check my travel card

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Travel charge card

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• Per Diem Lookup

What is the travel charge card? The GSA SmartPay® 3 program provides charge cards to U.S. government agencies, as well as tribal governments, through master contracts that are negotiated with major banks. 

There are currently more than 560 Federal agencies, organizations and Native American tribal governments participating in the program, spending $30 Billion annually, through 100 million transactions on more than three million cards.

There are three types of travel accounts:

• Individually billed accounts are issued to employees to pay for official travel and travel-related expenses. The government reimburses employees for authorized expenses. The employee is responsible for making payment to the bank.
• Centrally billed accounts are established by some agencies to pay for official travel expenses. Centrally billed accounts are paid directly by the government to the bank.
• GSA SmartPay Tax Advantage Travel accounts  are new product offerings that combine an Individually Billed Account (IBA) and Centrally Billed Account (CBA), providing a means to obtain tax exemption automatically at the point of sale for rental cars and lodging charges. The combined features of CBAs and IBAs are a key characteristic of this product. When using the Tax Advantage Travel Account, charges for rental cars and lodging will be automatically billed to a CBA for payment. Charges for other travel-related purchases, such as meals and incidentals, are billed to the IBA portion of the account.

What is the benefit for federal agencies? Each agency or organization using the travel charge card receives a rebate based on sales volume. The sale refund is remitted to the organization. In addition, a separate refund is provided to agencies and organizations based on improving speed of payment.

How can travel managers make it happen? In 1988, Congress mandated that federal employees use the government travel charge card for all payments of expenses related to official government travel, with some exceptions. 

Travel managers should ensure that all of their travelers use their government-issued travel charge card for all purchases of travel-related services or products such as rental cars, hotel rooms, and telephone or Internet service.

Looking for more information on SmartPay?

The GSA SmartPay program provides charge cards to U.S. government agencies/departments, as well as tribal governments, through master contracts that are negotiated with major national banks. Additionally, to contact Travel Program call 888-472-5585 or email [email protected]

• Download the complete Federal Travel Regulation
• Joint Travel Regulations
• Foreign Affairs Manual

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

Department of Defense Travel Clients

Frequently asked questions, what is the benefit of using the 24-hour automated telephone system.

Use of the 24-hour automated telephone system will allow you to obtain:

• Account balance
• Available credit
• Available cash
• Transaction history
• Payment information
• Payment mailing address

You can also:

• Make a Pay by Phone
• Activate card (Card Receipt Verification)
• Customize PIN number

Can I pay my DoD Travel Card account balance with a debit card?

No. Unfortunately Citi does not accept debit cards as a method of payment. You can make a payment using a valid checking account. You must also have the routing number available.

Other acceptable payment options available to Defense Government Travel Card clients include:

• Mailing Payment to Citi
• Pay By Phone
• Online Payments
• Wire Payments
• Auto Payment

Is there a fee to make a Pay by Phone?

There is no fee to make a payment by phone. To make a Pay by Phone you must have your routing number (9-digit ABA bank number) and a valid checking account number available.

Please call: 1-800-200-7056

• Enter in your 16-digit DoD Travel Card account number
• Enter the last 4-digits of your Social Security number
• Wait for system to provide balance, available credit, available cash, last payment posted and next payment due
• Press or say '2' for pay by phone automated payment

How long does it take for my payment to post to the account?

Payments are updated once a day, Monday through Friday (holidays excluded). Please allow 24-48 business hours after receipt of payment to post regardless of delivery method.

Why can I only get my last 5 transactions?

WIP - Citi is working to enhance the 24-hour automated telephone system to increase the number of last transactions provided.

How can I set up or reset my PIN number? Can I use it immediately?

You have the opportunity to customize your PIN number by calling the 24-hour automated telephone system. Once set it is available for immediate use.

• Press or say '4' for PIN number requests
• Input the new PIN number twice

Can my spouse/family member call to get information on my account?

