Credit cards with airline miles are a great way to accumulate bonus points and save on other purchases. With these credit cards, you can accrue points and miles for every purchase — even for special occasions like holidays. You can use the miles you accumulate from these cards to purchase airline tickets while raising your credit score.

Even air miles credit cards are available without an annual fee, enabling you to benefit from rewards without spending much money. So, whenever you're looking for one, pick an air miles credit card that suits your requirements.

What is an air miles credit card?

The best way to earn and redeem miles is with a credit card specifically designed for the purpose. You can find a credit card that offers both regular and bonus miles, but if you're looking for an all-around good deal, it's worth taking some time to research the options available.

Additionally, some of these cards have annual fees attached, so read up on what those fees are before you apply for one. If you decide that the cost is worth it, you'll want to ensure that the following air miles credit card rewards are worth your while.

• Savings and rewards. Air miles are a great way to save money on your trips, but they can be hard to earn. You must rack up miles with air mile credit cards and get rewards for every purchase. You can earn miles and receive rewards for your eligible purchases with the air mile credit cards. And, because most cards allow you to use your miles on anything, including online grocery purchases, you won't have to worry about being denied for using them for a specific trip or item. Remember that with a cashback card, the more you fly, the more bonus miles you earn. You can use these bonus miles to get cashback on any purchase, including gas, groceries, and travel.

• Increased earning potential. More miles means free flights, which saves you more money than if you paid in cash or with a direct transfer from your savings or checking account. Every peso you spend will earn points, which you can exchange for hotel credit or free flights.

• More travel flexibility and options. You can now travel the world through any authorized enrollment provider without worrying about finding a hotel or resort. Most air miles cards offer discounted flights with unlimited complimentary access if you are a frequent flyer. As a result, you can enjoy airport lounge access, lost luggage insurance, and low-cost round-trip domestic flights.

• Reduced annual fee. With a credit card that offers a reduced annual fee, you can save money on the upfront cost of account opening and paying interest charges over time. The annual fee may seem unimportant, but when it comes to getting the most out of your card, find one with lower service fees than others.

• Opportunity to earn more as you use your card. Every eligible purchase made with the card earns you miles. The more you use your card, the more miles you earn. Also, every other eligible purchases you make with your card earns you miles that push you towards a higher frequent flier status. There are also companies that offer companion fare during your credit card account anniversary which allows you to book a companion flight. All you have to do is keep using the card and paying on time each month.

• Priority boarding privileges. You accumulate some airline miles by earning credit card rewards from your existing purchases or using eligible delivery services with your credit card. Using your priority credit card to purchase a flight is like getting a free ticket. In addition to earning more points from the redeemed points, the airline will deduct the number of miles needed for the flight from your bonus points. As your frequent flier status rises, you gain access to more priority benefits that let you board first and skip long airport lines, reduce wait times , enjoy checked bag free, and improve your travel experience by accessing accommodation and fine dining from hotel partners.

• Opportunity to transfer your airline loyalty program membership. Air mile cards enable you to transfer your membership from one airline to another. You can only do this if you are a member of an airline loyalty program and have not used your card membership yet.

• Freebies. If you frequently travel, either domestically or abroad, you may be able to accrue bonus points and freebies from international retailers like eligible American Airlines purchases. There are also credit cards that lets you earn bonus points after spending on purchases in the first months after account opening or applying for a credit card.

What are the major types of air miles credit cards?

There are several kinds of credit card companies that offer air miles cards. Some credit cards provide a predetermined number of miles for every peso spent, while others offer air miles points you can redeem for flight tickets, reduced foreign transaction fees, and other rewards. If you choose an airline-specific air mile credit card, make sure the type you choose offers free or discounted flights from an airline you can use.

Here are the three most common types of airline credit cards:

Cashback rewards

These rewards credit cards offer a percentage of your spending back as cash. These can be in the form of bonus points redeemed for miles or merchandise or as a flat rate cashback bonus that is added to your account every month.

