 TITLE: How to Get Started With Travel Rewards Credit Cards CONTENT: How Do You Pick a Travel Rewards Credit Card?\n---------------------------------------------\nNot only are there four major categories of travel rewards cards out there, but there are dozens of individual products to choose from. Here are the factors you should consider when picking the right travel credit card for your needs.\n1.  Make sure you can use the points or miles. First things first—you should choose a travel rewards credit card that earns the types of points or miles you will actually be able to use. After all, if you never fly United, why would you want one of its credit cards? Or if you tend to book at Hilton properties, you should get one of their credit cards and not one from Marriott so you can maximize your points earning during stays.\n2.  Get a card with benefits you will use. By the same token as the previous point, think about whether you will actually use the other perks a rewards card offers. To take an example from above, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders are eligible for up to $300 in statement credits each year toward travel purchases and can register for Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world. But if you don't travel enough to take advantage of these perks, the card's $550 annual fee may not be worth it.\n3.  Focus on bonus categories. While many travel rewards credit cards earn 1 point or mile per dollar on most spending, a lot of them earn multiple points or miles per dollar on specific types of purchases, such as at restaurants, grocery stores, or gas stations. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card earns 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and those made directly with hotels, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases. So if you spend a lot on those things—Delta tickets, hotel bookings, groceries and dining out—then you could really start racking up rewards quickly. However, if you tend to spend more on things like car rentals and gas, this card's earning potential will not benefit you as much. Terms apply.\n4.  Can you handle the annual fee? Many of the top travel rewards credit cards charge a fee each year to keep your account open. First, make sure you can afford the annual fee year after year. Second, think about whether you are reaping enough value from your card's benefits to justify paying that fee.\n5.  Consider your credit. There are rewards credit cards for every type of customer, but you should understand the requirements of any specific card before you apply. The most premium travel cards generally require applicants to have excellent credit—such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, a card that provides a lot of valuable benefits (at the expense of a high annual fee). This card is not a traditional credit card, however, and you may only be able to carry a balance with certain charges. At the other end of the spectrum are cards with fewer perks and lower annual fees (or no annual fees at all). These are typically geared toward folks just starting out with credit who might need time to build their credit history and raise their credit score. You can monitor your credit for free through Experian and use Experian CreditMatch™ to find cards that fit your unique credit profile. END