How To Use Credit Cards With Travel Benefits To Save On Flights And Hotels

Saving money on travel with credit card benefits

Key Takeaways:

  • Travel credit cards offer rewards like cashback, miles, and discounts, helping you save on flights and hotels.

  • Credit cards with travel benefits include travel insurance, lounge access, and exclusive deals with airlines and hotels.

  • Maximise your card's value by monitoring points, using promotions, and understanding the rewards structure.

  • Choosing a card that aligns with your travel habits can make your trips more affordable and enjoyable.

With travel costs rising every year, using a credit card with travel benefits is one of the smartest ways to cut down on flight and hotel expenses. These cards offer rewards like cashback, free air miles, discounts on bookings, and complimentary hotel stays. 

If you travel frequently, the right card can reduce your travel expenses and give you extra perks. Here’s how you can save on flights and hotels using some of the best credit cards for travel rewards, so you get more value every time you travel.

What are Travel-Centric Credit Cards?

Travel or flight rewards credit cards benefit frequent travellers by giving them perks on travel expenses. These cards let you earn reward points or air miles whenever you spend on flights, hotels, and even international dining and shopping. 

You can redeem these points for free flights, hotel stays, upgrades, or other travel-related benefits. Many of these cards also come with extra perks, including:

  • Travel insurance

  • Zero or low foreign transaction fees

  • Access to exclusive discounts

  • Complimentary airport or railway lounge access 

Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

Credit cards with good travel rewards can make your trips more affordable and rewarding. These cards offer perks that add comfort and value to every journey. Here are some of them:

  • Exclusive Offers: Travel credit cards often partner with top airlines and hotel chains to give you special deals. These may include free hotel stays, flight and room upgrades, free flights, and more.

  • Reward Points: Every time you spend using your card, you earn reward points. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or even used to pay your credit card bills. Usually, credit cards with travel benefits offer accelerated points on travel spends.

  • Airport Lounge Access: Several travel cards offer free access to domestic and international airport lounges. This allows you to relax and rejuvenate before your flight.

  • Discounts on Flight Tickets: These cards offer instant discounts, cashback, or bonus miles when you book flights through select airline websites or partner travel portals. Check your card’s latest offers before booking.

  • Hotel Booking Discounts: These cards help you save on hotel stays by offering deals and discounts when you book through partner hotel chains.

  • Insurance Benefits: Travel rewards credit cards come with built-in travel insurance. It covers trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies, giving you peace of mind while travelling.

  • Additional Benefits: Many travel credit cards offer added perks like dining discounts, concierge services, and exclusive deals on travel packages. These all make your entire travel experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Best Practices When Using Credit Cards With Travel Benefits

These cards can help you save big on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, but only if you use them wisely. To truly make the most of your card’s benefits, it’s important to follow a few smart habits. Here's how you can stay on track:

  • Regularly Check Your Points:

Keep track of your reward points to ensure they don’t expire. Redeem them in time for flights, hotel stays, or travel upgrades.

  • Plan Purchases Around Promotions:

Credit card issuers often offer bonus points or cashback during promotional periods. Time your travel bookings or large expenses during these periods.

  • Automated Payments:

Set up auto-pay for your credit card bills to avoid late fees and interest charges if you’re using your card regularly for travel expenses.

  • Use Travel Concierge Perks:

Many travel credit cards come with concierge services. You can use them to book hotels, make reservations, or even plan an itinerary.

  • Understand the Rewards Structure:

Identify which spending categories, like flights, hotels, or dining, earn the highest rewards. This helps you use your travel credit card strategically to maximise benefits.

  • Utilise Exclusive Offers:

Make the most of card tie-ups with airlines, hotel chains, and dining outlets. These often come with added discounts or bonus points.

  • Optimise Large Purchases:

For big-ticket items, use your card and convert to EMI if needed. You earn points while keeping your bills manageable.

Conclusion

Travel credit cards can turn your travel spends into savings. To make the most of these benefits, choose a card that aligns with your travel habits and purchases. Whether you travel often for work or leisure, the right travel rewards credit card can make your journeys smoother, comfortable, and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can travel credit cards help save on hotel stays?

Travel credit cards help you save on hotel stays by letting you redeem reward points or miles for discounts or enjoy exclusive hotel offers. Some cards include complimentary stays as part of their perks.

How do flight credit card offers differ from general travel credit cards?

Flight rewards credit cards focus on airline perks while general travel credit cards give flexible rewards across flights, hotels, and more.

What are some smart ways to maximise travel credit cards? 

Here are some smart ways to maximise the benefits of a travel rewards credit card:

  • Redeem points wisely

  • Know how to earn bonus reward points

  • Pay for big-ticket travel items with the card

  • Keep track of the expiry of points and check them regularly 

Is it worth having a travel credit card?

A travel credit card can be worth it if you travel often or are planning a big trip. The rewards can help you save on bookings and enjoy extra perks like lounge access and travel insurance.

This information is provided solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute advice of any kind. OneConsumer Services Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any direct or indirect damages or losses that may result from decisions made based on this content. Please consult a professional advisor before making any decisions.

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