If you’re someone who loves to travel, you may want to consider getting a travel rewards credit card. These credit cards offer a variety of benefits that can help you save money on travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. In this guide, we’ll go over the key features of travel rewards credit cards and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
Understanding Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Before we dive into the details of how to choose a travel rewards credit card, it’s important to understand how these cards work. Essentially, travel rewards credit cards earn you points or miles for every dollar you spend. These points can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. Some travel rewards credit cards offer additional perks like lounge access, free checked bags, and priority boarding.
Types of Travel Rewards Credit Cards
There are two main types of travel rewards credit cards: co-branded cards and general travel rewards cards. Co-branded cards are offered by a specific airline or hotel chain and provide benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding. General travel rewards cards, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of redemption options and may provide higher earning rates on certain categories like dining and travel purchases.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Travel Rewards Credit Card
When choosing a travel rewards credit card, there are several factors to consider. The first is the earning rate – how many points or miles will you earn for each dollar you spend? Other factors to consider include the redemption options available, annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and additional perks like lounge access and free checked bags.
Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards in 2023
Now that we’ve covered the basics of travel rewards credit cards, let’s take a look at some of the top options available in 2023. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a generous sign-up bonus and earns 2X points on travel and dining purchases. The American Express Gold Card offers 4X points on dining and groceries and includes a $120 dining credit. For co-branded cards, the United Explorer Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card both offer valuable benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
How to Maximize Your Travel Rewards Credit Card
Once you’ve chosen a travel rewards credit card, it’s important to use it strategically to maximize your rewards. This means taking advantage of bonus categories, signing up for new cardmember offers, and keeping an eye out for promotions and discounts. It’s also important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Summary:
In conclusion, a travel rewards credit card can be a valuable tool for anyone who loves to travel. By understanding the basics of how these cards work and considering factors like earning rates and redemption options, you can choose the best one for your needs. With a little strategy, you can maximize your rewards and enjoy all the benefits that come with a travel rewards credit card.