Airline Rewards Credit Cards: Choosing The Best Card
If flying to exotic destinations or traveling across the country
on your favorite airline is something you want to do, you can
get free trips with an airline rewards credit card. That's
right, by selecting the right credit card you can quickly
accumulate enough points to take that well deserved vacation to
the Virgin Islands or hop on a plane to visit friends in Dallas,
San Francisco, New York or just about any U.S. city. Airline
rewards credit cards are all the rage. Are you on your way to
accumulating valuable air miles?
Airline rewards credit cards continue to grow in popularity and
for good reason. Depending on which card you select, you can
accumulate enough points to take you and your family members on
an expensive vacation with your airfare covered for free. So,
how can you determine which card is best for you? By weighing
the following options:
Fee v. No Annual Fee - Some consumers hate paying annual fees
and there are airline rewards credit cards that are fee free.
Keep in mind that paying a fee may actually help you accumulate
more airline miles at a faster pace. If you use your card a lot,
the card with an annual fee may turn out to be the better buy.
Besides, if you use your card for business purposes, your annual
fee may be tax deductible.
Annual Percentage Rate - As with all cards, rates do vary. If
you never carry a monthly balance, than the annual percentage
rate or APR won't matter to you. If you do carry balances, there
are plenty of low interest rate airline rewards credit cards to
choose from. Some offer low introductory rates while others will
allow you to quickly accumulate points by transferring existing
credit card balances to your new card.
One Airline v. Many Airlines - Some consumers have an affinity
toward one air carrier and a rewards card that accumulates
points for that particular carrier can be just what they need.
On the other hand, there are cards which allow you to accumulate
air miles that can be used on just about any carrier. This can
be the best choice for the consumer not wanting to be locked
into one carrier. You might not be able to take that trip to the
Virgin Islands if your airline rewards credit card is with a
carrier that doesn't even fly to that destination!
Mileage Plans - Read each offer carefully to learn if you can
accumulate double miles, if your miles expire, and if blackout
periods fall into play. Some airline rewards credit cards have
sweeter deals than others; shop around for the plan that is best
for you.
Preset Spending Limits - Those cards that have no preset
spending limits may be the best choice for you. In many cases
you can also quickly accumulate points [even double points] by
using your card to shop for groceries, purchase clothes, pay for
gas for your car, and more. Use your card wisely and you may be
able to accumulate enough points for a luxury trip once a year!
Bonus Benefits - A select group of cards will give to you a free
seat upgrade certificate which can be used on a future flight
while other cards allow you to accumulate points toward hotel
stays too. The more options your airline rewards credit cards
has, the better for you!
If you are looking for an airline rewards credit card, you'll
find that many of the best offers are available online. Find the
airline rewards card that is right for you and begin making
plans to take that important trip you have long dreamed about on
someone else's dime!
Copyright 2006 Ed Vegliante.