Airline Rewards Credit Cards

6 High-Flying Benefits of Airline Miles Credit Cards

With so many credit cards available to consumers, it can be difficult to determine what type of credit card is best for your wallet and your family. If you have been researching rewards credit cards, you have probably seen that there are general rewards cards and then other cards that focus on specific types of rewards, such as airline miles.

Airline miles cards can be a great fit for people who travel frequently or have a future big trip planned. These cards allow you to accrue points based on the purchases you charge to your card. Typically, each dollar spent equals one point earned. After you have accrued enough points, you can redeem them to book your flights for free or very low cost.

If you have been considering an airline mile credit card but are unsure how they will benefit you, here are just six of the many benefits you will see with this type of credit card.

• Rewards from the start

  Many consumers assume that it will take months, maybe even years, before they have accrued enough points to cash in on a free flight. However, many airline rewards cards now offer their cardholder bonus points on their first purchase. These points have a large range depending on the card, but some are enough for a short flight.

  This makes it so you can see the benefits of your card even if you aren’t sure if it is a credit card you will use on a regular basis. It is also great for individuals who typically don’t charge much toward a credit card. The last thing you want to do is change your spending pattern just to accrue points!
  



• Chances to accrue additional points

  Credit cards often provide promotional periods to their cardholders where the points per dollar spent is increased. During these promotional periods, you may earn 2, 3, 4, even 5 points for every dollar spent.

  Often, these extra points are accrued for purchases you make at certain merchant categories, like gas, hotel or other travel expenses. This is a great chance to rack up the points if you already have travel plans during these periods! Sometimes, the merchant categories are for every day expenses, like grocery stores, so you will still be able to earn points quickly without changing your regular shopping routine.
  



• Flexibility on flights

  Frequent flyer programs through specific airlines often still have some limitations to their programs and require you to book flights through specific airlines. With an airline miles credit card, you often have access to a greater range of airlines, locations and dates available to you. This makes it convenient for using your rewards to book flights for specific vacations and business trips you have planned.
  



• Seat upgrades

  One fantastic benefit of airline miles credit cards is being able to use your points to upgrade seats. Many cardholders will take advantage of a special airline promotion that gets them access to inexpensive tickets. They then utilize their rewards to upgrade that seat to business or first class, providing them extra space and access to special perks during their flight. This is a great way to be budget conscious without having to skimp on comfort!
  



• Gain access to special perks

  Some airline credit cards, such as the legendary American Express Platinum allow you access into certain airline lounges. With access to lounges in airports, you can be comfortable while you wait for your flight. The lounges are available at numerous airports, so this is one benefit that you’ll be able to take advantage of on numerous trips.
  



• Redeem points to cut down on other travel expenses

  If you are looking at airline miles credit cards, chances are, you’re focused on flying. However, many times you can also use your points toward car rentals, hotel rooms and other hotel expenses.