We’ve all heard about the perks of premium travel credit cards. We also know that they come with annual fees, and more often than not, it’s a deterrent for many to not get a specific card. But travel has changed significantly in the last few years. And for avid travelers, if there’s ever a time when you need these benefits – that will easily make up an annual fee on a card (and more) – it’s now. Here are some credit card perks that come in handy quite often.
Lounge Access
I’ll preface this by saying all lounges are NOT created equal. But before I’m spending money at the airport for food, you better believe I’m checking if there’s a lounge in the airport that I’m at so I can grab a bite to eat. Especially when I’m traveling with the family – this has been such a big help. We always need a place to stop and catch a breather, grab some food/drinks, and/or just relax before we catch our flight. Our favorite lounges: Capital One Lounge at DFW (if you’re a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holder, you have unlimited access), and the iGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport. The latter can be accessed through a Priority Pass membership – which comes free through the Capital One Venture X card.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit
Global Entry allows international travelers to get through US Customs faster when re-entering the U.S. It costs $100 for 5 years, and you’ll need to apply and go through an interview process. Keep in mind Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, and each family member will need to have their own membership.
TSA PreCheck allows expedited physical screenings for flights departing from U.S. airports. The cost is $78 for 5 years, and there’s a simpler application process. TSA PreCheck allows you to bring minor children (12 and under) with you.
Global Entry is great for international travelers, while TSA PreCheck is best for domestic travel. My husband recently completed his Global Entry application, a benefit through yes, you guessed it – his Capital One Venture X card.
Travel Protections & Trip Insurance
Many credit cards offer travel insurance if you use the card to pay for travel expenses. Depending on the card, you may not need to purchase additional travel insurance. There’s different types: trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and also travel and emergency assistance services.
While we always hope we wouldn’t need to use any of these protections, it’s a good idea to have them, depending on the type of trip – especially during peak travel seasons.
Car Rental Coverage
There are trips where you’ll just need to rent a car. Many credit cards offer some degree of rental car coverage, given that you charge this expense to the credit card. Some cards offer primary coverage, some will offer you secondary coverage. You may even be able to receive complimentary status with rental car companies that allow you to get free upgrades (as available).
My husband is a Capital One Venture X card holder, making him eligible for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle Status, as well as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star Status. While we couldn’t get an upgrade during our Seattle/Vancouver summer trip, my husband was able to get one a few months after that when he was traveling alone for work. Again, it’s based on availability – and for his work trip he had to book a rental car anyway. Why not enjoy a free upgrade while you’re at it?
By no means is this a conclusive list of premium travel credit card benefits. Also, there are premium co-branded airline and hotel credit cards that will offer you perks/benefits respective to them: free upgrades, free checked bags, priority boarding, automatic elite status, free night certificates, and/or free breakfast. If you don’t want to be tied down to a specific brand, here are the top 3 credit cards you should consider:
We held the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for many years, before switching over to Capital One Venture X. With a lower annual fee, and overall, the same range of benefits – it’s quickly become a favorite, and our staple premium travel credit card. You’ll more than likely spend money at airports eating food, buying travel insurance, and/or getting a rental car. Why not get a premium travel card that can offer you perks and benefits to minimize those travel costs significantly?
