Should You Get a Travel Credit Card?
If you are a frequent traveler, you probably know what a travel credit card is. It gives you various benefits for your travel bookings. This card is offered by almost every airline. So, should you get a travel credit card from an airline? The answer completely depends on how often you travel.
You travel with one particular airline
Getting a travel credit card is a good idea if you travel regularly with one particular airline.
These cards add frequent flyer points to your account and you can use them as you travel more. The basic amount is usually USD 1 for one mile. You can redeem these points by getting a discount on your ticket and you also get privileges like priority boarding and free checked bags.
You always check in bags
A number of airlines charge around $25 to check in baggage and if you check in two suitcases, you might spend around $50 right there. A travel credit card comes to the rescue in such situations by allowing you to check in your bags for free. A basic travel credit card costs around $95. So, if you travel twice in a year with two bags each time, you have saved more than you spent on the card. So, you should definitely get a travel card if you are a frequent traveler and you like to pack at least two suitcases even for a two-day trip.
You travel a lot
Airline-specific credit cards offer a lot of perks that cannot be matched by general travel credit cards. Every card is different but almost all of them offer seat upgrades, discounts on in-flight refreshments, priority boarding, and heavy discounts on certain ticket prices. Some airline credit cards also provide access to airport lounges, which are usually not available for the general public.
General travel credit cards are also good but they do not provide airline-specific perks. With these cards, you earn travel miles or reward points that you can redeem as and when you want. General cards are not specific to just airlines, they give you access to hotel chains, car rentals, and many more such facilities. So, choose wisely if you should get an airline-specific card or a general one.