Comparing interest rates and annual fees is important when selecting a travel rewards credit card. While those who pay off their monthly balances may not shy away from high-interest cards, they should consider whether annual fees will take a significant bite out of their travel savings. Additionally, while companies may market themselves as free of annual fees, that may only be true for the first year.
Lucky consumers may stumble upon merchant-account programs that offer up to five miles per dollar spent, but these offers are generally only good for those who demonstrate excellent FICO scores. They often even come with stringent blackout dates and redemption waiting periods.
Making the Most of Mileage Rewards
After settling on an airline reward card, consumers can visit MileCalc.com to determine the number of miles they'll accumulate for each travel destination. For those looking for limited-time frequent-flier promotions to boost accrued miles, MileMaven.com provides a free, browsable database of airline routes and special offers.
If you're struggling to decide whether an airline rewards program is for you, Credit Card Applications can help you compare card offers based upon lifestyle specifics and financial needs. The site also provides a practical list of considerations for those interested in turning their daily expenses into travel opportunities.