Credit Cards with perks for traveling gaining popularity again
May 20, 2011 by admin
Travel Reward Credit Cards
Among reward credit card, travel reward cards are the most on-demand cards because they offer amazing benefits on travel, especially airline travel. You can redeem the points that you collect on airline usage and get a heavy discount or even free ticket on your next trip. But then not all travel reward credit cards are created equal. Some may offer a lot of attractive benefits, while others may be just exaggerating.. So here are tips to find out the best travel reward credit card for you:
1. What are you looking for in a travel reward card? Find out what kind of travel benefits are you looking for? Airline miles, discounts of hotels and accommodation, car rental rewards? Will you be using these rewards for business or pleasure? Do you intend to use these rewards quickly or collect them and use it for a bigger benefit later? All these factors can shape your decision on taking a travel reward card. Make a list and then find out if what you are looking for, is available at a good cost (low annual fees and less interest rate) with various credit card companies and sign up for the one that offers travel reward cards that fit your requirements.
2. Fees on travel reward credit cards: Find out the fees that are offered on the travel cards. Check the annual fees, the interest rates, the late fees, the over-the-limit fees. Find out the highest credit limit on these cards. Find out the feedback on these travel reward cards from people you know and other anonymous people online.
3. Research more on the rewards: Find out information on the rewards that are offered, how easy it is to avail them and redeem them for benefits like airmiles. Are there any restrictions, exclusions or disclaimers? Find out when the points expire and if there are any special restrictions which reduce your ability to use the points. Find out the redemption process that is to be followed and if there are any blackout dates.
4. Go by the merchant that you frequently use: Find out which airline you frequently use and then look for a credit card that offer airmiles for that airliner. Also consider the service, the cost and company policy.
5. Go through the account statements to find out if travel credit is mentioned: Find out if the credits are posted in your account; there are some travel rewards programs that permit you to ask for credit for past travel up to 90 days after travel.
6. Stick to one brand: Choose only one brand and stick to it for a long time, because you will be able to build points faster. Also, only a few travel rewards programs actually allow you to transfer across brands.
7. Look for incentive programs: Look out for incentive programs on your reward program website because they can happen many times a year. These incentive programs can also help you earn double or triple points on certain occasions.