Understanding Airline Miles Credit Cards

Airline miles credit cards come in two primary forms. Either they are general airline miles cards provided by a bank, or they are associated with a specific airline or airlines. In either case, the basic concept is the same.

With all airline credit cards, the cardholder receives miles for purchasing tickets with specific airlines. Those that are issued by a general bank often have a wide number of airlines that are eligible for the program. Those credit cards that are aligned with specific airlines, however, require purchasing tickets with the airline associated with the card.

Many airline credit cards also provide airline miles for all other purchases as well. In most cases, the number of points the cardholder earns for general purchases is less than the number of points earned by making purchases with the airline.

Once these airline miles have been accrued, the cardholder can then use them to earn free airline tickets or tickets at a reduced price. Another option that is usually also available is to upgrade a purchased ticket to a higher class. Depending on the card, there may be blackout dates during which tickets cannot be purchased.

Of course, these credit cards have higher interest rates in order to compensate for the cost of the free or reduced airline tickets. Therefore, an airline credit card may not be a good option for cardholders who carry a balance on their card from one month to the next.

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To Pay or Not to Pay: Is it a Good Idea to Pay Your Taxes with Your Credit Card?
The Financial Dominance of the Credit Card Industry
Keeping Your Credit Card Safe
Traveling With Your Credit Card
A Look at Current Bankruptcy Laws
Fixing Mistakes on Your Credit Report
Flying With Credit Card Airline Miles
Get Stylish with Your Credit Card
Keeping Your Credit Report Clear
Modern Day Vending Machines
Using Pre-Paid Credit Cards for College Students
Making Sense of the Prime Rate
Protecting Your Credit Card Account Information
Reasons to Use a Credit Card Instead of Cash
Rising Minimum Payments: Friend or Foe?
Staying Out of Debt While Using a Credit Card
Pay Your Way Out of Debt with Your Tax Refund
Tips for Shopping Online With a Credit Card
Understanding Airline Miles Credit Cards
Understanding Cash Back Credit Cards
Understanding Prepaid Credit Cards
Understanding Rewards Credit Cards
Understanding Student Credit Cards
What to Look for in a Credit Card
What to Watch Out for in Pre-Paid Credit Cards