Learn how travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 can earn you free flights, hotel nights, and perks.

Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 to help you earn meaningful rewards without splurging on a premium card. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Hyatt's award chart changes taking effect May 20, Disney's 2026 Halloween event dates, expiring welcome offers on the Disney Inspire and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards, new Chase Sapphire Reserve perks at The Edit collection hotels, and the Trump administration's potential bailout of Spirit Airlines.

Then, they discuss why a sub-$100 annual fee card can punch well above its weight for the right traveler. They break down their picks across four categories: cards for travel spending, everyday spending, hotel co-brands, and airline co-brands. You'll get tips on free night certificates, statement credits, and transfer partners, plus when these cards genuinely compete with premium options.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution

Chase Freedom Flex: Multiple Bonus Rewards in One Card

Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card Review

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers

Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card: Premium Credits, With a Few Caveats

Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions

Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards

Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Premier Perks Abound

IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter

World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Credit Card Review

Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year

JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Fee

Disney Inspire Visa: A Whole New World of Generous Benefits

Resources discussed in this episode:

Hyatt's New Award Chart Raises Points Prices for Most Nights

A First Look at MSC World America: A Family-Friendly Cruise

The Guide to Wells Fargo Transfer Partners

The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn how earning status with one airline can unlock lounges and elite perks on more than a dozen other airlines worldwide.

First, host Meghan Coyle breaks down the week’s top travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally French), including a new Google Hotels feature that lets you track prices on a specific hotel (not just a city), Wells Fargo adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, Air New Zealand’s controversial new Skynest bunk bed cabin, Chase expanding its Plum Guide vacation rental program to Sapphire cardholders, Hilton’s new apartment-style properties, and Norse Atlantic canceling Los Angeles flights amid rising fuel costs.

Then, Sally joins Meghan for a conversation with Gilbert Ott, Director of Loyalty at the OneWorld Airline Alliance. They explore how airline alliance membership can elevate every trip you take, with tips and insights on how OneWorld’s Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald elite status tiers work across all 15 member airlines, which world-class airport lounges you can access as a OneWorld elite member, and what Hawaiian Airlines’ new membership in the Alliance means for your miles and travel experience.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred 

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Wells Fargo Transfer Partners: What to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wells-fargo-transfer-partners 

Air New Zealand's Skynest Bunk Beds Are Coming This Fall https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/air-new-zealand-skynest-launch 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn how earning status with one airline can unlock lounges and elite perks on 14 other airlines worldwide.

First, host Meghan Coyle breaks down the week’s top travel headlines with producer Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally French), including a new Google Hotels feature that lets you track prices on a specific hotel (not just a city), Wells Fargo adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, Air New Zealand’s controversial new Skynest bunk bed cabin, Chase expanding its Plum Guide vacation rental program to Sapphire cardholders, Hilton’s new apartment-style properties, and Norse Atlantic canceling Los Angeles flights amid rising fuel costs.

Then, Sally joins Meghan for a conversation with Gilbert Ott, Director of Loyalty at the OneWorld Airline Alliance. They explore how airline alliance membership can elevate every trip you take, with tips and insights on how OneWorld’s Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald elite status tiers work across all 15 member airlines, which world-class airport lounges you can access as a OneWorld elite member, and what Hawaiian Airlines’ new membership in the Alliance means for your miles and travel experience.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred 

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Wells Fargo Transfer Partners: What to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/wells-fargo-transfer-partners 

Air New Zealand's Skynest Bunk Beds Are Coming This Fall https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/air-new-zealand-skynest-launch 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn how families can use points and miles to fly, earn companion passes, and book hotels without paying full price.

Before delving into the ins and outs of family travel, hosts Meghan Coyle and Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally French) break down the latest travel headlines, including an increase in checked bag fees across all four major U.S. airlines, American Airlines stripping elite status perks from basic economy bookings, Rove Miles adding new transfer partners, Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady arriving in Los Angeles for West Coast sailings, and Tess's long-awaited — and ultimately successful — effort to get a refund from Iberia Airlines after a delayed flight in Spain.

