Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those that waive annual fees the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less.

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Chase Freedom Flex℠: A Keeper in Every Wallet
Alex kicks off the episode with her top pick, the Chase Freedom Flex℠. This no-annual-fee card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points and offers 5% back on rotating merchant categories each quarter, such as PayPal and grocery stores. With a 20,000-point welcome offer after spending just $500, this card can easily cover a one-way flight to Europe. Alex highlights how pairing this with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card allows you to transfer points to travel partners, unlocking even more value.

Chase Ink Business Cards: Pam’s Love Language
Pam shares her favorite no-annual-fee business cards, the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. These powerhouse cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® on categories like office-supply stores and internet service or offer a flat 1.5% back on every purchase. With a whopping 75,000-point welcome offer (after spending $6,000), these cards are a cornerstone of her strategy for racking up points.

Maximizing American Express Options
Jess introduces the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, a no-annual-fee option that earns 2X American Express Membership Rewards® on every purchase up to $50,000 annually. She also mentions the Hilton Honors American Express Card, which comes with no annual fee and Hilton Silver status, unlocking perks like the fifth night free on award stays. For anyone looking to maintain Hilton points without paying a fee, this is a fantastic option.

Waived Annual Fees: United and American Airlines Cards
The team also highlights cards like the United℠ Explorer Card and Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, which waive their annual fees the first year. These cards offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and extra award availability for flights.

No-Fee Travel Wins
From Alex’s PayPal points strategies to Jess’s tips on tracking targeted offers, this episode proves that no-annual-fee cards can still pack a punch. Whether you’re just starting with points and miles or looking to add another card to your wallet, these recommendations are the perfect way to travel smarter without extra costs.

 

Links For This Episode: 

• Chase Freedom Flex℠: https://travelmomsquad.com/cff

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: http://travelmomsquad.com/cfu

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cic

• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/ciu

• United℠ Explorer Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/uecp

• United℠ Business Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/ubc

• How to Qualify for a Business Card

 

Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: Why No-Annual-Fee Cards Matter
• 01:37 – Chase Freedom Flex: Rotating Categories and Welcome Offers
• 06:00 – Pam’s Favorite: Chase Ink Business Cards
• 16:00 – American Express Options for Hilton and Membership Rewards
• 23:00 – United Explorer and AAdvantage Platinum Select Benefits
• 30:00 – Wrapping Up: Maximize Value Without Annual Fees