Reasons to Use a Credit Card When Traveling

Whether you like to make travel plans months in advance or wait until the last minute to plan your excursions, it’s never too early—or late—to check out the perks your credit card offers so you can take advantage of them.

A travel credit card—more accurately, a travel rewards credit card—can help make getting away a little easier. Especially on your wallet, if it’s the right card for you. But what exactly is a travel awards credit card, how do you know if one is right for you, and how do you go about getting one?

Do you plan on vacationing abroad soon? If so, consider using a credit card instead of cash as much as possible when traveling in other countries. It’s best to carry a mix of credit cards and cash while you’re on the road, because not all vendors accept plastic and, if you lose your card or it’s stolen, you might need cash to hold you over until your replacement card arrives. For the same reason, it’s always a good idea to have a backup credit/debit card, as well as extra cash, that you keep secure in your hotel room when traveling.