Citi is authorized to give account information to the DoD Travel Card client or to a person authorized to act on his/her behalf ONLY if a Power of Attorney (POA) is on file.

• A POA is unique in every situation and must be given in writing
• A Power of Attorney is accepted by mail or fax
• Mail to: P.O Box 6125, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57117-6125
• Fax: 1-605-330-6801 or 1-866-951-8005
• The original is not necessary
• The POA should be processed within 3 business days from receipt

Note: Regardless of what the POA states the "said" person can do, Citi will only entitle the POA to do the following:

• Obtain account information (balance, payment received, general info)
• Change billing address
• Close account
• Initiate/Release a billing dispute
• Request a statement
• Report a lost/stolen/NRI card

When does my on-line password expire?

Passwords expire every 60 days. After 30 days, a password expiration warning pop up in CitiManager will begin to appear to remind cardholder that his/her password will expire in 30 days. After 60 days of inactivity, the account will suspend and the on-line password will need to be re-set.

Can my late fee be waived?

Fee adjustments are only eligible if the fee has been billed due to a Citibank error. For further concerns about this fee, please contact your Agency Program Coordinator.

Can my International fee be waived?

International fees may not be waived or disputed. For further concerns about this fee, please contact your Agency Program Coordinator.

How do I request a credit balance on my account?

Please call: 1-800-200-7056 to request a Credit Balance Refund.

• Credit Balance Refunds may be requested for any amount, there is no minimum requirement
• Credit Balance Refund checks take 2 days to process before mailing
• Credit Balance Refund checks are mailed via United States Postal Service
• Credit Balance Refund checks cannot be sent by Express Courier
• Credit Balance Refund checks are valid for 180 days from the date on the check

Or email us [email protected] and please allow three business days for us to respond.

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The Military Wallet

The Dos and Don’ts of Government Travel Charge Cards

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What is a Government Travel Charge Card?

Obtaining a government travel charge card, types of government travel charge cards, uses of a government travel card, the rules of a government travel card, how to responsibly use your government travel card, incorrect uses of a government travel card, resources and contacts.

You just received your first GTCC — the federal government’s version of a corporate travel credit card. But before your “ Wolf of Wall Street ” fantasies about perks and points come alive, it’s best to learn a bit more about how the GTCC program works, what’s expected of you as a cardholder, and how to use the card appropriately and legally.

Within this article, we explore the basics of the GTCC program at the Department of Defense, the different types of charge cards offered, and ways to obtain a card. Read on for some savvy tips on how to use (and how not to use) your government charge card so that you remain in control and out of trouble.

A GTCC is a commercial credit card offered to DoD personnel (both military and civilian) to pay for costs related to government-specific travel. For military members, this may include Permanent Change of Station moves and temporary duty assignments so that the service member doesn’t have to pay for work-related expenses out of pocket.

Currently, credit cards issued under the GTCC program are from the commercial partner, Citibank. However, the program itself is managed by DoD program coordinators within the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), who provide troubleshooting assistance to service members and federal employees. While Citibank issues GTCC credit card statements, DTMO set policy regarding GTCC use. It is the main agency that does so.

In general, military members will not have access to the GTCC program until it becomes a job requirement. Those who become eligible for holding a GTCC must first complete an online training course and then be invited to apply for the card through Citibank.

There are two main classifications for government charge cards: 

• Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) 
• Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs)

Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs)

Individually Billed Accounts are issued to service members for travel and travel-related expenses. With these types of cards, the service member is responsible for settling the account. 

According to the DoD , the Standard card options within this category are typically issued to those with a 660 or higher credit score. They have a credit limit of $7,500. 

In contrast, the Restricted card option is issued to those with lower credit scores (500-659) and has a lower credit limit of $4,000. Restricted government charge cards are closely monitored. They are sometimes deactivated during periods when travel has not been approved.

Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs) 

Centrally Billed Accounts can also be used to pay for travel expenses. 

These cards are settled directly by the U.S. government (so the cardholder has fewer personal responsibilities). They have limited use. Unlike Individually Billed Accounts, where the service member is personally liable for card charges, Centrally Billed Accounts assume government liability.

