3 Pros and Cons of Travel Reward Credit Cards, According to Ramit Sethi

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Travel reward credit cards are a popular choice for frequent travelers looking to maximize their spending benefits.

Below is a list of pros and cons inspired by personal finance expert Ramit Sethi, offering valuable insights into both the advantages and disadvantages of these cards to help consumers make informed decisions based on their travel habits and financial strategies.

Pros of Travel Reward Credit Cards

Maximization of Rewards

According to Sethi, the real power of travel reward cards lies in their ability to turn everyday purchases into travel opportunities.

By strategically using these cards, you can earn points redeemable for flights and accommodations to achieve a higher return on spending compared to other types of credit cards. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold are particularly beneficial for those who spend a lot on travel and dining.

Perks and Benefits

Sethi points out that travel cards do more than just rack up points: They come packed with perks that really elevate your travel game.

Benefits like airport lounge access and extensive travel insurance don’t just make trips more enjoyable; they also save you money. Take the American Express Platinum Card, for example: It’s loaded with high-end travel perks like annual hotel credits, travel insurance, rewards points on travel purchases, and more.

Enhanced Trip Protection Features

Travel reward cards often come equipped with robust security features that provide peace of mind during your trip.

This includes travel accident insurance, emergency assistance services, lost luggage reimbursement, and more. These features ensure that you can expect financial or logistical support if any unforeseen travel issues arise.

Cons of Travel Reward Credit Cards

Complexity in Redemption

While the rewards potential of these cards is high, the complexity of managing and redeeming those points can be a significant drawback.

Each card has its own set of rules and restrictions, and maximizing benefits often requires an understanding of optimal redemption strategies. The learning curve required to maximize some of these cards towards travel can overwhelm some users, making it difficult to utilize the points effectively.

High Annual Fees

Travel reward cards typically come with high annual fees ranging from $100 to $600. While these fees are justifiable for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of the card’s benefits, they can be a poor financial choice for those who travel infrequently.

Simply put, the costs may outweigh the rewards if you don’t use them strategically. Sethi advised careful consideration of the high annual fees when it comes to adding any credit card to your arsenal.

Dependency on Travel

The value of travel reward cards is closely tied to how often you travel. For those who do not travel often, the rewards and benefits become less accessible, reducing the card’s overall value depending on your situation.

For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers five times the points when you book hotel stays or car rentals through the Chase Travel portal. So you won’t benefit from this category unless you frequently stay at hotels or rent cars.

This makes travel cards less suitable for infrequent travelers who may find more consistent value in a simple cashback card.

Conclusion

Travel reward credit cards offer a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience and provide substantial financial perks. However, the value of these cards is highly dependent on individual travel habits and the ability to manage complex rewards programs effectively. 

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