Credit card points or miles tend to be most valuable when used towards travel – either via the card issuer’s travel portal or an airline loyalty program partner.
Travel rewards cards may have their appeal, but not everyone can consume enough room-temperature cheese cubes to justify high annual fees and complicated redemption rates. When this occurs, credit card travel cash back may be more suitable.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
One of the biggest advantages of having a credit card without foreign transaction fees is saving money when traveling overseas. These fees, typically estimated to be approximately 3% of total purchases made abroad, can quickly add up when spending overseas.
If your credit card includes foreign transaction fees, you could end up overpaying when purchasing clothing or jewelry in countries whose currency differs from U.S. dollars – since their total price will also include card issuer’s currency conversion fees that could cost as much as 10% or more!
Many travel credit cards provide no foreign transaction fees as well as valuable perks such as trip cancellation insurance, rental car collision coverage, free checked bags and airport lounge access – among many others. Compare travel card offers to find one best suited to your traveling needs.
Easy to Redeem
Many rewards credit cards provide you with the option to redeem your rewards for travel, merchandise, gift card purchases or statement credits. When applying, be sure to research each card’s redemption options carefully – in general you will get more bang for your buck when using rewards for travel purchases.
Some travel cards allow you to redeem rewards in exchange for airfare, hotels and rental car reservations through their website or loyalty program; other travel cards that do not feature such booking services allow users to redeem them for gift cards, merchandise and other products through an online shopping portal provided by card issuers.
Redeeming cash back rewards typically appears as a statement credit on your account balance. Some card issuers also offer options to send a check or direct deposit your rewards directly into a bank account – if this option is important to you, select one with this feature.
Worldwide Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted across most nations, making them ideal whether traveling internationally or spending locally. Many cards also provide extra benefits such as zero liability and purchase protections to protect you against unexpected charges.
Cash back credit cards can be low-cost and straightforward solutions, making them suitable for some consumers who do not wish to compare annual fees with potential perks and rewards. On the other hand, travel rewards cards often carry an annual fee but may offer greater perks and flexibility in exchange for such charges.
Rewards points and miles vary in value depending on several factors, including which rewards programs each card provides and how points or miles can be redeemed; generally speaking though, one dollar worth of rewards should cover airfare or hotel stays and rental cars costs.
Easy to Manage
Many travel credit cards require you to go through numerous hoops in order to unlock rewards like free miles or hotel stays; but if you want a simpler solution that will still save on travel expenses without all the extra effort of amassing frequent-flier miles, general cash back cards might be better suited.
Cash back cards provide generous sign-up bonuses and easy rewards portals where you can book hotels, flights and other travel expenses – from flights and hotels to groceries for travel – at affordable rates. Some cards even provide bonuses on specific categories like groceries for travel when taking an extended journey – such as grocery deliveries! You could even save more by pairing your cash back card with online rewards sites that let you earn additional points with expenses like museum admission tickets or tour packages, earning even more rewards on your vacation!
