Travel Benefits
Travel Credit Card Benefits You Can’t Afford to Miss
Sep
Travel credit cards offer a wealth of perks that can make your trips more affordable, comfortable, and enjoyable. From earning points for free flights to gaining access to exclusive airport lounges, these cards provide a range of benefits that savvy travelers should take advantage of. Here’s a look at some of the top travel credit card benefits you can’t afford to miss.
1. Sign-Up Bonuses
One of the biggest draws of travel credit cards is the substantial sign-up bonuses they offer. These bonuses often include tens of thousands of points or miles after you spend a certain amount within the first few months of card membership.
- Why It’s Valuable: Sign-up bonuses can translate into free flights, hotel stays, or significant discounts on travel expenses. Some bonuses are large enough to cover international round-trip flights or luxury hotel accommodations, making them incredibly valuable for frequent travelers.
2. Earning Travel Points and Miles
Every purchase you make with a travel credit card typically earns you points or miles, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Many cards offer accelerated points for travel-related purchases like airline tickets, hotel bookings, and dining.
- Why It’s Valuable: By using your travel card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining out, you can rack up points and miles faster than you might expect. Over time, these rewards can add up to free or discounted travel, helping you save on future trips.
3. Airport Lounge Access
Many premium travel credit cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges, providing a quiet and comfortable space to relax before your flight. Lounges often feature free food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
- Why It’s Valuable: Airport lounges can significantly improve your travel experience, offering a peaceful escape from crowded terminals. For frequent travelers, lounge access alone can justify the annual fee on certain travel credit cards.
4. Free Checked Bags
Baggage fees can add up quickly, especially on long trips. Many travel credit cards, particularly airline-branded cards, offer free checked bags for the cardholder and sometimes for additional companions on the same reservation.
- Why It’s Valuable: If you frequently fly with airlines that charge for checked bags, this benefit can save you hundreds of dollars per year, making it an essential perk for family travelers or anyone who regularly checks luggage.
5. Travel Insurance and Protections
Travel credit cards often include valuable travel protections like trip cancellation or interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance. These benefits can provide peace of mind when unexpected issues arise during your trip.
- Why It’s Valuable: Travel insurance can be expensive, but with a travel credit card, these protections are typically included at no extra cost. This ensures that you’re covered if your trip is delayed, your luggage is lost, or you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
6. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credits
Many travel credit cards reimburse the application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, two programs that help expedite the airport security process. Global Entry also includes expedited re-entry into the U.S. for international travelers.
- Why It’s Valuable: These programs can save you significant time at airports, helping you skip long security lines and customs checkpoints. By covering the cost of enrollment (typically $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry), your travel card helps streamline your airport experience.
7. No Foreign Transaction Fees
When you use a regular credit card abroad, you might be charged a foreign transaction fee for each purchase, usually around 3%. Travel credit cards, however, typically waive these fees, allowing you to spend abroad without incurring additional charges.
- Why It’s Valuable: If you frequently travel internationally, these fees can add up quickly. A card with no foreign transaction fees helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and allows you to make purchases abroad with ease.
8. Hotel Elite Status and Benefits
Certain travel credit cards offer automatic elite status at partner hotel chains, providing perks like room upgrades, late check-outs, free breakfast, and bonus points on stays.
- Why It’s Valuable: Elite status can enhance your hotel experience, giving you access to premium amenities and exclusive offers. These benefits make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable, especially for frequent travelers who often stay in hotels.
9. Companion Tickets
Some travel credit cards, particularly those tied to airlines, offer companion tickets. These allow you to bring a guest on a flight for free or at a discounted rate, usually once per year.
- Why It’s Valuable: Companion tickets can help you save on airfare, especially for long-distance or international flights. This benefit is ideal for couples or families who want to travel together without doubling the cost of airfare.
10. Flexible Redemption Options
Many travel credit cards allow you to redeem your points or miles for a wide variety of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even experiences. Some cards also offer transfer options to airline or hotel loyalty programs, providing additional flexibility.
- Why It’s Valuable: The ability to redeem points for various travel expenses gives you more control over how you use your rewards. Transferring points to travel partners can sometimes yield even greater value, making your travel credit card more versatile.
Final Thoughts
Travel credit cards are packed with valuable perks that can significantly enhance your travel experiences and save you money. From earning free flights and hotel stays to enjoying exclusive airport lounges and travel protections, the benefits of these cards can make a world of difference for frequent travelers. When used strategically, a travel credit card can turn your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.
