In the previous episodes I just touched upon the types of airline branded cards and generic credit cards but I didn't really touch upon the travel benefits and/or perks behind each of the different credit cards.
In this episode I just wanted to briefly go over what you would need to find out of the type of cards that you have, because a lot of these cards actually have additional benefits beyond just getting bonus points. This can be actually helpful with getting through check in lines faster or having a free checked bag because most airlines these days require you to pay for your first check bag, something that was just usually complimentary a decade ago.
Things that you want to look for in the fine print when you are applying for these cards in terms of some benefits include again free check bag.
- Most cards give one free check bag there might be a few cards sort of more of the advanced cards that give two free check bags.
- Another perk that a lot of these travel credit cards give is early boarding for flights. So for example Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Master Card allows group one boarding on domestic flights. So basically you get to jump in front in the line instead of having to board the plane with the rest of the coach class.
- A lot of these credit cards also offer like in-flight food and entertainment discounts up to a certain amount.
- Another cool perk in using this especially if you are traveling outside the U.S. is you want to look for a card that has a no foreign transaction fee. Most credit cards have switched over and allowed no foreign transaction fees so that saves you a lot in terms of having to pay the exchange rates itself from international rates and such.
- You might find some credit card companies that give out free airline lounge passes, and for now I believe that United Mileage Plus Explorer card is one of the last ones to do that.
They still give two annual one-time United Club passes. So basically you can use these club passes when you're flying on a united march flight. They're quite useful especially if you don't have status or if you're not flying in business or first class, but you want to just get away from the hustle bustle of the airport terminals, and check out to see if wherever you're flying into or out of as a united lounge and present the United pass and more than likely they'll be able to let you in. There are certain blackout times and they don't announce this but in L.A. during their busy hours where they will not allow people with United Club passes to be used, but if you sweet talk them and then you should be able to use that.
- Other benefits that you might not notice is like if you rent a car, definitely decline the cars rental insurance and charge the rental car on with the travel credit card. So that way the airline credit cards more than likely in their terms and conditions say that they'll cover for the travel accidents and what not with the rental car. But that can only work if you decline the rentals insurance. So remember to read the fine prints of each of the credit cards and what benefits that they're going to cover.
- Some of the credit cards also actually cover let’s say travel expenses. Whether that be if your flight was cancelled due to bad weather or what not. That's more of a gray line thing so I definitely call in to the actual customer service numbers which are always listed on the back of the credit card and they always run 24/7 which is great.
Just be sure that you read the fine print on each of the credit card offerings that are always given in your mail along with the credit card.
I will be posting a review of the American Express Platinum card, as this is one of the premium travel credit cards you can get that has loads more benefits than the normal travel credit cards.
Any time you're anywhere around the world at any time you can always call them up to ask these questions. I wanted to just definitely let you guys be aware of these benefits if you weren't aware of them before.
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What travel benefit is most important to you?
Just comment and let me know if you guys have any questions that you want me to address.
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If you missed, Episode 07: For Business Owners, Don’t Forget to Apply for Business Travel Credit Cards
Next, Episode 09: Major Travel Credit Cards & Their Perks and Benefits
Follow me @hustletoparadise to stay up to date on future episodes of Travel Hacking with Hustle to Paradise.
(Introduction photo courtesy of Rawpixel.com found on Unsplash)