‘Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.’
Someone has rightly said this and don’t you agree? Well, while we agree that travelling can make you richer knowledge-wise, would you believe us if we told you that it can literally make you richer too? Are you one of those people who say, “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list”? It’s time you start ticking off those places on your list. And guess what? We’ve the perfect solution for you that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Wondering how? The answer to travelling with rewards is by smartly choosing an Airline Credit Card.
With so many Airline Credit Cards available in the market, how do you choose the ‘one’? Well, we must tell you that it’s certainly not as difficult as choosing a life partner. So, here are a few pointers to help you choose the perfect Airline Credit Card for you:
Joining Perks
Most Airline Credit Cards offer a signup bonus. This bonus could include points as much as 5,000 (or more!). Apart from that, some Credit Card providers also offer free flight tickets. So, it’s your responsibility to check these perks before finalising a Credit Card.
Perks with Conditions Apply*
Yup, not everything comes free of cost, right? So, while you may be awestruck by the perks offered by an Airline Credit Card, please do not ignore the terms and conditions. Sometimes these conditions could include a high minimum spend. In this case, you will get the promised reward points only when you spend the pre-decided minimum amount (which isn’t that minimal). Remember that even if there are 20,000 points up for grabs, they will burn a hole in your pocket if the minimum spend is very high.
First Year Fee and Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Now this is a tricky one. Some Credit Cards are lifetime free but their APR can be quite high. Some Credit Cards come with a high first-year fee, a slightly lower second-year fee and a low Annual Percentage Rate. So, you have to calculate, estimate and compare the costs of the cards before finalising on the one that suits your pocket the best. However, while doing so, don’t ignore the travel benefits that the card is offering. If you are a globetrotter (be it for pleasure or business), the card could save you a lot of money on travel; the price you pay could be totally worth it. Got it?
Foreign Transaction Fees
It’s an absolute MUST to check the foreign transaction fees applicable on international transactions swiped on that card. If you plan to use the card for travelling and while travelling (especially abroad), there’s a high chance that you will end up spending a bomb if you ignore this point.
Credit Score Matters
Higher the rewards offered by a Credit Card, higher is the prerequisite of a good Credit Score. So, ensure that your Credit Score is in check when you plan to go for an Airline Credit Card. If your Credit Score is low and your Credit Card application gets rejected, you will only further hurt your Credit Score. Of course, you can’t alter your Credit Score overnight. However, with patience and following practises like paying all your bills on time, you can improve your Credit Score and then apply for a card that has won your heart. Sounds cool?
Well, now you know how to choose the perfect Airline Credit Card for you, right? Guess what? We’re just about to make things even simpler. How, you ask? By giving you the list of the best Airline Credit Cards! Excited much?
The Citibank PremierMiles Card not only offers 10,000 miles as an activation benefit, but you also earn 10 points for every Rs. 100 spent on airlines and 4 points on every Rs. 100 on other spends. The minimum spend to enjoy the joining perks is Rs. 1,000 within 60 days of booking. What’s more? You get access to premium airport lounges across India and you can redeem your miles up to 3 hours before take-off! Pretty cool, right?
And all this is available for a first year fee of Rs. 3,000.
JetPrivilege HDFC Bank World Card
With the JetPrivilege HDFC Bank World Card, you get 18 points for every Rs. 150 spent on Jet Airways and 6 points for every Rs. 150 spent on retail spends. On renewal, you get 4,000 JP miles! Awesome, right?
The first year fee for this Credit Card is Rs. 2,500. This fee will be waived off from the 2nd year onwards if your annual spend is more than Rs. 3 lakh in the preceding year.
The Air India SBI Signature Card offers 20,000 Air Miles on joining! Wow! What’s more? You earn 20 air miles on every Rs. 100 spent on Air India tickets and 4 points on every Rs. 100 on other spends. You can also enjoy access to over 600 Priority Pass lounges!
All this can be availed for a first year fee of Rs. 4,999. While the fee is slightly higher than other Credit Cards, we have to add that you can earn up to 1,30,000 Air Miles every year. No kidding!
Jet Airways American Express Platinum Card
The traveller in you will love the Jet Airways American Express Platinum Card as it offers 10,000 points on joining. Post that, you earn 16 points on every Rs. 150 spent on Jet Airways and 8 points on every Rs. 150 on other spends. You also get complimentary visits to 14 Domestic Lounges at 12 cities in India.
The first year fee for this Credit Card is Rs. 5,000. However, you can avail excess baggage waiver of 10kg on Jet Airways Flights within India. And if you live out of your suitcase, you will know how much excess baggage can cost you, right?
If you are looking for something that’s super pocket-friendly, this card will win hands down. The HDFC Bank All Miles Card is a lifetime free Credit Card!
You also get 1000 points on joining. You can earn 6 points on every Rs. 150 spent on the Cleartrip website/app, 4 points on every Rs. 150 spent on www.hdfcbankallmiles.com and 2 points on every Rs. 150 spent on others. You also get to enjoy complimentary priority pass membership and Visa/MasterCard Lounge program. Awesome, right?
Well, we have narrowed down the options for you. Now, based on your budget, you can choose the one that’s meant for you. Hope you find the perfect Airline Credit Card to quench your wanderlust. So, what are you waiting for?