Summer perks for credit card holders
Summer is here and the sights beckon! Be it the waves at the beach, the cool breeze of the mountains, the picturesque rural landscape, or just that adventurous getaway you’ve been longing for, it’s time to pack your bags for some well-deserved rest and recreation.
Just like any seasoned traveller however, a little prepping goes a long way. This is especially true when every moment should not be spoiled.
One factor that is always tied up to having a grand summer escape and is well within a person’s control is their finances, the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) said.
As such, preparing beforehand what one has to spend on is the first step to realizing a wonderful summer escape.
Credit cards come with a variety of features and benefits, not only for retail outlet use but also for tourist services, facilities, and accommodations that travellers can take advantage of to get value for their buck.
Such features allows credit card holders to avail of discounts and promotions that not only helps stretch their budget, but also ensures convenient and secure transactions.
By availing of these promos, which can easily be done through mobile or Internet applications, travellers would be able to minimize the hassle of having to bring lots of cash or having to look for an ATM machine in the middle of nowhere for airfare and hotel reservations.
Credit card holders also do not have to risk last minute booking for transport and lodging, which could be pricey and fully-booked already during peak seasons of the summer months.
Most credit cards offer big discounts on airfare as well as the hotel rates. Airfare and hotel accommodations usually chalk up bulk of a traveller’s expenses during a trip, so settling or paying for these ahead of time is advised.
Credit cards also have similar tie-ups with restaurants, entertainment, and beauty and wellness establishments that travellers can take advantage of during their summer escapades.
Most of these benefits can be seen in online brochures or on the websites of credit card issuers and participating establishments, with discounts ranging from single-digits up to 50 percent off.
These benefits are not limited to the usual catalogue items that are redeemable by the points accumulated by a credit card holder for frequent usage.
Most credit cards now have exclusive advantages such as cash rebates, limited insurance, price lock features, extended warranties, and other consumer-oriented offerings.
Credit card holders, whether traveling or not, can always rely on the standard features of credit cards, such as easy payment plans, fund transfer, fast cash, phone and Internet banking services, among others.