Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
When it comes to joining Costco, there are two memberships to choose from. A basic Gold Star membership at Costco costs $65 per year, while an Executive membership costs $130.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!But there’s a big perk to the Executive membership — earning 2% cash back on purchases. And if you spend $3,250 per year at Costco, which is certainly feasible if you shop there twice a month or more, you make back the $65 upgrade fee. From there, every additional dollar of cash back you earn on your Executive membership is money in your pocket.The Executive membership clearly offers a lot of value, because it’s Costco’s most popular. But here are a few drawbacks of an Executive membership you should know about.1. Certain purchases aren’t eligible for cash backAn Executive membership at Costco will give you cash back on most of the items you buy, including appliances and travel packages. But there are certain purchases that don’t qualify for cash back with an Executive membership. These include:GasCigarettesAlcoholStampsFood court mealsCostco Shop Cards (the store’s version of a gift card)The good news, though, is that with the right credit card, you can set yourself up for cash back even if your Executive membership won’t give you any. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco so you can maximize your rewards.2. There are certain purchases you can’t make with your rewards certificateAs an Executive member, you’ll be issued a rewards certificate once a year that you can use for purchases at Costco. But there are certain purchases you can’t spend your rewards certificate on. These include:GasFood court mealsTravel (though remember, travel bookings earn you cash back)Costco.com purchasesThat said, if you want to use your Executive membership reward for online purchases, you can always redeem it for a Costco Shop Card at a store and then use that Shop Card to check out online.3. You may be tempted to overspend knowing you get cash back on what you’re buyingThe nice thing about Costco is that you’ll find a wide variety of products for sale under the same roof. But that can also be a bad thing, since it could lead to overspending. And you may be especially inclined to overspend if you have an Executive membership.Because that membership puts cash back in your pocket, you might more easily justify certain impulse buys knowing you’ll get a portion of your spending back. But that’s not a great line of thinking.If you impulse-buy a $20 sweater you don’t need, you’re getting $0.40 back with an Executive membership. That’s hardly going to soften the blow of an extra $20 charge on your credit card.Costco’s Executive membership makes sense for a lot of people. And if you shop at the store regularly, it could very well make sense for you, too. Just keep these pitfalls on your radar if you’re going to upgrade your membership. And take steps to work around them, like being savvy with the credit card you use or reminding yourself to stick to a shopping list so you don’t go over your budget.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

When it comes to joining Costco, there are two memberships to choose from. A basic Gold Star membership at Costco costs $65 per year, while an Executive membership costs $130.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

But there’s a big perk to the Executive membership — earning 2% cash back on purchases. And if you spend $3,250 per year at Costco, which is certainly feasible if you shop there twice a month or more, you make back the $65 upgrade fee. From there, every additional dollar of cash back you earn on your Executive membership is money in your pocket.

The Executive membership clearly offers a lot of value, because it’s Costco’s most popular. But here are a few drawbacks of an Executive membership you should know about.

1. Certain purchases aren’t eligible for cash back

An Executive membership at Costco will give you cash back on most of the items you buy, including appliances and travel packages. But there are certain purchases that don’t qualify for cash back with an Executive membership. These include:

• Gas
• Cigarettes
• Alcohol
• Stamps
• Food court meals
• Costco Shop Cards (the store’s version of a gift card)

The good news, though, is that with the right credit card, you can set yourself up for cash back even if your Executive membership won’t give you any. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco so you can maximize your rewards.

2. There are certain purchases you can’t make with your rewards certificate

As an Executive member, you’ll be issued a rewards certificate once a year that you can use for purchases at Costco. But there are certain purchases you can’t spend your rewards certificate on. These include:

• Gas
• Food court meals
• Travel (though remember, travel bookings earn you cash back)
• Costco.com purchases

That said, if you want to use your Executive membership reward for online purchases, you can always redeem it for a Costco Shop Card at a store and then use that Shop Card to check out online.

3. You may be tempted to overspend knowing you get cash back on what you’re buying

The nice thing about Costco is that you’ll find a wide variety of products for sale under the same roof. But that can also be a bad thing, since it could lead to overspending. And you may be especially inclined to overspend if you have an Executive membership.

Because that membership puts cash back in your pocket, you might more easily justify certain impulse buys knowing you’ll get a portion of your spending back. But that’s not a great line of thinking.

If you impulse-buy a $20 sweater you don’t need, you’re getting $0.40 back with an Executive membership. That’s hardly going to soften the blow of an extra $20 charge on your credit card.

