CNN Money's Best Travel Rewards Cards

We all have our opinions about which cards are the best.  Whether you are a fan of the cash back, airline miles or some other perk for charging it, there's a reason you carry what you carry.  Most of us in the PF blogging community (bloggers and readers alike) are not only trying to save money in every way possible, but also find the best value for the places we are spending our money.

CNNMoney.com posted their review of the best travel reward cards.  The cards were:  Starwood Preferred American Express, Marriott Rewards Visa, and the American Express Membership Rewards.  The article makes the point that hotel rewards are often the better deal, as we often spend as much or more on hotel stays as on airfare.  This is especially true for multi night stays or road trips.  I agree with this, and is why my card of choice is the American Express Hilton Honors Rewards card.

That being said, I was a little surprised that two of the three were American Express, which is known for higher fees to the retailers.  I was also very surprised that all three cards charged an annual fee.  In order to justify the annual fees, you must charge a considerable amount on your card on an annual basis and really take advantage of the rewards.  Even given that, there are so many terrific rewards cards (such as my Amex Hilton card) that do not charge an annual fee, I don't understand how much better the rewards for these cards could be in order to warrant paying the fee.

I also prefer the Hilton card because when I travel without using points to pay for my room, Hilton offers a wider range of less expensive locations to choose from.  Most points programs give extra points for using their services and paying full price.  The Starwood family has many beautiful hotels, such as the Westin brand, the W, Le Meridian and the Sheraton, but none are what you could call mid-low range prices.  The Hilton family also has nice hotels for those times that you are redeeming your points, but also offers the lower priced Hilton Garden and Hampton Inn.

If you are using a rewards card, always consider the alternative methods of accumulating points.  Hotel stays, online purchases, car rentals, airline partners may all be part of the formula that helps you amass enough points to go where you want sooner.

Comments

[Credit Card Rewards Hound]

A good way to compare the rewards you'll earn from leading rewards cards is the free calculator tool at
Credit Card Tune-Up (http://www.creditcardtuneup.com/).

[hotel rewards credit cards]

Not all hotel credit cards provide the same program. Applying for credit cards, make sure the hotels credit card provides no blackout dates or points expiration.
"I was also very surprised that all three cards charged an annual fee" - the typical reward-card annual percentage rate is about 14%, which is four points higher than the average non-reward credit card. For that reason, financial experts advise to be cautious when signing up for a reward credit card.

[credit card connoisseur]

Oh I agree with previous post sometimes rewards credit cards cost you a lot. They are good only if you spend much, because they typically have higher APR. And all your fees can be compensated only if you buy a lot and therefore get a lot of bonuses.

[mbt shoes clearance]

nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easi

[cheap jordan 1]

Thanks for sharing. This website is to I too have to help. Very good.

[Belstaff Jackets]

For any folks invested in more and better resident contribution, that is a knock back, i believe.

[Canada Goose Jacket]

a lot of editors have started to understand more about alternate options, they will obtained a little cameras, spend some money to hire nearby residents and individuals across the actors within the facilities

[Mulberry Purses]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

[Spyder Ski Pants]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.