Pamela Travel Journal » Airline Miles

Enjoying the Perks of Travel Rewards Credit Cards

NailaIntan — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:36:34 +0000

Like to travel? Why not use your credit cards to be able to do a lot more of it? There are plenty of people out there that have learned to use their credit cards as a doorway to the world. Why aren’t you among them?

How To Do It

Start by understanding how many people are using their credit cards to travel. There are a few kinds of credit cards that can help you do this.

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

There are some general purpose travel rewards credit cards that will allow you to earn points to use in a number of travel related ways from airline tickets to hotel stays and even rental cars.

Hotel Rewards Credit Cards

If you like a particular hotel, you may be able to speed up the time you get free room stays by using hotel rewards credit cards. These cards let you earn points towards extra stays there.

Airline Miles Credit Cards

Airline miles credit cards will give you airline miles every time you spend a dollar on the card. While you may think saving up 20,000 miles for a flight is a lot of miles, you may be amazed at how quickly you can be taking off to a new destination.

Many airline miles credit cards work for just one particular airline, but if you are not loyal, you may want to look for a card that will let you redeem your miles for any airline you wish.

Make a List

Now it’s time to plan your travel. Make a list of places you want to travel. While I know you’re not going tomorrow, it’s nice to have a list of places you are looking forward to seeing.

Start Spending

The fastest way to travel rewards credit cards perks is to make sure you use that card as much as you can. This does not mean to go out and spend recklessly. Instead, you should think about all the things that you already have to pay for in an average month and make sure you put those items on this card.

You can pay it off within the month and not only pay your bills, with no interest, but also earn those points you want for free travel perks in the future.

Also keep in mind that many travel rewards credit cards give bonus points for any travel related spending. So, for the next time you travel, make sure you pull out that card for any traveling expenses like hotels, rental cars or airline tickets and enjoy the rewards.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

hanun — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:59:43 +0000

Travel rewards cards let you accumulate rewards points as you spend. Those points can then be used for rewards like airline miles or discounts on hotel stays and other travel expenses. The number of points accumulated and the value of the points vary from card to card, and so do their expiration periods and the options that they can be redeemed for. Here are five tips to help you choose the best travel rewards credit card for you:

1. Consider your credit needs and habits. While getting points towards your travel expenses may be your primary focus, make sure that you know what else you need out of a credit card. Do you need a low APR or no annual fee? Are you looking for a good introductory APR for a large purchase or balance transfer?

2. Consider what kind of reward is most important to you. Are you looking for a specific reward such as airline miles, or a reward with several redemption options? Are you most interested in rewards usable with a specific company? Which of the rewards offers has the most appeal for you?

3. Read the fine print. Make sure you pay attention to factors like the APR and any fees that might apply to you as well as the terms of the rewards program. Look carefully at how fast rewards points accumulate, what transactions qualify for rewards points, and when the points expire.

4. Compare several cards to find the best one. With a good understanding of what you want out of the credit card and its rewards program, you are well equipped to compare offers and choose the best one for you. Look at several offers to increase the odds of finding one that matches what you want.

5. Check several sources of information. The Federal Reserve publishes a survey of credit card terms every six months, and there are a wide range of websites where you can compare credit card offers and apply online. This provides you with more options to choose from.

Choice Privileges Visa Platinum Travel Reward Credit Card Pros and Cons

hanun — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:12:22 +0000

The Choice Privileges® Visa® Platinum, issued by Bank of America, N.A. (USA), is designed for those with very good credit who plan to take advantage of the travel reward program that is offered.

The credit card reward program is by far the most attractive benefit of the card and is ideal for those who frequently stay at any of the Choice Privileges hotel locations. Cardholders earn two points for each dollar spent on general purchases and 15 points for each dollar spent at Choice Privileges locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®,

Clarion®, and MainStay Suites®. New applicants also receive 8,000 bonus points after their first purchase, which is enough for a free night at over 1,000 Choice Privileges locations.

Most Attractive Features:

No annual fee;

No yearly limit on points earned;

First Purchase bonus free night;

There is no yearly limit on the number of points that can be earned;

The card offers a low apr credit card introductory rate that can be applied toward purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles with no annual fee.

In addition to the reward program, this card offers common platinum benefits provided by Bank of America, N.A. (USA) that include up to $500,000 in travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.

Those who frequently stay at any of the Choice Privileges hotels (to earn additional points) and plan to pay in full each month (to avoid finance charges) will find the Choice Privileges® Visa® Platinum to be very beneficial.

Earned points can be redeemed for free hotel stays, gift certificates to retailers and restaurants, and airline miles with many major airline partners.

Points per Dollar: 2 Points

In addition, there is a unique donation option that allows cardholders to redeem their points toward donations to the Armed Forces Relief Fund and UNICEF.

Least Attractive Features:

Not all applicants may qualify for the lowest rate offered;

APR based on the highest Prime Rate during a three-month period.

Any points earned in a calendar year will expire on December 31st of the second calendar year following the year during which the points were earned.

Although the low interest rate for purchases and credit card balance transfer is considered reasonable for a reward credit card, it is not ideal for those who plan to carry a balance after the introductory rate expires.

Note

It is strongly recommended that you carefully read the Terms and Conditions statement that accompanies the credit card application.