Air miles credit cards like the Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa are a great way to earn a free flight and other perks like annual ultimate rewards, where you get a waived yearly fee. If you enjoy traveling, you can use this rewards credit card. One mile is worth ₱17, and using the airline's partner lounge network entitles you to unlimited airport lounge access and exclusive travel deals. You can also earn 3X rewards points on all eligible overseas purchases, hotel stays, and affordable plane tickets for roundtrip domestic flights. You also get round-the-clock VIP concierge service and a waived annual fee for your first assigned supplemental card. There is also no need to make a reservation in advance when using this card to locate your flight at over 950 airport lounges worldwide.

Also, you can use balance transfer that lets you transfer your bonus points to another card. For example, if you are traveling to Alaska, United States , you can transfer your bonus points to a card with Delta Skymiles reserve card and join the Delta sky club. You can use this card for eligible Alaska airlines purchases on all other purchases unlimited complimentary access to earn more bonus points. With these points, you can check on all your Alaska airlines flights booked to confirm your Delta purchases. Apart from Delta flights, you can book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, where you'll find the best prices on thousands of trip options. You can also use the Partner Lounge Network Receive to gain access to more than 1,400 lounges. You can also get two one-time passes to United Club airport lounges to use at United Airlines' airport lounges.

Airline specific

An airline miles credit card is a great way to earn rewards and miles. The best airline credit cards offer rewards based on how much money you spend with an airline or partner company. You'll usually get bonus points for buying tickets or booking flights with airline partners.

An airline credit card will give you access to special perks and discounts with that particular carrier. For example, a PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard might be a good fit if you want to save money on flights from Philippine Airlines. You can enjoy low-mile conversion and world-assist concierge service, as well as check the rental cars booked with this card. You accumulate reward points and redeem them for Mabuhay miles at a one-point-per-mile rate. In addition, you will receive 2,000 Mabuhay miles as a welcome bonus and an additional 10,000 Mabuhay miles for PAL travel purchases. You also receive priority check-in at any PAL business class counter, as well as travel assistance, medical concierge, hotels, and rental car services.

Additionally, some airlines offer co-branded versions like the AirAsia Credit Card by RCBC Bankard. When you fly with AirAsia, you earn reward points with this co-branded card. If you spend at least ₱20,000 in the first 60 days after receiving the card, you will receive a welcome bonus of up to 8,000 AirAsia points. AirAsia also gives you bonus points for every ₱22 you spend, which you can use to get free flights or vouchers from Lazada, SM Gift Pass, and Grab. You will also have access to priority boarding, check-in, and Xpress baggage, and your status will be automatically upgraded to Freedom flier platinum.

However, there's a downside to using airline-specific cards. If you do not use this credit card frequently enough, you will pay interest on the balance instead of earning rewards points. As a result, it is critical to consider whether this is a good idea for you.

Travel rewards

Credit cards that earn air miles for frequent travelers allow you to accumulate points you can redeem for flights and other travel-related expenses. The more points you earn, the more rewards you can get, allowing you to easily cover travel expenses. You can also earn free flights and bonuses for all of your spending on travel-related services such as restaurants worldwide and car rentals. If you want a credit card that offers free airport lounge access and travel insurance, UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa could be suitable for you. When you charge your airline tickets to your UnionBank credit card, you can get travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. You will also receive one point for every ₱25 spent.

The main requirements for getting air miles credit cards

The most important thing to remember when applying for an airline credit card is that you must fulfill the requirements before getting one. These requirements vary with each financial institution, but there are some common ones.

For starters, you need to provide information about your current financial records and income. You must also provide proof of address and identity. In addition, you must be of legal age to get the air miles credit card in the Philippines. Then, to get approved for this kind of credit card, you must also show that you have a stable job or business and that you can pay back all debts on time each month. Next, you must be a frequent flier with the airline on which you wish to redeem your miles. You must also pay any government-imposed taxes or all applicable local sales tax when using your miles on the airline of your choice. Finally, you should have a good credit score.

