You may notice all the great incentives that the major airlines are offering with their own mileage cards, however, you may learn if you investigate a bit more than you can find some even better deals for your choice of mileage cards. Many people are now choosing these mileage cards over the major airline cards and with good reason.
The mileage cards that are so popular are the ones that allow you to earn air miles or points when you make purchases with your mileage card, sometimes even doubling the benefits. What this really means is that you, in some cases, can earn points in two separate ways on the same flight, if you use your mileage card to book the flight. These points or air miles that you earn are not just good for redeeming toward an airline ticket but can also be used for hotel accommodations or car rentals. Some of these unique mileage cards can earn you points when you purchase items from some retailers and even food at restaurants that have nothing whatsoever to do with your trip.
There are four major types of mileage cards, which people use when traveling. You may wish to choose a mileage card that has collaborated with your favorite airline or hotel chain. If you only use one airline or prefer a certain hotel, this is probably your best bet. Even major credit card companies such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Diner's Club also offer mileage cards with many great incentives and benefits and normally have more freedom when it comes to choosing an airline or hotel for your stay. Your own bank may also offer mileage cards with their own set of benefits. Some people just prefer to use their debit card, which normally does not have any type of rewards for benefits.
It can be very hard to decide which mileage cards are best for you and your particular lifestyle, so you may wish to read all the fine print to learn about the pros and cons of each mileage card before you apply.
As for airlines that offer mileage cards, American Airlines and United Airlines, both offer mileage cards. American Airlines along with Citibank offers the AAdvantage mile program. With this mileage card, you earn one AAdvantage mile for every dollar you charge on your mileage card. The United Airlines Card is known as the Mileage Plus First Card, which offers close to the same. Other airlines that also offer mileage cards include Northwest with the WorldPerks Visa and Delta Airlines with the American Express Optima.
There are many great incentives and benefits offered with mileage cards but these are usually only for people that travel quite a bit. The fees annually can be very expensive from $25 to $125. Not only are the annual fees more expensive but the interest rates are normally around 17% as well.
Now you must decide whether your travel habits will aid you in receiving the benefits from mileage cards so you can earn that great vacation.
Having a good credit card really comes in handy - especially when it can provide the owner with ways to save while simultaneously offering other great benefits. Making the choice between miles credit cards is not all that hard, but there are a number of things you need to look for. This article will point out some key features.
Two Main Types of Cards
Airline mileage cards come in two basic types. First, there is the card that is issued by the various airline companies. In most cases, the benefits apply only if you fly on their particular airline. Obviously, this can only be a benefit to you if you live near an airport that this airline flies into. A second type of mileage card is the one that is issued by a bank. As far as usability goes, this one may be the better one because the mileage on these miles credit cards can be used on most airlines.
How Miles Are Accumulated
Another feature worth thinking about is the way that miles are earned. Of course, there is usually the initial offer (attraction) to the card that promises to give you so many miles when you make your first purchase.
Here are other ways:
•Card Application Miles Bonus: 5,000 - 25,000 miles
•Miles per air mile traveled
•Miles per dollar spent
These features will vary between each miles card. Be sure to know about each feature and compare. Just because a card sounds good may not mean that it is the best one for you. Another thing to consider is when the miles expire. On some cards, they expire after five years, whereas, on other mileage cards - they never do.
Time Before First Trip
Find out how many points are needed for you to take advantage of your first free flight. You may find that the benefits are such that they really will not do much good in your situation. Mileage cards privileges are often tiered between the different levels – silver, gold, and platinum – and each of these levels may mean a different length of waiting time, or cost involved. The advertised promises may refer to another level than what you are in.
The Interest Rate
This standard consideration of any credit card should not be overlooked. If you have balances on other cards you will want a card that has a 0% balance transfer, and a low interest rate. This will enable you to receive 0% interest on your current balances, and the benefits of miles credit cards. Remember that the initial features of the card will expire - sometimes as early as 90 days. Interest on the card after that time, or if you have late payments, could land you in the maximum interest category.
Annual Fees
The fees on mileage cards may be high enough to offset the value of the card - for some. Fees range from around $25 to $180 per year. In addition, the interest on miles credit cards is usually just a little higher than a regular credit card. Of course, if you pay off the bill on a monthly basis, then the interest will not affect you.
The benefits of a mileage card is to your advantage if your fly often, pay the full bill monthly, and use it for your many other purchases. Even greater benefits can be received if you put all your travel expenses on one card – enabling you to accumulate even more. But, on the other hand, if you do not travel a lot, then you might consider another kind of card - one that you could take fuller advantage of.
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