Dec 3, 2024
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 with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less.
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 categories like 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 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
Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited. These powerhouse cards earn Ultimate
Rewards points on categories like office supply stores and internet
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 Amex Blue Business Plus card, a no-annual-fee
option that earns 2X Membership Rewards points on every purchase up
to $50,000 annually. She also mentions the Hilton Honors 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 and Citi
AAdvantage Platinum Select, 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