In Training Exercise #1, we set you up with an AwardWallet account and introduced you to some frequent flyer programs out there. In Exercise #2, we showed you how transfer partners are important for your award tickets. In #3, we’ll be discussing credit cards, and how they can really help you boost your mileage accounts!
Why Credit Cards?
Some of you that follow other travel blogs may see plenty of articles about credit cards and why you should apply for them. I am not here to sell you on a particular one, but to make the argument that they are amazing for increasing the number of points and miles at your disposal.
Ever since American Airlines invented the mileage program, way back when, it’s been full steam ahead on co-branded credit cards. Most airlines these days have one- and it would be very beneficial for you to apply for one with the airline (or airlines) that you fly with most often.
But Why?
The simple reason is that these credit cards offer bonus perks for signing up with them, making travel a lot easier on you. These benefits range from early boarding, free checked bags, free companion passes, and hefty sign-up bonuses full of free points (the exciting part).
Which Credit Card Is Best for Me?
I think that the best credit card for you depends on your travel and spending habits. Many credit cards offer bonus categories for spending, where you’ll earn double or triple (or even five times) the number of points you would normally on every dollar you spend. If you spend more in these particular categories, and they vary card to card, then I would possibly recommend applying for that product.
If you apply for a Chase Southwest credit card, but never plan on flying that airline, I would recommend picking another card. You want to be able to use the miles that you earn (and in a somewhat quick fashion, to avoid devaluations that the airlines sometimes put forward).
Any Dangers?
Of course there are. For me, I’m very good at keeping my spending in check, so I don’t worry about spending above my means. For others, this is a problem, and you should think twice about applying for revolving credit. My whole spiel is that if you are paying money on interest each month, there is no point in earning ‘free’ miles, since they aren’t free anymore!
Another danger you might run into is that having too many credit cards can really rack up the annual fees. I know that for me (who, admittedly, has a few credit cards), I have to watch which ones I have open at a particular moment.
And finally, you might have too many points to know what to do with! You’ll consider quitting your job and traveling full time, ditching responsibility for the thirst of adventure (only kidding).
There You Have It
A quick primer on credit cards. All the major American airlines have products available for you to apply for (and some international ones do as well, like British Airways and Lufthansa). Some other credit cards, like the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Preferred credit cards, have transfer partners across multiple airlines, so do look into those lists (that you can see here) before applying.
In Part Four of our series, we’ll start talking about each individual program, and the tips and tricks within each!
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