5 Tips for Finding the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

A travel rewards credit card can be the perfect way to get something back for your travel purchases, but to get the most of the rewards; you need to know how to choose the right card for you.

1. Determine the main use

One of the first tips for finding the travel rewards credit card that will suit your needs is to determine what those needs are. Will you be using the card to charge for your transportation costs? Are you using the card for hotels for family trips? Think about the main uses for the travel rewards credit card and then you can narrow the selection choices.

2. Determine the rewards that you would like

Many times a prospective cardholder will choose a travel rewards credit card because it sounds like it offers tremendous rewards. And while it might, if you're not going to use those rewards, the card will not be advantageous. Think about the kinds of rewards that you might like to have: frequent flyer miles, hotel discounts, and free upgrades. When you've chosen rewards that you'll actually use, you're getting the most from your card.

3. Are you loyal to one company?

You will also want to consider if you have patterns in your travel that might aid in choosing a travel rewards credit card that meets your needs. That is, if you tend to fly with one airline, you may want to consider that airline's travel rewards credit card. This choice may end up paying you more in rewards as you're also remaining loyal to one company.

4. What are the fees?

One of the primary disadvantages for a travel rewards credit card is that it can also have large annual fees. While you are looking for the best travel rewards credit card for you, compare the fees that you may be charged in order to see if the fee is worth the rewards. In some cases, you may have to pay $50 per year to use the travel rewards credit card, but in return, you're not able to redeem your charges for any recognizable reward.

5. How complicated is the travel rewards credit card?

While you might not want to believe this, some travel rewards credit card companies deliberately try to make their rewards system complicated in order to avoid giving away the rewards. As you look for a travel rewards credit card, try to see what the process is for redeeming your rewards and how restrictive the conditions are.

A travel rewards credit card can help a busy traveler save up for the break that they truly deserve, but only if the travel rewards credit card is everything that it promises to be.

Beth Derkowitz recommends Find Credit Cards for finding the best travel rewards credit card for you.

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Best Credit Cards For International Travel

If you are planning a trip overseas, you are going to need at least one (and preferably two) Visa cards or MasterCards. The reason it is crucial to have MasterCard or Visa cards when you travel internationally is that, unlike Discover and American Express, these cards are accepted just about everywhere credit cards can be used. Unfortunately, not all MasterCard and Visa cards are created equally, and some are better for international travel than others.

A key drawback to using credit cards when you travel are foreign transaction fees. Most banks charge international fees of 2-4%, even if you use your card to book a hotel abroad from the U.S. International credit card fees can add up quickly. On a five night hotel stay, it is very easy to rack up $40 to $50 in these charges alone. If you spend $1000 while traveling, you can expect to pay yet another $40 or so.

Ultimately, the best credit cards for travel charge no international/foreign transaction fees. Unfortunately, only one major card company charges no fees. Any card from this company is likely to be the best card for travel.

Once you find a Visa or MasterCard (or one of each) that has no international fees, the next step is to get one that either offers a 0% interest rate, a low long term APR or good rewards. This shouldn't be a problem. However, when selecting a new card, avoid tempting airline mile cards and instead look for a card that offers cash back rewards. While a travel oriented mindset may make a miles card seem appealing, cash back rewards are much more valuable, easier to use, and generally come with no fees attached.

Finding the best credit card for travel isn't a difficult process. Because only one major card company charges no international transaction fees, there really is only one place to start and end your search for the best money saving deal.

To learn more and apply online for a credit card with no international fees, visit the author's website, Smart Credit Choices.

About the author: The author has been writing extensively on the subject of personal finance for over four years. To learn more about the best credit cards for international travel and apply online, visit www.SmartCreditChoices.com.

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4 Things to Check With Your Travel Reward Credit Card

When in search for a reward credit card, you will come across cards that are especially designed for travellers. If you frequently travel either for business or pleasure, you will find that a travel rewards card will be beneficial for you. In this article, let's take a look at the four things you should look for from a travel rewards credit card.

Big reward points. Look for a travel rewards card that will give you bonus points simply for signing up. You might even be rewarded with additional points when you make your first purchase using the credit card. This is a great way to rack up points more quickly so you can get the chance to fly for free at a sooner time

Some credit cards with airline miles rewards offer double points for purchases made from affiliated merchants. See to it that the affiliated merchants are those that you patronize often so you can make the most out of the reward program.

Reasonable interest rate. Most credit cards with rewards carry higher interest rates than non-rewards cards. However, this does not mean you should settle with a card that carries an expensive APR. By doing comparison, you should be able to find a reward credit card with affordable APR.

Some rewards cards even offer a low or zero introductory rate which you can take advantage of. However, before signing up, see to it that the regular APR will still be reasonable beyond the introductory period.

One important reminder to remember is to pay your full balance each month to completely eliminate the interest rate charge from your bill.

Low maintenance cost. How much will it cost you to maintain the Frequent Flier credit card or airline miles reward credit card? Some cards carry very high annual fees. Annual fees can range from $50 to as high as $100 of even more. Consider this: if you have to pay $100 each year just to keep the account active, is the card still worth keeping? Will you be earning more rewards than the fees you pay?

Other charges that you need to check out are the late penalty fee, over-the-limit fee, currency conversion rate, balance transfer fee, cash advance fee, etc. See to it that you are not forced to spend extravagantly on your travel rewards credit card to get rewarded.

The Reward Program. Before signing up for a travel rewards card, see to it that you are clear about the terms and conditions of your chosen card. What are the rules on collecting miles points? What kinds of purchases make you eligible to earn miles points? What is the minimum required number of miles before you can redeem your free flight?

Does your travel rewards card impose a blackout date? Will your points expire if you fail to redeem them within a specified period? What happens if you fail to submit your payment on time? Aside from the rules of collecting points, you should also be aware about the limitations.

Melanie Mathis is a credit analyst and a writer for 8 years. She has been participating in the programs of http://www.newhorizon.org such as their continuous effort in giving out Free Credit Repair Ebook. NHBS also has a list of recommended Reward Credit Cards.

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