Approved uses of a government travel charge card include, but are not exclusively:

• Meals (not including alcohol)
• Transportation (airfare, train, etc.)

For additional guidance on what constitutes “official travel,” see page 14 in the GTCC Regulations (2020) and the newly amended Joint Travel Regulations (2021) .

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Responsible use of your government charge card entails three main activities: 

• Ethical use of the card for official government travel expenses only;
• Timely and accurate reporting of charges (often with printed receipts);
• Timely payment of the card’s balance

The cardinal rule to follow: the government charge card is not to be treated as a personal card in any way. It should be used only for official travel . (Commuting to work or going on a family vacation do not constitute “official travel”). 

Following the travel event such as PCS or TDY , cardholders are expected to submit a “travel claims” report within five days of its conclusion in the Defense Travel System. This should include scanned receipts of individual charges as well as amounts, dates and descriptions. Foreign currency charges must be converted into U.S. dollars.

Additionally, cardholders with Individually Billed Accounts are responsible for ensuring that the government travel card is ultimately paid off. When entering trip report details in the Defense Travel System, cardholders are encouraged to use the split disbursement option to ensure that the service member is reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses and per-diem rates while the charges on the government credit card are settled in full.

Although it isn’t difficult to imagine the multitude of ways that service members can get into hot water for misuse of government travel cards, the most common missteps involve:

• Using the card for unofficial/non-approved travel or personal use
• Overspending
• Using the split disbursement feature incorrectly
• Failing to submit timely and/or accurate travel reports in DTS
• Failing to pay the card balance on time
• Including alcohol on receipts for DTS submission 

In addition to accruing late fees, which begin at 75 days past the due date, cardmembers can have their accounts suspended or terminated for improper use of a GTCC. For more serious offenses, service members may receive formal counseling, an Article 15, or even a court-martial . Therefore, it’s best to be on the safe side and remember the basics for proper GTCC etiquette:

• Use it only for official/approved government travel;
• Provide a timely and accurate report in DTS, using the split reimbursement option;
• Ensure that the GTCC is paid off in full by the due date

For more information on the DoD GTCC:

Citibank Customer Service: 1-800-200-7056 (or 757-852-9076 when calling collect)

GTCC Travel Assistance Center: 1-888-HELP1GO (1-888-435-7146)

Citi’s DoD Travel Card Webpage

Email of the DoD Travel Card Helpdesk

DoD GTCC Regulations (2020)

DoD Joint Travel Regulations (2021)

About Post Author

Meaghan Doherty Myers

Meaghan Doherty Myers is a freelance writer, specializing in military benefits, personal finance, and defense and security issues. She holds an M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and recently graduated from the Russian language program at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. She is an Army spouse, a former ballet dancer, and a former management consultant who lives with her husband and daughter in Alexandria, VA.

See author's posts

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An official website of the United States government

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

I forgot my Known Traveler Number (KTN). How do I find it?

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, look up your Known Traveler Number (KTN) here .

 If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.

If your TSA PreCheck® benefits come through HME, TWIC®, or DoD, please visit these respective links for additional information: HME ,  TWIC® ,  DoD .

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• Create Account

Checking Your Case Status Online

We are often asked how to verify the case status. It is a very simple process. You can verify your case status online from your home or office, even from your cell phone! You only have to access USCIS’ Case Status Online directly through uscis.gov.

The Case Status Online landing page shows other quick reference online tools, such as how to change your address online, how to submit an inquiry about your case (e-Request), case processing times and how to locate a USCIS office. To check your case status using our online tool, you have to have your case receipt number. This receipt number is a unique 13-character identifier that USCIS provides for each application or petition it receives, and it’s used to identify and track its cases. The receipt number consists of three letters followed by 10 numbers. For example, the letters can be EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC or IOE. You can find it on notices of action USCIS has sent you.

