Want to get the most mileage out of your credit card rewards? Not all credit card travel perks are created equal so read the small print on the agreements before you start your journey. Credit card companies often don’t promote all the rewards they provide, so you may need to do some research on your own. It could be that you might be missing out on a bounty of freebies like roadside assistance, free breakfasts at select hotels, or rental car insurance.
So which card is the right choice for you? It depends.
Premium Cards Offer Big Spenders the Best Travel Perks
If you plan on spending big on travel expenses this year you’ll get the best rewards with premium cards. Certain cards offer options such as room upgrades, complimentary fitness club access, and other sweet advantages. Some top notch cards have bonuses like buy one get one free airline tickets or executive lounge privileges. The rewards get even better when your status climbs with the credit card provider. If you travel frequently and in style, find out more about these little known rewards and pick the creditor that gives you more of what you want.
Perks for more Conservative Spenders
Even if you don’t rank among the top spenders, there are numerous travel perks available to you that you might be unaware of. Refunds on cancelled trips, pre-trip assistance such as providing information about passport and immunization requirements, and other helpful perks are obtainable from some creditors. One perk you hope you won’t need is travel accident insurance, but if you do have an unfortunate incident, that reward can be vital to you and yours.
Do You Need Rental Car Collision Insurance or is it One of Your Perks?
If you rented your car with a Visa or MasterCard, you probably don’t need to pay for additional collision insurance on your rental car. If you own a car and it’s insured, your credit card will act as a secondary insurer and pay for any deductible. If you don’t have a car so naturally don’t have car insurance, MasterCard will be your primary insurer. This is another perk you don’t want to need, but if an auto accident happens, you’ll be glad you paid the rental fee with a card that provides this benefit.
Find out what travel perks your current credit cards offer by calling their toll free customer service number or visiting their web page. The information should also be available in the booklet provided with your card. Why spend more than you have to? Take a few minutes to learn which credit card will be the most advantageous for you.
About the Author: Rob Pratillo is currently planning a New Zealand tour to celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife. He’s using travel rewards to get great airline tickets and hopes to use more points towards hotel discounts.