Wednesday, April 9, 2008

FAQs: Airline Frequent Flier Miles Credit Cards

FAQs: Airline Frequent Flier Miles Credit Cards
Let's talk about the most common questions asked about
frequent flier miles credit cards. Know the answers to the
questions before you start choosing your own frequent flier
mile credit card issuer:

How do you earn miles points on these credit cards?

Generally, points are earned based on the amount of
purchases charged on the credit card. For instance, most
credit cards give one point for every dollar spent on the
card. One point is equivalent to one mile. As the card
holder gathers his miles points, he must reach the minimum
number of miles in order to qualify for the free travel
ticket. In some cases, miles points can double depending on
the credit card issuer.

How do you redeem your miles points?

Most credit cards have affiliations with specific airlines
or carriers. In this case, the card holder can only claim
his free travel ticket or get a discounted rate if he
purchases his ticket from the affiliated airline. That is
why it is important to make sure that your frequent flier
miles credit card has affiliations with the airline you
usually fly with.

Will your points expire?

This condition depends on the terms of your credit card
issuer. Some credit cards impose a blackout date where the
card holder must claim his reward or collect enough points
within a given period. There are frequent flier programs
however that do not impose blackout dates or expiration. It
is recommended to look for credit cards without blackout
dates so that you can be sure to claim your reward without
hassle.

Is there an annual fee?

Again, this particular condition depends on your frequent
flier miles credit card issuer. Some credit cards do
require an annual fee so it's important to check if the
cost is reasonable enough for you to pay every year. The
best travel reward credit cards are ones that have low
annual fee so look for them in your search.

What about generic mileage credit cards?

Generic mileage credit cards are different from credit
cards with frequent flier miles programs in the sense that
it doesn't restrict you with just one specific airline or
carrier. This means, you can choose the airline you want to
purchase from or avail of your free ticket. Some consumers
prefer to get generic mileage cards because it allows them
to buy travel tickets that are sold at a discount. It also
gives them more choices so waiting for available airline
seats does not become a problem. Generic mileage cards also
do not require an annual fee from their holders.

What is the advantage of frequent flier miles cards from
generic mileage cards?

The advantage of frequent flier miles credit cards over
generic mileage credit cards is that you can get more perks
and additional travel privileges such as more discounts in
hotel accommodations, car rentals, etc. Some frequent flier
programs also allow its holders to double their miles
points so you can collect more miles on your account.


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Ann Wilson is the head writer of Credit Card Rewards -
Credit Card Reward Programs - Rewards Credit Card Site.
This resource provides consumers with valuable reviews and
information on the best gas, cash back, travel, or airline
credit cards programs. Visit
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com for more information.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great tips on airline credit cards! We'd love to get your opinion. We recently started a Best & Worst Credit Card Issuers Poll. Feel free to stop by and give us your feedback ;)