Monday, 1 August 2011

Airline Miles Credit Card - Crucial Points To Note

By Mason McGilroy


It is very general knowledge that the use of credit card is now almost universal. It is also true that with the spread of these cards, more and more innovations are introduced everyday all in a bid to make credit cards remain relevant to customers. The airline miles credit cards which many of us find so very useful is an off shoot of this.

Many people just excitedly get any airline miles credit card just so that they would be seen to have gotten one too. Not choosing the right card for you can actually affect your finances adversely.

There are a couple of things you must take very seriously when looking at these cards. To help you make the right decision always, we would help show you what you should take particular note of.

When you are ready to signup, first find out how much bonus air miles you would be given. As a result of the competition in the credit card market, each company tries to attract more customers by offering an incentive. One very effective incentive that is used is bonus airline miles. Before signing up, look at what they are offering you by way of bonus miles.

Next, you need to consider the interest rates. You would usually find companies that would give you 6 months of 0% APR. You must not be deceived by this. You need to look carefully at the interest rate you would be required to pay at the expiration of the 6 months.

The truth you need to be aware of here is that people don't worry about interest rates when they pay their balance on time. You would certainly be very concerned about interest rates when you do not pay your balance on time.

It is important that you know if there is an annual fee and how much it is. Some cards do not charge an annual fee, some do not charge for the first year, while some charge from when you signup. After looking at what each card is offering, you would be able to determine if it is necessary that you pay an annual fee so as to enjoy some additional benefits.

Never signup for an airline miles credit card before you know how convenient it is for you to redeem your airline miles. The ease with which you can redeem your airline miles vary from card to card. Some factors would affect whether you would find it easy or not. One example we can look at is a card that is tied to an airline and can only earn you a free ticket with that airline. If that airline is your local airline and therefore the only airline you fly, then you could find it very convenient for you.

Some cards allow you to exchange your air miles for cash, flight ticket with any airline, hotel bills, car rental costs etc. Personally, the more options I have for redeeming my airline miles, the better.

One very important part of any business is the customer care. This is the same here. You need to find an airline miles credit card that is backed by round the clock customer care so you can always get help whenever you need it.

Make sure you look at all these issues together before making a decision. When you look at all these issues individually and then together, you would stand a better chance of choosing an airline miles credit card that would serve you really well.




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