Costco’s Executive membership makes sense for a lot of people. And if you shop at the store regularly, it could very well make sense for you, too. Just keep these pitfalls on your radar if you’re going to upgrade your membership. And take steps to work around them, like being savvy with the credit card you use or reminding yourself to stick to a shopping list so you don’t go over your budget.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
We’re all familiar with the usual credit card benefits: cash back, points for travel, and the occasional upgrade if you’re lucky. But did you know some of the best credit cards offer perks that can help with everything from replacing a cellphone to last-minute concert tickets? Some of these features go way beyond the basics, giving cardholders access to experiences and savings they might not even know about.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Here’s a deeper look at four surprisingly useful benefits that add value to your card.1. Cellphone insuranceIf you’re one of those people who treat their phone with all the care of a bouncing ball, this perk might save you a ton of money. Several cards, even some with no annual fee, offer cellphone insurance as long as you pay your phone bill with the card.This perk typically covers damage or theft with a small deductible, which is a huge help when considering how much it can cost to fix or replace a phone. It’s like having a little safety net for those “oops” moments, whether it’s a drop in the driveway or an accidental dip in the pool. Just double-check the policy details; the coverage might not include wear and tear or minor scratches, but for major mishaps, it’s a lifesaver.2. VIP event access and reservationsImagine this: it’s Friday night, and you want a table at that impossible-to-book restaurant that everyone’s talking about. Or maybe you’re eyeing a concert that sold out weeks ago. With certain credit cards you can use concierge services to snag exclusive tickets or hard-to-get reservations.These services act like your personal assistant, helping you get access to exclusive events, VIP sections, and special experiences. The concierge is there to make things happen, whether it’s an invite-only art exhibit, a red-carpet premiere, or a last-minute reservation at a top-tier restaurant. It’s a perk that adds a little luxury to your life and is perfect for those who like to feel like an insider without putting in the legwork.3. Free museum accessFor those who enjoy museum visits but hate the idea of shelling out for every entry fee, there’s a credit card benefit that might make your cultural outings much easier on the wallet. Bank of America credit and debit cards offer free admission to participating museums, zoos, and aquariums across the U.S. on certain days. It’s an ideal perk for families looking to add educational outings to their weekend plans or for anyone wanting to drop by an art exhibit or science museum casually.You don’t need to be a serious art critic to enjoy this — just grab your card, check which museums participate, and explore a new exhibit without paying a dime. Bonus: if you’re traveling, this benefit extends to museums in other cities, giving you a reason to make a quick cultural pit stop on your next trip.Looking for a new credit card to take on vacation? Click here for our best travel rewards credit cards.4. Price protectionYou know that feeling when you buy something at full price, only to see it discounted a week later? Price protection can be a lifesaver in those moments. For example, some Wells Fargo cards will reimburse you the difference if an item you bought goes on sale shortly after.While not every card offers this perk, if yours does, it’s like having a personal shopper who always finds the best deal — even after you’ve made the purchase. If you buy a new laptop for $1,200 and its price drops to $1,000 within a set period, your credit card could refund the $200 difference.Just check your card’s fine print since policies vary on the time frame and items eligible for this protection. But for big-ticket items, it’s a benefit worth knowing about — and using.In the end, these quirky perks prove that credit cards aren’t just for earning cash back or redeeming travel points. From cellphone insurance to VIP access and museum days, credit cards offer surprising extras that can make your day to day a little bit easier (and a lot more enjoyable).So, the next time you’re considering applying for a new card, check out these lesser-known perks — you might be surprised at what’s available and how it can unexpectedly elevate your lifestyle.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bank of America. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

We’re all familiar with the usual credit card benefits: cash back, points for travel, and the occasional upgrade if you’re lucky. But did you know some of the best credit cards offer perks that can help with everything from replacing a cellphone to last-minute concert tickets? Some of these features go way beyond the basics, giving cardholders access to experiences and savings they might not even know about.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Here’s a deeper look at four surprisingly useful benefits that add value to your card.

1. Cellphone insurance

If you’re one of those people who treat their phone with all the care of a bouncing ball, this perk might save you a ton of money. Several cards, even some with no annual fee, offer cellphone insurance as long as you pay your phone bill with the card.

This perk typically covers damage or theft with a small deductible, which is a huge help when considering how much it can cost to fix or replace a phone. It’s like having a little safety net for those “oops” moments, whether it’s a drop in the driveway or an accidental dip in the pool. Just double-check the policy details; the coverage might not include wear and tear or minor scratches, but for major mishaps, it’s a lifesaver.

