Have money! Will fly! Those of us bitten by the travel bug can use a travel rewards credit card to make all those plans come true. The reputed ones usually have tie-ups with airlines and hotels. Their relationship can benefit you in many ways. Here is how it works.
Understanding The Benefits Of Your Credit Card
Before you get a travel rewards credit card, see that they match your travel plans. Do you, for example, travel only by a particular airline or is there a particular hotel chain that you usually patronize? Your credit card should have a relationship with them. If you like roaming the four corners of the world, your credit card should cover the maximum destinations possible or have tie-ups with local credit card companies.
Find out the reward programs the credit card offer. It could be additional frequent flyer points, hotel discounts, gift vouchers, free upgrade to a better card or best of all, all of this and then some more.
Understanding The Drawbacks Of Your Credit Card
All benefits come with some riders and this is particularly true of credit cards. Travel reward credit cards usually have higher annual fee charges than regular credit cards. So calculate if the benefits cost more or less than that fee.
The rewards program should also be in tandem with your travel plans. It is pointless if the rewards can be reaped in snow-bound areas if you are a sun worshipper or covers your stay in a hotel when you like camping outdoors. The credit card points should also be easily converted to the promised rewards. This is possible if it can be activated online rather than with a written application, have a short waiting period and be valid for a long time before they expire. Note that some credit cards also give further rewards for frequent travels. The more you travel, the more the rewards.
So find a travel rewards credit card that suits your needs. Grill the sales representative or ask for references from existing customers before selecting one. Then just pack your bags and set off.