Everyone loves to travel and hotel and airline credit cards have long been sought after by consumers who want to take advantage of free miles, upgrades and promotions. Our editorial team is constantly searching for great deals on travel credit cards from leading card companies like American Express, Chase, Bank of America and airline and hospitality providers like Marriot, Starwood, Delta, Travelociy, Disney and more. Finding the top travel credit card offer can equate to hundreds of dollars in perks, free trips and more each year.

We are searching for cards for consumers with good to excellent credit and more. There are hundreds of credit cards that fall in the travel category and almost every major airline, hotel and hospitality company has a branded credit card that they are affiliated with that offer perks and promotions for consumers. These cards are great for consumers who want to take advantage of accumulating points towards future travel endeavors or to erase previous purchases.

More miles are usually required to book a flight, while the number of flights and rewards seats available has decreased. For that reason, he suggests many people will be better off with an airline rewards card that can be used on any airline. More than half of respondents are earning hundreds of dollars in rewards value from their airline credit cards.

150 in airline rewards within the past 12 months. 500. However, 20 percent said they’ve earned nothing, and 23 percent of respondents don’t know the dollar equivalent of the airline rewards they’ve redeemed in the last year. Most airline credit card holders don’t carry a monthly balance. More than half of respondents (57 percent) said they haven’t carried a monthly balance in the past 12 months.

However, those who do carry a balance tend to do so regularly, with 19 percent of respondents carrying a monthly balance six or more times in the last 12 months. “Mathematically, it’s a horrible idea to have a rewards credit card and carry a balance just to try and get rewards,” Hardekopf advises. With rewards, you get 1 to 2 percent return on your spending, but if you carry a balance, you are paying 15 to 20 percent or more in interest. “If you are going to carry a balance, don’t go out and get a rewards card.

Airline credit cards can cost consumers more than the rewards they earn. For some respondents, their airline credit card does not earn as much as it costs. Twenty-five percent of respondents said the cost of their airline credit card outweighs the benefits. The sample size was the general American population and the survey was configured to be representative of this sample. The survey polled 1,015 people who have airline rewards credit cards. The survey asked 10 questions relating to their credit card and rewards usage.

All winning answers were statistically significant at the 95 percent confidence level. See the full survey data, questions and results. As you spend on your credit card, you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights. Often, travel spending on airlines, rental cars and hotels earn bonus points.

Some airline credit cards allow for higher point valuations when redeemed for airline rewards as well. In addition to earning free flights, many airline credit cards come with travel perks such as free checked baggage, priority boarding, seat upgrades, concierge services or even access to members-only airport lounges. Using points for travel: Rewards are a compelling benefit for frequent travelers.

Airline credit cards may offer bonus points for purchases made with that airline, for other travel-related purchases, or on dining, entertainment and groceries. Airline credit cards typically have a sign-up bonus that offers extra points, miles, cash back or even free flights. Airfare discounts: Even when you’re not redeeming rewards points/miles, you can use your airline card to save. Some airline credit cards offer discounts on airfare just for using the card. 100 on airfare when they book a qualifying flight for 2 to 5 travelers.

Other airline cards, including the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, offer a companion certificate each year. Airline privileges: Many airlines reserve privileges for airline credit card holders, including free checked bags, dedicated check-in lines, early boarding, discounts on inflight purchases and seat upgrades. Your card may also get you access to private airport lounges with complimentary beverages, snacks, internet access and workspaces.