Tag: travel credit cards

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Having a credit card that rewards purchases related to airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and other transportation can be a method to save a substantial amount of cash each year. Travel rewards points or miles translate quickly into dollars. But not every travel rewards program is equal. Two of the top-rated travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Citi ThankYou Premier, each offer strong earning potential to card members. However, the credit cards vary in how miles are earned, how they can be redeemed, card member benefits, and cost. Let’s take a closer look at both travel rewards credit card options.

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Rewards Program Breakdown

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card has one of the strongest rewards programs for travelers. Each dollar spent on dining at restaurants and travel, including airfare, taxis, hotels, and trains, earns card members two rewards points. All other purchases earn a single point for each dollar spent. There are no caps on earnings. New card members can maximize earnings by taking advantage of the promotional offer of 50,000 bonus points earned when $4,000 is spent on the card within the first three months after account opening. Adding authorized users adds an additional 5,000 bonus rewards points when a purchase is made within the same time frame.

The Citi ThankYou Premier credit card also offers a strong rewards program. Cardmembers earn three points for each dollar spent on travel-related expenses. Unlike the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, the Citi ThankYou Premier card offers the enhanced points potential on gas purchases as well. Cardmembers earn two points for each dollar spent on dining and entertainment purchases too. All other purchases made with the Citi card earn one point per dollar spent, with no cap on earnings. Currently, Citi ThankYou Premier card members do not have the chance to earn a one-time rewards bonus as an introductory offer. This makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred card a better choice for those who want an upfront perk.

Redeeming Points

Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card members have the option to redeem points for travel on air, land, or sea directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards site. Cardmembers can receive as much as 20% off travel purchases through the redemption site. There are no blackout dates or restrictions imposed. Citi ThankYou Premier cardmembers can utilize points to redeem gift cards, shopping through select partner retailers, cash, and even charitable donations. ThankYou points may also be used to purchase travel through Citi’s Travel Center. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for hotel stays, cruises, car rentals, and airfare purchases. The redemption options through Citi are far more robust than through Chase. They are especially attractive to those who want flexibility above and beyond travel-related purchases.

Additional Benefits

Both cards allow cardmembers to transfer accumulated rewards points to partner loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. Citi does not specifically list the transfer partners eligible under the ThankYou points program, but Chase includes the following:

  • Ritz-Carlton Rewards
  • Marriott Rewards
  • IHG Rewards Club
  • Hyatt Gold Passport
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • United MileagePlus
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Korean Air SkyPass
  • British Airways Executive Club

In addition to transfer potential, each travel rewards credit card offers supplemental benefits to cardmembers. Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi ThankYou Premier account holders have access to chip-enabled card technology. This allows for wider acceptance around the world. Chase customers have a variety of travel and purchase protection benefits, including trip interruption, cancellation insurance, and extended warranty protection. Citi customers can access a personal concierge service anytime, day or night. Purchases are covered with damage and theft protection up to certain limits. Both Citi and Chase cardmembers have $0 liability for fraudulent or unauthorized charges.

Card Member Costs

Chase Sapphire Preferred cardmembers and Citi ThankYou Premier account holders won’t have additional fees for transactions made outside the United States. However, both travel credit cards come with an annual fee of $95. Currently, both card providers waive the annual fee for the first year. Neither Chase Sapphire Preferred nor Citi ThankYou Premier applicants are offered a low introductory interest rate on purchases or a promotional rate on balance transfers at this time.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card has a variable interest rate that fluctuates with the broad market. This typically ranges from 16.24% up to 23.24%, depending on the creditworthiness of the applicant. Balance transfer interest rates are the same as purchase rates. A fee of $5 or 5% (whichever is greater), is applied to all balances transferred to the card. The cash advance APR for Chase Sapphire Preferred customers is 25.24%, and a fee of $10 or 5% (whichever is greater) applies.

The Citi ThankYou Premier credit card also has a variable interest rate for purchases, depending on credit history and score. Similar to the Chase option, balance transfer made to the Citi card receive the same APR as purchases, and a $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) applies. Cash advance interest rates are a standard 25.49% with a $10 or 5% fee (whichever is greater).

