Plenty of air miles credit cards are available. It is quite possible, however, that before long you will find out that not all air miles credit cards are the same. In fact, some of them would be a real mistake on your part - simply because it is possible to get one that is a significantly better. Here are some tips to help you weed out the ones with few benefits or substantial fees and how to get your great air miles credit card.
Two Kinds of Air Miles Credit Cards
Air miles credit cards come with different features, which makes it all the more important that you comparison shop. You need to know that there are two main differences in this kind of credit card. The first type of air miles credit card type is the one distributed by the various airlines. These cards can be especially beneficial for you if that airline flies out of the airport from which you most often fly. Otherwise - you will not be able to enjoy all the benefits.
Another type of air miles credit card type are those put out by the regular credit card companies. These credit cards are useable on nearly all airlines, and will give you the same number of points with any of the airlines. An airline credit card, however, will tend to give you more points when you fly on their particular airline.
Look Over the Benefits
Some air miles credit cards come with a variety of benefits, and others have only a few of them. This requires that you review a number of offers in order to find one that will provide you with the most benefits, and make sure that they are the benefits you will most likely use.
One item that you really want to pay attention to is how many points you get with each dollar spent. Many air miles credit cards give you one point for each dollar that you spend, but some may give two points for each dollar. In addition, though, be sure to know just how many air miles will be needed to get your first free flight - because one credit card giving two points per dollar may simply take twice as many points for that first flight.
Another issue to consider is where you can use your points. You will want to find out if the stores or online Web sites linked to the credit card have products that you can actually use. The better cards will give you a variety of ways for you to turn your points into products at numerous stores, or discounts at hotels, restaurants, cruises and car rentals.
Compare the Introductory Offers
The introductory offers on a number of credit cards can be really valuable to you as well. If you have credit card debt, you may be able to take advantage of the balance transfer feature with a 0% APR interest. Make sure, though, that you get to enjoy this benefit for at least one year; 15 months is also possible. Another benefit to look for is a 0% APR on your initial purchases during the introductory offer period. This can be a great way to also have added savings.
Interest Rate
Every air miles credit card comes with an interest rate that will become effective eventually. The interest rate on these cards ranges between 9.99% to 18.99%. Of course, by being selective, you can get the lower interest rate for more savings - which can make this credit card really beneficial.
Things to Watch For
Air miles credit cards, like any other kind, have various fees. Review these carefully by reading the fine print on the advertisement. Some credit cards have more fees than others. Also, look for points that may expire, black-out dates when you cannot fly, and the possibility of accrual limits - which means you can only earn so many points per year.
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