If you regularly travel with your family the right credit card can save you a bundle. There are a number of great credit cards out there for travelers, but there are a select few that really seem like they were created with families in mind. From saving money with free checked bags on flights, to rewards earned on grocery purchases for stocking up your Airbnb, the right credit card can help you make the most of your next family vacation, and help you save for future trips as well. We break down the details of some of our top picks.
CardRatings’ top picks for the best credit cards for family travel
How to choose the best credit card for family travel
To choose the best credit card for family travel, focus on cards that offer:
- Bonus rewards on categories relevant to family travel (like dining, groceries, or general travel).
- Valuable travel redemption options, such as airline and hotel transfers or good value through their travel portal.
- Family-friendly perks, like priority boarding or lounge access (if applicable).
Consider your family’s spending habits and travel preferences to align with a card that offers the most beneficial rewards and perks for your needs.
How to maximize travel rewards for family trips
Traveling with family can be a rewarding experience, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. By strategically leveraging travel rewards programs, you can significantly reduce the cost of flights, accommodations, and even activities. Consider these key tactics for maximizing the points and miles you earn, choosing the right travel cards for family needs, and understanding the best ways to redeem those rewards for unforgettable family adventures.
- Choose family-friendly travel credit cards: Look for cards that offer bonus points on categories relevant to family travel, such as dining, groceries (often used on longer trips), or general travel. Some cards also offer perks like priority boarding or lounge access that can be especially helpful with kids.
- Pool points and miles: If multiple family members have travel rewards accounts, investigate if you can pool your points or miles together for more significant redemptions, like flights or hotel stays for everyone. Some airline and hotel programs allow this.
- Strategically time applications for welcome bonuses: Welcome bonuses are often the quickest way to earn a large number of points or miles. Plan your credit card applications around your travel goals. If you have a big family trip coming up, applying for a new card beforehand can give you a substantial boost in rewards. Just ensure first that you can meet the minimum spending requirements without spending unnecessarily.
- Consider transfer partners: Understand the transfer partners of your credit card rewards programs. Sometimes, transferring your points to an airline or hotel loyalty program can yield a higher value redemption than using them directly through the credit card portal. Research the best transfer options for your destination and travel style.
- Be flexible with dates and destinations: If your travel dates and destinations are flexible, you might find better reward availability and redemption rates during off-peak seasons or at less popular locations. This can stretch your rewards further for a family trip.
- Look for “Kids Fly Free” or similar promotions: Keep an eye out for airline or hotel promotions where kids fly or stay free. These can significantly reduce the overall cost of a family trip when combined with reward redemptions.
- Use points for accommodation with kitchens: When traveling with family, having a kitchen can save money on dining out. Consider using hotel points for suites or extended-stay properties that include kitchenettes or full kitchens.
- Maximize everyday spending: Use your travel rewards credit cards for everyday purchases to continuously accrue points or miles. Ensure you pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges, which would negate the value of your rewards.
- Redeem for maximum value: Compare the redemption value of your points or miles across different options (flights, hotels, gift cards, cash back). For family travel, flights and accommodations often offer the best value.
- Don’t forget about free activities: Use your rewards to offset the big costs (flights, hotels) and then look for free or low-cost activities at your destination to keep the overall trip budget-friendly.
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