"I have been thinking about getting a credit card but wasn't sure if I should get an airline one. So first, do you recommend an airline credit card? And second, if you do, which one do you think would be best? I normally fly Southwest because my family lives in NM and ABQ is a big Southwest hub, but I think I would want an airline that flies outside the US. In the next year or so I expect to travel a lot, especially to the Middle East. So which credit card would you recommend?"
Opening an airline credit card is one of the BEST ways to build your mileage account. Typically, you can earn anywhere from 30,000 - 40,000 miles by opening an airline credit card. Free flights domestically start around 25,000 miles, so opening a credit card is a great way to get a free flight. You don't have to use those miles to snag a free flight though...you could use them for upgrades (1 domestic upgrade = 15,000 miles), or just to starting building your account.
To answer the second part of your question, you must first determine which airline's mileage program you want to focus on before opening up their credit card. In an earlier post, I give a 5 step guide to determining the mileage program that is right for you. Once you select an airline, open a mileage account before opening a credit card, since you will need a mileage number when signing up for the credit card. In your case, since you want to travel to the Middle East, I would pick a US airline that has ties to Middle East carriers. I would suggest either American Airlines (has ties to Royal Jordanian and Malev - Turkey), or United Airlines (has ties to EgyptAir, Turkish, Qatar, and Emirates Airlines). Once you have selected your airline of choice, open a credit with that program, and make sure to get your bonus miles!
A final option in terms of airline credit cards is not an airline credit card itself - it is the Starwood Hotels Credit Card. You can transfer miles earned on this card to over 30 airline partners - most at a 1:1 ratio. And of course, you get 25,000 bonus miles for joining. This credit card gives you flexibility, and can use your miles across a lot of different airlines.
Once you have your airline credit card, make sure to charge purchases on it over your debit card! For one, it is more secure and will protect your identity, and two, you will typically earn 1 mile for every 1 dollar spent. After a while, that totals up! Especially use that airline credit card when booking a flight on your airline, as you can earn up to 5 miles per 1 dollar spent. Pretty good!
And the best part is - if you aren't happy with the credit card, you can close it and still keep the miles. There is no reason not to at least open an airline credit card! Thanks for your question, TD! Check back next week for our new Reader QOTW.
Opening an airline credit card is one of the BEST ways to build your mileage account. Typically, you can earn anywhere from 30,000 - 40,000 miles by opening an airline credit card. Free flights domestically start around 25,000 miles, so opening a credit card is a great way to get a free flight. You don't have to use those miles to snag a free flight though...you could use them for upgrades (1 domestic upgrade = 15,000 miles), or just to starting building your account.
To answer the second part of your question, you must first determine which airline's mileage program you want to focus on before opening up their credit card. In an earlier post, I give a 5 step guide to determining the mileage program that is right for you. Once you select an airline, open a mileage account before opening a credit card, since you will need a mileage number when signing up for the credit card. In your case, since you want to travel to the Middle East, I would pick a US airline that has ties to Middle East carriers. I would suggest either American Airlines (has ties to Royal Jordanian and Malev - Turkey), or United Airlines (has ties to EgyptAir, Turkish, Qatar, and Emirates Airlines). Once you have selected your airline of choice, open a credit with that program, and make sure to get your bonus miles!
A final option in terms of airline credit cards is not an airline credit card itself - it is the Starwood Hotels Credit Card. You can transfer miles earned on this card to over 30 airline partners - most at a 1:1 ratio. And of course, you get 25,000 bonus miles for joining. This credit card gives you flexibility, and can use your miles across a lot of different airlines.
Once you have your airline credit card, make sure to charge purchases on it over your debit card! For one, it is more secure and will protect your identity, and two, you will typically earn 1 mile for every 1 dollar spent. After a while, that totals up! Especially use that airline credit card when booking a flight on your airline, as you can earn up to 5 miles per 1 dollar spent. Pretty good!
And the best part is - if you aren't happy with the credit card, you can close it and still keep the miles. There is no reason not to at least open an airline credit card! Thanks for your question, TD! Check back next week for our new Reader QOTW.
Just signed up for a United Club(?) card, costs $375, but includes access to red carpet club. A good deal if you fly Utd or Continental a lot.
ReplyDeleteThat card is a very good card, especially if you fly a lot. Since typically a United Red Carpet Club 1 year membership begins at $525, you are getting a good deal. Hopefully you got a ton of miles when you opened it, too!
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