A travel credit card might be the best way for you to save money on your purchases and on your travel expenses. Although many families and individuals shy away from credit cards because they’re worried about losing money, there are actually many travel credit card deals that can help you save money, especially if you travel regularly. Here’s how you can find the best travel credit card deals and use them wisely.

See Whether You Can Transfer Points

When you earn rewards on a travel credit card, they’re typically going to be in the form of points. You can then redeem those points for travel experiences. However, some travel credit cards allow you to transfer the points to other travel companies and use them as part of that company’s rewards program. Check to see whether a specific credit card allows you to do this, as it might be a more effective way to use your points sometimes.

Make Sure the Sign-On Bonus Requirement Works With Your Budget

Sign-on bonuses are very common with credit cards of all types, and travel credit cards are no different. However, it’s important to critically think about a sign-on bonus before you try to access it. Is the sign-on bonus requirement something that you can hit just by spending like normal? Will you have to significantly increase your family spending to get the sign-on bonus? Is there a large planned purchase coming up that you can use? Spending too much extra to get the sign-on bonus typically isn’t a good idea.

Check for First-Year Sign-On Bonuses

While most sign-on bonuses require that you spend a specific dollar amount within the first three months or 90 days, there are some credit cards that will also give you an extra sign-on bonus if you spend a specific amount through the card in the entire first year. If this is what you can get with your card, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your spending throughout that year, ensuring that you can get the bonus from the first year.

Decide Whether the Annual Fee Is Worth It

Lastly, it’s a good idea to look at the annual fee of a specific card and weigh it against the overall benefits you’ll receive from the card. There are credit cards with all sorts of different annual fees, from $0 to over $500, and everywhere in between. Balance the annual fee with the extra benefits you might receive from a card that has an annual fee, as well as your family’s budget.

Conclusion

A travel credit card might be one of the best ways for you to save money on travel, especially if you regularly travel with your family. One of the best ways to save extra money with a travel credit card is to make sure you’re utilizing the card to the best of your abilities. Use these four steps to find the best travel credit card opportunities.