Summary
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
Advertiser Disclosure: This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about the Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card, the Citi Premier Card, and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card has been collected independently by GoTravelDaily. These cards are not available through GoTravelDaily. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Making Travel More Affordable
Traveling with children presents both unique opportunities and financial challenges. To alleviate travel expenses, many families turn to credit cards that provide rewards and benefits tailored for travelers.
An ideal family travel credit card should provide a substantial welcome bonus, which can be redeemed for airfare, accommodation, and other travel-related expenditures. Furthermore, it should provide ongoing benefits such as complimentary checked bags, discounts on flights and hotels, and no foreign transaction fees. These features can assist in making your family’s vacation more economical by lowering airfare and lodging costs during international travel.
Moreover, certain credit cards offer additional advantages such as priority boarding or access to airport lounges. These amenities can be particularly advantageous for families traveling with young children, who may require extra assistance during the boarding process or while waiting at airports.
It is crucial to carefully evaluate and compare credit cards to determine which one aligns best with your specific needs when selecting a card for family vacation purposes. Look for cards that offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing benefits like free checked luggage or absence of foreign transaction fees to fully exploit your savings during family trips.
Top Picks for Family Travel Credit Cards in 2024
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Best for discounted flights: Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card
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Best for family lounge access: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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Best value for the annual fee: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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Best for earning points: Citi Premier® Card
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Best for travel protections: The Platinum Card® from American Express*
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Best for hotel stays: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
Should Families Get a Credit Card?
Families traveling with children should evaluate the advantages of obtaining a credit card for several reasons. Primarily, credit cards facilitate savings through available discounts and welcome bonuses, which can significantly reduce the overall expense of a family vacation or provide upgrades for a more premium experience.
Additionally, credit cards offer protection against fraud and theft, enhancing the security of your transactions. Numerous credit cards include travel insurance that safeguards families against interruptions, delays, lost luggage, and similar issues. Although some travelers opt to purchase separate policies, many credit cards provide these protections at no additional cost when travel-related purchases are made on the card.
Moreover, credit cards can serve as an emergency fund during unexpected situations, offering increased safety compared to cash or debit cards, which may incur interchange fees when utilized abroad.
The decision for families to obtain a credit card ultimately depends on their specific financial circumstances and objectives. It is imperative to understand how credit functions and remain cognizant of potential risks before applying for a credit card.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for Families
When selecting the most suitable travel credit card for your family, several critical factors should be taken into account. First, confirm that the card offers rewards that cater to your family’s travel behavior. For frequent flyers, seek cards that provide airline miles or transferable points. For families favoring hotel stays, explore options that grant loyalty points or discounts specific to hotels. Additional perks such as complimentary checked baggage, airport lounge access, and hotel credits are also essential considerations.
Secondly, assess the fees linked with the card and their potential impact on the rewards you accrue. Some cards impose an annual fee, which can significantly undermine the benefits gained from rewards. It is advisable to check if the card waives foreign transaction fees to maximize the value when traveling internationally.
Lastly, consider the redemption process for rewards and whether they can effectively reduce your family’s travel expenses. By reflecting on these factors, you can identify a travel credit card that aligns with your family’s unique needs, facilitating a more affordable and enjoyable travel experience with children.
FAQs
What is the best card for family travel?
The optimal card for family travel is contingent upon your unique requirements and preferences. Some of the most recommended cards for family travel include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and American Express Platinum Card. These cards offer diverse rewards and advantages tailored to families, including bonus miles, flexible redemption options, travel protections, and more.
Can I get a credit card for a family member?
It is feasible to obtain a credit card for a family member by designating them as an authorized user on your credit card account. Be mindful that some cards may levy fees for authorized users, so it is advisable to review the specific terms and conditions in advance. However, approval is dependent upon the policies of the credit card issuer.
Is there a credit card for kids?
There are currently no credit cards designated specifically for children. Nevertheless, American Express permits the addition of children aged 13 and older as authorized users.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Editorial disclaimer: The opinions conveyed herein are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, nor have they been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any such parties.
This article was initially published on Aug 4, 2023, and updated on Jan 3, 2024.
