4 Travel Card Features You Shouldn't Live Without

Traveling is one of the best ways to spend your money, as you can enjoy great experiences and make lasting memories. But paying for vacations can also be a big hit to your bank account.

Fortunately, there are travel rewards credit cards out there that can help make traveling cheaper and more pleasant. You'll want to make sure you get a credit card with the right features, though. Specifically, here are four benefits you should insist on when choosing a travel card.

1. Airline lounge access

Airline lounge access is one of the single best perks credit cards offer. Airline lounges offer a comfortable place to sit and relax while waiting for a flight. They typically provide complimentary food and alcohol, which means that they can save you a ton of money on unhealthy, expensive, and poor-tasting airport food. They also offer plush seats, wifi, and a host of other special features that could include things like showers or secure business centers.

Accessing lounges without a credit card can be really expensive. For example, Priority Pass provides lounge access, but you have to either pay $99 per year and $32 each time you visit a lounge (plus another $35 for guests), or spring for a plan totaling at least $329 annually that comes with 10 free visits.

If your credit card offers lounge access, typically you and a guest or two can gain access and all the benefits at no extra cost (beyond whatever annual fee your card charges).

2. TSA PreCheck fee credits

TSA PreCheck makes moving through a crowded airport faster and easier. You can skip the long lines at the regular security checkpoint and go through a special expedited process where you typically do not need to remove your shoes or your electronics.

TSA PreCheck costs money, though. But the best travel cards offer a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to pay for it. You absolutely should make sure you find a card that gives you this important travel benefit for free, because it makes flying anywhere a whole lot better.

3. Bonus rewards for vacation spending

Most travel cards offer extra rewards for booking vacations using your card. For example, you may get two points per mile when you buy air travel with some co-branded airline cards. Your rewards points may also be worth more when you redeem them for travel through the card issuer's portal.

If you travel often, there's no reason you shouldn't get extra points, miles, or cash back for the money you spend. All those rewards can help you pay for extra vacations!

4. Travel insurance

Finally, look for a card offering different kinds of protection for your trip. This could include trip interruption or trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage coverage, and insurance for a rental car that you drive while on vacation. These types of protections can mean you don't have to buy third party insurance or risk being out a ton of money if something goes wrong.

With so many great travel cards out there, there's no reason not to insist on taking advantage of these features when you sign up for one. So check out your options and find the perfect card that offers these perks today.