Traveling | Credit Card Topics

Airport Shopping Habits: 70% of Americans Make Impulse Purchases

By: Jon McDonald, 10/23/2024

If you’ve ever traveled by air, you’ve probably had one experience running through the airport trying to make it to the gate before the boarding doors close. Whether traffic was bad, security was long, or a layover was delayed, chances are you’ve jogged through airports passing by restaurants and stores. But if you’re not dashing through the airport, are you stopping at those stores? A new study from CardRates.com asked 1,000 Americans about their spending and shopping... read more »

What are Credit Card Travel Rewards and How Do They Work?

By: Eric Bank, 9/26/2024

Truth be told, I’m not sure whether I get more satisfaction from collecting credit card travel rewards or spending them. It’s exciting to watch my points pile up month after month as I start anticipating my next vacation. But when I finally redeem them and fly for free, I’m definitely all smiles. So, I think it’s a tie! Credit card travel rewards come in the form of points or miles you can earn on eligible purchases. You can often turn those points into flight tickets,... read more »

What is Global Entry? How Cardholders Can Participate in the Travel Program for Free

By: Jon McDonald, 9/3/2024

Waiting in long lines can put a downer on any travel experience, especially after an international flight. The Global Entry program allows you to skip tedious customs processing and security screening with dedicated kiosks and shorter lines for a much quicker entry process. This could save you hours at the airport. The Global Entry program is a Trusted Traveler Program that provides expedited clearance to low-risk travelers upon their arrival in the U.S. from overseas. The program... read more »

What is a Frequent Flyer Program? How Rewards Credit Cards Can Enhance the Airline Travel Benefit

By: Eric Bank, 9/4/2024

I remember my first time flying in an airplane. I was a bit hesitant, but it would quickly become my favorite form of travel. To this day, I still feel that same thrill of taking off, followed by the magic feeling once the plane ascended above the clouds. I enjoy seeing new, faraway places, but I also have to watch my budget. That’s why my frequent flyer program is one of my best travel buddies. Frequent flyer programs reward loyal airline customers for racking up... read more »

What Is TSA PreCheck? A Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Availability as a Credit Card Perk

By: Mike Senecal, 8/26/2024

No one likes standing in long lines at airport security, removing their shoes, and unpacking their laptops when they're in a rush. At that point, you probably wish you could click your heels together and teleport to your destination, but that's not possible — especially if your heels are going through the X-ray machine. That's why TSA launched the TSA PreCheck program in 2011 to streamline airport security screening and get low-risk U.S. travelers where they need to go faster and... read more »

Study Finds 65% of Americans Think Any Travel is a Luxury in 2024

By: Jon McDonald, 7/30/2024

Americans love to travel. Whether exploring within our borders or going abroad to sample different cultures and experiences, we are a nation of wanderlust. As influencers document truly luxurious travel experiences around the globe, we want to know what Americans consider luxury travel—and whether the cost of living is making any travel at all an indulgence in 2024. We surveyed more than 900 Americans about how much they travel, where and how they splurge, and what they consider... read more »

How Travel Reward Blackout Dates Work & How to Avoid Them

By: Eric Bank, 6/19/2024

Credit card travel blackout dates are certain times when you can’t use your credit card rewards for travel. The card issuer or airline sets these dates, often during busy holidays or peak travel times. During a blackout, you typically can’t book flights, hotels, or other travel with your points or miles. Several credit cards offer rewards programs that do not have travel blackouts. Here, I’ll discuss what you need to know about travel reward blackout dates, how to identify... read more »

Survey Reveals Most Desired Locations to Redeem Credit Card Rewards for Luxury Escapes

By: Jon McDonald, 6/6/2024

In a world where travel and luxury are increasingly accessible, credit card holders rich in reward points are finding extravagant ways to spend their hard-earned bonuses. Our recent survey of 3,000 points-rich cardholders sheds light on how these rewards pave the way to some of the world's most indulgent weekend escapes. Credit card points are amassed through everyday purchases, from groceries to gas to utility bills. However, savvy consumers maximize their earnings by using... read more »

