The ideal credit card for families will offer flexible award redemptions, help with fees, and offer access to priority services on the go. How does your current credit card stack up?
These are some of the best rewards credit cards for family travelers.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Although this card is marketed towards business travelers, it’s also a great card for families. For example, this card comes with an annual airline fee credit of up to $200, which can be used for things like baggage fees, in-flight wi-fi charges, and food and beverages. You also get access to the Priority Pass Select and American Express Centurion airport lounges, many of which have kids areas. And while this card only offers access for the cardholder and two guests (infants under 2 don’t count towards this limit), you can get around that by having one family member as an additional authorized user. You can get up to three additional authorized users for a total $175 for all three. Each additional authorized user gets the same fee credit of up to $100 towards the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application. There’s a $550 annual fee for this card, and new applicants can earn 60,000 bonus points after using the card to spend $5,000 within three months of account opening (See rates and fees).
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
This card offers you points in the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program, which are worth about 1.5 cents each towards any flight with an empty seat. This kind of program is ideal for families who can’t plan their trips around the limited award availability that most other airlines offer. And while this card doesn’t offer you the benefit of a free checked bag, it doesn’t need to. Southwest is preferred by many families because it offers everyone two free checked bags on all flights. Finally, you get a $75 travel credit each year, 20% back on in-flight drinks and wifi and four upgraded boarding positions each year. There’s a $149 annual fee for this card.
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