Travel reward credit cards are only a great benefit if you travel frequently. While that may seem trite it needs to be said. You may think, “what a great idea – travel reward credit cards. I might want to take a vacation next year.”

You’re probably going to find that if you only travel once in awhile the benefit of the travel reward credit cards is offset by the higher APR (annual percentage rate) annual fee, or other charges clear or hidden.

Travel reward credit cards may be specific to airline travel, or even to one specific airline. They might also provide rewards for purchase of gas, for auto rental, for hotel stay, or even purchases at retail shops. It’s important, before you choose from the vast array of travel reward credit cards, that you assess what type of use you might make of travel reward credit cards. Then look for cards that offer the biggest savings on the types of use you’ll most often make of them.

Keep in mind, too, that the discount may be useful if you’re not the traveler. If you have family or friends that travel to you – or if you’re a recruiter who is flying job applicants in for interviews, for example – you might find the airline or car rental perks advantageous. Read the rest of this entry »