Amanda Peterson
December 22, 2023
• 3 Minute Read
Holiday travel is an exciting time filled with joy, reunions, and the thrill of exploring new destinations. However, the logistics of planning and executing a smooth trip can sometimes be daunting. This is where travel credit cards step in, transforming your holiday journeys into seamless experiences. CreditSoup. dives into the reasons why having the right travel credit card can make your holiday travel a breeze.
The Power of Rewards Points
One of the primary benefits of using travel credit cards is the accumulation of rewards points. These points can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing the overall cost of your trip. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, for example, offers 60,000 Intro bonus points, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, on the other hand, provides the option to earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Then, you earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare and internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Lastly, earn 1X points on all other purchases. By strategically using these cards for your holiday expenses, you can earn points that may be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel stays, or even rental cars.
- Credit Recommended (660-850):
- Good/Excellent
- Intro Rewards Bonus
- 60,000 bonus points
- Rewards Rate 1
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases
- Foreign Trans Fee
- $0
- Annual Fee
- $95
- Regular APR
- 21.49%-28.49% Variable
- Credit Recommended
- Good/Excellent
Highlights
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
Exclusive Travel Perks
Travel credit cards often come with exclusive perks designed to make your journey more enjoyable. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Meanwhile, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers 6,000 anniversary points and 2 EarlyBird Check-In®'s each year. These perks not only add value to your trip but also contribute to a stress-free travel experience.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
For those venturing abroad during the holidays, dealing with foreign transaction fees can be an unwelcome surprise. Thankfully, many travel credit cards, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, eliminate these fees. This feature can save you a significant amount of money when making purchases in foreign currencies, allowing you to fully enjoy your international holiday without worrying about additional charges.
Considerations Before Applying
While travel credit cards can undoubtedly enhance your holiday travel experience, it's crucial to consider a few factors before applying. Evaluate annual fees, interest rates, and the specifics of each card's rewards program to determine which aligns best with your travel habits and financial goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating a travel credit card into your holiday plans can significantly improve your overall travel experience. With Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offering enticing rewards, exclusive perks, and the flexibility to suit your needs, you can make the most out of your holiday adventures. So, before you embark on your next journey, explore the benefits these travel credit cards bring to the table and turn your holiday travel into a seamless and rewarding experience.
Editorial Disclaimer: Information in these articles is brought to you by CreditSoup. Banks, issuers, and credit card companies mentioned in the articles do not endorse or guarantee, and are not responsible for, the contents of the articles. The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted; however, all credit card information is presented without warranty. Please check the issuer’s website for the most current information.