How to apply for air miles credit cards

Before you apply for an air miles credit card, here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind:

• Choose the best card for your needs. It is important to know what kind of credit card you want before you apply for one. An air mile or travel rewards card might be your best choice if you want to accrue points or miles for every peso you spend. However, a cashback or rewards credit card might be a better option if you want to cover your expenses in an emergency.

• Compare various offers from different credit card companies. After deciding the type of card you want, you can compare offers from banks and credit unions. While selecting the bank with the most benefits or rewards may be tempting, remember that most of these cards have costs like the foreign transaction fees . Check whether their airline credit cards are subject to significant fees or interest rates. Your new credit card must fit into your spending plan to avoid making debt repayment too difficult later on, especially when interest rates start to mount quickly.

• Select an air miles credit card. After you compare different credit cards, select an air miles credit card that matches your needs. If you are unsure which one to pick, ask yourself these questions: do you want to earn miles on everyday purchases? Or do you have a specific trip in mind? Do you want to redeem your miles through a travel agent or online? Will there be an annual fee associated with the card? Additionally, make sure your credit score is high enough. Most air miles credit cards require you to have at least good credit, but some will accept people with fair or poor credit as long as they have other positive aspects on their application, like a stable income.

• Complete an application for the card. Before you fill out forms, double-check that all the information is correct and up to date. The financial institution may reject your application if something appears wrong with your information or qualifications. You can apply for an air mile card at a bank or credit union branch or online through their website.

How to apply for an air mile card at a bank or credit union branch

If you are a frequent flyer, you can apply for an air mile card in person. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your bank's nearest branch and request an air mile credit card application form.

2. Fill out the form.

3. Present the required documents, which include valid identification, proof of billing address, and a copy of your employment record. You can present a letter from their employer confirming their employment status or a tax return if employed.

4. Check that all documents are up to date and that you have completed and signed all required areas.

5. Deliver your application form to the customer service desk.

6. Wait for a confirmation message.

How to apply for an air mile card online

To apply for an air mile card online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the bank or credit union's website.

2. Click on Credit Cards.

3. Click on Apply.

4. Fill out the application form.

5. Submit your application and wait for a confirmation email.

6. Once they have approved your card, activate it as soon as possible.

Once you've been approved for an air mile credit card and have accumulated bonus points, keep the following in mind before redeeming:

1. To be eligible for redemption, you must have good credit and have paid off your debts.

2. If you want to use your miles to pay for your ticket or hotel, you must always plan ahead of time. The reason for this is that processing takes time, and some local banks require weeks before you can claim miles.

3. You cannot cancel a redemption request once you have submitted it. As a result, only use miles for trips you are certain about.

4. Check with the partner airline to see if they are a part of the program.

How to repay an air miles credit card debt?

Airline credit cards are a great way to earn points quickly, but they can also be inconvenient if you are not careful. If you have a lot of credit card debt, here's how to get out of it.

• Contact your credit card company. First and foremost, you must contact your airline credit card company and establish a payment plan for your debt. They might be willing to work with you, especially if you have been paying on time and have not had any major issues with them in the past.

• Cut back on your spending. You do not have to stop buying the things most important to you, but try not to purchase anything unnecessary for a few months while you work on paying off your debt. Avoid impulse purchases and pay with cash for shopping that does not necessitate using a credit card.

• Make sure all payments are made on time. Make sure every payment is made on time or even early if possible. There are different ways to pay down your credit card debt. You can use the snowball method of paying off credit cards by starting with the smallest balance and working your way up. It's great if you're looking for quick results. You can also use the avalanche method, which involves first paying the loan with the highest interest rate. An avalanche method is a good option if you're ready to be done with credit cards forever. Or you can use the debt consolidation plan that combines debts into a single account.

