Use Co-branded Credit Cards to Cut Travel Costs

Travelling is something that is common to us all. While some people travel for leisure, there are some others who travel for business, and then there are those with a passion for exploring the world around them. Regardless of the reason behind traveling, one thing that remains constant is the cost involved with the same.

Right from airfare to hotel stays, from sight-seeing to dining and more, there are numerous cost-centres that one needs to pay for.

So, is there anything that can help cut down on these costs? Thankfully yes! A Co-Branded Travel Credit Cards is all that you need to enjoy the numerous perks of traveling without burning a hole in your pocket.

Co-branded Credit Cards for travel represent the convergence of two brands into one, with the aim of offering you enhanced benefits, while ensuring that both the brands enjoy a higher recognition.

More often than not, a co-branded Credit Card reflects a bank joining hands with a travel service provider, as is evident in the case of IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card or JetPrivilegeHDFC Bank World Credit Card amongst others.

These cards, which can be easily categorised as travel cards, help you earn numerous reward points. These points can be redeemed for various travel-related purchases such as flight tickets, hotel stays, lounge access and more. The rewards offered by each card are plenty, however, with so many options to choose from, it is possible that you get a little overwhelmed, and don’t know what to pick and what to leave. 

To help you solve this conundrum here are some specific tips:

1. Look for a Visa or MasterCard

Whether you are traveling in India or abroad, you need your card to work seamlessly. For this to happen, it is essential that your card is accepted at all payment points. Visa and MasterCard are two services that enjoy a world-wide acceptance and will ensure that you can pay using your card without any glitches. Hence, regardless of the perks that a local Credit Card might offer you, make sure you don’t opt for it if it isn’t registered with either Visa or MasterCard payment system.

2. Opt for a Card with Flyer Miles Benefits

When it comes to traveling costs, a significant chunk goes towards the booking of air tickets. Hence, it makes sense to avail a card that rewards you in the form of air miles. These miles can then be used to get flight tickets, and in some cases, hotel stays, at incredibly discounted rates. This can prove to be a significant benefit if you are a frequent international traveler.

3. Look for Complimentary Lounge Access

Many Credit Cards for travel, offer complimentary access to airport lounges. Not only can this benefit make your transit more comfortable, but can also add a hint of luxury to it. Some cards even entitle you to enjoy free snacks and beverages at these lounges, offering you just the convenience that you need, right before you hop on to that long flight!

When looking for lounge access, make sure whether the card provider allows access to domestic airport lounges or international lounges as well, and always opt for the latter. Then again, check if the number of times you can gain access is limited. As far as possible, make sure that you get a card with unlimited access.

4. Pick a Card with Better Welcome Bonus

In a bid to attract more and more customers, most co-branded credit cards now offer great welcome bonuses. You can expect anything right from a complimentary hotel stay to hefty discounts on your flight tickets and more. Make sure you compare your shortlisted cards for these welcome perks and choose the one that benefits you the most.

5. Look for Baggage Allowance

If you are a heavy traveler and end up paying thousands of rupees for excess baggage, make sure you look for a card that allows you to carry an extra 5 or 10 kgs. This can help you save a lot of money, while also ensuring that you don’t have to haggle with the airport authorities every time you travel.

6. Make Sure You Get Insurance Cover

When you are on the lookout for a card that helps you cut down on travel costs, an expansive cover may come in rather handy. Most Premium Credit Cards help you avail some remarkable insurance options. Right from offering you cover against accidents, and even fatality, to covering you in case of loss of documents, missed flights and delayed baggage, Credit Cards for travel provide it all. All you need to do is find a card that offers ample cover in case of any unfortunate event while you are traveling.

7. Check the Joining and the Renewal Fee

When you wish to enjoy extraordinary benefits through your Credit Cards, you should be willing to pay the price for the same. Most cards charge anywhere between 500 and 10,000 depending upon the perks that you get.

It is up to you to see, whether you will be able to extract as many benefits from the card to set-off the joining fee, and still be at the benefitting end. When it comes to the annual renewal fee, it is usually lower than the joining fee, and sometimes can even be waived if you make purchases worth the amount stipulated by the card provider. However, it is in your best interest to check what amount are you expected to shell out, and whether is it worth the money or not.

Now that you know how to use a co-branded Credit Card to enjoy low-cost traveling, it is crucial for you to understand that you must not overspend merely to reap the rewards from the card. The idea is to spend enough so that you enjoy the perks without affecting your budget. Moreover, you must ensure that all your Credit Card bills are paid in full at all times, lest you will end up paying high interest rates, thus nullifying the perks that you avail!

We hope that you can now take an informed decision and pick up a co-branded Credit Card that suits your needs and preferences, with incredible ease!

Also Read: Reap the Optimum Shopping Benefits with Co-Branded Credit Cards

To apply online for Credit Cards, Secured Loans and Unsecured Loans, visit www.mymoneymantra.com, the leading online lending marketplace that offers financial products from 70+ Banks and NBFCs. We have served 2 million+ happy customers since 1989.