10 Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
Published on May 28, 2007 3:21 PM ESTWhen choosing the best travel rewards credit card for your needs there are many things to consider. Here is a quick checklist.
1. How does one accumulate points with a particular card? Most good travel reward credit cards give you points for every dollar spent. (Cards usually don't give you reward points for balance transfers.)
Some of the best travel rewards credit cards let you earn 2 or 3 points for every dollar spent on certain purchases. For example, Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express lets you earn double Starpoints® at participating Starwood properties and retail partners.
2. Is there a limit to how many points you can earn in a calendar year? If there is one, you can quickly estimate if you'll come close to the limit.
3. How will you be able to spend your points? Certain cards will restrict you to redeeming rewards points at their particular airline. The best travel rewards credit cards will let you choose how to use your points. American Express has a very flexible program, letting you spend points on airline tickets, upgrades, hotels, gift cards, car rentals, and more.
4. Is there a limit to how many points you can redeem in a calendar year?
5. What is the annual fee for the card? Some reward cards let you try the card fee-free for a year to see if you like their program. American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card is one of them. Although changing credit cards frequently can impact your credit score in a negative way, it's sometimes good to have the option to try a product first before paying a fee.
6. The rewards program itself is very important, but so are the credit card terms, depending on how you use the card. If you carry a balance, check the APR terms carefully.
7. There are certain other features you can look for in a good travel rewards credit card. Does it provide auto rental insurance and travel emergency assistance?
8. Can you get additional cards for your family? Are additional cards free and will points spent by family members be added to your travel rewards points?
9. Will you get convenient features such as online account access to review and pay your bills?
10. Think of any other ways you use your card and make sure that the rewards card you are choosing has all the features. Some things to consider are access to a travel reservations agent if your travel plans change suddenly; 24/7 customer service over the phone; and ease of getting a replacement card when you travel, especially abroad.
Browse cards with travel rewards.
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*Although we try to maintain the offers up to date, credit card offer details change frequently. Please read the terms of your credit card application carefully when applying. We are not responsible for the card choices made by a user and for any errors.