Case Status Online landing page. We encourage you to read USCIS privacy act statement, which appears under the “check status” button, before checking your case status.

When entering your receipt number, you should omit dashes (”-“), but you can include all other characters, including asterisks (“*”) if they are listed on your notice as part of the receipt number.

Enter your receipt number. Omit the dashes, but include all other characters including asterisks if they are listed on your notice as part of the receipt number.

The online system will show the last action taken on your case and will let you know the next steps, if applicable. We also provide helpful reminders to keep your address current and how to submit inquiries.

The system will show your case status and let you know next steps.

If you want to check an additional case now is the time to do so by entering a new receipt number in “Enter Another Receipt Number” field. Remember to try the other online tools on the homepage or create an account with USCIS at my.uscis.gov. The personalized account allows you to receive your most recent case updates including up to the last five actions on your case, simplifies case management, and access to your electronically filed applications. It is free and easy to use!

If you still have questions or concerns on any information you can check our website at uscis.gov or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

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• Trusted Traveler Programs
• Global Entry

Global Entry Card

Global Entry cards are issued to Global Entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals.  

Activating Your Global Entry Card

To activate your card, log into your Trusted Traveler Program (TPP) account. After you log in, click on the “Activate Membership Card” button under the Program Membership(s) section.  

Using Your Global Entry Card

We accept Global Entry cards for lawful U.S. entry at land and sea ports of entry.

Global Entry cards have radio frequency identification chips, which enable their use at Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) and NEXUS travel lanes when entering the United States at the land borders. You must follow all program rules for SENTRI when using this card at the Southern land border ports of entry.

You may use this card for expedited entry into the United States via the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes. The card is not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes.

Only your passport or lawful permanent resident card are accepted at Global Entry kiosks. The Global Entry card cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks. NEXUS cards are accepted at Global Entry kiosks located on Canadian Preclearance Airports.

• OTP has been introduced for making e-com transactions through INR Prepaid Cards. The OTP will be received on customer registered mobile number.
• The daily transaction limit on SBFTC are displayed on the first page after the Customer Login into the Prepaid portal
• Gift Card Issuance Charges waived till 31.03.2018
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• Rs 9/- for Balance enquiry
• *Gift Card issuance charges are waived since beginning of launching the product, currently waived till 31-03-2016, waiver is proposed to be continued till 31.12.2017.
• & **Nil load/reload charges are applicable through CINB/INB.

State Bank Foreign Travel Card

The Smartest way of Carrying Money Abroad.

State Bank Foreign Travel Card is a card in foreign currency that makes your foreign trip secure and convenient. It is a Chip based EMV compliant Card which stores encrypted and confidential information. It offers you a convenient and secure way to carry cash anywhere in the world (valid worldwide except in India, Nepal and Bhutan).. With State Bank Foreign Travel Card (SBFTC), you can shop, dine or visit places abroad without any worries of carrying or losing cash. It relieves you of the Annual fees, joining fees, credit limits, etc., usually associated with International Debit / Credit Cards. All you have to do is produce your 'State Bank Foreign Travel Card' and you will find making payments overseas easy. SBFTC is available as both Single Currency and Multicurrency Card. Single Currency Card Single Currency Card is available in eight foreign currencies viz. US Dollar (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP), Euro (EUR), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD), Japanese Yen (JPY), Saudi Riyal (SAR) and Singapore Dollar (SGD). Multicurrency Card Multicurrency SBFTC is available in 9 foreign currencies, viz. US Dollar (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP), Euro (EUR), Japanese Yen (JPY), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Singapore Dollar (SGD) and UAE Dirham (AED).

• Cardholder has option to load all available currencies on a single card.
• Documentation
• FTC Selling Branch Address

Competitive exchange rates.

Reloadable any number of times..

Operatable by 4 digit PIN at ATMs and by PIN/Signature at Merchant Establishments.

SMS / E-Mail

Balance information after each transaction through SMS/e-mail.

Maximum amount of issue

As prescribed by the RBI/FEMA from time to time for the purpose of the visit abroad.

