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When it comes to credit cards, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique benefits and rewards. Two of the most popular types of cards are airline cards and travel cards. While both offer rewards related to travel, they differ in a few significant ways. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at airline cards vs travel cards and help you determine which one is best for you.
What is an Airline Card?
An airline card is a type of rewards credit card that is co-branded with a specific airline. These cards typically offer rewards in the form of frequent flyer miles or other perks that can be redeemed with the airline. Some examples of popular airline cards include the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card and the United Explorer Card.
What is a Travel Card?
A travel card, on the other hand, is a more general rewards credit card that offers rewards related to travel in general, rather than being tied to a specific airline. These rewards might include points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. Examples of popular travel cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
How Do the Rewards Compare?
One of the most significant differences between airline cards and travel cards is the type of rewards offered. Airline cards typically offer rewards in the form of frequent flyer miles or other perks that can be redeemed with the airline. These rewards are often tied to specific routes or destinations and may be subject to blackout dates or other restrictions.
Travel cards, on the other hand, offer rewards that can be redeemed for a wider variety of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. The points or miles earned with a travel card can often be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, providing more flexibility in how they can be used.
Which One Offers More Flexibility?
If you’re looking for flexibility in how you can use your rewards, a travel card is likely the better option. With a travel card, you can use your points or miles to book travel with any airline or hotel chain, rather than being restricted to a specific airline or brand.
That being said, if you’re a frequent traveler who typically flies with the same airline, an airline card may offer more value in terms of rewards and perks specific to that airline.
What About Sign-Up Bonuses?
Both airline cards and travel cards often offer generous sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses can range from a few thousand points/miles to tens of thousands, depending on the card and the offer.
When comparing sign-up bonuses between airline cards and travel cards, it’s important to consider the value of the rewards being offered and how easy they are to redeem. For example, a sign-up bonus of 100,000 airline miles might seem impressive, but if those miles can only be used for a handful of flights on specific dates, they may not be as valuable as a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points that can be redeemed for a wider variety of travel expenses.
Which One Has Better Fees?
Like any credit card, airline cards and travel cards come with fees, such as annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and balance transfer fees. When comparing cards, it’s important to consider the fees and how they will impact the value of the rewards you earn.
Generally speaking, airline cards tend to have higher annual fees than travel cards, but they may also offer more significant perks and rewards. Travel cards, on the other hand, may have lower fees but may offer fewer perks and rewards overall.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision between an airline card and a travel card comes down to your personal preferences and travel habits.
If you’re a frequent traveler who typically flies with a specific airline and values perks like priority boarding and free checked bags, an airline card may offer more value. However, if you’re looking for flexibility in how you can use your rewards or tend to travel with various airlines and hotel chains, a travel card is likely the better option.
Before choosing a card, be sure to carefully consider the rewards, fees, and other benefits to ensure that the card aligns with your needs and preferences.
| Airline Card | Travel Card |
|---|---|
| Tied to a specific airline | Rewards can be redeemed with any airline or hotel chain |
| May offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding | May offer fewer perks but more overall flexibility |
| Higher annual fees | Lower annual fees, but may offer fewer rewards |
FAQ
What is an airline card?
An airline card is a type of rewards credit card that is co-branded with a specific airline. These cards typically offer rewards in the form of frequent flyer miles or other perks that can be redeemed with the airline.
What is a travel card?
A travel card is a more general rewards credit card that offers rewards related to travel in general, rather than being tied to a specific airline.
How do the rewards compare between airline cards and travel cards?
Airline cards typically offer rewards in the form of frequent flyer miles or other perks that can be redeemed with the airline, while travel cards offer rewards that can be redeemed for a wider variety of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
Which one offers more flexibility?
If you’re looking for flexibility in how you can use your rewards, a travel card is likely the better option. With a travel card, you can use your points or miles to book travel with any airline or hotel chain, rather than being restricted to a specific airline or brand.
Which one should I choose?
The decision between an airline card and a travel card comes down to your personal preferences and travel habits. If you’re a frequent traveler who typically flies with a specific airline and values perks like priority boarding and free checked bags, an airline card may offer more value. However, if you’re looking for flexibility in how you can use your rewards or tend to travel with various airlines and hotel chains, a travel card is likely the better option.