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If you have, or are considering applying for, an
airline credit card, you need to ask yourself two questions:
1. Are benefits available from the largest airline in my area?
2. Which airline credit card can I use to reap the benefits
quickly? |
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An airline sponsored credit card only allows you to focus on one
specific airline. If that particular airline controls the
majority of the destination routes from your area, it will give
you convenience and efficiency and it will be extremely
economical. Bank sponsored credit cards allow you more freedom.
Why? Because the air miles that you accumulate can be used on a
wide range of airlines. If you have no airline in your area that
controls the majority of destination routes, this is the card
that will be most beneficial to you. Another advantage is that
often the minimum amount of air miles required before you can
use them for travel is lower than with an airline sponsored
card. However, use extreme caution. Bank sponsored credit cards
are subject to a lot of fine print. |
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Membership and annual fees can vary greatly for different types
of cards. Most major credit card companies offer standard, gold
and platinum air miles credit cards. Keep in mind that the
better the option, the higher the fees. Gold and platinum cards
offer high credit limits but membership and annual fees are also
higher and these add up quickly. Most major credit card
companies offer introductory air miles cards with 0 % interest.
Why? Because they want your credit card business. If interest
rates are of concern for you, an air miles card should not be
the card you choose because interest rates tend to be very high.
Many air miles credit cards have a minimum number of miles that
have to accumulate before you receive a free or discounted trip.
Be sure to read the fine print and then read it again. Be sure
you understand all of the stipulations.
If you travel frequently for business or pleasure, air miles
cards can be very beneficial. With these types of cards, you use
your credit card to purchase all necessary goods and services.
In return, you accumulate rewards in the form of points and then
you redeem them for air miles. You then use the air miles to get
free or discounted trips to the destination of your choice. As
an added incentive, airline credit cards often offer bonus air
miles at selected stores, or on specific travel destinations.
Usually, both airline and bank sponsored cards give bonus air
miles when you sign with their company.
There are some disadvantages to having an air miles card.
Usually these cards, as mentioned earlier, have much higher
interest rates than standard cards, which can add up quickly if
you don't pay the entire balance off each month. Another
disadvantage is that these cards are often used for unnecessary
purchases in order to accumulate points to be exchanged for air
miles. As with all credit cards, air miles credit cards have to
be used responsibly in order for the cardholder to reap the
benefits.
Earn up to 10,000 Bonus Miles* with the WorldPerks® Visa® Card!
The WorldPerks Visa Card offers you a fast and easy way to earn additional WorldPerks miles without leaving the ground. Use your WorldPerks Visa Card to charge everyday purchases as well as large purchases like home furnishings and travel, and earn WorldPerks miles for the dollars you spend. Now that Northwest Airlines® is a member of the SkyTeam® Global Alliance, you'll have even more redemption opportunities! Combine the miles you earn with your Northwest Airlines flight miles and other partner miles to earn award travel faster on Northwest Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines and other qualified WorldPerks Airline Partners. Apply Now!
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