Balance Enquiry

Free balance enquiry at State Bank Group ATMs and VISA ATMs(at a charge).

Free balance enquiry and view / download details of transactions through https://prepaid.sbi/

Add-on-Cards

Add-on-cards not exceeding two in number to be used by the card holder in case of loss/misplacement/defacement of the card.

SMS/e-mail alerts for each transaction

*Disclaimer:The service is dependent on the infrastructure,connectivity and services provided by the service provider. State Bank of India will not be liable for any delay,inability or loss of information in the transmission of alerts.

A 24 x 7 call centre ( +91 18001234) to provide information and hot-list (block) the card in case of loss / misplacement.

This is your sign to check your credit card for travel insurance

When a trip goes haywire, travel insurance suddenly comes into focus. A recent spat between a Boston restaurant owner and a customer highlighted the intricacies — and far-reaching impacts — of what happens when a trip is canceled.

According to posts on X , the now-viral incident began in January when New York resident Trevor Chauvin-DeCaro became sick and was hospitalized. Because of his condition, Chauvin-DeCaro says he was no longer able to travel to Boston as originally planned. However, he said he used credit card travel insurance to be reimbursed for expenses including hotel, train and restaurant reservations.

Here’s where the story gets a bit murky. Chauvin-DeCaro and his husband were set to dine at Table, an upscale restaurant owned by Jen Royle in Boston’s North End. In screenshots posted to X from a social media exchange with what appears to be Royle, Chauvin-DeCaro is scolded for disputing the $250 reservation cancellation charge.

“I just wanted to thank you personally for screwing over my restaurant and my staff when you disputed your cancellation fee,” the message reads. “I really hope in the future you have more respect for restaurants, especially small businesses such as mine. Pathetic.”

In a heated exchange, the restaurant insists the $250 charge was a credit card dispute while Chauvin-DeCaro stresses his use of credit card travel insurance, even noting that “the decision to use [it] to cover the lofty cancellation fee was not made lightly.”

Filing an insurance claim with your credit card company is different from a dispute. For many travelers, your credit card may come with built-in travel protections and you may not even know it. Here’s how to use it properly.

How credit card travel insurance works

Whether it’s a trip across the world — or in Chauvin-DeCaro’s case, up to Boston — having travel insurance can provide major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

There are dozens of credit cards with embedded travel insurance coverage, which include policies like trip interruption and cancellation ; delayed and lost baggage; rental car coverage; emergency medical assistance and more. Your credit card agreement will detail this coverage.

Many popular credit cards, like the Platinum Card from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, offer these benefits. “If you have a card that’s travel-focused, there’s a good chance you may have travel protection benefits and not even realize it,” says Stella Shon, a credit card expert for Upgraded Points . “Every cardholder has a benefits guide online from their issuer so a first step is to check there.”

To qualify for coverage, a traveler must use that specific card to make the travel purchases and provide proof, as with any insurance policy. When the time comes to file a claim, there’s usually an option to either call a specific number to call or do it online, Shon says.

Filing an insurance claim vs. disputing a charge

While it may seem like semantics, there is a major distinction between a disputed charge and a travel insurance claim, according to Gary Leff, a credit card expert and founder of the View From the Wing blog.

“Disputing a credit card charge is for when you didn’t actually make a purchase that was billed to you, when the product or service provided isn’t what had been described, or when you don’t receive what you bought,” Leff says. In other words, a dispute addresses risks when the transaction itself goes awry. A dispute can be requested on any credit card under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Conversely, embedded credit card travel insurance, underwritten by a third-party company and labeled as “trip interruption” or “trip cancellation,” for instance, operates differently. Typically, it’s higher-end credit cards like American Express’s Platinum Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card that offer this benefit.

Card travel insurance offers reimbursement for nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses when incidents arise before or during a trip. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance: peace of mind.

