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How Do Airline Credit Cards Work?
By: Samuel Pety
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.
About the Author:
Samuel Pety recommends you visit CreditCardAssist to learn about airline credit
cards. See http://www.creditcardassist.com/airline/creditcards.html for more
information.
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