The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)

NerdWallet

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can offer annual travel credits that may include checked bags, airfare, inflight purchases and more, depending on the terms of the card. can offer faster clearance through airport screening, and some cards offer applicatio­n credits of up to $100.

TSA PreCheck, offered by the U.S. Transporta­tion and Security Administra­tion, gives you access to special security lanes at 200 airports nationwide. Global Entry, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, gives you the same benefits as TSA PreCheck, plus expedited customs screening when you’re re-entering the U.S. With either program, if you’re approved your status is good for five years.

If your spring break isn’t for another several weeks, you may be able to get through the applicatio­n process in time for takeoff. If not, consider it for summer travel.

Take advantage of the insurance benefits your credit card may provide. Some cards, for example, feature lost luggage reimbursem­ent. And some offer trip cancellati­on insurance, which may provide refunds — up to a certain amount — on airfare or other travel expenses if you book the trip with the card but later have to cancel.

A few credit cards offer primary coverage when you use them to rent a car. Primary coverage allows the card issuer to cover damages first without having to get your personal auto insurance involved. To qualify, you have to decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver, which also saves you money.

Find out what perks and benefits are hiding in your wallet. If there aren’t any, you might still have time to apply for a credit card that offers them.

Generally, these kinds of cards charge an annual fee and require a good credit score to qualify. But if you get approved, you might have the chance to earn a hefty sign-up bonus that can save you money on your next trip.

As long as you pay your bill in full every month and the benefits offset the annual fee, you could save on your spring break. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Melissa Lambarena is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: mlambarena@ nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @ LissaLamba­rena.

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