“You may have agreed to make a purchase, but circumstances outside of yours and the merchant’s control mean you’re unable to take advantage of that purchase,” Leff says. In other words, travel insurance addresses risks outside of a transaction. In either instance, travelers must provide documentation to go along with the claim.

Then, on the merchant side, there are key differences between a customer disputing a charge versus filing a travel insurance claim. Axel Hellman, co-founder of transportation company OurBus , says that “a travel insurance claim has no impact on the business.” Hellman notes that he typically wouldn’t even know if a customer uses an insurance benefit.

Neither Chauvin-DeCaro nor Royle responded to a request for an interview by The Washington Post. Spokespeople for both American Express and Chase say there wouldn’t ever be a situation in which credit card travel insurance would submit a dispute for the cardholder.

However, a disputed charge filed by a customer can have “significantly negative” consequences. “Businesses like ours are not only fined when there’s a dispute, but eventually we could lose processing privileges,” Hellman says. “That’s regardless if the dispute is valid or not.”

Meanwhile, the social media exchange between Chauvin-DeCaro and Royle continued to escalate and ended with Table’s owner threatening legal action.

A combination of an insurance claim and a dispute may have been at play here. Leff suspects that Chauvin-DeCaro may have contacted his credit card company to make an insurance claim and the agent initiated a dispute on his behalf. That further highlights the importance of travelers distinguishing between the two.

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A beginner's guide to travel credit cards

Key takeaways

• Travel reward programs allow you to earn points or miles when you make purchases with certain credit cards.
• Once you hit a specific spending threshold, points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related perks.
• The point-to-dollar exchange rate varies widely with each program and could add up to big savings, but program fees could offset the benefits in some cases.
• Rewards cards that aren't tied to a specific company often let you transfer points to a participating travel partner like a hotel or airline.

Using credit to book travel can unlock cheaper, even free ways to see the world if you play your cards right. Travel credit cards also may offer airport lounge access or rewards you can redeem for travel-related perks like hotel or flight upgrades. There's a reason why 41% of Americans already use a travel rewards credit card, according to a 2023 NerdWallet survey. 1 But choosing one can be daunting. Here's how travel rewards work and how to navigate the options.

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How do travel rewards work?

Travel reward programs function on a simple premise: You earn points or miles by spending on a designated credit card. Depending on the specific card, transactions such as booking flights or hotel stays through partner companies can earn you these points. Some cards even offer points on everyday purchases, like groceries or gas, or for every dollar spent. You could even earn bonus incentives by signing up (these are called introductory offers) or by passing a spending threshold on certain types of purchases.

Once you've accumulated enough points, you can then spend them on benefits within your travel rewards programs, such as flights, hotel stays, upgrades, and more, depending on the program. And these points can add up to some serious savings. Although it's tricky to assign a specific dollar value to points (more on that later), a 2023 survey found that the average travel card holder had a balance of over 50,000 points. 2

If these rewards would act as a coupon for your current spending habits, a travel rewards credit card could be a good financial move if you'd save more than the annual fees and pay off your balance each month. But if one of these credit cards would encourage you to spend more than you would without it, then a travel rewards program may end up costing you more money than it saves.

Travel rewards and credit card features to consider

Every travel rewards program is unique, but here are some common features to consider when trying to score travel rewards with a credit card.

Annual fees

An annual fee is the cost of owning a travel rewards credit card and reaping the benefits that come with it. Not all travel rewards credit cards have annual fees, but those that do can range from less than $50 to more than $500. 3 While these fees may sound like a drawback, they often correlate with enhanced benefits and rewards potentially including lucrative sign-up bonuses, complimentary travel insurance, and airport lounge access, to name a few.

Before committing to a card with an annual fee, it's important to do a cost-benefit analysis first. Weigh the value of the benefits against the annual fee and decide whether the card would save you money, based on your spending habits and travel aspirations. Also, keep an eye out for waived annual fees in the intro period enabling you to test-drive the card's features without an immediate financial commitment. An introductory bonus offer may cover a card's annual fee for one year, for example, which could be a good trial run to see if the card's perks are worth it.

