Airline Credit Cards Versus Generic Travel Rewards Cards
Most consumers will have two general choices in the types of travel rewards credit cards they can opt for: either one that is attached to a specific airline brand or one attached to a card issuer’s travel rewards network. Which one should you opt for?
Like many issues that crop up when trying to find the best credit cards for your needs, it’s not that easy a question to answer. The best choice, more often than not, will be determined by factors other than what category of credit cards an offer falls in.
Miles Expiration
While some airlines will impose expiration dates on the miles you incur, most won’t. Obviously, you want to skip credit card offers which foster an expiry date on the rewards you earn and keep your pool of choices to those that don’t.
Dates Blackout
Some credit cards impose restrictions when using your miles during certain dates. Naturally, you want to stay away from these offers. Unless you often travel at a whim, most people will want to fly during the same seasons most others do - summers, holidays and special dates. Plenty of credit cards allow you to book any time so cut the ones that don’t off your list.
Seat Restrictions
Similar to blackout dates, some credit cards see it fit to impose restrictions on the kinds of seat you can take on the flight. With so many lucrative travel rewards offers out there, there’s no point even considering ones with this feature.
My Personal Choice
If you ask me, I’d say go with a generic travel rewards card attached to a network instead of a specific airline. While they’ll usually offer less miles for each purchase, you can at least enjoy the flexibility of being able to book with any airline of your choice. This can become especially important during peak travel seasons when flights are getting booked to the rafters!
If you regularly travel with a specific airline (like this one for Alaska Air), however, nothing beats a credit card issued by that company. You’ll definitely get better deals on tickets, along with many perks designed especially for loyal travelers and card holders. With airline credit cards, you’ll often be treated to such benefits as free concierge service, rental car discounts and airline business lounge accommodations.
Posted in Airline Credit Cards
