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Questions to Answer before Applying for an Air Miles Credit Card
[12:00:00 AM Tuesday, March 11, 2008]
Are you a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler? If you're looking for a way to reduce your travel budget, an air miles credit card can help.
Credit is not free. Card holders pay annual fee and various interest rates on balances. There is a way to benefit from your expenses and save on travel costs. All major airlines have teamed up with credit card companies to offer Visa, MasterCard or American Express plastics that enable credit card holders to earn air miles. You will accumulate on an average 1 mile per dollar spent. The amount of miles you earn depends on the terms and conditions of credit card issuers.
There are so many different airline credit cards available online that no wonder you can get in a tight corner deciding which one to choose. We have prepared some questions and answers which will help you make up your mind.
First of all, what is your credit score? You need to have good or excellent credit in order to qualify for air miles credit cards. That's why make sure that you have the appropriate credit rating for the credit card you want to apply for. Then consider what rewards programs include. Some airmiles credit cards allow you to redeem air miles for free flights and other travel related purchases including hotel booking, car rentals and cruises. The other credit cards enable you to get gift cards and cash back bonus.
Do you prefer to fly domestic or international airlines? Your choice will determine the type of air miles credit cards that suits you. Some credit card offers, including those from American Express, Citibank, Capital One and Discover, enable you to earn miles that can be redeemed for flights of any airlines. The others can require booking tickets only of certain airlines.
Depending on the type of flight - domestic or international - the amount of miles needed for free flights differs. For domestic tickets you are required to accumulate about 25,000 miles. International flights might cost up to 60,000 miles. So, it will take more time to obtain a free ticket.
The next questions concern the details of a reward program. Pay attention to the terms of the air miles credit card that you would like to apply for. There might be seat restrictions or blackout dates during which you cannot travel. Unfortunately, they generally fall to high seasons - August or January.
Check how long your bonus miles will be valid. If there is any miles expiration date, you may not have enough time to accumulate required amount of miles for a free ticket.
There are more credit card features for consideration than just a reward program. Don't forget about an annual fee and APRs on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. What are the fees charged for balance transfers, late payments and exceeding the credit limit? The financial charge can be significant and make an offer far less appealing than it has seemed before. Don't rush for the first credit card that catches your eye. Make a proper comparison and choose the best air miles credit card that suits your lifestyle.
Comments
I love my air miles card!
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