Choosing a Credit Card For Traveling

Everyone needs a credit card. There are several types of credit cards for travelers. Chances are you already have a credit card or seven right now. They are better than cash, especially when you can get so many rewards and freebies out of them. Travel credit cards provide a great opportunity to earn free points that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels or cold hard cash. But not all cards are created equally.

No matter what credit card you get, whether it is a hotel, airline, or general rewards cards, the card should offer all of the following things: First, you should get a huge sign bonus. Most travel credit cards offer joining bonuses of 20,000 or more rewards/miles/points. Don't join one that doesn't offer you anything or it will take a long time to exchange rewards for hotels, cash, or airfare.

Moreover, make sure you get a travel credit card where you have the chance to receive additional points. Most of the time you just get one point for every dollar spent. The good cards give you extra points when you shop at special retailers or, if it is a brand card, with that one brand. This lets you earn extra points.

Finally, don't forget to read the fine print. Are there are reward blackout dates, a fee structure, taxes, or other things the credit card company might try to sneak in there. Businesses don't give away anything for free so for most cards they will try to sneak in some service charge. Compare the cards to make sure you pick one that doesn't.

Remember that all good reward cards have fees. Fees are between $45-$80 dollars. If you are a frequent flier, you should think about getting a fee based card. These cards give you better rewards. You'll be able to get rewards faster, you get better access to services and special offers, and better fraud protection.

So which card should you get? A hotel card? A general points card? An airline card? To answer that question, think about how you travel. Are you loyal to one airline? If you are on the road for business a lot, then getting a hotel card would be perfect for you. For those who only care about price and not brand loyalty, a general card would be best. However, by getting a general travel rewards card you would have access to a wider range of brands and companies than if you had a brand specific card

If you are on the road for business a lot, then getting a hotel card, like the Starwood card, would be perfect for you. You would get a lot of hotel points, free nights stays, discounts at other retailers, and you could also transfer those points to airlines for free flights.

For those who only care about price and not brand loyalty, a general card would be best. You will still get points for free flights and discounts as well as cash back but you wouldn't get any of the elite benefits. However, by getting a general travel rewards card you would have access to a wider range of brands and companies than if you had a brand specific card.

No matter what you choose, be sure to get a card that is right for you. Do your research first and then choose the right travel card and start earning rewards get on the road quicker.

Matthew has had and tried numerous travel credit cards. He writes extensively about travel for magazines and websites. You can find more about him and his advice at his website on traveling the world as well as information about travel credit cards.