Travel credit cards often come with strings attached—high annual fees, complicated rules, or rewards that only work for certain trips. But in 2026, Motley Foolhas named a no-fee card that stands out for keeping travel rewards simple and accessible.
The outlet recently named the Wells Fargo Autograph Card its top travel credit card with a $0 annual fee, citing its combination of everyday rewards, flexibility and low-maintenance value. For travelers who want points without juggling complicated rules—or paying hundreds of dollars upfront—it’s a notable pick.
As Motley Fool personal finance writer Joel O’Leary puts it, “You don’t need a $395 premium card to earn great travel rewards,” a point he makes while explaining why a no-fee option rose to the top of the outlet’s 2026 rankings.
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So why this card? Much of the appeal comes down to how easy it is to earn rewards on purchases people already make. The card offers triple points on categories like dining, travel, gas, transit, phone plans and popular streaming services—areas that tend to make up a big chunk of monthly spending.
There’s also an easy-to-reach welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months, which can be redeemed for $200 toward travel, statement credits, or other options. For many people, that spending requirement can be met through regular expenses like groceries, gas or dining out—making it a simple way to get a head start on travel rewards right away.
Unlike many travel cards, the Autograph Card doesn’t push users toward a single airline or hotel brand. Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards or even at checkout through PayPal, making it flexible for travelers who don’t want to be locked into one loyalty program. Its transfer partners are strong, too—Air France KLM Flying Blue and JetBlue, both with 1:1 conversions, stand out. Added perks like cellphone protection and a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first year add quiet value beyond travel.
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How does it compare to other familiar names? Cards like the American Express travel lineup or the Chase Freedom cards can be strong options—but they often come with rotating categories, more complex reward structures, or benefits geared more toward everyday cash back than travel. Meanwhile, Capital One offers no-fee cards with simple earning (typically 1.5%–2%), but fewer bonus categories tied directly to travel and dining.
For travelers who take a few trips a year, dine out regularly and want rewards without an annual fee hanging overhead, Motley Fool’s pick reflects a growing trend: simpler cards that deliver real value without the premium price tag.
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