The invention relates to a tensioning device for a traction drive, comprising a receiving housing, a roller carrier which is pivotably connected to the receiving housing, a helical tension spring which is supported at the receiving housing and at the roller carrier in circumferential and axial direction, wherein the roller carrier and the receiving housing are axially fixed relative to one another by the helical tension spring, a bearing arrangement by which the roller carrier is supported in the receiving housing so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis, a damping arrangement for damping a rotational movement of the roller carrier relative to the receiving housing, wherein the damping arrangement is arranged so as to be axially spaced from the bearing arrangement and is axially loaded by a tensile load of the helical tension spring.