Title:

Airlines Credit Card � Guidelines to Choose the Right Card

Word Count:
741

Summary:
This article gives various guidelines on how to choose the right airline credit
card.

Keywords:
Airline Card,Airlines Credit Card,Airline Cards

Article Body:
An airlines credit card earns credits or points whenever the card is used. Simple
enough, right? Choosing the airline card will not be difficult, if you travel
frequently with a certain airline. If you use various airlines, then it is wise to
select the airline cards that give more flexibility in its redemption and reward
system. The bottom line is that, in most instances, an airlines credit card is very
well suited for frequent business travelers.

Since selecting the right airline card is an important task, you need to ask
yourself some preliminary questions before considering an airline credit card.

1. Which is the airline you frequently fly or prefer to fly?

The first question is to determine your most frequented airline. If you prefer to
travel by a selected carrier, it is better to check whether they have their own
airline credit card. Since most of the airlines today have partnered with credit
card companies, the chances are that they will have their own card. However, if you
tend to fly by the cheapest or easily available carrier at the time of your travel,
you will have to consider an airline card that offers greater flexibility. Some
cards have alliance partnerships with various airlines, offering greater
flexibility to you.

2. What is the frequency of your air travel per year?

These cards are based on a point accumulation system with the accumulated points
expiring after a certain period. If you are not a frequent flyer, then you may not
benefit from these cards, as you will not be accumulating enough points to earn
reduced or free travel. Conversely, if you are a frequent flyer, then ensure that
the card you have chosen has no blackout dates and no cap or limit on the number of
points that can be earned.

3. What are the benefits versus fees on the card?

In general, airline cards have high interest rates and annual fees. It is important
to evaluate the annual fees paid versus the reduced or free mile travel earned per
year. An airlines credit card is not attractive if the annual fee is more than what
you will earn as free or reduced travel. In addition, you could be paying hefty
finance charges, if you are not able to pay the balance on the card in full every
month. In which case, it is better to choose a credit card with a low interest rate
and no frills attached than the rewards program.

It is important to research the number of points required to accumulate in order to

qualify for free air travel. To get maximum benefits from your airlines card, you
should also consider the following points prior to making the choice:

4. Flexibility of the Card - Your card has to be flexible to be used in many

places including restaurants and shopping malls. Points are added everytime you
make a purchase using the card but sometimes certain purchases add more points.

5. Cap on Accumulated Points - Most cards have a cap on the number of points that
can be accumulated. If you are a frequent flyer, it is better to read this fine
print. Most of these cards have rewards based on predetermined level of points.

6. Redemption Criteria - Mostly during peak travel season, airlines and hotels do
not encourage redemption of miles or use of free or reduced travel pricing.

7. Annual Fees - It is essential to do a cost benefit analysis on the various

airlines credit card offers before selecting one. If you do not travel a great
deal, it is better to go for a card with lower annual fees and a modest rewards
program. If you are a frequent flyer, you can choose one with higher annual fees
and benefit from the unlimited travel rewards that are possible.

8. Other Services - Certain cards give travel insurance and discounts on car
rental and hotels. Some also provide cash advances in emergencies. You have to
compare various cards on these to get the best one suited to your lifestyle.

Competition in the market forces credit card and airline companies to frequently
change their Airlines card product offering. However, it is recommended that once
the right Airline card is chosen, it be not changed unless there are huge benefits
in doing so. If you consider signing up for an Airlines credit card, it is better
take informed decision based on long-term benefit, rather than be carried away by
the marketing and promotional gimmicks of these companies.