typically, from $25 to $100. Others don’t require anything. How much you have to deposit initially can help you narrow down your options.
• Fees: Monthly maintenance and other fees can eat into your balance. Avoid unnecessary charges by looking for a bank with low or no fees.
• Accessibility: If in-person banking is important to you, look for a bank with physical branches. If you’re comfortable managing your money digitally, look for an online bank with a user-friendly app with all the features you need.
• Withdrawal limits: Some banks charge an excess withdrawal fee if you make more than six monthly withdrawals. If you think you may need to make more, consider a bank without this limit.
• Federal deposit insurance: Look for a bank that belongs to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or a credit union that belongs to the National Credit Union Administration. Accounts at these institutions are protected up to $250,000 per account holder, per category in the event of bank failure
• Customer service: You want a bank that’s responsive and offers convenient support options if you ever need assistance with your account. Read online customer reviews to see what current customers say about their experiences. You can also contact customer service to get a feel for what it would be like to work with the bank.

CNET reviewed savings accounts at more than 50 traditional and online banks, credit unions and financial institutions with nationwide services. Each account received a score between one (lowest) and five (highest). The savings accounts listed here are all insured up to $250,000 per person, per account category, per institution, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or National Credit Union Administration.

CNET evaluates the best savings accounts with a set of established criteria that compares annual percentage yields, monthly fees, minimum deposits or balances and access to physical branches. None of the banks on our list charge monthly maintenance fees. An account will rank higher for offering any of the following perks:

• Account bonuses
• Automated savings features
• Wealth management consulting/coaching services
• Cash deposits
• Extensive ATM networks and/or ATM rebates for out-of-network ATM use

An account will rank lower if it doesn’t have a professional-looking website or doesn’t provide an ATM card, or if it imposes restrictive residency requirements or fees for exceeding monthly transaction limits.

Recommended Articles

Best high-yield savings accounts for april 2024, 5 ways i’m thinking differently about saving money, i struggled to save money until i opened this bank account, 64% of americans are missing out on hundreds in savings account interest. are you one of them, gen z is making boomer financial trends hot again. are they really that deep, 6 reasons why you should own multiple savings accounts.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

Writers and editors and produce editorial content with the objective to provide accurate and unbiased information. A separate team is responsible for placing paid links and advertisements, creating a firewall between our affiliate partners and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers.

CNET Money is an advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We’re compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or when you click on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact where and in what order affiliate links appear within advertising units. While we strive to provide a wide range of products and services, CNET Money does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

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4 Reasons to Get a Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Rewards credit cards that charge an annual fee create a dilemma: If you don’t use your card often enough, you won’t earn enough rewards to make the fee worthwhile. You can end up losing money on a card that was supposed to get you valuable travel rewards.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card ’s $0 annual fee solves this conundrum. This card can gather dust in your wallet for months or even years without costing you a cent.

This card has more to offer than just its $0 annual fee. Here are several reasons to get a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card :

» Learn more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards review: Easy rewards for easy travel

Easy bonus points

A lot of cards make you spend $3,000 or more in the first three months to earn a welcome bonus. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers 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. . If you pay off your balances before interest and fees accrue, it’s a nice way to generate some extra travel funds.

Straightforward earning

A lot of cards earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on most things. Some cards will give you a boost to 2 to 3 points per $1 in a few categories, like gas stations, travel or restaurants. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is simpler and more straightforward: Cardholders earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all qualifying purchases.

This works out especially well for users who do the bulk of their spending at department stores, e-commerce sites and other merchants that don’t fit into common bonus spending categories.

You can spend your points on travel or get cash back

The points earned from the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card can be redeemed for travel or cash back. You can use your card to purchase travel from just about any provider you like, then redeem points for a statement credit.

» Learn more: Is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card right for me?

Don’t have any travel plans? You can also redeem points for a check or electronic deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account at a rate of $15 per 2,500 points. Not a great redemption, but an option nonetheless.

You can see your FICO score

The days of wondering about your FICO score are over. With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card , you can check your score, which is updated monthly. It’s a nice little perk that lets you stay on top of your credit and combat identity theft.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Best Bank of America credit cards No-fee travel cards: Discover It Miles vs. Bank of America Travel Rewards

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