2. VIP event access and reservations

Imagine this: it’s Friday night, and you want a table at that impossible-to-book restaurant that everyone’s talking about. Or maybe you’re eyeing a concert that sold out weeks ago. With certain credit cards you can use concierge services to snag exclusive tickets or hard-to-get reservations.

These services act like your personal assistant, helping you get access to exclusive events, VIP sections, and special experiences. The concierge is there to make things happen, whether it’s an invite-only art exhibit, a red-carpet premiere, or a last-minute reservation at a top-tier restaurant. It’s a perk that adds a little luxury to your life and is perfect for those who like to feel like an insider without putting in the legwork.

3. Free museum access

For those who enjoy museum visits but hate the idea of shelling out for every entry fee, there’s a credit card benefit that might make your cultural outings much easier on the wallet. Bank of America credit and debit cards offer free admission to participating museums, zoos, and aquariums across the U.S. on certain days. It’s an ideal perk for families looking to add educational outings to their weekend plans or for anyone wanting to drop by an art exhibit or science museum casually.

You don’t need to be a serious art critic to enjoy this — just grab your card, check which museums participate, and explore a new exhibit without paying a dime. Bonus: if you’re traveling, this benefit extends to museums in other cities, giving you a reason to make a quick cultural pit stop on your next trip.

Looking for a new credit card to take on vacation? Click here for our best travel rewards credit cards.

4. Price protection

You know that feeling when you buy something at full price, only to see it discounted a week later? Price protection can be a lifesaver in those moments. For example, some Wells Fargo cards will reimburse you the difference if an item you bought goes on sale shortly after.

While not every card offers this perk, if yours does, it’s like having a personal shopper who always finds the best deal — even after you’ve made the purchase. If you buy a new laptop for $1,200 and its price drops to $1,000 within a set period, your credit card could refund the $200 difference.

Just check your card’s fine print since policies vary on the time frame and items eligible for this protection. But for big-ticket items, it’s a benefit worth knowing about — and using.

In the end, these quirky perks prove that credit cards aren’t just for earning cash back or redeeming travel points. From cellphone insurance to VIP access and museum days, credit cards offer surprising extras that can make your day to day a little bit easier (and a lot more enjoyable).

So, the next time you’re considering applying for a new card, check out these lesser-known perks — you might be surprised at what’s available and how it can unexpectedly elevate your lifestyle.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bank of America. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There’s a reason I shop at Costco almost every week. The store’s bulk discounts make it possible for me to save money in the course of feeding my family.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!But while there’s a long list of items I tend to buy from Costco on a regular basis, there are also a few specific items I won’t purchase in bulk from Costco. Here are three in particular that I tend to buy at my regular supermarket — and you may want to do the same.1. CerealAm I the only person who thinks cereal is sort of a scam? Often, you’re paying $6 or $7 for a box that’s supposedly filled with wholesome ingredients only to find yourself hungry 30 minutes after eating a large bowl.But like it or not, cereal is a necessity in my household. And while I can’t help but factor it into my grocery budget, I don’t like to buy it from Costco.The reason? Costco doesn’t sell much cereal under Kirkland, its signature brand. Rather, what I usually see are bulk boxes of name brands at a discount compared to my regular supermarket.But at my regular supermarket, I can buy the store brand and pay even less. So it makes sense for me to do that rather than pay a premium (albeit a smaller one) at Costco.Also, another thing that annoys me about cereal is that makers of it haven’t yet found a way to make those bags resealable. This means that once you open a box of cereal, you have a pretty short window of time to finish it before it starts to go stale. Because of that, I’m not interested in buying even larger boxes of cereal at Costco.2. CondimentsWe’re salad eaters in my household, so we tend to like to try different dressings. And I will admittedly put ketchup on surprising things, so we go through a lot of that, too. (Have you tried it on watermelon? I promise, it’s not as gross as you think.)But here’s the thing about condiments. By nature, they tend to sit out on the table or counter for long periods of time. And so I’d rather buy them in smaller quantities so we can use them up more quickly.Besides, I’ve found that if you stock up on condiments at the supermarket strategically, you can save money.In my area, for example, you’ll almost always find ketchup and mustard on sale before Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, because these are big grilling occasions. And what I’ll often do then is buy an extra bottle if the sell-by date is far enough out. And when those sales hit, the prices tend to be better than Costco’s.3. Peanut butterPeanut butter is another one of those foods we go through a lot of in my household. But for the most part, I tend to buy it at my regular supermarket. And the reason is that when you catch a sale, the price there is often better than Costco’s price.Case in point: Right now, the online price for Kirkland peanut butter is $12.99 for 56 ounces, which brings your cost per ounce to $0.23. But my local supermarket has Jif peanut butter on sale for $2.49 for a 16-ounce jar, bringing the cost per ounce to $0.16.Now to be fair, Costco.com prices are pretty much always higher than Costco’s in-store prices. But even if I can buy that same Kirkland peanut butter at the store for $9.99, that’s still $0.18 per ounce, vs. $0.16 at my local supermarket.Although Costco’s prices are very competitive, that’s not always the case. So if you’re trying to stick to a budget, it’s important to compare your options with your regular supermarket to see what saves you the most money. And you also need to keep factors like freshness in mind, since it doesn’t always make sense to buy every product in bulk.But if you do decide to buy certain items at your local supermarket instead of Costco, make sure to use a credit card that puts a nice amount of cash back in your pocket. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for grocery rewards so you can save a bundle even if you’re not getting one of Costco’s famous bulk discounts.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Maker. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

