Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
Up, up and away with your free flights. The latest entry into the credit card world, frequent flyer credit cards let you earn points toward free flights each time you travel or shop. Sounds great, but all credit cards are not created equal. Don`t get caught circling the runway with the wrong card for your needs.
The Program
Frequent flyer cards are not just for flights. Many banks and financial institutions now offer a full function credit card offering points toward flights for every purchase. Some cards will award points only for travel related purchases and others offer points for all purchases. Yet, still others have a reward system, which includes points for each anniversary of the card`s activation, adding additional card members and transferring balances or making a specified amount of purchases within a defined period of time.
Earning Points
As mentioned above each card has different award systems. Finding the card that works best for you is really quite simple. If you travel for work a travel only card is a great way to manage your points and your business expenses. Travel only cards award points for flights on a variety of airlines, car rental and hotel reservations. Many cards can be linked to your airline specific frequent flyer cards.
Interest Rates and Fees
The economy has credit card companies vying for customers. To entice good credit worthy customers many credit card providers are offering 0% APR introductory rates; frequent flyer cards are not different. The special introductory rates come in a variety of configurations, from applicable to transferred balances only to time limits on new purchases. Review not only the length of the introductory rate but also how it will be applied. Don`t forget to check the post-introductory rate percentages.
The Extras
Many frequent flyer cards have special travel related perks. Easy check-in at the gate or online and first bag free for you and your traveling companions is just one of the goodies associated with frequent flyer credit cards. The choice to fly any airline, anytime with no blackout dates enhances the value of frequent flyer credit cards. Qualifying flights can earn double miles with some cards offering unlimited mileage accumulation and no expiration dates.
The Drawbacks
Frequent flyer credit cards do have some drawbacks and understanding those issues can change how you use your card. Some cards limit your purchasing power to flights, hotels and car rentals; other cards have limits on new purchases. Evaluating the limitations of each card is an important factor in choosing the right frequent flyer credit card. Many cards have a flat annual fee, some waive the fee the first year and others offer low annual fees without waiving the first year.
A little time doing the math will easily define the right card for you. Generally available with variable interest rates, with better rates going to customers with better credit ratings, frequent flyer credit cards can provide the business traveler with a simple and convenient travel card for all their work related travel requirements. Start your shopping experience and create your own moneysupermarket where every purchase earns you points, getting you one step closer to free flights. With unlimited points accumulations, airline choices and few or no blackout dates, the frequent flyer credit card is the business traveler`s top choice in the credit card supermarket.