As a credit card expert living on the other side of the country with most of my family, I've long used my cards to minimize the cost and hassle of my vacation travel. By using credit cards strategically, I can save money and enjoy a little more convenience along the way. Here are my best tips after years of vacation travel.
Tips for getting the most out of your travel card during the holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time, especially when you're trying to gather your ducks in a row for travel. With these tips, your credit card can help make your trip smoother and even put money back in your pocket.
Know your cardholder benefits
Before booking a flight, check your credit card benefits. Choosing the right one could save you some vacation travel headaches.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers travel delay coverage that reimburses you for meals, your hotel and transportation if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours. It also offers primary rental car insurance, without you having to go through your car policy.
Take advantage of TSA PreCheck for free
When you're already short on time during your holiday travels, the last thing you want to deal with is an intimidating TSA line. Fortunately, my family and I all TSA Precheck. Not only do we wait in a much shorter line, but we leave our belts and shoes, as well as our liquids and laptops, in our bags. So it’s one less thing to think about when packing.
Many credit cards offer a statement credit to cover application fees, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. This benefit can be used for any application, and children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes.
Lean into the lounges
You arrived at the airport a few hours earlier, but now you're stuck sitting on the ground, waiting for the Panda Express to open while trying to find an open outlet. Airport lounges provide an essential respite from the chaos of holiday travel, offering a quiet space to relax and recharge, as well as complimentary snacks. And there are many premium cards that give you free access.
For example, Capital One Venture X offers a Priority Pass Select membership, as well as access to Capital One lounges. Additional authorized users also receive lounge access and you can bring two guests for free. If you're passing through Denver, keep an eye out for me and my family at the Capital One Lounge.
Should I apply for a new card for the holidays?
While you should never have more credit cards than you can responsibly manage, the holidays may be a good time to apply for a new card. You can enjoy the benefits during your vacation travel and earn a bonus for meeting minimum spending requirements during your vacation purchases. Several limited-time offers are also available this year.
These three credit cards offer bonus travel opportunities this year:
- Frontier Airlines Global Mastercard*. No fees for seat assignments and carry-on baggage when you have this card which gives you instant Gold Elite status.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. New applicants earn a $300 Chase Travel credit plus 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening, while enjoying premier travel benefits.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*. New applicants can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus great perks.
*All information about the Capital One Venture X and Frontier Airlines credit card
