3 Ways a Credit Card Can Make Travel Better

Could your credit card really make your trip cheaper and more fun as well?

Credit cards can be a great tool to help you build credit. But they can also be so much more than that.

If you're a frequent traveler, the right card could actually help make your trips both cheaper and more enjoyable.

Wondering how a simple credit card can do all that? Here are three big ways the perfect travel credit card could improve the vacations that you take.

1. Your card could make you eligible for airport lounge access

Sitting in an airport is rarely a fun prospect -- unless you have airport lounge perks.

Airport lounges tend to come with cushy seats, buffets full of delicious food, lightning fast Wi-Fi, and a host of other accommodations that make sitting at an airport downright enjoyable.

Buying access to a lounge can be expensive if you purchase a daily pass or have to buy an international first-class ticket to get in. But many top travel cards offer entry to lounges as a cardmember perk.

If your card does provide airport lounge access, you may just find that you're eager to get to the airport extra early to enjoy the luxury accommodations your credit card entitles you to.

2. You can earn free trips

A vacation is always better when you don't have to pay for things like flights or hotel stays. And credit cards can sometimes make that possible.

If you get a card that's well matched to your spending, you can earn points or miles that can be redeemed to cover part of the cost of your getaway.

If you plan to turn your everyday spending into free trips, it's a good idea to look for a card that provides a redemption bonus if you use your points for travel. For example, some cards may offer a 25% or even a 50% bonus for points redeemed for travel versus for other uses, which means your points are worth much more.

Read the terms and conditions of your cardmember agreement carefully, because often you can get the most value by booking your trip directly through your cardholder's online portal.

3. Your card may make you eligible for other perks

Travel cards can come with a whole host of other perks beyond airline lounge access.

For example, some hotel credit cards allow early check in, late check out, or enable you to earn free nights. Making your vacation a little bit longer can definitely help improve your travel experience. And some airline cards provide free checked bags, priority boarding, and savings on in-flight alcohol and food purchases.

The key to getting the most bang for your buck when looking for a travel card is to figure out what type of perks you're most interested in. Then compare credit cards and find one suited to your tastes.

To get the most valuable benefits it may be worth it to get a credit card with an annual fee. Depending on your spending habits, you may find this type of card allows you to take full advantage of valuable cardmember perks. But there are also plenty of no annual fee credit cards. And, in some cases, having several cards could really allow you to maximize your credit card rewards.

With the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully coming to a swift end as more people get vaccinated, now is a great time to plan a trip you'll really enjoy. Why not find a great credit card that can help you make that vacation an even better one?