10 Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards That Earn Transferable Points

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

The best no-annual-fee credit cards that earn transferable points make it easy to collect rewards without added costs. These cards let you move points to airline or hotel partners, offering more flexibility than standard cash-back options. They combine solid everyday earning power with travel-focused perks, helping you maximize rewards while avoiding annual fees.

  • The Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express

    The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option designed for those who want to earn transferable Membership Rewards points. It works well as an entry-level card for people who are new to travel rewards.

    Unlike many basic cards, it provides access to Amex’s full Membership Rewards program. This gives cardholders the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on travel booked through Amex Travel
    • 2x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1x after)
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Since this card is no longer open to new applicants, you can’t qualify for a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.74%–27.74%
    • Other benefits: Access to Amex Offers, fraud protection, purchase protection
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Earn transferable Membership Rewards points
    • Bonus points at supermarkets
    • Extra points with frequent use
    • Intro APR period for purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Amex Travel, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for gift cards and statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has foreign transaction fees and limited bonus categories compared to premium options.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a simple way to earn transferable rewards without an annual fee, making it a practical starter option.

  • Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is designed for people who want to earn travel rewards without extra costs. It offers a simple way to collect miles that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    This card works well for travelers who prefer flexibility. It provides steady rewards on everyday spending and access to Capital One’s growing list of transfer partners.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.25x miles on every purchase
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    Limited offer: earn a $100 travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, typically 19.24%–29.24%
    • Other benefits: Travel accident insurance, extended warranty, auto rental coverage
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners
    • Flexible redemption for travel purchases
    • Solid option for everyday spending

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transferred to airline or hotel partners, or used for statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically requires good to excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The earning rate is lower than premium cards, so heavy travelers may find it less rewarding.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a low-risk way to start earning transferable travel rewards without paying an annual fee.

  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card focuses on everyday spending in popular categories. It is designed for people who want simple rewards without extra complications while still having the option to leverage transferable points for travel.

    This card works well for those who often spend on food, entertainment, and streaming. It also pairs with other Capital One cards to expand rewards flexibility.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8% cash back on entertainment purchases booked through the Capital One Entertainment portal
    • 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, grocery stores (excluding superstores), and popular streaming services
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 within the first three months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Fraud protection, virtual card numbers, contactless payments
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash-back rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Reward transfers: Cash back can be converted to Capital One miles when paired with certain travel cards

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Rewards in multiple everyday categories
    • Ability to move rewards to travel-focused Capital One cards
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Useful for both domestic and international purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed as cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or transferred to Capital One travel partners when combined with eligible cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card excludes big-box retailers like Walmart and Target from its grocery rewards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

  • Chase Freedom Flex®

    The Chase Freedom Flex® is a versatile rewards card that gives cardholders multiple ways to earn valuable rewards on everyday purchases. It works well for those who want flexible earning potential without committing to a premium travel card.

    This card is part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which allows points to be redeemed in different ways. When paired with other Chase cards, rewards can be converted into transferable travel points.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to a set limit)
    • 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery
    • 3% on drugstore purchases
    • 1% on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Cellphone protection, purchase protection
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back / points
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Access to rotating bonus categories each quarter

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Strong bonus categories for everyday spending
    • Ability to convert cash back rewards to travel points
    • Cellphone protection included
    • Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners when paired with an eligible Chase card.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, with a score starting around 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The quarterly bonus categories require activation and have spending caps, which may limit rewards potential.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple earning categories and the chance to explore transferable points without an annual fee.

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a flexible rewards card that offers simple earning potential without complicated categories. It is designed for users who want to build points steadily with everyday spending.

    This card works well for both beginners and experienced travelers who prefer straightforward rewards. It also pairs effectively with other Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, allowing those points to become transferable to airline and hotel partners for added travel flexibility.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
    • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
    • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $500 within the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, typically around 18.99%–28.49%
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, and access to Chase Offers
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Ability to pool points with Chase Sapphire cards for higher-value travel redemptions

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
    • Ability to convert cash back rewards to travel points
    • Flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Works well when paired with other Chase cards

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel bookings, or transferred to airline and hotel partners when combined with premium Chase cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often starting around a 670 score or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges foreign transaction fees, so it is less useful for international travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning, no annual fee, and the ability to grow into more advanced travel rewards when paired with other Chase cards.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is an entry-level hotel rewards card designed for travelers who want to earn points without extra costs. It offers basic perks tied to the Marriott Bonvoy program, making it simple for users to start building rewards.

    Marriott Bonvoy points are transferable to many airline partners, giving cardholders added flexibility to use their rewards for flights as well as hotel stays.

    Earning Structure:

    • 14x points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
    • 2x points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare services, select food delivery, and certain streaming, internet, cable, and phone services
    • 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel protections, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy
    • Points earned on everyday spending
    • Travel and purchase protections
    • Access to Marriott’s large hotel network

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott hotels, upgrades, or transferred to airline partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO of at least 670) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card offers modest rewards compared to premium Marriott cards and lacks free night certificates.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It gives new travelers a simple way to earn hotel points without paying an annual fee.