15 Best Travel Credit Cards With Bonus Miles (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

Indiana Jones said it best: “It’s not the years, it’s the miles.” And miles are what some of the best travel cards deliver. Whether you are an occasional tourist or a business-class warrior, these cards can save you money and make flying more pleasant. Below are our top picks for air mile credit cards. You’ll likely find the perfect card for your requirements — consumer or business traveler, brand loyalist, or eclectic opportunist. These rewards cards offer frequent... read more »

7 Highest-Limit Travel Credit Cards (Jan. 2025)

By: Bob Haegele, 1/2/2025

A high-limit travel credit card can come with many benefits, including the ability to book expensive trips and accumulate a large number of rewards in the process. In addition, travel cards with high limits are often premium travel cards with extra benefits, such as lounge access and travel insurance. But getting a travel card with a high limit isn’t just about signing up for a premium credit card. You must also meet certain requirements, which may include having excellent credit... read more »

7 Best Vacation Rental Credit Cards (Jan. 2025)

By: Bob Haegele, 1/2/2025

A credit card can save you money when booking a vacation rental, but you have to use the right card. That’s because websites that list vacation rentals, including Airbnb and Vrbo, don’t currently have loyalty programs. And these websites don’t have branded credit cards either, which means you have to use general travel credit cards. Even if you want to stay off the beaten path, the cards on this list will help you maximize your rewards to help you save on the cost of your next... read more »

5 Best Travel Credit Cards Reddit Users Love (2024)

By: Zina Kumok, 3/15/2024

When traveling abroad, there’s so much to pack. I always bring my favorite headphones, a guidebook, and of course, my passport. I also never leave behind my travel credit card. The right travel credit card helps me access extra travel perks and benefits and earn points that I can redeem for future trips. But finding the right card can be tricky, especially if you’ve never had a travel card before. Read below to find the best travel credit cards Reddit users love. ... read more »

9 Best Travel Credit Cards For Beginners (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

Maybe you’re entirely new to credit cards. Or perhaps you’ve never owned a travel credit card. Wherever your starting point, you’re now ready to get your first credit card that an issuer specifically crafted for travelers. Wonderful! You are about to take your first step into a larger world (apologies to Obi-Wan). Travel cards come in several flavors. You can get travel cards that reward you with points or miles, cards for students, and even cards for folks who regularly rely... read more »

7 Ways a Credit Card Can Help You Save on a Cruise

By: Andrea Woroch, 1/2/2025

Cruise bookings are experiencing increased demand after a tough three-year struggle to stay afloat due to pandemic restrictions and consumer fears. In fact, a recent AAA survey found that 52% of US adults say they are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before the pandemic. If you’ve been thinking about setting sail on your next getaway, researching different cruise lines and destinations are essential steps toward finding the best... read more »

5 Best Travel Credit Cards With Lounge Access (2023)

By: Choncé Maddox, 4/27/2023

Spending time at the airport can be hectic and a little stressful. Airport lounges provide somewhere to rest and access special amenities that enhance the overall travel experience. Several travel credit cards include airport lounge access with comfortable seating, various food options, and an overall more secluded environment at the airport. If you tend to have more flight layovers or are simply looking for these additional travel perks, consider the best travel credit cards with... read more »

10 Best Credit Cards With No Blackout Dates (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

Blackout dates are specific dates when you can’t use your travel rewards for flights or hotel stays. These dates tend to take place around busy holidays and peak travel seasons. Blackout dates are unacceptable to travelers who rightly expect to redeem their credit card rewards for a trip. This review covers credit cards with rewards that never expire nor restrict travel reward redemptions based on the calendar. But as we explain below, airlines have ways to limit the availability... read more »