The Verdict

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Citi ThankYou Premier credit cards are great options for individuals who are on the go. For those interested in an upfront bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a smarter option. Those looking for higher rewards potential on travel purchases should look at the Citi card. Both travel credit cards offer substantial discounts on trips arranged through their travel sites. The absence of foreign transactions fees for either card make them both appropriate for overseas travelers. The other fees are comparable. Neither card is great for someone looking for an introductory 0% offer on purchases or balance transfers. Prospective card members should consider the total cost of each card and the corresponding benefits prior to applying.

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Comparing the Discover it Miles vs. The Barclaycard Arrival Plus

A number of varied travel credit cards are available to individuals with the wanderlust bug. Utilizing rewards credit cards with extensive travel benefits, from frequent flyer points bonuses or statement credits on travel related purchases, can have a major impact on the total cost of your next big trip. But, it can be a challenge to determine which travel credit card is truly the best in terms of rewards, extra perks, and costs. Let’s take a look at two heavy hitters in the travel rewards card genre: the Discover it Miles credit card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card.
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It’s all about the Points

The Discover it Miles card is specifically designed for the traveler with a penchant for simplicity. As a flat rate rewards card, the Discover it Miles program allows card members the opportunity to earn 1.5 miles on each dollar spent, regardless of category or amount. There are no bonus categories to track on a quarterly basis, and no reduction in rewards earnings once points reach a certain level, making this card a smart choice. As an additional bonus for new card members, Discover is offering to automatically match all miles earned at the end of the first account year with a limit and without having to make a minimum dollar amount of purchases.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus is also considered a flat rate rewards card, but offers 2 points for each dollar spent. There are no rotating categories that increase rewards potential, and no limit on how many miles can be earned in any given time period. Compared to the Discover it Miles credit card, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus program offers a bonus for new card members as well. After a minimum of $3,000 are spent in the first 90 days after account opening, card members with Barclaycard Arrival Plus earn 40,000 bonus miles.

The Discover it Miles credit card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card differ in terms of miles redemption, despite being similar in terms of flat rate rewards. Discover it card members can redeem accumulated miles in any value, at any time, and miles never expire as long as the account remains in good standing. Redemption can be taken as a statement credit for travel related purchases, or as a cash back deposit into a checking or savings account. In addition, Discover it Miles members can receive up to $30 back each year for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card requires a minimum of 10,000 miles to accumulate prior to card members having the opportunity to redeem. Barclaycard miles can only be redeemed for qualifying travel purchases made with the card, as a statement credit, which means only purchases of $100 or more that took place within the last 120 days. For new card members who do not end up qualifying for the bonus mile promotion, reaching the required minimum for miles redemption with the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card could present some challenges. However, Barclaycard Arrival Plus card members earn 5% in miles back that can be used for their next redemption, each and every time miles are redeemed.

Added Value through Member Benefits

Both Discover and Barclaycard offer attractive benefits for card members. First, both Discover and Barclaycard provide card members with free access to their individual FICO scores either through the respective mobile app or the desktop log-in. That’s where the benefit similarities end, as the travel credit cards differ in most other value-added aspects.

Discover it Miles card members have a variety of security features inherent to the card that make it appealing for those concerned about ongoing control. The Freeze It feature allows card members to prevent new purchases, cash advances or balance transfers on the card if it is temporarily lost or stolen, simply by selecting the option in the mobile app or online. Additionally, free overnight card replacement is available for all card members when needed. Discover also provides 24/7 monitoring of accounts to ensure no suspicious activity is taking place.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus card members also have access to a number of added benefits, including travel accident and trip cancellation insurance. Baggage delay insurance as well as auto rental collision damage waivers are also available to card members on the go. Barclaycard also provides $0 fraud liability on any unauthorized charges made with the card, providing added peace of mind for card members. Not found with Discover it Miles card members is the direct access to MasterCard World Elite Concierge and Luxury Travel Benefits that Barclaycard Arrival Plus members have automatically. This enhanced benefit is incredibly valuable to those who travel often or are seeking a unique experience while away.

