After the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of traveling has increased quickly. At the same time, the use of credit cards has also grown.
Young people, in particular, are now using credit cards not only for payments but also for rewards and travel benefits.
On social media, many claims suggest that credit card reward points can help people get free flights and hotel stays.
However, experts say that these benefits usually become meaningful only when a person spends a significant amount and uses the credit card wisely.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Travel Credit Card
Not all credit cards provide travel rewards. Usually, only premium or travel-focused cards allow users to convert reward points into airline miles or hotel loyalty points.
Experts recommend focusing most of your spending on one or two good rewards cards. This helps you collect reward points faster.
When selecting a card, it is important to check whether it offers higher rewards on common spending categories such as flights, hotels, groceries, fuel, and online shopping.
How Many Points Are Needed for Free Flights?
The speed at which reward points accumulate depends on your monthly spending and the reward rate offered by the card.
In general, domestic flight tickets may require around 8,000 to 15,000 reward points, while international flights can require 30,000 to 80,000 points.
If someone spends about ₹75,000 or more every month and uses the card efficiently, they may collect enough points for a flight ticket or a hotel stay within 6 to 12 months.
Higher Spending Brings More Benefits
Premium travel cards usually provide better benefits for people with higher income and higher spending.
For example, people earning about ₹4.5 million per year may spend between ₹500,000 and ₹1,000,000 annually through their credit cards.
This level of spending can help them earn travel rewards, airport lounge access, and other premium perks.
Everyday Lifestyle Spending Can Earn Extra Rewards
Many credit cards provide higher rewards on dining and food delivery services. Some cards even offer up to 10 percent rewards in these categories.
However, experts advise people not to increase their spending just to earn reward points.
How People Use Reward Points
Earlier, many people used to convert reward points into cashback or shopping vouchers. Today, more users prefer redeeming these points for flight tickets or hotel stays, because these options often provide better value.
However, premium travel cards usually have annual fees ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000. If a person’s yearly spending does not reach the required limit, these fees can reduce or even cancel out the benefits.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Reward Benefits
Some common mistakes can reduce the value of credit card rewards:
Ignoring the expiry date of reward points
Not tracking changes in the reward structure
Paying only the minimum due instead of the full bill
Using too much of the credit limit
In addition, many people redeem their points for low-value vouchers or products, which gives them less benefit.
Who Should Choose a Travel Rewards Card?
According to experts, travel rewards cards are most suitable for people who spend ₹60,000 or more per month and are able to pay their full credit card bill on time.
If someone’s monthly spending is around ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 or less, a simple cashback credit card may be a more convenient and beneficial option.
