Getting the most out of your credit card

Credit cards are one of the quickest and easiest ways to earn points and miles for travel from sign up bonuses to points earned on everyday spending. Getting the most out of travel reward credit card perks is a tricky business. Most importantly, always read the fine print.

The Score

There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to play the travel rewards game and get as many perks as possible.

1. Know your FICO score. Most credit card companies use this to determine your eligibility. This score is very important and is determined by your payment history, how much you owe, how long your credit history is, and the type of credit you have. For a free look at your FICO score click here. FICO scores are not static, they fluctuate with your credit history.
2. Don't carry a balance. The larger your balance on your credit card, the lower your FICO score is and this could affect the cards and travel perks that you are eligible for.
3. Know the rules. Every credit card has different rules and perks, read the fine print! Some credit cards have restrictions such as the number of credit cards you apply for with a particular credit card company in one year or the number of bonus perks you can claim.
4. Be aware. Make sure your investment in a new credit card pans out. "Pay" attention to how much money you have to spend in order to claim a travel perk! It is best to figure out if the cost of the minimum spending requirements is worth the travel perks.

For a complete listing of travel card reward programs calculated click here.

About Tours of Distinction

Tours of Distinction, a Connecticut Travel and Tour company located in East Windsor has been curating tour itineraries for groups and individual travelers since 1971. From day trips to international journeys, cruises to multi-day adventures this company offers some of the best travel programs in the nation.