In a Nutshell
Whether you’re braving traffic or long airport security lines, a travel rewards credit card might offer perks and benefits to help you save money and relax during what might otherwise feel like a stressful trip.The holidays can be the most magical time of the year — assuming you don’t have to travel far to visit friends or family.
For those of us braving traffic or long airport security lines to head home for the holidays, “magical” might not be the first word that comes to mind.
But here’s the good news: Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, holiday travel doesn’t have to be a nightmare before Christmas. If you pack the right credit card in your wallet, it can be a little easier.
Lounge access, free checked bags, trip delay insurance — these are just a few of the benefits available with the best travel rewards cards. While many of these benefits are available all year long, we thought we’d highlight some ways they can bring some extra cheer to your holiday travel plans.
If you’re traveling by plane …
- Use your credit card to skip the security line
- Escape from the crowds in a VIP airport lounge
- Apply your card’s air travel credit toward an upgrade
- Got a bag filled with gifts? Check it for free.
- Save on airfare costs with a companion pass
- Take advantage of your card’s built-in travel insurance
If you’re traveling by car …
If you’re traveling by plane …
Unless your name is Santa Claus, you won’t be flying home in a magical sleigh. So you should probably plan on dealing with expensive ticket prices, overcrowded airports, insufficient legroom and all the extra luggage you’re carrying.
Here are six ways to bring some extra holiday cheer to your flight.
Use your credit card to skip the security line
If extra-long holiday security lines stress you out, you might consider applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These popular expedited screening programs may help you clear airport security more quickly, particularly during the holiday season when more people are traveling.
The Transportation Security Administration currently lists a number of credit cards and loyalty programs that will reimburse you for all or part of the TSA PreCheck application fee.
Escape from the crowds in a VIP airport lounge
After you’ve passed through the security line, relaxing in an airport lounge could be just what the doctor ordered. Fortunately, several high-end travel cards offer the benefit of lounge access.
Apply your card’s air travel credit toward an upgrade
You can use this credit to upgrade to a more comfortable experience, purchase regular airfare or pay for checked bags. It’s up to you how you spend it.
Got a bag filled with gifts? Check it for free.
Even experienced travelers who know how to pack light can get hit with baggage fees around the holidays.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid paying for checked bags. Choose the right airline or credit card, and you could end up saving some serious money.
Southwest Airlines allows travelers to check not one, but two bags for free. You can also carry on a small suitcase and a personal item, like a backpack. The best part? Southwest offers this benefit to all passengers, regardless of whether you have one of the airline’s credit cards.
Save on airfare costs with a companion pass
If you’re flying home over the holidays, why not bring a friend? Some airlines offer companion tickets or discount codes that allow you to fly with a guest at a heavily discounted price.
One such example is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, which offers great value if you can earn it. But if you’re interested in checking out companion tickets associated with other airlines, be sure to read our comprehensive guide to airlines that offer companion tickets or discount codes.
Take advantage of your card’s built-in travel insurance
Travel insurance isn’t the first benefit people usually think of when applying for a credit card, but it can be one of the most useful. This is especially true during the holiday season, when cancellations and delays due to severe weather are all too common.
If you’re traveling by car …
Did you know most Americans hit the road over the holidays?
According to AAA, approximately 102 million people were expected to drive to their holiday destinations in 2022. If you plan to be part of that group in 2023, here are a couple of ways you can save on travel this holiday season.
Get cash back on gas
You might be wondering how you can save money on gas during your holiday road trip. If a new hybrid car isn’t quite in your budget, consider applying for a gas rewards credit card.
Assuming you drive consistently throughout the year (and not just during the holidays), a gas rewards credit card can save you from leaving too much money at the pump. Our favorite gas rewards cards offer anywhere from 3% to 5% cash back on gas, which can really add up over time.
Use your credit card to save on rental car insurance
With the right credit card, you may be able to save about $15 per day in rental car insurance.
One thing to watch out for: Typically, travel cards offer secondary rental car insurance, which means you must first file a claim with your personal auto insurance company, and then your credit card will cover what your other policy doesn’t. (Unfortunately, filing a claim may raise your auto insurance rates.)
What’s next?
Traveling during the holidays can be hectic, but if you follow these tips you may be able to turn your vacation into a more enjoyable (and affordable) trip.
If you already have a travel card that works for you and aren’t sure what perks it offers, it’s probably a good idea to read up on the specifics or contact your card issuer for more information.
If you’re in the market for a new card, you can find details of each card’s benefits as you shop, or from helpful articles like card reviews. To get started, you can compare many different travel cards on Credit Karma.
Whatever your plan, just make sure to do your research before you start traveling. As with holiday shopping, you don’t want to wait until the last minute.