As the holiday season draws near, many people are preparing for busy travel Card schedules, shopping lists, and festive gatherings. It’s a time of increased spending, whether you’re booking plane tickets, buying gifts, or planning holiday meals with family. With so many expenses on the horizon, this might be the smartest moment to consider a travel rewards credit card.
Travel credit cards are more than just tools for earning points or miles. When used wisely, they can help you save money, unlock valuable travel perks, and make holiday travel more comfortable and cost-effective. Opening a new card before the holidays can set you up for both short-term gains and long-term travel benefits.
Here are five strong reasons why applying for a travel credit card now could work in your favor—especially with the holidays just around the corner.
1. Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses During Peak Spending Season
Most travel cards offer lucrative welcome bonuses to entice new customers. These bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount—say, $3,000 to $5,000—within the first few months of opening the card. The reward? Often tens of thousands of points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, hotel stays, or cashback.
With the holidays approaching, your spending is likely to spike. Airfare, lodging, presents, dining out, decorations, and other seasonal expenses can quickly add up. This makes it much easier to meet the minimum spending requirement naturally, without forcing yourself to buy anything unnecessary.
Instead of using a basic card that earns little to no rewards, using a new travel card allows you to turn those holiday expenses into valuable travel rewards. It’s a great way to maximize the money you’re already going to spend.
Example: Say you’re flying across the country, booking accommodations, and purchasing gifts for multiple people. You might spend $4,000 in a short period, which could easily earn you a welcome bonus worth $600 or more in travel value.
2. Enjoy Built-In Travel Protections and Exclusive Perks
Travel rarely goes exactly as planned. Flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, and weather causes disruptions. Fortunately, many travel cards offer built-in protections that can help soften the blow when things go wrong.
These benefits can include:
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Trip delay or cancellation coverage
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Lost or delayed baggage reimbursement
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Rental car insurance
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Emergency travel assistance
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No foreign transaction fees
Higher-end travel cards may also come with VIP-style benefits, such as airport lounge access, room upgrades at hotels, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits, and more. These perks not only offer peace of mind but also elevate your overall travel experience.
Using a travel credit card to book flights, hotels, or rental cars means you’re not only earning rewards—you’re also protecting yourself if problems arise.
Scenario: Imagine your connecting flight gets canceled, and you need to stay overnight in a hotel. A travel card with trip delay insurance could reimburse you for lodging and meals, saving you hundreds of dollars.
3. Earn Accelerated Rewards on Holiday Purchases
Travel credit cards often feature bonus categories where you earn extra rewards, such as:
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3x points on travel purchases
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2x points on restaurants
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2x points on online shopping or groceries
These categories align closely with where you’re likely to spend more during the holidays. Between booking trips, dining with family and friends, and buying gifts online, you can accumulate points much faster than usual.
Instead of earning just 1% cash back on purchases, you could be earning 2, 3, or even more points per dollar—especially with cards that rotate seasonal bonus categories or offer limited-time promotions during the holidays.
Tip: Some travel cards even offer partnerships with retailers or travel companies, giving you access to discounts or extra bonus points when you shop through their portals.
4. Book Holiday Travel Before Prices Go Up
The closer you get to major holidays, the more expensive flights and hotels tend to become. By opening a travel credit card now, you gain access to booking portals, special offers, and other tools that can help you lock in your travel plans early—often at better prices.
Some travel cards also include access to exclusive travel agencies or member-only discounts that aren't available to the general public. Booking early with your new card can also help you take full advantage of its features, including built-in travel credits or hotel loyalty status.
Additionally, getting a new card now means you’ll have a fresh credit limit to work with, which can help keep your overall credit utilization low during a high-spending time. That’s good news for your credit score, especially if you pay off the balance in full each month.
Real-life impact: Booking your holiday airfare and hotel stay in late October or early November instead of waiting until December could save you hundreds—and let you use rewards or travel credits to reduce costs further.
5. Lay the Foundation for Future Travel Rewards
Opening a travel card during the holidays doesn’t just help with short-term rewards. It also sets you up for year-round travel savings and perks. Whether you’re dreaming of a summer vacation in Europe, a spring break getaway, or a future business trip, building your points balance now means you’ll have more flexibility when those plans come together.
Frequent travelers often use multiple cards strategically to maximize earnings and tap into the best features of each. But even if you prefer to keep things simple, one good travel rewards card can go a long way in reducing the cost of future trips.
Over time, you may also unlock ongoing benefits such as:
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Annual companion tickets
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Free hotel nights
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Elite status with airlines or hotel chains
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Travel credits (e.g., for baggage fees, Uber, or airline incidentals)
Long-term benefit: Let’s say you earn 60,000 bonus miles this year. That could cover a round-trip domestic flight next spring—or be saved up for a more ambitious international trip down the line.
Bonus: Easier Expense Tracking and Smarter Budgeting
Holiday spending can quickly spiral out of control if you’re not careful. Using a travel credit card allows you to keep better track of your expenses with tools such as:
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Digital spending summaries
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Real-time transaction alerts
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Category-specific tracking
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Optional spending caps or alerts
By putting all your holiday purchases on one card, you get a clearer picture of where your money is going. Plus, many cards let you redeem points for statement credits, giving you the option to reduce your bill with rewards you’ve already earned.
Of course, the key here is responsible use. Paying off your balance each month ensures that the benefits outweigh the costs and prevents interest from eating into your rewards.
How to Choose the Right Travel Card
There are dozens of travel credit cards out there, each with its own mix of features, fees, and benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, travel habits, and financial goals. Here’s what to consider:
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Annual Fee: Some cards have no fee; others charge $95–$695 annually. Make sure the perks justify the cost.
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Bonus Categories: Look for cards that offer extra points on the types of purchases you make most often—travel, dining, groceries, or gas.
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Redemption Options: Flexibility matters. Some cards allow transfers to airline or hotel partners, while others work best through the card issuer’s travel portal.
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Perks and Protections: Prioritize cards with strong travel benefits like insurance, rental car coverage, and lounge access.
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Foreign Transaction Fees: If you plan to travel internationally, choose a card that doesn’t charge these fees.
Pro Tip: If you're new to travel rewards, a mid-tier card with a manageable annual fee and a strong welcome bonus is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts: Timing Is on Your Side
The holiday season is one of the most expensive times of the year, but it also presents a golden opportunity to make your spending work harder. By opening a travel credit card now, you can take advantage of welcome bonuses, enjoy valuable perks, and earn rewards faster through seasonal spending.
Whether you're traveling across the country to visit family or planning a well-deserved getaway, a travel card can help reduce costs and make the journey more enjoyable. Even better, it lays the groundwork for future travel—turning everyday expenses into unforgettable experiences.
As always, make sure to use your card responsibly. Pay off your balance in full each month, avoid unnecessary purchases, and keep an eye on your spending. If you do that, the rewards will be well worth it.
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