Credit cards come with a set of perks that make travel and accommodation easier. Depending on the type of credit card you hold and the rewards offered by the card issuer, you can make the most out of the card you use. There are general reward credit cards that allow you to redeem the points for plane tickets in addition to offering redemption opportunities among other things. Also, there are cards that allow customers to earn credit miles when they make purchases. If your card is co-branded with an airline, you can redeem the points only with that specific airline. However, if you have a generic card, you can redeem the points with a number of airlines.
If you have wondered how frequent fliers enjoy access to private lounges and have quick check-ins, it is because of the credit cards they use. Elite credit cardholders have better offers and services than regular credit cardholders. Based on your usage of the card and the number of purchases made by you, you can avail of special offers and amenities from the airlines.
Airline specific cards
As the name suggests, these cards are associated with a single airline. Airline-specific credit cards can be used to earn points and redeem the points on a single, specific airline. The cardholder has to earn points by making purchases with the card and by consistently flying on the same airline. The card has other perks as well such as double points at the time of purchase on specific days, no baggage fees, discount on in-flight purchases, and priority boarding.
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Generic airline cards
Generic airline cards are simple and allow you to redeem points through any airline, on any travel site, and through any travel agent across the country. This is ideal for those who travel frequently and are not involved in a specific program with a specific airline.
Whether you opt for an airline-specific card or a general airline card, you need to understand that the terms and conditions of these cards are different. You need to know how many miles you can gain for every flight you book. Additionally, you need to learn about the ways in which you can redeem your miles and whether the unused miles will expire over a period of time. There are some cards that give points which do not expire at all, while there are many which expire after five years. Read the fine print before you choose a card. Some cards come with an annual fee, so inquire about the same before you make a decision. These cards are ideal for those who travel frequently and use their card to make the best of the offers available. For those who do not travel often or use their miles, it does not make sense to apply for cards with annual fees. The annual fees will cost you more than the benefits you may generate on this card. It is specially designed to meet the needs of frequent fliers.
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