Travelling costs money, and cash doesn’t last very long. You wouldn’t want to carry $5,000 in your pocket would you. With the ever increasing threat of being mugged or getting robbed, the frequent traveler is most likely to use a credit card when going on trips. This is a cost effective way to travel and offers more benefits to the card user. However, not all credit cards offer universal credit. There are some companies that are still on the verge of developing certain features that will help the customer a lot.
With a wide array of choices, its usually hard to decide what credit card to get. Unfortunately, your choice might be the difference between a memorable or disastrous trip. So what is there to know about credit cards? What do characteristics do we look for in plastic? Below are some important characteristics that a traveler should look for in a travel credit card:
Credit Card Type
American Express, Visa and Mastercard are reliable types of credit cards. This three will almost ensure you reliable credit wherever you travel. Universality is very important because in the event that you don’t have any cash with you, your plastic will be able to save you from an embarrassing moment. Bringing two types is mostly recommended.
Bank Type
Debit/Credit Cards from issuing banks are more reliable than your common plastic. Making sure that the bank you are choosing to get your credit card from is international assures smoother transactions during your trip. Do not forget the bank if they have international branches, this might define a well planned trip.
The Sign Up Bonus
This is a very important aspect when looking for a travel credit card because you can use this to your advantage. For example, some affiliates offer 20,000 points or miles for every first purchase with your card. This can help you get closer to a free ride when travelling and will definitely save you money.
Affiliation
Look for credit cards that have connections with hotels and other establishments. These affiliates will either give you a discount or other benefits that can only be availed with certain cards.
The Annual Fees
These fees are usually a disadvantage to people who don’t use their credit cards often. But since credit cards with annual fees have the best rewards and benefits, the frequent traveler could use this to his/her advantage.
Easy Reward Redemption
Some credit cards limit your rewards use with specific merchants only. Look for credit cards that have a wider array of merchant choices to further use your rewards.
Reward Programs
The rewards program is a very important credit card factor because whenever a user swipes his or her card, he or she gets X amount of points depending on the amount. The frequent traveler, who uses his or her plastic more often than the regular user will gain more benefits whenever he or she uses her credit card. Find plastics with the best programs to ensure maximum benefits.
Conversion Rates
The Conversion Rate is very important when using your reward program. Find companies with the lowest conversion rates in order to use your points as early as possible.
Fees
Whenever getting a credit card, always read the fine print to avoid hidden charges and other fees. These can be a headache when not seeked out properly.
Insurance
Some credit cards have an insurance program to secure subscribers from credit card frauds and scams. Try looking for these credit cards to make you more comfortable in swiping your plastic.
Cost effectiveness when travelling is indeed a necessity. It will not only help you save more, it can also get you things that will definitely bring a smile to your face.