4 tips to maximize travel rewards credit card perks for vacation
1. Redeem your travel card rewards points
If you have a travel points credit card, you can redeem your points for things like flights, accommodation, car rentals and even vacation packages. Just make sure you check the rewards program’s terms and conditions for point expiry and blackout periods. If don’t have enough points to redeem for a flight, consider using your miles to upgrade your airfare instead. Even if your rewards credit card doesn’t directly earn airline miles, you may have the option of transferring rewards points to your frequent flyer account and then using them for an upgrade.
2. Enjoy airport lounge access
Many premium credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access. This perk allows you to escape the usual airport craziness for some relaxation and pampering before your long weekend flights. Some example credit cards in Canada offering lounge access include the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
3. Use a companion voucher
Some credit cards offer a companion voucher as an annual account benefit or as a reward you can earn, giving your companion a way to fly without paying for the airfare (usually except for fees and taxes) or for a very reduced price. Some of the cards that provide this complimentary extra include American Express AIR MILES Reserve Credit Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Note that most of these cards are premium credit cards and they have specific eligibility requirements for claiming your companion voucher.
4. Get insider info from a concierge
A popular feature of premium credit cards, concierge services can provide you with ideas for everything from holiday bookings to restaurant reservations, entertainment tickets and shopping recommendations. These services can usually be accessed at any time, anywhere in the world. So even if you’re planning a staycation, taking advantage of concierge services could help plan your fun and provide exclusive invitations to events you might have otherwise missed out on.