3 Things You Need to Know About Airline Miles Credit Cards
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
Submitted: 2009-05-22 02:32:59 | Word Count: 921
With the business of credit becoming more and more competitive all the time, credit companies are coming up with more and more ways to reward customers for choosing their program over their competitors'.
One of the most popular types of rewards cards out there today are frequent flyer cards. With one of these highly beneficial cards at your disposal, you can revolutionize the way you travel with free or discounted airfares, as well as other travel-related amenities like traveler's insurance and discounts on hotels and car rentals.
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However, it's important to have all your bases covered before deciding you know which air miles credit program is the right one for you. The following are the three most important things you need to know in order to make an informed decision and get the most out of your card once you have it.
1. Airline miles credit cards can be sponsored by either banks or airlines.
There are two basic types of airline miles credit cards available out there to consumers. The first type is sponsored by a specific airline. These cards are most beneficial to travelers that tend to stay loyal to a specific airline each time they travel. The second type is sponsored by a bank. This type is a better choice for travelers who want to reserve the option to be more flexible and go with whichever airline is offering the best option available at a given moment. Bank-sponsored cards also tend to come along with fewer restrictions such as black-out dates that may limit the choices you have when it comes to travel.
2. It's important to pay attention to interest associated fees.
An air miles credit card may be a rewards card, but it's important to remember that it still comes complete with interest rates, fees, and other considerations along those lines. Many frequent flyer cards charge an annual fee. In the cases of platinum or premium programs, this fee can be sizeable, but there are plenty of other standard programs that charge more affordable fees. Some don't charge one at all. Interest rates can also vary from card to card. It's incredibly important to know what these expenses will be from program to program so that you can select a card that fits your lifestyle, budget, and spending habits. With so many options available these days, a little shopping around can go a long way.
3. The procedures related to rewards redemption rates can vary.
The chance to earn valuable travel-related rewards is the very reason you're considering one of these cards in the first place, but the way you accrue and redeem them can vary greatly from card to card. Some cards require you to accumulate a certain number of miles before they can be redeemed at all. With others, blackout dates or other restrictions may apply as far as how and when you can fly. Some programs let you redeem your travel points on benefits other than simple airfare - upgrades, for instance, as well as gift cards, restaurant fare, hotel accommodations, and purchases with participating partners. Know the rules that come along with your program so that you can better plan your trips and spending to your advantage.
