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Traveling for the Holidays? Don't Book Before Reading These Credit Card Tips
The holiday season brings joy, family reunions, and unfortunately, crowded airports. As a frequent traveler who's navigated countless holiday journeys, I've learned that your credit cards can be powerful allies in making travel smoother and more affordable. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share insider tips on maximizing your credit card benefits during the bustling holiday season.
Essential Credit Card Benefits for Holiday Travel
Before booking your holiday travel, understanding your credit card benefits can save you hundreds of dollars and countless headaches. Here's what to look for:
Trip Protection and Insurance
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out with its comprehensive trip delay coverage, reimbursing you for meals, hotels, and transportation if your trip is delayed by 12+ hours. This benefit proved invaluable last December when my flight from Denver to Boston was delayed due to snowstorms.
Many premium travel cards offer similar protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage.
Baggage Fee Benefits and Airline Credits
Airline co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offer free checked bags.
For a family of four, this could save $240 round-trip. The Platinum Card® from American Express provides up to $200 in airline fee credits annually, covering incidentals like baggage fees and in-flight meals.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Maximizing Airport Experience During Peak Travel
TSA PreCheck: Your Time-Saving Secret Weapon
Nothing dampens holiday spirit like missing a flight due to security lines. TSA PreCheck has become essential for frequent travelers, offering expedited security screening at over 200 airports. Several cards reimburse your application fee ($85):
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- United℠ Explorer Card
Pro tip: Children 12 and under can accompany PreCheck-approved parents through expedited lanes at no additional cost.
Airport Lounge Access: Your Holiday Haven
Airport lounges provide a peaceful retreat from holiday chaos, offering:
- Complimentary food and beverages
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Comfortable seating
- Business facilities
- Shower suites at select locations
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card grants Priority Pass Select membership and Capital One Lounge access. Similarly, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most comprehensive lounge access, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta.
Looking to breeze through airport security? Our guide breaks down the best credit cards that offer statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR Plus memberships in 2024, helping you save money while enjoying faster security screening.
Strategic Credit Card Selection for Holiday Travel
Best Cards for Airline Benefits
- Annual companion fare from $122
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
- First checked bag free
- Priority boarding
- $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000
- Two United Club passes annually
- First checked bag free
- Priority boarding
Best Cards for Flexible Travel Rewards
- $300 Chase Travel credit
- 60,000 bonus points offer
- Primary rental car insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- 75,000-mile welcome bonus (see rates & fees)
- Annual travel credit
- Premium travel protection
- Lounge access
Rental Car Protection: Don't Pay Twice
Many travelers unknowingly decline credit card rental insurance, paying extra for rental company coverage. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® offer primary rental car insurance, meaning you don't need to file with your personal auto insurance first. This coverage can save you $15-25 per day.
Holiday Shopping and Travel Rewards
Consider timing new card applications with holiday travel plans. Current notable offers include:
- Instant Gold Elite Status
- No seat assignment fees
- Free carry-on bags
- No annual fee
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
Maximizing Your Rewards with Kudos
While managing multiple credit cards can be overwhelming, Kudos makes it effortless to maximize your rewards. This free AI-powered browser extension automatically recommends the best card for each purchase, ensuring you never miss out on bonus categories or special offers.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. They're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Expert Takeaway
Holiday travel doesn't have to break the bank or cause stress. By strategically using credit card benefits and tools like Kudos, you can save money while enjoying enhanced travel experiences. Remember to review your cards' benefits before booking and consider new card opportunities that align with your travel goals.
Holiday Travel Credit Card FAQ
What's the best credit card for holiday travel?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers excellent all-around benefits, including trip protection and flexible rewards. However, if you're loyal to a specific airline, their co-branded card might be more valuable.
How far in advance should I book holiday travel?
Book at least 3-4 months in advance for best availability and rewards seat options. Many credit cards offer price protection if fares drop after booking.
Do credit card travel insurance benefits cover weather-related cancellations?
Most premium cards cover cancellations due to severe weather, but review your specific card's terms. The coverage typically applies to nonrefundable expenses.
What's the best way to maximize credit card rewards during holiday travel?
Use a card that earns bonus points on travel purchases and consider using Kudos to ensure you're always using the optimal card for each purchase.
Are credit card rental car insurance benefits worth it?
Yes, especially cards offering primary coverage like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. This can save you $15-25 daily on rental company insurance.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
