Want Airline Credit Cards?

Airline credit cards are those credit cards that are sponsored by the airlines. Airline credit cards are used in the same manner as you use any other credit card. In other words, both are used in the same way at many locations around the world. If you are a frequent flyer, then airline credit cards are the best option for you. But if you don't fly at all, it would be wiser to go for a traditional credit card.

Airline affiliated credit cards are offered primarily by the three major credit card associations: MasterCard and Visa in association with the bank of your choice, and American Express. You can ask for airline credit cards for any airlines from the huge array of American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, Northwest Airways, Soughtwest Airways, Alaska Airlines, America West Airways, British Airways, and many more.

With an airline credit card you would get added bonus of collecting frequent flyer miles when making purchases. On the other hand, with a traditional credit card you would only make purchases, but there are no incentives for spending. That would probably make the traditional credit card holder want to look into airline credit cards since they look at the situation as spending but not getting anything out of it.

But remember, as with the usual credit cards, the incentives with different airline credit cards also differ. It's because different airlines and their credit cards have their own rules and restrictions. For example, with your Delta airlines credit cards you might get special incentives, but it doesn't mean that you would get the same with Midwest.

Although the airline credit card holder collects frequent flyer miles, the price for obtaining these credit cards and being in the program may be more than what a traditional cardholder would have to deal with. For example, airline credit cards often charge 5% or more points as compared to the non-affiliated credit cards.

The deep dark secret with airline credit cards is that they award consumers 1.4% of their purchases back in the form of air miles but overcharge on the interest rate about 5.9%. To make the deal even worse, these programs charge you a hefty annual fee to play the air miles game. Essentially, these programs give you with one hand but take back five-fold with the other. That's why you should pay off your complete balance each month. By paying off your complete balance each month, you would be able to cut down on those high interest rates.

If possible, try to maintain a budget. Do not go for a spending spree to get special incentives. Try to fly on the same airline. If you do so, these credit cards would be right up your alley.

If you are considering airline credit cards make sure you get out your calculator and compare with other stripped-down cards. You also might want to get out a magnifying glass for the fine print. Some programs limit how many miles you can earn in a month or a year. Finding a free seat could also be a challenge since the airlines generally allocate only a few free seats unless you are willing to pony up more miles. And finally, remember that these programs could bite the dust any time and with very little notice.

Compare the rate of different airline credit cards. Shop around as much as you can before settling down with one. Search online to get the best deal. In fact, online search is the best way to track out the reliable issuing company. Through the help of the Internet, you could also take some guidance and suggestions as to how you should apply for an airline credit card, how to use them etc. Nowadays, there are several online consultants that are ready to help you out. While the guidance of some consultants come free for some others you need to pay a membership fee.