No annual fee credit cards to help you travel easily

Traveling enriches the soul, broadens the mind, and adds a depth of experience that nothing else can. Whether you are a frequent jet-setter or an occasional vacationer, a travel credit card can be a crucial tool to enhance your journeys.

Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at the best travel credit cards that can make your trips more rewarding and meet many of your travel-related needs.

What Makes a Good Travel Credit Card?

An exceptional travel credit card can be your trusty companion while journeying across continents or simply taking a short domestic trip. However, not all travel cards are created equal. There are several key attributes that make a travel credit card truly stand out. Some key features to look for include:

Generous Rewards Program

At the heart of any good travel credit card is a robust rewards program. Whether it's in the form of points, miles, or cash back, the card should allow you to earn a high rate of rewards for each dollar spent, particularly on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Many travel cards lure in customers with attractive sign-up bonuses. These bonuses, often doled out in thousands of miles or points, can rapidly accumulate rewards, provided you meet the card's initial spending requirement.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

If you frequently travel abroad, foreign transaction fees can quickly add up. A top-notch travel credit card would eliminate these fees, ensuring you don't incur extra costs while making purchases overseas.

Reasonable Annual Fees

While many travel cards charge annual fees, a good card would justify this expense through its rewards program and additional benefits. Even better, some great travel cards don't charge any annual fee at all.

Travel-Specific Benefits

Standout travel cards will offer additional perks and benefits tailored specifically to the needs of travelers. These could include complimentary travel insurance, access to airport lounges, priority boarding, free checked baggage, or even elite status in hotel and airline loyalty programs.

How to Apply for a Credit Card with No Annual Fee

To apply for a free credit card in Canada, you first need to make sure you meet the card issuer’s eligibility requirements and then follow the steps to submit an application.

Eligibility Requirements for Free Credit Cards

The eligibility criteria can vary, but the basic requirements for free credit cards tend to be similar.

Age and Residency

You must usually be a Canadian resident (living for more than 6 months) and be an adult in the local legal sense.

Credit Score

Credit accumulation is required, but the requirements for no annual fee are usually not high.

Personal or Household Income Requirements

Income requirements are more common for premium credit cards, while income requirements for no annual fee credit cards tend to be much lower, such as the Tangerin Master Card, which requires a personal income of $15,000.

Do people with bad credit have a chance to apply for a credit card with no annual fee?

It depends on your situation. For example, if you are a student and don't have much credit history, some financial institutions will also approve applications for credit cards with no annual fees, which are suitable for students.

On the other hand, if you have a bad credit score due to past financial difficulties, you may not be approved for a traditional free credit card. But you may still be able to get another type of credit card.

If your credit is really bad, there are also secured credit cards to back you up. These types of credit cards are similar to regular credit cards, but you need to put down a security deposit. These funds are locked as a credit line, but cannot be used to repay credit cards.

Your Passport to Rewarding Travels Starts Here!

The right travel credit card can transform your travel experience, offering convenience and lucrative rewards. Each of the top ten travel credit cards mentioned earlier provides unique benefits tailored to different traveling styles and spending tendencies. It's worth taking the time to identify your needs, thoroughly research your options, and pick the best card that complements your lifestyle.