Six Things to Look Out For When Applying For an Airline Credit Card

Airline Credit Cards are very popular right now since they have the potential to get you a free airline ticket. The only thing you need is to be a Frequent Flyer using one of the Airline Credit Cards. But, as always, there are certain things you need to look out for when signing up for one of these Airline Credit cards. The first thing you need to know is that you don't get a free airline ticket just because you have an airline credit card, you get an airline ticket if you have accumulated enough points for an airline ticket. For example, you might spend $500 a month on your airline card, which means that you get 500 miles for each month. Where can you fly there and back with 500 miles? Maybe over a period of 3 months you could cash in your points for an airline ticket. I hope that makes sense to you.

Before Applying for an Airline Credit Card, go through a quick checklist:

1. Signing up Bribe: They will offer you 25,000 miles or more for joining their Airline Credit Card. Great, but check out which airline you can use; is it close to an airport you live by and is it viable for you to use? I mean there's no point having 25,000 miles and only being able to use it in LA when you are in New York.

2. Annual Fee: If there is an annual fee, is it for the first year only? Or is the bribe good enough that you do not mind paying the $49 fee and getting 25 000 miles?

3. Spending Requirements: You will need to spend a certain amount of money before you can use your bonus miles. Let's say it is $2,000 in 60 days, would you have already spent that money or would you have to go spending money unnecessarily?

4. Cancellation: If you want to cancel the Credit Card but you have some miles left, first find out if you can still use them even if you are no longer a cardholder? Some Credit Card Companies require you to be a cardholder for a certain time period before you can claim after you have canceled your card, plus you might have to pay certain fees to claim if you are no longer a cardholder.

5. Claiming: You want to claim your air miles that you have clocked up. With an airline-sponsored credit card the miles already show up on your account and you can claim them immediately. With a non-airline credit card, like Bank of America, you will need to follow a certain procedure before you can claim your miles. Also, check to see if there is an expiry date on the miles you have earned.

6. Blackout Dates: Credit Card Companies may block out dates and specific times when you want to claim your miles, for example they might make you fly off season and off hours and for some people that is just not practical.

Now you know what to ask, and what to look out for, before applying for an Airline Credit Card. You must also decide if this type of reward credit card is worth it for you. Do you have an excellent credit score? Are you able to pay off all your credit balances every month end? If you answered yes to these questions then it makes sense for you to join a credit card rewards program.


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