Best Ways Of Comparing Travel Credit Cards
If you’re having trouble choosing the right travel credit card for, it is easier to compare a couple of your top choices making sure that your choices actually fits in your credit score range so you don’t apply for a card you’re not likely to be approved for. Next you need to look out for the following features in each of the credit cards selected, as well as the level of benefits you can redeem from the features.
1. Annual fee
Annual fees are applicable to several travel credit cards. Averagely, the standard fee ranges from $90 to $100 while premium cards with extensive perks have fees of $450 or more. In essence, the more expensive the card, the richer the perks and rewards. It can be well worth it for frequent travelers to pay an annual fee in order to enjoy premium comfort.
2. Rewards rate
Your ultimate travel credit cards need to allow you to earn the most rewards relating to your specific spending habits either towards hotel lodging, dining, air travel costs or any other factors. In general, the best travel cards reward you with two to three points per dollar on bonus categories or at least one point on all other purchases.
3. Sign-up bonus
While it’s always best to prioritize long-term value, many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be worth one or more trips. Travel credit cards have a history of possessing the highest signup bonuses. It’ll be worth your effort to take notice of the most alluring deals so that the bigger sign-up bonus can influence your final decision
4. Foreign transaction fees
A reputable travel card won’t charge foreign transaction fees. These expenses are the surcharges for purchases made outside of the US. The bulk, if not all, of the benefits you gain from purchases might be eliminated thanks to the industry average of roughly 3%. If you never leave the country, this is less of a problem, but anyone who does should carry a card that waives international transaction fees.
5. International acceptance
If you’re planning to travel abroad, it is necessary to consider travel credit cards that not only come with perks such as no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access and application fee reimbursements, but also the level of international acceptability of your travel card. Some countries accept all cards, with some few exceptions. Generally, Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than the other cards like American Express. Making it wise to hold one of these globally accepted cards whenever you’re traveling outside of the United States.
6. Travel protections
Many travel credit cards provide a variety of travel insurance options, including trip interruption protection and rental vehicle accident damage waivers. These built-in insurance protections could be less expensive than those that are separately acquired, but they might not be as comprehensive. Consult the card’s benefits manual for further information on the conditions of your coverage.
7. Perks
Several of the top travel rewards cards offer users benefits that are specifically tailored to take the hassle out of travel. They are designed in a way that it will save you money, including trip cancellation insurance, delayed baggage insurance, rental car insurance, checked bag discounts and travel credits. Other perks such as airport lounge access, flight and hotel upgrades and concierge service are all about making your experience even more comfortable.
In Conclusion:
The benefits offered by travel credit cards are enormous, which is even more great for frequent travelers. By comparing several options, you can unveil the right type that suits your unique situation and generally reduce the stress associated with traveling.