Then, Sally joins Meghan for a discussion with Erin Hurd, points expert and NerdWallet's director of travel, about how families can travel on points without losing their minds. Erin shares tips and tricks on flying babies and toddlers affordably, using family miles pooling programs to combine points across household members, earning companion passes to stretch your travel budget further, and booking hotels strategically when you need connecting rooms or extra space.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Modest Perks, Big Bonus

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

Bank of America Premium Rewards Review: Big Bonuses for B of A’s Best Customers

Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee?

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Guide to Rove Miles

Top Airline Credit Cards With Companion Tickets

My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn what it really takes to fly and stay somewhere with your pet, from carrier rules to hidden fees.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the best airlines and hotels for traveling with pets to help you avoid hidden fees and stressed-out animals. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including elevated welcome offers on Hilton co-branded cards expiring April 15, new signup bonuses on the Atmos Rewards cards from Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines' new international business class launching from Seattle, upcoming American Express Centurion Lounge openings in Boston and Charlotte and an expansion at Dallas Fort Worth, Amex dropping Etihad as a transfer partner, Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholders now earning up to 5x points on Lyft rides, and new JetBlue TrueBlue redemption options for travel fees including pet travel.

Then, joined by traveler Jana Kate, who has brought her dog Poquito on trips across Europe, they discuss the real costs and logistics of traveling with pets, with tips and tricks on choosing the right airline and hotel for your pet, navigating fees that can vary per night versus per stay, and what to know before you book with a furry companion in tow.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Hilton AmEx Surpass Review: Credits Can Offset the High Fee 

Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee

Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price

Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year

Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable 

Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More 

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Modest Perks, Big Bonus

Southwest Premier Credit Card Review: The Middle Seat of Cards 

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Best Airlines for Flying With Pets in 2026

Best Hotels for Pets in 2026 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.

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Learn how to save on flights, hotels, and tickets when you travel for major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, or the Olympics.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the ins and outs of planning travel for major sporting events. But first, Sally breaks down this week’s headlines with producer Tess Vigeland, including what TSA’s long-delayed pay could mean for airport security lines, Sally’s experience using Touchless ID at JFK, United’s new Dreamliner cabins and Relax Row seats, United’s MileagePlus earning changes, Bilt adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, and new Royal Caribbean cruise credit cards.

Then, Sally and Meghan discuss how to travel for sporting events without going broke, with tips and tricks on when to stay farther from the venue, how to use public transit and alternate airports, when vacation packages can beat booking everything separately, how to think about ticket presales and premium card perks, and when it might be smarter to skip the stadium and enjoy the fan festivities instead. They also look ahead to the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, Formula 1 races, the NBA All-Star Game, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and future Super Bowls. Plus: they answer a listener’s question about cash-back cards versus points cards.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus

Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

10 Things to Know About the AmEx Centurion Black Card

Resources discussed in this episode:

First Look: United’s Most Premium Plane With Polaris Studios

United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates

28 Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn how to skip rental car lines, lower costs, and avoid pricey insurance mistakes on your next trip.

When should you rent at the airport, and when should you skip a car entirely? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down how to rent a car in 2026 without overpaying, wasting time at the counter, or getting tripped up by confusing coverage. But first, they unpack the latest travel headlines, including long TSA lines during the federal partial shutdown, fresh findings from NerdWallet’s 2026 summer travel survey, Hilton’s new Yotel partnership, Citi ending points sharing, and Chase’s new hotel price-match feature.

Then, Sally and Meghan dig into rental car strategy, with tips and tricks on booking early and repricing later, comparing airport and city pickup spots, and deciding when Turo, Uber Rent, Zipcar, or public transit make more sense than a standard rental. They also cover which credit card perks matter most, how rental car elite status can help you skip lines or add drivers, when EV rentals can save money or create hassles, and why their editor Claire and colleague Craig come up in a conversation about portal pricing, rental car dread, and smarter booking choices.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

AmEx Business Platinum Card: High Fee Pays Off for Big-Spending Travelers

AmEx Green Review: Triple Points on Dining and Travel, Plus Credits

Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price

Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers

5 Things to Know About the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card

Resources discussed in this episode:

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: How It Works, Where It’s Offered

How to Get Clear for Free

Citi Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide

My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn how to cut the cost of a ski trip before lift tickets, rentals and parking wipe out your budget.