There’s a reason I shop at Costco almost every week. The store’s bulk discounts make it possible for me to save money in the course of feeding my family.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

But while there’s a long list of items I tend to buy from Costco on a regular basis, there are also a few specific items I won’t purchase in bulk from Costco. Here are three in particular that I tend to buy at my regular supermarket — and you may want to do the same.

1. Cereal

Am I the only person who thinks cereal is sort of a scam? Often, you’re paying $6 or $7 for a box that’s supposedly filled with wholesome ingredients only to find yourself hungry 30 minutes after eating a large bowl.

But like it or not, cereal is a necessity in my household. And while I can’t help but factor it into my grocery budget, I don’t like to buy it from Costco.

The reason? Costco doesn’t sell much cereal under Kirkland, its signature brand. Rather, what I usually see are bulk boxes of name brands at a discount compared to my regular supermarket.

But at my regular supermarket, I can buy the store brand and pay even less. So it makes sense for me to do that rather than pay a premium (albeit a smaller one) at Costco.

Also, another thing that annoys me about cereal is that makers of it haven’t yet found a way to make those bags resealable. This means that once you open a box of cereal, you have a pretty short window of time to finish it before it starts to go stale. Because of that, I’m not interested in buying even larger boxes of cereal at Costco.

2. Condiments

We’re salad eaters in my household, so we tend to like to try different dressings. And I will admittedly put ketchup on surprising things, so we go through a lot of that, too. (Have you tried it on watermelon? I promise, it’s not as gross as you think.)

But here’s the thing about condiments. By nature, they tend to sit out on the table or counter for long periods of time. And so I’d rather buy them in smaller quantities so we can use them up more quickly.

Besides, I’ve found that if you stock up on condiments at the supermarket strategically, you can save money.

In my area, for example, you’ll almost always find ketchup and mustard on sale before Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, because these are big grilling occasions. And what I’ll often do then is buy an extra bottle if the sell-by date is far enough out. And when those sales hit, the prices tend to be better than Costco’s.

3. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is another one of those foods we go through a lot of in my household. But for the most part, I tend to buy it at my regular supermarket. And the reason is that when you catch a sale, the price there is often better than Costco’s price.

Case in point: Right now, the online price for Kirkland peanut butter is $12.99 for 56 ounces, which brings your cost per ounce to $0.23. But my local supermarket has Jif peanut butter on sale for $2.49 for a 16-ounce jar, bringing the cost per ounce to $0.16.

Now to be fair, Costco.com prices are pretty much always higher than Costco’s in-store prices. But even if I can buy that same Kirkland peanut butter at the store for $9.99, that’s still $0.18 per ounce, vs. $0.16 at my local supermarket.

Although Costco’s prices are very competitive, that’s not always the case. So if you’re trying to stick to a budget, it’s important to compare your options with your regular supermarket to see what saves you the most money. And you also need to keep factors like freshness in mind, since it doesn’t always make sense to buy every product in bulk.

