Higher rewards
Pick a card that offers high rewards and bonuses and sign-up miles, but always read the small print. This is vital. While some cards allow members of reward programmes to fly to all destinations on all dates, without restrictions, others don’t. Some also stipulate that miles earned can only be used on certain routes and only outside the UAE. There are also sometimes restrictions
on which airlines the points can be used on. While with the American Express Gold and Platinum cards membership reward points can be redeemed for both Emirates Skyward Miles and Etihad Guest Miles, for example, the Citibank Emirates Gold/Titanium card only allows miles/points to be redeemed with Emirates and its partner airlines.
Annual fees
Fees are another key consideration and could prove to be a secret disadvantage if the finer details aren’t read and understood. Fees, firstly, in the form of annual fees. With great benefits, normally come annual fees, but if the benefits outweigh the fee, it’s a winner. Secondly, fees also get applied to overseas transactions. Anyone travelling frequently doesn’t want to be stuck having to either exchange cash or deal with hefty overseas transaction rates, which could potentially be attached to the card.
Travel insurance
Some travel credit cards offer travel insurance as an added benefit. Travel insurance is essential when going abroad, not only for health related emergencies but also for belongings, so this benefit alone could make the annual fee of the card worthwhile.
Checking to see what cover is offered in the case of the card being lost or stolen abroad is also advisable. Global assistance is given by some companies, offering replacement cards within three working days and the option to collect emergency cash from thousands of locations across the globe. The perks could prove to be life-saving in some situations.
Airport perks
Arriving at an airport and knowing you can head straight to a lounge area to kick back and enjoy a free beverage or snack while using the complimentary Wi-Fi eases the stress of travel dramatically. Lounge Access is a pretty standard perk attached to travel credit cards. Most also offer the opportunity for the cardholder to gain access for an additional guest for a small fee. Some cards also offer complimentary airport transfers if your airfare is paid for using the card.
Hotel discounts
Other perks attached to travel credit cards include membership to hotel loyalty programmes that offer discounts at your stays, worldwide. The Dubai First Skyy Miles Visa card, for example, offers a host of perks if a booking is made at one of the hotels listed as part of the membership, including room upgrade, complimentary breakfast and late checkout.
— The writer is CEO of Compareit4me.com, a UAE-based financial comparison website
