How To Select The Air Miles Credit Card You Need
>> Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Being a traveler that often uses the airlines as your means of getting around, you want to be able to have a good air miles credit card. Knowing how to select the right credit card means that you can get some excellent savings through it - and some free flights, too. Here are some tips to help you decide which air miles credit card may be right for you.
The first thing that must be considered is what airlines are available to you at the airports you will probably use the most. Be sure to consider both ends of your destinations. If you go with an airlines credit card then this means that you will get the best deals for that card only on that particular airline. That will work well for you if that airline flies out of the destinations you use the most - including the nearest airport to you. Otherwise you will want to go with a bank to get your air miles credit card.
Next, consider the introductory offer on the credit card and see what its features are. Generally you will have anywhere between 3 months up to 15 months for an introductory offer. This will usually give you 0% APR interest on any new purchases, and may or may not give you the same on balance transfers. Many air miles credit cards will charge a fee for balance transfers - if they allow it at all.
Consider the various rewards that the card offers you. See not only how many air miles it gives you up front, but also look at just how many air miles are needed for your first free flight. Also check to see if your air miles have an expiration date. Many of these will expire after a year or so, but on some cards your air miles do not ever expire.
Your purchases could also provide you with some rewards. These vary from one card to another but generally will give you one air mile for each dollar you spend on purchases. Some will give you as much as 2 air miles per dollar spent. The best air miles credit cards allow you to redeem your points for other things, too, like hotels, car rentals, brand name merchandise, and more.
Be sure to look at the interest rate on the air miles credit card, too. This is the rate you will be paying when the introductory offer expires. You want to get as low a rate as possible - unless you always have the habit of paying your air miles credit card and other card bills on time. Note that some of these credit cards may have an annual fee after the first year, and other fees may apply as well. Be sure that you are aware of any other charges that may apply, and also if there is a maximum of points that can be earned in a year's time.
The first thing that must be considered is what airlines are available to you at the airports you will probably use the most. Be sure to consider both ends of your destinations. If you go with an airlines credit card then this means that you will get the best deals for that card only on that particular airline. That will work well for you if that airline flies out of the destinations you use the most - including the nearest airport to you. Otherwise you will want to go with a bank to get your air miles credit card.
Next, consider the introductory offer on the credit card and see what its features are. Generally you will have anywhere between 3 months up to 15 months for an introductory offer. This will usually give you 0% APR interest on any new purchases, and may or may not give you the same on balance transfers. Many air miles credit cards will charge a fee for balance transfers - if they allow it at all.
Consider the various rewards that the card offers you. See not only how many air miles it gives you up front, but also look at just how many air miles are needed for your first free flight. Also check to see if your air miles have an expiration date. Many of these will expire after a year or so, but on some cards your air miles do not ever expire.
Your purchases could also provide you with some rewards. These vary from one card to another but generally will give you one air mile for each dollar you spend on purchases. Some will give you as much as 2 air miles per dollar spent. The best air miles credit cards allow you to redeem your points for other things, too, like hotels, car rentals, brand name merchandise, and more.
Be sure to look at the interest rate on the air miles credit card, too. This is the rate you will be paying when the introductory offer expires. You want to get as low a rate as possible - unless you always have the habit of paying your air miles credit card and other card bills on time. Note that some of these credit cards may have an annual fee after the first year, and other fees may apply as well. Be sure that you are aware of any other charges that may apply, and also if there is a maximum of points that can be earned in a year's time.
