Someday I'll fly away – is collecting credit card travel rewards more than just a pipe dream? | Personal Finance

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If you want to get the most out of your credit card and long to see the world, why not check out the great deals available on Air Miles credit cards today and see how far your grocery shopping can take you?

The good thing about credit cards that allow you to start collecting credit card travel is that you're being rewarded for just making the purchases you already make in the shops that you favour. These cards work to your advantage as long as you sign up for the right one, and make sure your favourite outlets are partners to the scheme you've joined. Signing up for a card which will mean you have to shop elsewhere may not only cost you more in petrol, but will also change your spending habits and can mean your shopping bill comes to more every week than you might normally spend.

Comparison sites are an invaluable tool when searching for the right credit card, but it's also wise to get a copy of your credit rating file before making any applications, so you can assess which product is best suited to your needs. Credit rejections are noted on your file alongside acceptances and so it's best to avoid applying for the wrong package wherever possible to keep your rating healthy. Visit any credit check site to receive a detailed copy of your credit file. Most sites offer this as a free service so shop around and make sure you're not paying for information you are entitled to.

Once you have made a decision as to which product suits you best, check out which outlets are partners in the scheme and consider whether you would have to change your current spending habits to benefit from the travel rewards offered. If you are not going to be rewarded at outlets that you normally use, check out the partners of other cards. These may have higher rates of interest but if you're getting the rewards you want, it might be worth considering rather than having to spend your money at outlets you don't normally use and on products you would rather not buy just to get the rewards you want.

Some people will apply for any type of card out of desperation to get credit and don't realise that rejections are noted on your file as well as acceptances. This is also true if you phone a current lender and ask for your credit limit to be upped and you are turned down. That's why having your file in front of you when you make any credit decision is a very helpful tool; knowing which credit cards are out of your remit before applying saves you negative marks on your file and allows you the freedom to choose a product that better suits your needs while you rebuild your credit rating.

Whichever card you do choose, a quick visit to the Air Miles site can help you get your head around the best ways to qualify for the most Miles. Tips on which affiliates get you the most for your money mean that even when you're purchasing a holiday with this great loyalty scheme you'll be building up your Air Miles in order to get you going on the next one!

About the Author

Jason Maxwell, a freelance writer for Money-Now.co.uk, has published a number of personal finance articles and has her finger on the pulse of credit card travel rewards. If you're looking for further impartial advice about credit cards visit the OFT.

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