Picking the right Airlines Miles Credit Card – Part II
In Part 1 of this article I went over the different types of Credit Cards available that earn Airline Miles.
In this post I will provide you with 10 simple questions you need to ask your self that will help you pick the right credit card for you and maximize your airline miles rewards.
The most important question you want to ask your self is what is your goal for getting the card – is it just to get the maximum airline miles for every dollar spent or do you have a more specific goal that will benefit you the most.
So here goes:
1. Do you know which airline you will be redeeming the miles on?
Yes – Get a credit card branded by the airline you want to redeem miles on or an Alliance partner
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
2. Do you have miles accumulated in an airlines Mileage program and want to use the credit card to add to those miles?
Yes – Get a credit card branded by the airline you have miles accumulated on or a card that has a rewards program that allows you to transfer points to the airline
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
3. You do care about any special benefits that an airline gives to its branded credit card holders (such as Status Miles, lounge access, etc.)?
Yes – Get a credit card branded by the airline you fly the most
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
4. Do you intend to redeem the award you earn to upgrade your tickets?
Yes – Get a credit card branded by the airline you fly the most
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
5. Do you prefer redeeming your awards for discounted tickets?
Yes – Get a non-airline credit card that offers travel benefits (such as CapitalOne or Quicken. See here for details)
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
6. Do you plan to use the card to help you earn Elite status on an airline?
Yes – Get a credit card branded by the airline you fly the most
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
7. Is your primary purpose of getting the card to keep airlines miles you have accumulated on an airline from expiring?
Yes – Get a credit card branded by the airline you have miles accumulated on or a card that has a rewards program that allows you to transfer points to the airline
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
8. Do you have a list of multiple airlines you want to have the option redeem your airline miles on?
Yes – Get an American Express card affiliated to a Rewards program that allows you to transfer points to as many of the airlines on your list as possible. See here for your options
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
9. Do you want to have the option to cancel your card at any time and not lose any miles/points you have accumulated?
Yes – Do NOT get a credit card affiliated to a card based rewards program (such as – American Express Membership Rewards, CapitalOne, etc.). Get a Credit card branded by an Airline or Hotel program
No – You have options. Go to the next/previous questions
10. Do you want to pay very low or no annual fees?
Yes – Get a free credit card, such a USAirways MasterCard, HiltonHonors American Express card. Other cards may have no annual fee for the first year
No – You have options. Go to the previous questions
11. Do you have crappy credit?
Ok – I can’t help you here… 🙂
Anyone have any other questions to add to the list – comment away!
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