Is a Travel Rewards Credit Card Right for You?
Considering a travel rewards credit card? This guide helps you decide based on your travel habits, whether it’s for airline-specific perks, free baggage, or earning points for future discounts. Learn how these cards can save you money and enhance your travel experience.
Is a Travel Rewards Credit Card Right for You?
If you're someone who travels frequently, understanding travel rewards credit cards is essential. These cards offer special perks for your bookings and are commonly provided by airlines. But is getting one worthwhile? The decision hinges on your travel habits.
Regularly fly with the same airline?
If you often travel with one airline, owning their credit card can be beneficial. They usually charge an annual fee but include discounts and exclusive offers. Whether you benefit depends on if the savings outweigh the annual cost.
These cards accumulate frequent flyer points you can use to save on future flights. Typically, every USD 1 spent earns one mile, which can be redeemed for discounts, priority boarding, or free checked baggage.
Regularly checked luggage?
Most airlines charge around $25 per checked bag; checking two bags adds up to about $50 each trip. A travel credit card can help you avoid these fees by offering free checked baggage. With an annual fee of around $95, if you check bags twice a year, the savings cover the cost and beyond. Thus, frequent travelers who pack more than one suitcase per trip should consider getting a travel rewards card.
Every airline-specific credit card includes perks like seat upgrades, priority boarding, discounted in-flight services, and lounge access, which are not typically available elsewhere.