The Dollars and Cents

The main difference between the Discover it Miles card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card is the cost. Barclaycard members are subject to an annual fee of $89, although it is waived for the first year the account is open; Discover it Miles card members do not pay an annual fee at all. Both card options offer no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States – a lifesaver for those who travel abroad often.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card members are subject to an APR for purchases and balance transfers of either 16.24% or 20.24%, based on creditworthiness. Discover it Miles card members start as low as 11.24% for purchase APRs, and can go as high as 23.24%, again based on credit history and score. The Discover it Miles credit card comes with a 0% introductory rate on purchases for the first 12 months, while the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card comes with a 0% balance transfer offer, also for the first 12 months.

Which is Right for You?

Both the Discover it Miles card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card are top contenders in the world of travel credit cards, but it is important to know what you want out of a card prior to applying. Although the Discover it Miles card comes with a lower rewards earning rate (1.5), the flexibility to redeem for statement credits or cash back is an attractive perk, as is the lack of an annual fee. For those who are strictly seeking out a travel rewards card and spend enough to justify the annual fee and high redemption barrier, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card may be the better option.

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Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Review

When it comes to travel rewards cards, account holders have more to consider than simply the potential miles they can earn over time. Additional benefits like trip insurance, purchase protection, rewards redemption flexibility and unique card member perks should be weighed in marriage with how rewards are earned and at what rate. Card members also want to pay close attention to the fees associated with travel credit cards to ensure they are getting the most cost effective credit card to suit their specific buying needs. The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa encompasses a wide range of card member benefits that may be attractive to frequent flyers. Let’s take a look at the rewards program first.

 

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Card Basics

The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa credit card offers card members the ability to earn up to five miles for each dollar spent when utilizing the Mileage Plan program. Under the Mileage Plan, card members can earn on every day purchases, including miles for spending at over 10,000 partner restaurants under the dining tier, through the online shopping mall offered exclusively to Mileage Plan members, or through other purchases made with every day partners such as Safeway, e-Miles, Diners Club International and Vinesse Wine Clubs. Miles vary for each partner but can add up quickly for card members who fully utilize the Mileage Plan partner sites.

In addition to the Mileage Plan partners, Alaska Airlines Visa card members earn three miles for every dollar spent on Alaska Airlines plane tickets, vacation packages, cargo and inflight purchases. All other purchases made with the credit card earn card members one mile per dollar spent. Card members have the benefit of no mileage cap on earnings, and no expiration date on earned miles as long as the account remains open.

Flexibility in miles redemption is a feature the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa credit card does well. Card members have the option to redeem earned miles for flights on the following partner airlines:

  • American Airlines
  • AeroMexico
  • Air Frane
  • British Airways
  • Delta
  • Ravn Alaska
  • Fiji Airways
  • KLM
  • Korean Air
  • PenAir
  • Emirate Airlines
  • Qantas Airlines

Card members should be aware that reward flights must be booked through the Alaska Airlines website to qualify, and some restrictions and blackout dates may apply depending on the partner selected.

Additional Card Perks

In addition to the everyday rewards program offered by Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa, new card members have the opportunity to boost miles earned under a current promotion. An additional 30,000 miles are credited to card members’ accounts if $1,000 or more in purchases is made within the first 90 days of account opening. Bonus rewards can be redeemed as soon as they are credited, making this sign-up bonus incredibly attractive to frequent flyers.

The mileage rewards program made available through the Alaska Airlines Visa is not the only perk of being an account holder. Card members also receive a coach companion fare after $1,000 is spent on the card within the first 90 days after account opening. No blackout dates apply to the companion fare, but the cost must exceed $121 including taxes and fees. Also, all card members have the extra perk of a free checked bag for themselves as well as up to six other passengers on the same reservation.

Bank of America does a great job of offering additional benefits and security to card members, including the following features:

  • A $0 liability guarantee for fraudulent transactions
  • ShopSafe service that generates a temporary credit card number for online shopping, protecting the card members true card details
  • Chip technology that offers enhanced security and global acceptance
  • Overdraft protection that works to prevent declined purchases, returned checks or other excessive spending when a Bank of America checking account is linked to the credit card
  • Account alerts to assist with money management including payment due dates and postings
  • Digital wallet technology that allows card members to pay via mobile devices

Each additional feature offered with the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa credit card comes with full disclosures and program restrictions, each available within the card member agreement.

