Tag Archives: points
How do airline credit cards work?
Airline credit cards are a result of collaboration between credit card companies and different airlines. The concept of airline credit cards works well for frequent travelers, who gain in a number of ways by using airline credit cards.
Purchases made through the credit cards earn points for the card holders; these points can be redeemed for free miles with the airline, at a car wash, hotels, etc. Points are also earned by flying with the chosen airline. The points are earned on the basis of predetermined point levels. This helps fliers to calculate the number points required to qualify for free travel. It is important to be aware of the consequences of card inactivity over a period of time and factors that can lead to points expiration. There may also be a limit to the number of points that can be accumulated in a year. Some airline credit cards have a maximum limit of 100,000 points in a year and points lapse if the card is not used for three years.
Airline credit cards work in the same way as credit cards but may charge a slightly higher interest rate. Annual percentage rate (APR) is used to measure the cost of credit. The methods used for calculating the rate of interest are two cycle average daily balance and average daily balance. The former, which considers the average of the current and previous balance, works out to be more expensive; this is something one should bear in mind while selecting an airline credit card. Different airline credit cards offer different rates; the rate of interest also depends upon the card fees, bonus points, and the grace period. A high rate of interest need not be a worry for card holders who do not have a balance to be paid at the end of the month. All the same, there are airline credit cards that offer 0% interest on balance transfers for an introductory period and also charge a low interest rate.
Airline credit cards have a preset spending limit that affects the amount to be paid monthly; certain airline credit cards offer a very high spending limit and even allow users to exceed the limit, the excess amount being settled in the next month. Airline credit cards can be of greater value if they are compatible with other frequent-flyer programs as they enable cardholders to use the points earned to the best possible advantage. An annual fee is charged by most airline credit cards in order to cover the costs of the benefits offered. Cash advances may also incur a fee, which can have a minimum value of $5 and can go up to $50, depending upon the credit card company and the advance taken.
5 Things to Know about Credit Card Rewards Programs
Credit card rewards programs have come a long way. At first, they were reserved for the elite credit cards, which mostly required high priced annual fees to participate. Now, most every credit card has a rewards program, and most every program doesnt even require an annual fee. Thats the beauty of rewards programs nowtheyve become a major way for credit cards to compete for your business. So you should take advantage of your opportunities and get the best rewards program possible.
1. Experience Rewards
The first thing you should know about credit card rewards programs, though, is that todays are not your grandmothers rewards programs. Today, you can basically get anything that you want as a reward. This new system is sometimes called “experience rewards”by which you can practically name anything as a reward to the credit card concierge, and he or she will tell you then how many rewards points you need.
2. Is it for You?
Of course, you should know whether or not you need such extravagance. If you dont have the time or the inclination to, say, ask for an experience reward like an African safari, then these fancy cards are not for you. You may be better off looking for cash-back rewards programs, or a smaller scale travel rewards program with no annual fee.
3. Are You a Dedicated Customer to a Particular Brand?
A third aspect of rewards programs to know about are the very specific cards out there from, for example, a specific car maker or a theme park company. Usually, rewards from these programs go to free or discounted items from only that particular company. That makes these cards only worth it for very dedicated customerssomeone who only buys GM cars, for instance, or someone who regularly visits Disney parks or stores.
4. Shop Around for the Best Deals
Whatever type of rewards program you pick, you should be sure youre getting the best bang for your spent dollars. Many average programs offer 1 reward point for every dollar spent, or 1 percent or less cash back for every dollar spent. If you shop around for specials, however, you may be able to find even better deals in rewards programs.
5. Know the Ins and Outs of Your Deal
Lastly, never pass up the chance to beef up on your rewards points. Most cards offer chances to load up on points through special promotions. They may, say, offer triple rewards points during the first six months you have the card, or offer more cash back if you shop at specific stores or eat out at restaurants. Know these deals. Take advantage of them!