But if you do decide to buy certain items at your local supermarket instead of Costco, make sure to use a credit card that puts a nice amount of cash back in your pocket. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for grocery rewards so you can save a bundle even if you’re not getting one of Costco’s famous bulk discounts.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Maker. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
A travel credit card can be a valuable financial tool for those who love traveling or hope to begin traveling more. You can access useful travel benefits and earn rewards when you swipe your card for travel expenses. However, not every travel rewards card has the same features.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Before applying for a new credit card, ensuring it meets your needs and expectations is crucial. Here are a few red flags to watch out for when choosing a travel rewards card.1. No bonus reward categoriesMany travel credit cards have bonus reward categories, like dining or travel. When using your card to make purchases in those categories, you’ll typically earn rewards at a more generous rate. Spending outside of those categories usually earns at a flat rate.For example, a travel credit card may offer 3 points per $1 on dining and restaurant spending, while all other spending earns 1 point per $1. Cards with bonus rewards categories are a great option if you spend heavily in the bonus categories.But watch out for cards branded as travel rewards cards that don’t offer bonus rewards. A card may be marketed as a travel card, yet earn at a meager flat rate for all purchases.If you spend a lot of money on travel each year, this may not be the most advantageous card for you, especially if you want to maximize your rewards potential. Look for a card that will reward you well for your travel spending so you can maximize your rewards.Want to get rewarded for traveling? Click here to explore our list of the best travel credit cards to find the right fit for you.2. A high annual fee with meager benefitsMany premium travel rewards cards charge an annual fee, but that’s not a red flag if the card has plentiful benefits you’ll use. As you explore travel rewards card options, review the perks provided. If a card you’re considering has a high annual fee but few useful benefits, there may be a better card for you.You should also consider whether you’ll take advantage of the perks provided. If one particular travel card has more high-end perks but you won’t use them, look elsewhere. Not every traveler values the same benefits. The right credit card will have perks that add value to your life.3. Minimal reward redemption optionsMany of the top travel rewards cards offer various ways to redeem rewards. Premium travel cards often allow cardholders to redeem their rewards as a statement credit for travel booked through the card issuer’s travel portal or by transferring their rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Having flexibility is a plus.If you value flexibility in using your rewards, it’s important to review the redemption options before applying for a travel rewards card. Some travel credit cards have limited redemption choices, so you want to ensure you can use your rewards as you intend.Do you prefer a credit card that earns cash rewards? Check out our list of the top cash back credit cards with big rewards.Know what to expect before you apply for a travel credit cardCarefully review a credit card’s features before applying. Research multiple card options and read reviews for each so you can get a better feel for whether the benefits and rewards meet your needs.Luckily, there are many travel rewards cards available, so it’s possible to find a card that fits your lifestyle well.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A travel credit card can be a valuable financial tool for those who love traveling or hope to begin traveling more. You can access useful travel benefits and earn rewards when you swipe your card for travel expenses. However, not every travel rewards card has the same features.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Before applying for a new credit card, ensuring it meets your needs and expectations is crucial. Here are a few red flags to watch out for when choosing a travel rewards card.

1. No bonus reward categories

Many travel credit cards have bonus reward categories, like dining or travel. When using your card to make purchases in those categories, you’ll typically earn rewards at a more generous rate. Spending outside of those categories usually earns at a flat rate.

For example, a travel credit card may offer 3 points per $1 on dining and restaurant spending, while all other spending earns 1 point per $1. Cards with bonus rewards categories are a great option if you spend heavily in the bonus categories.

But watch out for cards branded as travel rewards cards that don’t offer bonus rewards. A card may be marketed as a travel card, yet earn at a meager flat rate for all purchases.

If you spend a lot of money on travel each year, this may not be the most advantageous card for you, especially if you want to maximize your rewards potential. Look for a card that will reward you well for your travel spending so you can maximize your rewards.

Want to get rewarded for traveling? Click here to explore our list of the best travel credit cards to find the right fit for you.

2. A high annual fee with meager benefits

Many premium travel rewards cards charge an annual fee, but that’s not a red flag if the card has plentiful benefits you’ll use. As you explore travel rewards card options, review the perks provided. If a card you’re considering has a high annual fee but few useful benefits, there may be a better card for you.

You should also consider whether you’ll take advantage of the perks provided. If one particular travel card has more high-end perks but you won’t use them, look elsewhere. Not every traveler values the same benefits. The right credit card will have perks that add value to your life.

3. Minimal reward redemption options

Many of the top travel rewards cards offer various ways to redeem rewards. Premium travel cards often allow cardholders to redeem their rewards as a statement credit for travel booked through the card issuer’s travel portal or by transferring their rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Having flexibility is a plus.

If you value flexibility in using your rewards, it’s important to review the redemption options before applying for a travel rewards card. Some travel credit cards have limited redemption choices, so you want to ensure you can use your rewards as you intend.

Do you prefer a credit card that earns cash rewards? Check out our list of the top cash back credit cards with big rewards.

Know what to expect before you apply for a travel credit card

Carefully review a credit card’s features before applying. Research multiple card options and read reviews for each so you can get a better feel for whether the benefits and rewards meet your needs.

Luckily, there are many travel rewards cards available, so it’s possible to find a card that fits your lifestyle well.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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