Initial spend/sign-up bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are an incentive to join a credit card travel rewards program. These bonuses typically come in the form of points or miles awarded to your account—commonly in bulk, at one time—after meeting a minimum spending requirement in a specific timeframe. It gives you a head start on accumulating rewards and can help justify an annual fee (if there is one). Like many promotions, rewards for new cardholders can change at any time, so keep in mind that an offer you see today could be different tomorrow.

And while the allure of a boatload of points may seem irresistible, read the fine print so you know up front whether the required spending aligns with your budget and financial habits. Ultimately, sign-up bonuses (and travel rewards in general) are designed to encourage you to spend more on a given card. This gamification of spending may seem exciting, but it can also foster bad financial habits if you aren't careful. A good guideline to help keep spending in check is to never put more on a credit card than what you can pay off when the bill comes. If the card offers a reward for signing up, consider the long-term value beyond that initial bonus.

Cash-conversion rate for points

Once you've narrowed down your travel rewards program options, get a rough estimate of the cash conversion rate for points or miles. Some programs allow you to directly convert your points to cash and pay down your credit card bill, in which case, the point-to-dollar ratio shouldn't be too hard to figure out. But many don't, only allowing you to spend those points or miles to book travel.

The value of your points or their redemption value aren't always a one-for-one exchange. Online calculators are one way to check whether a specific rewards deal is a good one.

Although it varies from card to card, points may have more lucrative redemption values for some rewards over others. For instance, booking travel through the card issuer's portal might mean 100,000 points gets you a $100 flight—but booking that same flight on another platform might cost 150,000 points. If this sounds confusing that's because it is, and each program has its own incredibly nuanced points exchange program. Online communities for travel rewards points could be another resource for decoding the points value for your specific program and getting info about how other travelers have used their points.

Foreign transaction fees

A foreign transaction fee is an extra charge added to transactions that aren't in US dollars. This includes charges on the ground in another country and purchases online from retailers that work in different currencies. Although these fees vary from card to card, they usually range from 1% to 3% of the transaction. 4

If all your travel is domestic or in countries that use US dollars, you won't have to worry about these fees. But if you plan to travel internationally, you might want to look for a card that waives foreign transaction fees. This will ensure that you're not charged extra for that croissant in Paris or for those souvenirs in Tokyo.

General travel vs. specific travel company rewards

Some travel rewards programs are tied to a specific airline or hotel, while others reward you for spending no matter who you book with. If you always book with a specific airline, stay at one brand of hotel, or use a specific rental car company, you could get more value for your points—or earn more points—if you use that company's travel rewards credit card.

Transfer point programs

Many general travel rewards credit cards let you transfer their points to loyalty programs at different hotels and airlines, which you can then redeem for hotel stays and flights. These exchange programs tend to have a higher redemption value than programs offering cash back and, by most estimates, are the best way to maximize the benefits of a travel rewards credit card. Keep in mind that credit card companies have different exchange rates for each hotel and airline partner, so you'll have to determine on a case-by-case basis whether an exchange program is worthwhile for your specific card.

Airport perks

Airport lounge access is a popular perk for travel rewards credit card holders, especially those who travel often. Some programs will also cover the cost of programs that make getting through airport security easier. Consider the annual fees associated with each card and whether these perks would cost less if you paid for them with cash—and without paying for the card.

Consider general cash-back cards

Making the most of a travel rewards program can be a lot of work. Not to mention, travel rewards points can't always be easily redeemed unless you plan to travel. If you're looking for a less fussy and more liquid way to earn rewards for your credit card spending, consider a general cash-back card. Typically, these credit cards give you a percentage of your total spending back in cash without having to calculate exchange rates or redemption values.

One to consider: the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card, which can earn you unlimited 2% cash back on everyday spending. 5 That cash back can be deposited into any eligible Fidelity account, 6 giving your money more chances to grow.

Spend and earn at the same time

Spending on your Fidelity ® Rewards Visa Signature ® Card can put money in your Fidelity account.

