Reward points can be significantly useful for reducing expenses for flights, hotels, buses, and train bookings. In this way, travel-centric credit cards allow you to convert all tourism-related transactions into travel benefits. To get the most out of these advantages, first, you need to purchase the best credit card for travel. To use these cards smartly, we’ll share some of the most valuable tips that can help you get the most out of accumulated points and seasonal offers to improve your travel experience.

How Reward Points Work?

Most of the travel credit cards with partnerships with travel platforms reward users with points based on transaction types. Reward points typically accrue faster on online transactions. Some cards offer 10 reward points for every ₹200 spent on online purchases and five reward points for every ₹200 spent offline.

Furthermore, you’ll be eligible for accelerated reward points on train bookings if you book trains from the associated platform of the credit card. But you also need to understand which spend earn points and which do not, so you can better plan your redemption strategy.

Take Advantage of Welcome and Accelerated Rewards

Most of the travel credit cards have a welcome bonus. These rewards are credits upon completing a qualifying transaction within the first 30 days of card issuance. For example, some cards award 1,000 reward points and ₹1,000 worth of travel credits on your first successful transaction within the initial 30 days of issuance.

Besides welcome bonuses, you can also look for accelerated reward earnings on specific travel categories. Some of these categories include online bookings for flights, hotels, and buses. A few cards also offer complimentary domestic airport and railway lounge access every year. Furthermore, planning larger or recurring travel purchases in higher accelerated points categories can help increase the potential of reward earnings over time.

Plan Redemption for Maximum Value

Effective redemption resonates with choosing the highest value option available through the travel credit cards’ reward portal. Reward points can be redeemed for travel credits on the flights and hotels booking app as well as e-vouchers and merchandise. Moreover, keep an eye on the expiry dates of coupons and credits to get the most out of their value. Some credits may have shorter validity, while some of them have longer duration.

Combine Discounts with Reward Redemptions

Merging your travel discounts with reward redemption can increase the possibility of savings if you frequently travel. To get these benefits, look for cards that offer specific discounts on flights and hotel bookings. Some of the other benefits include zero forex markup fees on international transactions. This facility is helpful for reducing your overall air travel expenses.

Stay Organised and Track Your Rewards

Tracking certain things can help you identify areas to get higher value from your travel credit card. In this way, closely monitor the following factors:

• Points Balance
• Expiry Dates
• Monthly Caps
• Ongoing Promotions

Along with that, maintaining a simple spreadsheet or digital reminder to get essentials for your travel can help you be well prepared for your next trip.

Final Thoughts

In order to smartly redeem points and offers from travel credit cards, you need to be aware of how points are earned and ways to get the full advantage of welcome bonuses. Subsequently, planning redemptions around the best available discounts and travel deals can help you maximise financial benefits during the trip. With a disciplined approach, you can use your credit card as a tool that helps you discover valuable savings options and better trip planning.