 By ASAP Credit Card - Copyright © 2008
If
you're in the market for an airline credit card, you understand how difficult it
can be to choose the right offer. With so many programs and features to compare,
it can be overwhelming and confusing. Don't be enticed by "bonus miles"
or other special incentives. Read the fine print and make sure you understand
the basics first. Here's how to decide which offer is best for you:
More than just miles:
There's much
more to choosing an airline mile credit card than getting the most reward miles. The
best choice often depends on how you plan on using your miles, your brand loyalty,
and ultimately which card has the fewest strings attached and allows you
to earn the most reward benefits.
Although airline
credit cards tend to have higher APRs than standard credit cards, if you're able
to use them frequently and pay off your balance each month, you can earn
some excellent perks. Be sure you understand how many miles you need to earn for
rewards and when your miles will expire. If you don't use your card often, make
sure there isn't an expiration date for inactivity. Some companies have an annual
cap limiting the amount of miles you can earn each year. Try to find a airline
credit card with unlimited rewards where the miles never expire.
Types
of airline credit cards:
Co-branded airline
cards: (Frequent Flyer Cards)
Virtually every major airline has a co-branded
credit card (issued in partnership between the airline and a major bank or credit
card issuer). The miles you earn, either through flying or by using the card to
shop, can be redeemed for airline tickets, first class upgrades and other travel-related
rewards on that airline. Examples of co-branded airline cards include the United®
Mileage Plus Visa®, the Chase
Continental® Mastercard and the Citi®
AAdvantage® MasterCard®.
Generic airline
credit cards (Airline Mile Cards):
If you don't have a specific airline
preference, a generic miles card is another great option. Most credit card issuers
have developed generic airline credit cards which allow you to earn miles and
then redeem them for tickets on any major airline. These cards might have less
incentives than co-branded cards, but they're much more flexible. Some examples
of generic airline cards include the Citi®
PremierPass® Card, the Discover®
Miles Card, and the Chase
Travel Plus Visa®. |
Be aware that the
miles from "generic" airline cards are not the same as frequent flyer
miles on co-branded cards. They CANNOT be combined with specific frequent flyer
mile programs.
The best airline card:
Choosing
an airline credit card depends solely on your personal needs and interests. Once
you've determined which type of card suits you best (co-branded or generic), choosing
an airline credit card is relatively easy. Look at the specifics of each program
to determine which one provides the most perks and the least limitations. Depending
on your personal needs and preferences, you can determine which card will benefit
you the most. Make sure you see our article: The
Limitations of Airline Mile Credit Cards
Or,
see a complete list of Travel / Airline Credit Cards
>
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