A credit card or two is an essential tool for anyone who travels on business: with a widely-accepted credit card, you don’t need to carry too much cash or exchange much cash for local currency, and you’ll always have the means to pay for unexpected expenses on the road.
Because you definitely need to carry a card (or two) with you, why not choose cards that deliver rewards you can use? There are credit cards that can earn you extra amenities, free hotel nights, and/or free flights.
In choosing a card, a major consideration is your ability to use a specific hotel chain and/or airline on the majority of your travels. For example, if you are able to use one airline consistently, you’ll be able to earn rewards more quickly using that airline’s credit card.
For example, Delta’s SkyMiles card earns a mile for every dollar spent: purchases of Delta tickets and services earn double miles. When you accumulate enough miles, it can translate to a free flight. In addition, a Delta SkyMiles Gold or Platinum card gives you access to a Delta Sky Club for just $25 a visit; a SkyMiles Reserve card has a higher annual fee, but you’ll have complimentary Sky Club access and priority status for available seat upgrades, among other benefits.
Most airline cards also provide benefits like early boarding privileges and a free checked bag, so look beyond those common amenities. The MileagePlus Card from United just added a special benefit for international road warriors: purchases made with a MileagePlus card outside the U.S. are not subject to foreign transaction fees. In addition, you can use your accumulated miles for room upgrades and special features at more than 700 hotels and resorts around the world.
When considering travel cards, try not to be too influenced by their initial sign-up bonuses (which often consist of bonus miles). Pay more attention to the rewards that the use of the card will deliver to you over time. And, don’t let an attractive card offer steer you away from the hotel chain or airline you use most often – it doesn’t make sense to switch from the travel providers that serve you best for the sake of a credit card.
