Holly D. Johnson | (TNS) Bankrate
Travel credit cards make it easy to earn rewards — usually offered in the form of points or miles — for certain types of purchases. You can typically redeem your travel rewards for the big expenses associated with your next trip such as flights, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages. Some issuers also let you redeem travel rewards for statement credits and other non-travel options.
Some travel credit cards are associated with a specific airline or hotel loyalty program, whereas others let you earn rewards within a credit card’s rewards program. At the end of the day, you’ll want to understand the type of travel rewards your card offers, as well as available redemption options before you sign up.
Regardless of which type of card you choose, becoming a savvy travel rewards credit card holder can help offset travel costs and enhance your overall travel experience.
Types of travel credit cards
No matter your spending habits and rewards preferences, there’s likely a travel credit card that fits. Top travel credit cards include flexible rewards cards and those that are co-branded with another program, such as hotel credit cards and airline credit cards.
Flexible travel credit cards
Flexible travel cards offer a wide range of options. These cards typically earn rewards points within a credit card issuer’s own rewards ecosystem as opposed to an airline or hotel’s loyalty program. Though options may vary by card, you can usually redeem your rewards for travel through a portal or transfer points to an array of partner airline and hotel programs. The flexibility makes them a good fit for cardholders who don’t have allegiance to any particular airline or hotel chain. General travel credit cards can also come with some pretty nice benefits, which may include airport lounge access or travel insurance protections.Some examples of flexible credit card rewards programs or points currencies include American Express Membership…
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