When most people think of travel reward credit cards, they think of airline miles cards.  With airline miles cards, you can accumulate points to be used toward free or reduced fare airline travel.  With travel reward credit cards, however, these benefits extend further and allow you to apply your points toward a variety of travel expenses, including paying for car rental, hotel stays, cruise packages, and more. 

 

Although the exact benefits of one of these cards will vary according to the credit card company and the specific travel rewards credit card you qualify for, these are some of the more common benefits you will find with these types of credit cards.

 

Travel Insurance

 

Some credit cards that are not specifically geared toward travelers offer travel insurance, but this perk is usually reserved for travel reward credit cards.  The amount of coverage provided and the exact terms and conditions of the coverage will vary from card to card, so it is important to read the fine print before applying for a card if this benefit is of particular important to you.  Keep in mind that most travel insurance policies that come with travel reward credit cards only cover those travel arrangements that were purchased with the credit card.

 

Car Rental Insurance

 

Many travel reward credit cards also provide car rental insurance.  Just as with the travel insurance, however, this coverage only applies to cars that are rented with the credit card.  This can actually save you a little bit of money because you will not have to purchase car rental insurance coverage through the car rental agency.

 

Special Discounts

 

In addition to allowing you to earn points that can be cashed in toward travel purchases, many travel reward credit cards also offer special travel-related discounts to cardholders.  Simply using your card to make a reservation at a hotel, for example, may earn 10% off of the price of your stay.  These discounts can add up quickly for the frequent traveler.

 

Lost Luggage Protection

 

Often, travel reward cards also offer lost luggage protection.  Although no one wants to lose luggage while traveling, the knowledge that you are protected can help ease your worries.

 

Concierge Services

 

If you have very good credit and were able to qualify for one of the more elite travel reward credit cards, you may also receive free concierge service while staying at a hotel that was paid for with the credit card.  With this service, you can have special arrangements made, such as getting tickets for a special event, making arrangements for a spa treatment, or getting reservations to a particular restaurant.

 

With all of these benefits associated with travel reward credit cards, one of these cards is worth having even if you are not a frequent traveler.  While it may take you awhile to accumulate enough points to cash in on the reduced or free travel opportunities, you will still save money and enjoy added protection when you do travel with your travel rewards credit card.