3 Best Bank of America Credit Cards for Travel (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

It’s fair to say many of Bank of America’s 67 million customers have upcoming travel plans. They are the natural audience for the bank’s travel credit cards. This article explores whether you should get a Bank of America travel card even if you bank elsewhere. To that end, we review the credit cards Bank of America designed for travelers and compare them to several leading competitors. All these cards require good to excellent credit but are a tier below the most... read more »

7 Best 0% APR Travel & Air Miles Credit Cards (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

Is a 0% APR credit card a sensible way to charge purchases or an invitation to wild abandon? Why choose? Instead, consider the best 0% APR travel and air miles credit cards as a step toward a better lifestyle (or at least make it a little less expensive). Navigate This Article: Travel Cards Miles Cards FAQs Best Travel Cards With 0% APRs These travel cards offer new cardmembers a 0% intro... read more »

How to Get Free Flights With Credit Cards (Jan. 2025)

By: Choncé Maddox, 1/2/2025

Traveling can be one of the most exciting experiences, but depending on where you want to go, the costs will easily add up. One of the most expensive travel expenses is airfare. Certain rewards credit cards can help you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for eligible travel expenses, including airfare. With the right card and strategy, you may even be able to book flights for free using your rewards. If you’re wondering how to get free flights with credit cards, you... read more »

4 Travel Credit Cards For Bad Credit (Dec. 2024)

By: Eric Bank, 12/11/2024

Americans travel a lot, whether for business or pleasure. If you have good credit, booking a car rental or a hotel isn't a problem — just whip out your credit card and you're ready to go. But if you've experienced financial challenges, you may have trouble qualifying for a travel credit card. Fear not! This article reviews five travel credit cards for bad credit and a few for fair credit — a FICO Score above 580. These cards give you ample options for convenient and rewarding... read more »

9 Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

Cost-savvy trip planning begins by choosing the best travel credit card with no annual fee. Yes, you could spend $95 and get a very good travel card or $600 for a great one. But we've found you nine terrific travel cards that won't cost you a dime in annual fees. That's savings you can apply to your next trip, perhaps staying an extra day or moving up to a business-class seat. These cards don't pack the same perks as their more expensive cousins. A $0 annual fee only goes so... read more »

7 Best Travel Credit Cards for Students (Jan. 2025)

By: Adam West, 1/2/2025

Undergraduates on the move ought to learn about the best travel credit cards for students. These cards offer rewards that save money when flying off to college, back home for the holidays, around the US for spring break, and to foreign lands for summer vacations and semesters abroad. Student credit cards are helpful even if your travel involves nothing more than a local commute to school. For example, you can cash in your rewards to help pay for everyday expenses on or off... read more »

9 Best Airline Credit Cards (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

How can there be so many best airline credit cards? It reminds me of Oprah — "You get a card, and you get a card… ." This embarrassment of riches is due, in part, to America's love of travel, especially post-COVID. The credit card companies tap into our wanderlust by issuing terrific products that make travel easier, more comfortable, and cheaper. Airline credit cards are the kings of the travel segment. They may reward you with free flights, free insurance, free... read more »

8 Credit Cards With Lounge Access (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 8/2/2024

I used one of my credit cards with lounge access on a recent family vacation to Disney World. Our party included a 5- and 1-year-old. I thought the adults on the trip would enjoy the lounges the most, but it was the two children that went gaga. Their parents still shudder at the destruction. Lounge access is a terrific perk for travelers. Credit card issuers understand its appeal and limit the benefit to their top, usually most expensive, credit cards. As we shall see, the... read more »

12 Ways Credit Cards Help Save on Vacations (2023)

By: Andrea Woroch, 11/26/2023

Summer and vacations go hand in hand, but record-high inflation is causing travel costs and gas prices to skyrocket, making it more difficult for families to afford a trip. Practicing a few basic budgeting hacks, such as reducing monthly bills, limiting discretionary purchases, and cutting back on take-out, can help you boost savings in time for your summer vacation. But don’t overlook the many benefits your credit card offers to help you get away for less. In fact,... read more »

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All articles tagged Traveling (55)