Your 2024 Credit Card Checklist for Summer Travel

For many people, a checklist is a key step in travel preparation. Passport – check. Phone charger – check. But are you making sure you’re taking advantage of the travel benefits your credit card offers?

Whether you’re a seasoned air traveler or a novice who’s heading out to explore the world for the first time, the right credit card can make traveling more convenient and comfortable. This is good news for the 50% of Americans who plan to travel more in 2024 than they did in 2023, according to a survey by Fidelity National Financial IPX1031.

Here’s a list of credit cards to review before you hit the road this summer.

1. Bring a map

First, make sure you bring a credit card! Many airlines, and even entire airports, no longer accept cash payments. This means you’ll need a card to pay for pre-takeoff drinks or in-flight snacks. You can even earn extra rewards.

For example, if restaurants are a bonus category on your card, then airport seats will generally still earn a higher bonus rate. If your card earns rewards on travel purchases, then you’ll generally earn that bonus on in-flight purchases.

2. Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear

Airports are more crowded than ever, with the number of air passengers up 6 percent year over year and international travel up 24 percent, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association and the Tourism Economics Society.

To help ease the lines, check to see if your credit card offers a line of credit toward TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear. These programs allow you to get through security or customs quickly, but since they all require a background check and in-person interview, you must sign up in advance of your trip. Even if you don’t get verified for this trip, sign up now so you’re ready for your next trip.

3. Register for lounge access

Airport lounges offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of airport terminals, and most lounges offer free food and drinks. If your card allows you access to Priority Pass lounges, you’ll need to sign up for that benefit before you depart.

Don’t forget your physical membership card, or, even easier, download the Priority Pass app and use your phone to access the lounge.

4. Notify your issuer of your travel plans

Few things can cause as much of a problem as having your credit card unexpectedly expire when you’re abroad, especially when you’re abroad. With credit card fraud rates on the rise, your card could become invalid if you spend outside of your normal patterns or locations. To prevent this, notify your card issuer before you travel. You can usually do this online or through an app, but make sure you travel with at least two cards, just in case.

5. Avoid paying forex transaction fees

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure the card you have doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If your card does charge these fees, try to get another card before you leave the country.

6. Pay with the credit card with the highest points

Be sure to find opportunities to make the most of your trip and earn great rewards. For example, if you know you’ll be staying at a Hilton brand hotel, you might consider applying for one of the Hilton credit cards offered by American Express and earn up to 14 Hilton points for every $1 spent at the hotel. These points can accumulate quickly and easily pay for your future travel.

But you’ll need to carry your physical card with you. Many hotels don’t accept digital wallets for payment, so if you can’t swipe your card, you’ll miss out on these increased rewards.

7. Check your credit card for money-saving offers

Many card issuers have programs, such as AmEx Offers, Chase Offers, and Bank of America’s BankAmeriDeals, that allow you to add rotating promotional offers to your card and earn extra points or cash back on purchases at select merchants. Be sure to check these offers to see where you can spend during your travels. Just pay attention to the fine print – these offers often exclude or only include international merchants.