Top credit card rewards programs to maximize your travel benefits

It seems like there are ads for credit card rewards programs running all the time. From Capital One, Chase or American Express to numerous merchants and airlines, the choices are many but that begs the question; which credit card is right for me? And if you love travel as much as we do, you’ll likely also ask yourself which card rewards program offers the best travel benefits? The answer to those questions isn’t as simple as “just use this one card.” It really depends on what you are looking for in both travel and credit card perks.

 

With major hotel chains now merging and airline frequent flier programs constantly evolving, relying solely on specific loyalty programs is no longer enough to really maximize your travel benefits. Credit card programs are a great way to grow your rewards points faster or even enhance a given program. But which card or program is the right choice for your travel needs? To really be able to answer this question, you have to also identify what really matters most to you as a travel reward or benefit.

To narrow down your search for which program offers the best travel benefits, ask yourself the following questions: Where do I intend to travel the most? Do I want to cash in points for hotel stays or airline tickets? Which card will double (or triple) my miles or hotel points when making purchases? Which card offers the most generous sign-up bonus? Do I prefer access to airport lounges or am I more interested in other travel benefits such as upgrades, hotel status or special dining options?

When it comes to the credit card, there are even more questions to ask yourself such as: Would I like the flexibility to transfer points from one loyalty program to another? How much am I willing to spend annually to continue qualifying for these benefits? Finally, which card offers the best APR, cash back incentives, or no foreign transaction fees (for those of us who travel internationally)?

 

With so many questions to answer and an equal amount of choices, it can get confusing and frustrating very quickly. Avoid the confusion and keep your sanity by checking out our latest podcast where we break down some of the most popular offers out there and give our top picks for the best credit card rewards programs to maximize your travel benefits .

Published with StoryChief