The Ultimate Guide to Family Travel Cards: How to Choose the Best Card for Your Next Vacation

Travelling with family can be an exciting adventure, but it can also put a strain on your budget. With the rising cost of airfare, accommodations, and activities, every penny saved counts. This is where family travel cards come in handy. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this ultimate guide, we’ll help you navigate through the world of family travel cards, and choose the best one for your next vacation.

What are Family Travel Cards?

Family travel cards are credit cards designed specifically for families who love to travel. These cards offer rewards, including cashback, points, or miles, that can be redeemed towards travel-related expenses. Family travel cards also offer perks like hotel and resort upgrades, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Some cards even offer baggage fee credits, TSA Pre-check, and priority boarding.

How to Choose the Best Family Travel Card

Choosing the best family travel card can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider:

Rewards

Look for a card that offers rewards that align with your travel goals. If you prefer to travel domestically, look for a card that offers cashback for gas or groceries, or rewards points for hotel stays. If you like to travel internationally, look for a card that offers airline miles or rewards points that can be redeemed for flights.

Sign-up bonus

Many family travel cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be quite lucrative. Look for a card that offers a sign-up bonus that aligns with your travel goals and spending habits. Some cards require you to spend a certain amount within a specified period to earn the sign-up bonus. Ensure that you can meet the spending requirement without going over budget.

Annual fee

Family travel cards often come with an annual fee. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, while others don’t. Ensure that the rewards and perks of the card outweigh the annual fee. If you’re planning on canceling the card after one year, ensure that you can earn enough rewards to offset the annual fee.

Add-on cards

If you’re traveling with family, consider getting add-on cards for your spouse and children. This way, you can earn rewards faster, and your family members can enjoy the card’s perks. Some cards offer add-on cards for free, while others charge a fee.

Examples of Family Travel Cards

Here are some examples of family travel cards:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases. The sign-up bonus is 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. The annual fee is $95, which is waived for the first year. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees and primary car rental insurance.

American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card offers 4x points on dining, 4x points on groceries (up to $25,000 per year), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 1x point on all other purchases. The sign-up bonus is 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 within six months of account opening. The annual fee is $250. The card also offers $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, and no foreign transaction fees.

Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier Card offers 3x points on travel, including gas stations, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x point on all other purchases. The sign-up bonus is 80,000 points when you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. The annual fee is $95. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.

Conclusion

Family travel cards can help you save money on your next vacation and enjoy perks that make your trip more enjoyable. When choosing a card, consider rewards, sign-up bonus, annual fee, and add-on cards. Evaluate multiple options before making a decision. Happy travels!