  • Citi Strata Card

    The Citi Strata Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that earns Citi ThankYou points. It is designed for people who want flexible rewards without paying extra costs.

    The card fits well into Citi’s ThankYou Rewards program, allowing users to collect points on everyday purchases. These ThankYou points are transferable to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, giving cardholders valuable options to maximize rewards for travel.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com
    • 3x points at supermarkets, select transit, and gas & EV charging stations
    • 3x points in one self-selected category (fitness clubs, select streaming, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/salons, or pet supply stores)
    • 2x points at restaurants
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 ThankYou points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Flexible bonus category selection each quarter

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Strong bonus categories for daily spending
    • Points transfer to multiple airline partners
    • Quarterly self-selected bonus category
    • Simple entry point into Citi ThankYou Rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is recommended (FICO 670–850).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not provide premium travel protections or luxury perks.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemptions, making it easy for new users to start building transferable points.

  • Citi Double Cash Card

    The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple rewards card that focuses on consistent value. It offers a flat return on purchases, making it easy to understand and use.

    This card does not rely on rotating categories or complex reward structures. Instead, it provides steady earnings that can be redeemed in different ways. Cash back can be converted to Citi ThankYou points, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners for greater travel flexibility.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1% cash back when making a purchase
    • 1% cash back when paying off that purchase

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Fraud protection, contactless payments, Citi Entertainment access
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back card with transferable points option
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional info: Rewards can be combined with other Citi cards for travel redemptions

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Simple earning structure with flat rewards
    • Ability to convert cash back rewards to travel points
    • Flexible redemption options including cash, statement credit, or direct deposit
    • Works well alongside other Citi ThankYou cards

    Redemption Options:

    Cardholders can redeem rewards for cash, statement credits, direct deposits, or transfer them to Citi ThankYou Points if linked with eligible cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a score above 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not offer bonus categories or travel protections, and it charges foreign transaction fees.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its flat earning structure and no annual fee make it easy for beginners to earn rewards without managing complex rules.

  • Citi Custom Cash Card

    The Citi Custom Cash Card adapts to a cardholder’s spending habits by rewarding their top category each billing cycle. This makes it flexible for people whose expenses change month to month.

    It keeps earning simple since no category selection or enrollment is required. The cash back earned can also be converted to Citi ThankYou points, which are transferable to various airline and hotel partners.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on the top eligible spending category (up to $500 each billing cycle)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, typically around 18.24%–28.24%
    • Other benefits: Access to Citi ThankYou Rewards program
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back / points card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Contactless payment support

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Automatic 5% rewards in top spending category
    • Rewards earned as transferable points
    • Simple earning structure with no activation
    • Access to Citi’s ThankYou Rewards partners

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel bookings, or transferred to select airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit (FICO 690–850) for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The 5% rate only applies to the first $500 spent per cycle, and foreign transaction fees make it less ideal for international use.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The automatic rewards structure and no annual fee make it easy for new cardholders to start earning transferable points without extra effort.

  • Bilt Mastercard

    The Bilt Mastercard is designed for people who want to earn rewards on rent payments without extra fees. It also provides bonus rewards in popular categories like dining and travel.

    This card connects to the Bilt Rewards program, which allows users to transfer points to several airline and hotel partners. It gives renters a way to earn valuable points on a major monthly expense.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on dining purchases
    • 2x points on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rentals
    • 1x points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year)
    • 1x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 20.49%, 23.49%, or 28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Monthly Rent Day promotions, cell phone protection, access to Bilt Rewards program
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Points transfer to major airline and hotel partners

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Earn rewards on rent without transaction fees
    • Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
    • Bonus categories for dining and travel
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel by transferring to airline and hotel partners, or for other rewards through the Bilt Rewards program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score between 670 and 850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card places a cap of 100,000 points per year on rent payments.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It allows renters to earn transferable points without an annual fee, making it an easy way to start using rewards cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you combine points from no-annual-fee cards with other rewards programs?

Yes, transferable points from cards can be converted into airline and hotel program benefits. Some rewards points can also be pooled across eligible cards from the same or partner issuers. This makes it possible to combine balances and increase redemption value.

Can no-annual-fee cards help build business credit profiles?

Personal no-annual-fee rewards cards generally don’t report to commercial credit bureaus. Business versions can differ, and requirements and reporting depend on the issuer. It’s best to research business-specific products if credit-building is the goal.

Are no-annual-fee rewards affected if you upgrade or downgrade a card?

Changing a card type can alter how rewards are earned or redeemed. Sometimes points transfer smoothly, but benefits or earning rates may change. Always review issuer policies before requesting a product change.

Do transferable points from no-annual-fee cards expire if you close the account?

Points often disappear when the account closes unless they’re moved beforehand. Transferring them to a partner program or another eligible card preserves their value. Each issuer sets its own timeline for point expiration after closure.

Can no-annual-fee cards earn transferable points that qualify for premium cabin upgrades?

Yes, but it depends on the transfer partners available through the rewards program. Points from cards linked to networks like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou can often be moved to airline programs that allow cabin upgrades. Availability and required points vary by airline and route, so planning ahead is essential.