Steps to repay

1. Log in to your account.

2. Select Payment history.

3. Select Pay off your balance.

4. Enter the amount you want to pay off and press Continue.

5. If you have a rewards balance, you will see an option to use it towards your payment. You can apply this amount as a credit toward your outstanding balance.

Once you have made your selection, click Submit Payment.

Pros and cons of air miles credit cards

Air miles credit cards are a great way to earn free flights and other perks. But there are some downsides to this type of card as well. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• The card offers great loyalty programs. You can earn free flights with your credit card, which is great if you plan on traveling soon or want to save up for a vacation. Every peso you spend with your card will earn you miles.

• The interest rates are low. Your card's interest rate will vary depending on the product you select, but it will typically be lower than other credit cards on the market.

• The annual fees are low. The yearly cost for air miles credit cards in the Philippines ranges from ₱1,500 to ₱3,000.

• Earn as you spend. Using an airline credit card to make purchases while flying might accrue more bonus points. You can use these extra points later to acquire free travel and lodging, which will enable you to save money.

Cons

• You can't use them for everything. You can only use air miles credit cards for flights and hotel stays with the specific airline or hotel chain to whom they are linked.

• They can be expensive to keep up with. Additional expenses like foreign transaction fees can be even higher when you pay off your amount in full each month on an air miles credit card. In this case, you are paying for the opportunity of receiving points. If you don't pay your balance in full each month and keep accruing interest fees, you will pay considerably more out of pocket each year.

Legal regulation of air miles credit cards in the Philippines

Credit cards are regulated by institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP).

The country's central bank, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), maintains economic stability by monitoring bank activities and transactions. Other financial organizations supervised by the BSP include credit cooperatives, trust banks, thrift banks, and rural banks. The BSP also handles monetary policy and foreign exchange operations. It also aims to encourage economic growth, maintain price stability, and serve as a lender of last resort for commercial banks. The BSP is also in charge of overseeing credit cards and other forms of payment.Besides regulating credit cards, it oversees currency reserves and contributes to the country's financial stability by issuing its currency, the Philippine peso (₱).

The Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) is an organization of 15 member banks engaged in issuing and acquiring credit cards.The CCAP has three primary objectives:

• To inform its members about the newest business trends.

• To give them access to tools that will enhance their performance and business operations.

• To provide feedback and suggestions on regulatory concerns influencing the expansion of the credit card sector to aid in policy creation.

The actual cost of air miles credit cards

Air miles credit cards are intended to be used to obtain free flights, but they can also be used to obtain cashback or other rewards. The actual cost of an air miles credit card is determined on how much you spend on it and the type of rewards program you have. You can utilize air miles credit cards for routine transactions as well as one-time expenditures to swiftly earn rewards points. You may also be able to use them for travel expenses, which will allow you to earn bonus points when you use your card.

When determining the cost of an air miles credit card, several criteria must be considered. There are expenses associated with both receiving your card and using it.
Your card will normally come with an annual fee. Depending on the card, this can range from ₱1500 to ₱3600 every year. Some cards do not charge this cost, but they usually come with additional limitations, such as reduced rewards or fewer perks.

The next thing to think about is whether there is a cost for using your card when making purchases or paying bills online. Some cards do not impose fees for these types of purchases, while others may charge up to 2% of each transaction made using the card. Finally, think about interest rates. Before signing up for any credit card, you should be aware of the possible interest rate, as this might determine how much money you wind up paying over time.

Conclusion

If you fly frequently and want to save money on your flights, an air miles credit card may be your best option. You'll receive several air miles in exchange for your purchases as long as you meet the minimum spending requirements on your card. Also, choosing an air mile credit card can be a terrific way to make more out of your ordinary spending. Besides rewards, credit cards also offer gift cards and insurance coverage as extra benefits. However, keep in mind that these benefits come with an annual charge, which may not be worth it if you don't travel frequently enough to compensate.