Glossary Terms
Plum - Rewards, Incentives and Payouts Platform
- Travel Cards
- What are travel cards?
- What are travel cards used for?
- What are the benefits of travel cards?
- What are the different types of travel cards?
- What is the best travel credit card?
- What are the key features to consider when choosing a travel card?
- What are the tips for choosing the right travel card?
- How to use travel cards effectively?
- Where is the Known Traveler Number on the Global Entry card?
Travel Cards
Travel cards are financial instruments designed to facilitate transactions and access funds while traveling domestically or internationally.
These cards come in various forms, including credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards, each offering distinct features tailored to the needs of modern travelers.
What are travel cards?
Travel cards are specialized credit cards designed for individuals who frequently travel. They often offer travel rewards, airline miles, hotel discounts, and other benefits tailored to travelers' needs.
The primary purpose of travel cards is to provide convenience, security, and financial flexibility during travel, minimizing the hassle associated with carrying cash and simplifying transactions in foreign countries.
What are travel cards used for?
Travel cards are primarily used for making purchases while traveling, both domestically and internationally. They offer benefits such as earning rewards on travel-related expenses, access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and other perks that can enhance the overall travel experience.
What are the benefits of travel cards?
The benefits of travel cards include:
- Convenience and accessibility: Travel cards provide a convenient and secure way to access funds and make payments while traveling domestically or internationally.
- Cost savings and avoidance of currency exchange fees: Travel cards can help travelers save money on transaction fees and exchange rate fluctuations, providing a cost-effective alternative to carrying cash.
- Protection against fraud and theft: Travel cards offer enhanced security features to protect against unauthorized transactions and fraudulent activities, providing peace of mind to travelers.
- Accumulation of rewards points and travel miles: Many travel cards offer rewards programs that allow travelers to earn points or miles for every dollar spent. These points or miles can be redeemed for various benefits, such as free flights, hotel stays, or cashback.
What are the different types of travel cards?
There are three main types of travel cards:
1. Credit cards
- Benefits and features: Travel credit cards often include perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and concierge services. They also offer rewards programs tailored to travelers, including bonus points for travel-related purchases and redemption options for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Comparison of popular travel credit cards: Popular travel credit cards vary in terms of rewards, annual fees, and additional benefits. Comparing rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, and annual fees can help travelers choose the right card for their needs.
2. Debit cards
- Advantages and limitations: Debit cards offer the convenience of accessing funds directly from your bank account, eliminating the risk of accruing debt. However, they may have limitations such as foreign transaction fees and lower fraud protection than credit cards.
- Best practices for using debit cards abroad: To minimize the risk of fraud, it's essential to notify your bank of your travel plans, monitor transactions regularly, and avoid using ATMs in non-secure locations.
3. Prepaid travel cards
- How they work: Prepaid travel cards are loaded with a specific amount of money before travel and can be used like debit or credit cards for purchases and withdrawals. Since they are not linked to your bank account, they offer the advantage of budget control and security.
- Pros and cons: While prepaid travel cards offer security and budget control, they may come with fees for loading funds and ATM withdrawals. Additionally, they may not offer the same rewards and benefits as credit cards.
What is the best travel credit card?
The best travel credit card can vary depending on individual preferences, travel habits, and spending patterns. Some popular options include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum Card, and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's essential to compare each card's features, rewards, fees, and benefits to determine which aligns best with your needs.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a travel card?
When choosing a travel card, it's essential to consider the following key features:
- Foreign transaction fees: Look for cards that offer no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges when purchasing abroad.
- Currency conversion rates: When traveling internationally, opt for cards with competitive currency conversion rates to get the most value for your money.
- Rewards and perks: Evaluate the rewards programs and additional benefits the card offers, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and concierge services.
- Security measures: Choose cards with robust security features such as EMV chips, PIN protection, and fraud monitoring to safeguard against unauthorized transactions and fraudulent activities.
- Accessibility and acceptance worldwide: Ensure the card is widely accepted at merchants and ATMs worldwide to avoid travel inconvenience.
What are the tips for choosing the right travel card?
When choosing a travel card, consider the following tips:
- Assessing personal travel habits and needs: Determine your travel habits and preferences to find a card that aligns with your specific needs and offers relevant benefits.
- Research card options and offers: Research different travel cards available in the market, comparing rewards, fees, and additional benefits to find the best fit for you.
- Comparing fees and terms: Pay attention to annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and ATM withdrawal fees, comparing them across different cards to minimize costs.
- Checking card acceptance and network coverage: Ensure the card is widely accepted at merchants and ATMs worldwide, especially in the destinations you plan to visit.
How to use travel cards effectively?
To make the most of your travel card, follow these tips:
- Notify your bank or card issuer of travel plans: Inform your bank or card issuer of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage or security alerts while abroad.
- Understand card policies and terms: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your travel card, including fees, rewards programs, and security features, to avoid any surprises during your travels.
- Utilize travel card benefits and rewards wisely: Your travel card offers benefits and rewards, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and rewards points, to enhance your travel experience.
- Monitor transactions and report any suspicious activity: Regularly monitor your card transactions and report any unauthorized or suspicious activity to your bank or card issuer immediately to prevent potential fraud or theft.
Where is the Known Traveler Number on the Global Entry card?
The Known Traveler Number (KTN) is typically found on the back of the Global Entry card, printed in the Trusted Traveler ID field. It is a unique nine-digit number assigned to individuals approved for trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, Nexus, or SENTRI.
