subject: What To Consider When Choosing An Airline Miles Credit Card [print this page] . Thanks to frequent flyer cards, consumers everywhere are enjoying discounted (or even free) airline tickets, as well as traveler's insurance, help with car rental services, and much more.
You know you want to get in on the action eventually, but with all the choices available on the market today, it's tough to know how to zero in on exactly the right credit card program for you. However, if you know just what to look for ahead of time, it is much easier to make a smart, informed decision that will be sure to deliver the type of benefits you are looking to receive.
Balance the Benefits Against the Expenses
All airline miles cards are going to come attached to a unique set of benefits. These are going to include not only your free points earned toward airline miles, but also other perks such as 24-hour concierge services, valuable insurance programs, and potential discounts on everything from hotel accommodations to car rental services. Some cards even offer you the opportunity to earn double or triple points on specific types of purchases.
However, it's important to remember that each card is going to come along with a package of fees as well. Don't forget to take into consideration each card's interest rate and annual percentage fee when making your decision. Also make sure you check the terms of service. Do you need to spend a certain amount on your card to really get the most of it? What other restrictions come along with the program? Weigh these points against the benefits carefully and you'll be better able to determine which card fits your lifestyle and spending habits the best.
Examine Your Regular Travel Habits
When it comes to the way you travel, what are your personal habits? Is there one particular airline you prefer to fly with or do you typically opt for whichever airline has the best prices and flight schedule at the time? If you stick to only one particular airline, check and see which frequent flier card programs that airline offers and consider those first. If you prefer to keep your options open, consider applying for a card through your bank instead. Bank-sponsored travel rewards programs offer a much greater degree of flexibility when it comes to cashing in your earned points if this is the way you travel.
You also want to take a look at how frequently you actually travel. Before ultimately filling out an airline miles credit card application, do the math on how long it would take you to earn enough airline points to be able to fund your next trip through your current credit use. You should also consider the following questions. Do the miles have expiry dates? How many airline miles do you need to accumulate before they're even eligible for redemption in the first place? Will you be allowed to transfer the miles to someone else if needed or desired? Can you redeem them on items other than flight tickets - store gift cards, restaurant visits, and so forth? Knowing the answers to these questions will further help you determine whether or not a particular credit card program is right for you.
Ultimately speaking, finding the right air miles credit card for you is all about research, research, research. The more in the know you are in regards to all the different reward programs out there, the better informed your decision will be. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find a deal that truly fits!
