No-annual-fee cards aren’t known for their high-end perks. They’re usually geared toward those looking to transfer balances or build their credit.
Some no-annual-fee options can offer more than just a basic set of perks, though. Several cards from major issuers offer cardholders the choice to transfer their rewards to airline and hotel partners.
If you’ve been reading TPG for any length of time, you know that transferring your rewards to partners will usually net the most value. Doing that without paying an annual fee may appeal to points and miles newcomers or anyone exploring a new rewards ecosystem.
Let’s explore some of the best no-annual-fee cards that earn transferable rewards.
Best for renters
Paying rent with a credit card can help you rack up rewards more quickly than many other expenses. I’ve used my rent to help me earn welcome bonuses with high spending requirements.
The downside to this: Generally, paying rent with a credit card will incur a fee. That’s where the Bilt Mastercard®* comes into play. With this card, you’ll earn bonus Bilt Points on rent (up to 100,000 points per year) without incurring any annoying fees.
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
*TPG’s Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to make at least five transactions each billing cycle to earn bonus points. That means you can’t just charge your rent to this card and forget about it.
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Bilt points can be transferred to some high-value partners. For example, it’s the only rewards currency that can be transferred to Atmos Rewards, so Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines fans especially will want to strongly consider the Bilt Mastercard.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Bilt Mastercard.
Best for American Airlines AAdvantage fans
For a long time, American Airlines AAdvantage didn’t partner with any issuer’s loyalty program. That changed when Citi and AAdvantage decided to deepen their partnership, resulting in the airline’s program getting added to Citi’s lengthy transfer partner list.
If you want to transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to AAdvantage for no annual fee, the Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees) is a great choice.
Note that Strata Card holders can transfer points to AAdvantage at a 1:0.7 ratio. To get a better 1:1 transfer ratio, you’ll need a card such as the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees).
Despite that limitation, the Strata Card still offers some solid perks. Cardholders can choose a self-select category each quarter to earn 3 points per dollar spent in. I’m considering this card in the future once my 5/24 status is in a better spot. I like the ability to flex a bonus category around my spending habits, and this card also has an easily achievable welcome bonus.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Strata Card.
Apply here: Citi Strata Card
Best for Chase customers
If you already have a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card or are interested in applying for one, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) or the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees).
The main strength of these cards is in their earning categories. The Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, while the Freedom Flex earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (on the first $1,500 in spending each quarter; activation required).
If you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), you can combine the rewards you earn on your Freedom cards with your account. Then, you can transfer them to Chase’s 13 partners.
To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Freedom Flex and the Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Best for small businesses
Before skipping this one because you don’t have a traditional business, hold on. You don’t need a large brand or physical store to get approved for a small-business card. A basic side hustle, like freelancing, dog walking or Uber driving, can count.
If you’re in need of a good business card that earns transferable rewards for no annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees).
This card differs from the others I’ve recommended so far in that it doesn’t have any bonus categories.
Instead, cardmembers will earn 2 points per dollar spent (on up to $50,000 in spending each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). While that won’t net you as many points as using a card with bonus categories, it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to bother tracking their spending.
American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to 20 partners, almost as many as those available with Bilt Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. I’ve been in the Membership Rewards ecosystem for a couple of years now, so I’m a fan of the program’s flexibility and versatility.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Business Plus.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best for simplicity
The Blue Business Plus might be the top business card on this list, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great alternative for those wanting a consumer card instead.
It earns a flat rate on all purchases instead of divvying up rewards into bonus categories. Cardholders earn 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and bonus-earning isn’t restricted by a spending cap.
Capital One has 15-plus transfer partners, putting it in the middle of the pack. I’m not in the Capital One ecosystem, but many TPGers enjoy earning Capital One miles and transferring them to partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles.
To learn more, check out our full review of the VentureOne Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Bottom line
All of these cards are available for no annual fee, and you can transfer their rewards to loyalty partners. Which card fits your wallet best will depend on your spending habits and whether you’re open to having more than one card. Some of these cards work best when combined with cards that have annual fees, while others reach their full potential on their own.
Whether you’re new to points and miles or just looking for a way to power up your wallet, consider one of these no-annual-fee cards. You don’t need to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket every year to enjoy the benefits of transferable rewards.
Related: Earn rewards on a budget with these no-annual-fee credit card strategies
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus, click here.
