Airline vs. Travel Credit Cards: Which One is Better for You?

When it comes to choosing the right credit card for your travels, the choices usually boil down between airline and travel credit cards.

Both cards promise travelers with a variety of benefits and rewards, but they cater to different travel needs. So, just how exactly do you choose between the two?

In today’s article, we will break down the difference between the two so you can choose which works better for you!

What is an airline credit card?

Airline credit cards are usually offered by the card issuer and a specific airline. This is tailored for frequent flyers who want to earn miles with a carrier, which travelers can redeem for flights or other benefits like lounge access and priority boarding. 

If you’re someone who flies frequently with a specific airline, this type of credit card just might be the one for you! 

The perks that come with having an airline credit card can enhance your travel experience and help you save money on common expenses.

Pros and cons of an airline credit card

Pros

• Earn rewards

  By using an airline credit card, you can earn miles with a particular carrier. 

• Enjoy the perks

  You can enjoy benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and discounted tickets when you sign up for an airline credit.

• Lounge access

  Passing time while waiting for your flight? Look no further than the exclusive lounges that your airline credit card grants you access to. 

Cons

• Limited flexibility

  Since the credit card issuer is usually partnered with a specific airline, rewards are also tied to just one frequent flyer program, which means you will only be able to redeem your miles and enjoy your perk with a specific carrier and its partners. 

• Availability of seats

  There’s no guarantee that you will be able to use your miles when you need them because of blackout dates or unavailability of reward seats. This means that you may not be able to book a specific flight on your preferred dates.

What is a travel credit card?

If you’re looking for more flexibility and variety when it comes to your trip options, travel credit cards are the way to go! With this type of card, you can earn and redeem points when making travel-related expenses.

Travel credit cards offer a wider range of benefits and rewards that are not tied down to a single airline or hotel chain. This makes it ideal for travelers who like to mix and match their flight and accommodation options to get the best possible deals and experiences. 

Pros and cons of a travel credit card

Pros

• Flexibility

  With a travel credit card, you can earn points that can be used for different travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. 

• Transferable rewards

  Some travel credit cards allow travelers to transfer their points to different airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you have transferable rewards, you can use your points to whichever airline or hotel partner offers a deal that catches your eye.

• Travel insurance

  Didn’t purchase a travel insurance policy? Your credit card’s got you covered.

  Travel credit cards usually come with travel insurance and will reimburse you for any unexpected expense that you may incur during your trip. 

Cons

• Annual fees

  Depending on the card and the level of benefits offered, annual fees can range from reasonable to very expensive.

  While the rewards can offset these costs, it’s important to do your research and assess if the benefits you’re getting are enough to justify the annual fees you’re paying for.

• Benefits can change

  At the discretion of the card issuer, the benefits and rewards that come with your travel credit card can change anytime. Perks you may have initially signed up for can be reduced or even eliminated later on.

  If you’ve chosen the card based on the specific benefits it offers, make sure to stay informed on any significant changes. Reassess whether the credit card still meets your needs after these changes have occurred. 

Still don’t know which credit card to use for your travels? It really all depends on your travel habits and preferences. 

The right card for you should be able to enhance your trips and align with how you travel. 

Weigh the benefits and downsides of both cards and assess how you travel as well. Doing this will eventually lead you to pick the card that makes your travel experiences both rewarding and enjoyable!