The Cost

The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa credit card has a strong rewards program, and when coupled with the supplemental benefits presents a strong option for frequent travelers. However, there are fees associated with the travel credit card that card members should understand and consider prior to applying. First, an annual fee of $50 applies to all card members, and unlike some current promotions with similar travel credit cards, the fee is not waived for the first year of membership.

Card members must also be aware of the inherent costs associated with the Alaska Airlines Visa that come into play when a balance is carried over from billing cycle to billing cycle. The purchase interest rate for the travel credit card ranges from 12.49% up to 19.49% and may fluctuate over time based on broad interest rate market movements. Compared to other travel credit cards, the Alaska Airlines Visa offers a relatively low purchase APR for well-qualified applicants.

Fees also come into play with balance transfers and cash advance transactions. The interest rate associated with balance transfers is the same as the assigned rate for purchases. However, a 3% balance transfer fee is added to each transaction. Cash advance interest rates range from 15.29% up to 22.49%, depending on the applicant’s credit history at the time the card is opened. Fortunately, card members are not assessed any foreign transactions fees for purchases made outside the United States.

Final Thoughts

Frequent travelers who fly on Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines on a consistent basis are the best fit for the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. The sign-up bonus currently offered is an added perk that all but makes up for the annual fee, and the free checked bags and companion airfare add up to substantial savings for frequent flyers. Prior to adding the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa to your wallet, it is important to understand the total fees associated with the card by way of purchase, balance transfer and cash advance interest rates. Similarly, card members need to be aware of how miles are earned and credited to the account, as well as restrictions associated with redemption.

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Why You Need a Credit Card When You Travel

In some parts of the country, it seemed like the snow was never going to melt this year, and that spring temperatures were never going to arrive. But, eventually, of course, they have. This means that many people are anxious to take a vacation, whether they plan to hop on a plane or take a great road trip. While you are packing your bathing suit and sunscreen, you definitely want to make sure that you have your credit card with you, too!

There are many important reasons that you will want to have a credit card with you when you are traveling, and, believe it or not, shopping does not top the list! Credit cards make traveling much more easy and convenient, as well as safe.

Here are a few of the reasons why you need a credit card when traveling:

1. You Probably Need One to Book a Hotel or Rent a Car.

Sure, you can probably get into a fleabag motel on the side of the road for cash up front, but, do you really want to stay there? If you want to stay in any decent place, you are going to need a credit card to book the room. The hotel will place a “hold” on your card to cover any incidentals or damage, and that hold will be released when you check out. Some people try to use a debit card for this purpose, but this can tie up a lot of your liquid cash, while using a credit card ties up “imaginary” money that won’t come out of your pocket at all or affect your ability to spend money at other places.

2. Most Credit Cards Offer Travel Insurance Benefits.

Most of the top credit card companies offer travel insurance in the form of auto rental insurance coverage, emergency roadside assistance, and more. Take advantage of these perks—hopefully you never need them, but in the event that you do, you will be very glad that you used your credit card.

3. Earn Rewards Points.

Most people tend to spend more while traveling, so why not take advantage of this temporary increase in spending and use your credit card to make the purchases? Plus, you might benefit from bonus categories, which are commonly gas stations and dining, two things you are likely to be spending money on while traveling.

4. Protecting Yourself From Fraud.

Playing it safe while traveling is always important. When you are in an unfamiliar location, surrounded by strangers, it is especially important that you protect your personal belongings—and your identity. By using a credit card to make your purchases, instead of cash, you are able to keep close tabs on your spending, and you can easily dispute any fraudulent charges in the event that your card is lost or stolen. Nobody ever gets cash back when it is stolen!

Credit cards are just as important as anything else that you pack while preparing for a trip! With the additional insurance, fraud protection, opportunities for extra points and more, using a credit card for traveling is a no-brainer! And, if you use the right rewards cards, you will set yourself up more quickly for your next trip with tons of points to redeem.

Looking for the right rewards travel credit card? Check out our list of the best credit cards for travel.