25
TRILLION
NATGEOTRAVEL.COM
MATTHEW TWOMBLY (ILLUSTRATIONS)REPORTED BY ERIC ROSENTRAVEL BETTER
CREDIT CARDS
You might be surprised to learn that
one of the most helpful travel tools is
something you already use every day—
the credit card tucked into your wallet.
You can earn more points from a single
credit card sign-up bonus than from
years of flying and staying in hotels.
Rewards cards also provide benefits
such as free checked bags and room
upgrades. With cards ranging from basic
to premium, there are options for every
type of traveler. Here are some tips on
picking the right one for your needs.
The average
credit card
holder has
at least two
rewards cards.20 MILLION MILES
Tom Stuker, the world’s
most frequent flier, has hit
the 20 million–mile mark
with United Airlines.15 PERCENT
According to a recent
Harris Poll, only 15 percent
of Americans have used
points to pay for a trip.By some estimates,
trillions of unused
miles languish in
travelers’ frequent-
flier accounts.IT TAKES TWO
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature, Delta
Reserve, and other cards come with an
annual companion ticket benefit that
can save you hundreds of dollars on
round-trip fares in the United States.INTO THE NIGHT
Hotel cards like the World of Hyatt and
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless confer an
annual free night that can be worth
hundreds of dollars—more than
enough to offset their annual fees.FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
These days in-flight buys of snacks, drinks,
and movies can add up, but many airline
cards, including the AAdvantage Aviator
Red and the JetBlue Plus Card, provide
discounts of 25 to 50 percent.LOUNGE ACTS
Hate hanging around the gate while you wait to board a
flight? Airlines including American, Delta, and United
offer credit cards (with annual fees) that include access
to their own lounges, while premium cards such as the
Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Prestige will get you into
Priority Pass lounges at airports around the world.
FEE FREE
Some credit cards levy foreign
transaction fees of one to 3 percent
on purchases made abroad. Look for
cards—American Express Gold Card,
Uber Visa—that waive such fees.
THE MORE THE MERRIER
If you’re not loyal to a single airline or hotel,
choose a credit card that earns points you
can transfer to various travel partners, such
as American Express Membership Rewards
(22 partners including Delta and Hilton)
or Chase Ultimate Rewards (12 partners
including United and Hyatt).