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The Lowdown On Airline Miles Credit Cards
By: Samuel Petry
Airline mile credit cards, also known as frequent flyer credit cards, enjoy
tremendous popularity as a type of reward credit card. A cardholder is rewarded
with points whenever he uses the card to make a purchase. The accumulated points
can be redeemed for airline tickets once they reach a particular level.
There are several airline miles credit cards available in the market and these
offer different value in terms of airline miles per dollar spent; they also
differ in their respective terms and conditions. Thus, one needs to check out
for the minimum number of air miles necessary for qualifying for a free ride as
well the length of time before which the accumulated airline miles have to be
redeemed.
Airline miles credit cards are a great buy for frequent flyers who can save
substantially by using these cards; however, since these cards charge an annual
fee, other related fees, and high interest rates, they may not be of any
substantial benefit to those who are not regular flyers. Thus, while searching
for an airline miles credit card, it is important to look out for a card that
offers a balance of value and rewards. This means that the card should offer
flexibility in selecting an airline, low annual fees and interest rates, and
maximum free air miles.
Most airline miles credit cards offer bonus miles on the first purchase, no
annual fee during the first year, and 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases
made during the first twelve months. These are attractive inducements but one
needs to consider the cost of maintaining an airline miles credit card after the
initial period. The annual fee can be as high as $75 and the rate of interest
can be 17% and beyond. It is important to understand the tradeoff between free
miles upfront and other incentives against the cost of maintaining the card
later on.
Some diligent searching online should yield information on cards that offer the
perfect package which includes no annual fee, low interest rates, more miles
earned on every dollar spent, and freedom to travel on any airline with no
restriction of blackout dates. Cards that offer such facilities do not usually
offer free miles upfront; however, the minimum slab required to qualify for free
travel with these cards is usually lower than that for cards that offer free
miles. The rate of interest is also lower by as much as 6% than that charged by
cards that offer a lot of free miles upfront. Additionally, there are airline
miles credit cards available that allow the card holder to accumulate points
with tickets bought for any airline.
About the Author:
Samuel Petry recommends you visit CreditCardAssist to learn about airline miles
credit cards. See http://www.creditcardassist.com/airline/creditcards.html for more information. |