 TITLE: When Is Getting A Travel Credit Card Worth It? CONTENT: What to Look for When Choosing a Travel Card\n--------------------------------------------\nYou've read up on travel credit cards, homed in on a few different options, and looked at the pros and cons, including introductory offers and annual fees. Here are the final things you need to consider to choose the right travel credit card for you.\n#### 1\\. Is there something special about the introductory offer?\nFlashy bonuses of 50,000 and even 100,000 points or miles can sound intriguing. But before you apply for a travel credit card, do a little homework to see how its introductory offer has changed over time. If a card you are interested in has ho-hum offers for new cardholders, it is probably worth waiting to see if a better offer comes around in the near future.\n#### 2\\. Can you use the points or miles?\nBecause there are so many different types of travel credit cards, choosing the right one for your needs will really depend on the kinds of points or miles you will actually get use out of. For example, if you only fly United, it might not be worth getting a Delta credit card since you probably won't be booking award tickets on the airline anytime soon. Or if you don't stay in hotels often, why get a Hyatt or Hilton credit card? Think about the kinds of travel plans you tend to make, and then get a credit card that earns the types of points or miles you can redeem for them.\n#### 3\\. Will you benefit from bonus earning rates?\nTo stay competitive, many travel credit cards have begun offering bonus points when you use them at specific merchants, like restaurants or grocery stores. This can vary from card to card even within the same program.  \nFor example, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire® Card racks up 14 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases and then 7 points per dollar for eligible purchases in the following categories: U.S. restaurants, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com. It earns 3 points per dollar everywhere else. By contrast, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns 12 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases; 6 points per dollar for eligible purchases at at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations; then 3 points per dollar elsewhere. So which card will earn you the most points and is the better fit for your needs will depend on where you tend to spend the most money.\n#### 4\\. Will you take advantage of the benefits?\nAs you weigh the benefits of a credit card against its annual fee, really calculate the value you will get from each specific perk and whether you will use it year after year. For example, it's no good applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card and paying its $450 annual fee if you're not planning to use its annual free night award (at a participating hotel with redemption rate up to 50,000 points) and the $300 in statement credits each card membership year you get for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.\n#### 5\\. Do you want travel protections?\nAlthough they often get overlooked, many travel credit cards offer protections in case something goes wrong with your plans. Among the best, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may cover nonrefundable expenses up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, with a yearly max of $40,000, if travel plans are cancelled or interrupted (for covered reasons). If you're delayed by over 12 hours or have to stay overnight somewhere, you and certain family members might be entitled to up to $500 per ticket for things like lodging and meals. The card also may cover replacing certain belongings in case your checked bag is delayed or lost. Finally, the card comes with primary insurance on car rentals, meaning you don't have to go through your own insurance or purchase the rental agency's supplemental plans. All those protections can really add up and save you headaches and cash for when your travel plans eventually do go awry. END