How do you keep a ski trip from blowing your whole vacation budget? When should you buy a season pass instead of a day ticket? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to save on ski and snowboarding trips to help you plan a cheaper mountain getaway. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Marriott’s more-flexible free night certificates, bigger Marriott welcome offers, rising fuel surcharges that could push airfare higher, and what the new Ikon Pass prices mean for next ski season.

Then, fellow travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan and Sally to discuss ski trip costs, with tips and tricks on choosing between season passes and day tickets, lowering rental, lodging and parking costs, and using points, hotel stays and credit card perks to offset the price of a mountain vacation. They also discuss whether skiing in Europe can actually cost less than skiing in the U.S., what non-skiers can do on a snow trip from tubing to ice skating, and what to look for in a credit card if you’re flying with skis or a snowboard.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Review: Free Night Award, Elite Status https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-boundless 

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Review: Luxurious Benefits, Price Tag to Match https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant 

Capital One Savor Review: Foodie-Focused Rewards, for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-savor 

Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium 

Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture-x 

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/top-rewards-credit-card-offers 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Get listener-powered answers on lounges, Disney cards, cruises, and layovers.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle kick off the first listener questions episode of 2026 with quick travel headlines, including Wyndham Rewards Member Month, the Epic Pass going on sale for the 2026–27 season, and Rove Miles adding Japan Airlines as a transfer partner. They also swap recent travel wins, from Meghan’s David Copperfield weekend in Las Vegas to Sally’s courtside Chase Sapphire Reserve experience at the Chase Center — complete with a Steph Curry jersey and a hello from former Warrior Festus Ezeli — plus a nod to past “pinch me” perks like dining with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Then they answer a wide range of travel questions from listeners. They dig into topics like whether Wyndham Diamond status can really land you a suite upgrade, how to pick the best Priority Pass lounge strategy at SFO, how to think through the cash back vs. points debate in a relationship, and how to decide if the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth it compared with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. They also cover what to do with a day layover in Singapore (and when it’s smarter to stay at the airport), which cruise lines fit solo travelers who want concierge vibes without formal nights, what to know about Royal Caribbean cabin outlets, whether the new Disney Inspire Visa Card makes sense for one big trip (and what counts toward its credits), and why premium economy might be the underrated sweet spot on long-haul flights.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost

5 Things to Know: Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card

Disney Inspire Visa: A Whole New World of Generous Benefits

Disney Premier Visa: Missing the Magic

Disney Visa: Perks in the Park, but Not in Your Wallet

Resources discussed in this episode:

How to Get a Business Credit Card: Who Qualifies, What You Need to Apply

Can You Get a Business Credit Card Without a Business?

5 Things to Know: Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card

The Complete Guide to Wyndham Rewards Elite Status

Priority Pass SFO: What You Need to Know

Inside the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO

Temporary SFO AmEx Centurion Lounge

What Credit Cards Can Get Me Into Priority Pass Lounges?

The Best Cruise Lines (includes the Norwegian Aqua)

How to Make the Most of Chase Sapphire Reserve

New Rove Card Promises Travel Rewards, No Credit History Needed

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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Learn how to avoid common travel upsells that drain your budget, from cruise add-ons to sneaky foreign card charges.

In this video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down travel “noob traps” to help you spot pricey add-ons before you click “book.” But first, they cover the latest travel headlines, including Chase adding Wyndham as a new transfer partner, Skyscanner launching flight search inside ChatGPT, Kayak’s spring break airfare trends, and new airport lounge openings at LAX and Las Vegas. They also flag a NerdWallet story from Craig Joseph digging deeper into the Chase-to-Wyndham transfer news.

Then, they dive into the most common “noob traps” that can quietly inflate your trip total, including cruise specialty dining, attraction photo packages, room service sticker shock, early check-in fees, and dynamic currency conversion abroad. They also discuss when travel insurance add-ons can be worth it (and when they can disappoint), why timeshare presentations and pricey hotel activities can backfire, what to know about cell phone roaming charges, and how “convenience” offers can cost more than you expect.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve 

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Chase Points Now Transfer to Wyndham, but Better Options Exist https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/chase-ultimate-rewards-adds-wyndham-rewards 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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