If you’re a frequent flyer, vacationer or just want to find good deals, a travel rewards credit card can help you earn great benefits and rewards.
What is a travel rewards credit card?
Travel rewards credit cards offer you points or miles in exchange for spending. These points or miles can then be redeemed for travel-related items.
Occasionally, these cards can come with travel-related benefits, such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
Types of travel rewards credit cards
There are many different types of travel rewards credit cards, including:
Airline credit cards
Airline credit cards are co-branded with a specific airline and typically allow cardholders to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights with participating airlines. You may also be able to redeem for other travel, like car rentals and hotels. These cards also often come with several travel-related perks. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, for example, offers benefits such as first checked bag free and preferred boarding.
Business travel rewards credit cards
Business travel rewards cards are designed for both business owners and employees. These cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related items. The Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® is both an airline and business travel rewards credit card. With this card, earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and gas stations. The card also offers flight perks, including first checked bag free and preferred boarding.
How do travel rewards credit card points and miles work?
Travel rewards credit cards typically let you earn points or miles on eligible purchases. Some of these credit cards offer additional points or miles on specific purchase categories (for example, restaurants or gas stations). These points or miles can then be redeemed for travel expenses, such as airfare, hotels and rental cars.
How to redeem points or miles
A common way to redeem points or miles is through a credit card issuer or partner portal.
For Citi credit cards that earn ThankYou® Points, you can go to the Citi Travel℠ portal to redeem your points for travel.
Citi cards that participate in the American Airlines AAdvantage® program let you redeem your miles at aa.com.
Some rewards programs also allow you to redeem your points or miles for gift cards or merchandise.
Benefits of travel rewards credit cards?
Different cards can have different benefits. Here are some benefits you might expect.
Hotel room discounts
With the Citi Strata Premier® Card, you can enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when booked through CitiTravel.com, once per calendar year.
An enhanced airport experience
With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® you can enjoy Admirals Club® Membership, including access to nearly 100 Admirals Club® and partner lounges worldwide. You’ll also receive priority check-in and screening (where available), as well as priority boarding privileges for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation.
Discounted inflight food and drinks
The Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®is a business travel rewards credit card that offers 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
Making the most of travel rewards credit cards
If you want to make the most of your travel rewards credit card, here are a few things you can do:
Meet bonus requirements
Many travel rewards credit cards offer a bonus when you open an account. These offers usually require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening your account to earn bonus points or miles.
Take advantage of spending categories
Many travel rewards credit cards offer additional points or miles in specific spending categories like eligible airfare for specific airlines, hotels or restaurants. If you want to earn more points or miles, it’s important to understand your card’s rewards program and use your card in the categories that offer additional points or miles.
Be aware of all fees before applying
Some travel rewards credit cards come with annual fees, foreign transaction fees and other charges. It’s important to be aware of all the fees before you apply for a card so that you can make sure it’s the right fit for your financial situation.
Choose the right card for you
There are many different travel rewards credit cards on the market, so it’s important to choose the right one for you. Consider factors like annual fees, bonus offers and benefits when you’re comparing credit cards.