More to explore

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Oh, hello again, thanks for subscribing to looking for more ideas and insights you might like these too:, looking for more ideas and insights you might like these too:, fidelity viewpoints ® timely news and insights from our pros on markets, investing, and personal finance. (debug tcm:2 ... decode crypto clarity on crypto every month. build your knowledge with education for all levels. fidelity smart money ℠ what the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. active investor our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools. insights from fidelity wealth management ℠ timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top fidelity thought leaders. women talk money real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers. educational webinars and events free financial education from fidelity and other leading industry professionals. fidelity viewpoints ® timely news and insights from our pros on markets, investing, and personal finance. (debug tcm:2 ... decode crypto clarity on crypto every month. build your knowledge with education for all levels. fidelity smart money ℠ what the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. active investor our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools. insights from fidelity wealth management ℠ timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top fidelity thought leaders. women talk money real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers. educational webinars and events free financial education from fidelity and other leading industry professionals. done add subscriptions no, thanks. 1. erin el issa, "how the 41% of americans with a travel credit card can boost rewards," nerdwallet, march 28, 2023. 2. erin el issa, "how the 41% of americans with a travel credit card can boost rewards." 3. beverly harzog, "best travel rewards credit cards of 2024," u.s. news and world report, april 9, 2024. 4. lyle daly, "what happens if a credit card's sign-up bonus increases after you get the card," the accent: motely fool, november 14, 2024 5. you will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible net purchases (net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns) that you charge. account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. upon approval, refer to your program rules for additional information. subject to applicable law, you may not redeem reward points, and you will immediately lose all of your reward points, if your account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). reward points will not expire as long as your account remains open. certain transactions are not eligible for reward points, including advances (as defined in the agreement, including wire transfers, travelers checks, money orders, foreign cash transactions, betting transactions, lottery tickets and atm disbursements), convenience checks, balance transfers, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, overdraft advances, interest charges, fees, credit insurance charges, transactions to fund certain prepaid card products, u.s. mint purchases, or transactions to purchase cash convertible items. the 2% cash back rewards value applies only to points redeemed for a deposit into an eligible fidelity ® account. the redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or statement credit. other restrictions apply. full details appear in the program rules new card customers receive with their card. establishment or ownership of a fidelity ®  account or other relationship with fidelity investments ®  is not required to obtain a card or to be eligible to use points to obtain any rewards offered under the program other than fidelity rewards. 6. eligible accounts include most nonretirement registrations as well as traditional ira, roth ira, rollover ira, sep ira, fidelity charitable ® giving account ® , fidelity hsa ® , and fidelity ® -managed 529 college savings plan accounts. the ability to contribute to an ira or 529 college savings plan account is subject to irs rules and specific program policies, including those on eligibility and annual and maximum contribution limits. full details appear in the program guidelines new card customers receive with their card. contributions to fidelity charitable ® are generally eligible for a federal income tax charitable deduction. please consult with your tax advisor. the list of eligible registration types may change without notice at fidelity’s sole discretion. for more information about whether a particular registration is eligible, please call 1-800-fidelity (800-343-3548). the third parties mentioned herein and fidelity investments are independent entities and are not legally affiliated. the views expressed are as of the date indicated and may change based on market or other conditions. unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author, as applicable, and not necessarily those of fidelity investments. the third-party contributors are not employed by fidelity but are compensated for their services. the fidelity investments and pyramid design logo is a registered service mark of fmr llc. the third-party trademarks and service marks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. fidelity brokerage services llc, member nyse, sipc , 900 salem street, smithfield, ri 02917 © 2024 fmr llc. all rights reserved. 1141513.1.0 mutual funds etfs fixed income bonds cds options active trader pro investor centers stocks online trading annuities life insurance & long term care small business retirement plans 529 plans iras retirement products retirement planning charitable giving fidsafe , (opens in a new window) finra's brokercheck , (opens in a new window) health savings account stay connected.

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