Finding The Best Airline Miles Credit Card for You

Take the following into consideration when looking for an airline miles card and avoid any disappointment.

Earn Miles Towards Going Somewhere that you Actually Want to Go

Earning ten times the miles usable on all flights with Alaska Airlines is worth less than earning a tenth of the miles with another airline if you have no desire to ever fly between the cities on the west coast where Alaska Airlines operates.

On the other hand, if you fly between any of Alaska Airlines’ hubs, then the airline is probably a good choice.

Travellers who frequently fly between the same two destinations should look for cards that let them use their miles on flights between those two destinations.

Most people don’t have such predictably narrow travel habits and need to take the time to look at where they can fly to with a particular air miles card before signing up for a card.

Balance Extra Rewards and Annual Fee

Don’t dismiss a card just because it carries an annual fee. Take the time to calculate how many more points you will get from a card that charges an annual fee and choose the card that makes financial sense for you.

Estimate how much you will put on the card in one year to figure out how many points you will get. Then look at what you can get for those points to figure out the dollar value of the points and then subtract the annual fee to figure out whether a card with an annual fee is a worthy investment, or a drag on your finances.

Read the Fine Print: Don’t Make These Mistakes

Most airline miles cards also come with travel insurance. Read the card agreement so you know what is covered and don’t purchase duplicate coverage. Most importantly, use the insurance when the need arises.

Be aware of points that expire. If a card that seems appropriate for you has points that expire, check that you can redeem points for a portion of the flight and pay the balance or at least use the points for something else.

Don’t get blind-sided by blackouts. Airlines like to use rewards to fill up flights that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to fill. If you only get limited holidays in prime travel seasons, then you need to look at airline miles card blackout policies before choosing a card.

Which Card Should I Pick Then?

If you don't expect to use the card very often, then a no annual fee card would probably be your best option.

If you expect to carry a balance regularly, then a low interest rate card would probably be your best option.

If you expect to pay off your balance every month, then a cash back card would probably be your best option.

If you are trying to juggle credit card debt on multiple cards, then a balance transfer card would probably be your best option.

If you are looking for an airline miles card for your business, then a business credit card with airline miles would probably be your best option.

Read More About Airline Miles Credit Cards

• Who Qualifies For Airline Miles Credit Cards?
• Why A No Annual Fee Airline Credit Card May Not Be Best
• Airline Miles Credit Cards vs Cash Back Credit Cards
• Airline Miles Credit Cards Don't Only Earn Miles On Travel Purchases