Discover Four Advantages of Using Credit Cards You Can't Afford to Ignore
In the ever-changing landscape of trade relations, finding a credit card that offers more than just cashback or points can be a valuable asset. Here are some strategies to help you find credit cards with perks that are resilient to the effects of trade wars.
Prioritise Cards with Unique Perks
Look for credit cards that offer benefits beyond monetary rewards, such as airport lounge access, concierge services, travel protections, and exclusive event access. For instance, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card provides Admirals Club lounge passes and Priority Pass access, enhancing your travel experience [1][3]. Similarly, NBK Visa cards offer airport lounge access, valet parking, concierge service, and shopping protections [2].
Monitor Welcome Offers and Promotions
Many cards offer high-value welcome offers and promotions that include complementary perks such as travel credits or insurance coverage. These can offset annual fees for the first year [1][3][5].
Consider Geopolitical Risks
Trade tensions can impact travel-related perks, such as increased airline fees, airport security changes, or disrupted international routes. Cards that offer airport lounge access, flexible lounge networks, or travel insurance tailored to geopolitical risks may become more valuable [1][3].
Valet parking and concierge services can be particularly beneficial in environments where customs or trade policies cause delays or complications, saving time and helping navigate obstacles [2].
Rewards programs linked to international partners can minimize the risk of devalued partnerships during trade disputes. For example, Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to American Airlines [1][3].
Keep Up with the Best Offers
Regularly check reputable deal aggregation and financial advice sites like Travel Mom Squad, NerdWallet, and Bankrate for updates on high-value offers and changes in benefits [1][3][5]. Community forums focused on credit card rewards can also help maximize value beyond points, highlighting new or niche offerings [4].
Key Takeaways
- Prioritise cards offering airport lounge access, concierge, travel insurance, and exclusive event privileges.
- Evaluate welcome offers carefully, considering associated perks and annual fees beyond cash equivalents.
- Give preference to cards with flexible rewards transferable mostly to domestic partners or broad partner networks.
- Track promotions on trusted credit card deal sites regularly.
- Consider geopolitical and trade-related risks in your travel patterns to select relevant benefits.
By focusing on these strategies, you can find credit cards whose perks hold tangible, experiential value and are more resilient to the effects of trade wars than mere cashback or points [1][2][3][4][5].
Additional Perks to Consider
Some credit cards offer trip delay insurance that can cover food and accommodations when airlines are responsible for delays and cancellations [1]. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards provide primary coverage for auto rental insurance, superseding coverage from personal auto insurance policies [2].
Visa credit cards provide benefits beyond cash back, points, or miles. For example, Visa Infinite cardholders receive a complimentary 15-day, 3GB data plan yearly and a 30% discount on all plan purchases [3]. Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has assessed deals on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars, travel, and credit card perks for the year [4].
In the current trade war climate, it's a good time to look for deals on various goods and services. Certain credit cards, including those from American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Wells Fargo, provide cell phone insurance for a lost or damaged phone when you pay your wireless bill with the card [5].
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- When evaluating credit cards, consider choosing ones that provide additional perks such as trip delay insurance, auto rental insurance, and complementary data plans, as they can offer more value beyond cashback or points.
- In the context of ongoing trade wars, consider credit cards that offer cell phone insurance, as some cards provide coverage for a lost or damaged phone when you pay your wireless bill with the card.
