There are many good reasons to use a credit card to book your summer vacation. First, credit cards offer more protection than using a debit card, including protection against fraud. You also have more options if you have any issues with your reservation or purchase.
Beyond security, a good travel credit card can make traveling easier, cheaper and more enjoyable. Here's how.
1. With reward, anything is possible.
Some cards I have for the perks, some I have for the perks, and many I have for the travel perks. Because those rewards allow you to travel for free. In fact, they can even help you travel in business class or first class, or stay in 4- or 5-star hotels.
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The best way to earn a lot of rewards in a relatively short period of time is to take advantage of welcome bonuses. These are bonuses that you can earn by meeting the spending requirements set as a new cardholder. Requirements vary by card.
For example, you may earn 100,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months of account opening. Depending on the benefit, it may be enough to pay for most of your vacation at once.
2. Perks give you status and upgrades
The card's ability to enhance your vacation extends beyond reservations. At least not if you have a perks travel card with lots of perks. Here are just a few of my current favorite travel perks.
Hotel elite status: Higher status with a hotel brand can mean everything from room upgrades to breakfast credits. Airport Lounge Access: Spending time in an airport lounge is so much better than spending time at the gate, so when my card didn't work, I paid cash for the perk. Priority boarding: Being the first to board the plane helps you get overhead bin space for your luggage and avoids screening at the gate.
Some of the best travel cards come with lots of credits to help you save money. For example, many hotel cards offer free night certificates. You may also get airline fare credits, credits that can be used towards Global Entry or his TSA PreCheck membership, real estate credits, and even general travel credits that can be used for any type of travel.
3. Peace of mind with travel protection
The rewards and benefits are flashy and easy to use. However, don't underestimate the potential value of good travel protection.
Top travel cards offer a range of travel insurance and protection that can be worth a lot of money if something goes wrong during your trip. For example, if your flight is delayed overnight, your card's coverage may allow you to reimburse related expenses, such as a surprise hotel stay.
Even worse, what if you need to cancel your trip at the last minute or while you're already on the road due to a medical emergency? Trip interruption and cancellation protection helps cover the cost of non-refundable travel expenses paid with your card.
Let's start the summer well
There's still plenty of time to get your new Travel Rewards card and collect that sweet welcome bonus before the summer holidays. With the right bonuses, just one or two bonuses can cover the cost of a fun trip.
Decide where you want to travel. Next, do a little research on the airline and hotel you want to fly with. This will tell you which rewards you need to collect. For example, if you know you'll be staying at a Hyatt property, you'll need to collect Hyatt Rewards points.
Once you know the rewards you want, simply choose the card with the most useful welcome bonus. With partner cards, you can earn airline miles and hotel points directly. Our flexible travel rewards card lets you earn points that can be converted into miles and hotel rewards through partner transfers. Both types will help you have the vacation of your dreams.
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