For millions, travel rewards credit cards are a powerful weapon included in their financial arsenals. Whether it’s a small business or a consumer, these credit card rewards programs have paved the way for vacations and travel around the world.
Editor’s Choice
[card id=”968128″]What defines a great travel rewards card? Is the versatility and flexible options? Maybe it’s the low or no annual fees? Fortunately, these days, consumers can find travel rewards that don’t require you compromise on a low APR or other perks and features. Here’s our editor’s pick.
4 More Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards
[card id=”768274″] [card id=”1005488″] [card id=”974388″] [card id=”976408″]Travel rewards programs are offered by credit card companies and are sometimes presented as co-branded offers. Hotel chains, airlines and even rental car companies will team with these financial entities to bring even more value to today’s worldly consumers. Points or miles are earned when the credit card is used and to maximize the benefits of those rewards, consumers have an incentive to use the partnering hotel or airline when traveling for business or pleasure.
Benefits of Travel Rewards Programs
As we mentioned, there’s a flexibility factor built into these financial products. Card members are often extended greater purchasing power when they take advantage of special deals offered by either the credit card company or that company’s partner. These points, of course, can be used for hotel reservations, airlines, rental cars, vacation packages and sometimes even cruises or international travel.
The goal is to find the right rewards program that suits that consumer’s lifestyle. Many like those offers that include concierge services or priority treatment when they use their cards. Others like the ability to save up their points for use on their annual vacations. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a card holders to plan a five day vacation and then realize they have enough points accumulated to add another day or two at no additional cost. It’s all in how you use your points.
The best rewards credit card offers will ideally include extended intro APR rates and even if there is an annual fee, most often, you’ll discover it’s waived the first year. Look for double and sometimes even triple rewards – they’re out there.
With so many options available today, consumers are given broad choices in what their travel rewards cards will ultimately do. It’s that freedom of choice that’s so important to today’s consumers. This is one reason why it’s so important to choose those credit cards that don’t come with blackout dates or points expiration dates. The details can be found in the terms and conditions.
The Downside of Travel Rewards Programs
There are a few glitches at times, but through our extensive research over the years, those hiccups are easily bypassed. It might take a bit of finesse, however. Because card companies have become more in tune with their customers and certainly more aware of the competition, consumers often find a bit of time invested in a conversation with a customer service representative can often result in a better offer. Keep in mind, though, credit card companies are not obligated to alter their programs and in many instances, it’s not even possible. That’s another reason why you must arm yourself with how the program works, its limitations and its fee structures.
Because these rewards programs do have incredible savings opportunities, great travel benefits and a host of other perks, there’s usually an annual fee attached. Don’t underestimate that fee, either. They vary greatly and in some offers, consumers might feel a bit shell shocked to discover annual fees in the several hundred dollars range.
Also, while many rewards programs no longer attach black out dates or expiration dates, there are still those that do. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for your vacation only to discover your airline choice has been blacked out or your rewards points have expired.
Conclusion
Frankly, there’s not much of a downside associated with travel rewards credit cards. Any past glitches credit card companies smoothed over were more likely due to growing pains as these relatively new rewards programs were put into place. These days, the benefits are far more common and outweigh any possible glitches. When managed properly, it can result in big savings every year, whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure.
Have you had any personal experience with Travel Rewards Credit Card?