Credit cards have become an indispensable tool for most people. They use it every day to pay for goods or services. Now, with travel credit cards, one can have an opportunity to earn free points which they can exchange for airfares, hotels, or cash. In order to lure customers to their fold, most credit card issuers have included travel in their own perks or partnered with travel brands to offer sign up bonuses, loyalty points, special discounts, and others. So it will work to your advantage if you will use the card all the time to get these perks.
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With the bevy of choices available in the market, how do you go about with choosing the right travel credit card for you? Here are the criteria you need to consider:
- Huge sign-up bonus. In most cases, one point is equivalent to a free domestic flight at the very least. Don’t sign with a provider that does not offer free flights. It will take you a long time to get a free flight. Nowadays, there are many airlines and hotel-specific cards that offer bonuses between 60,000 to 100,000 points which means tons of free flights.
- Points conversion. Most providers will offer one point for every dollar you spend. The best credit cards will offer additional points when shopping at specific retailers or for the branded cards, a particular brand. This way, you can get more points quickly.
- Low spending minimum. However, in order to avail of the bonuses, there is usually a required minimum. However, some cards have a high spending requirement. There are cards that require less than $1,000 USD and you can avail of great privileges such as loyalty status. Many issuers offer elite status with their cards which can entitle you to free upgrades and priority benefits.
- Annual Fees. Although no one likes annual fees, cards that offer one may be worthwhile applying for. This will allow you to get more rewards, accumulate points faster, and have better access to services and special offers.
- Foreign Conversion Fees. Most issuers charge a 3% conversion when used overseas. Credit cards are recommended for use because they offer good exchange rates from them. However, if you will be charged a fee every time you use them, you are better off getting another card.
Getting travel credit cards can make traveling a lot easier. Here is a list of the most common travel credit cards in the market.
