2022 is predicted to be a huge year for travel! With borders finally opening up after Covid-19, thousands of hopefuls are already planning their next summer break! Many of these people will book their travel through a travel website in a bid to get the best offers. However, you may be better off booking elsewhere!
If it’s a good deal that you’re looking for, you may want to consider booking through a credit card travel portal this year.
What is a credit card travel portal?
A credit card travel portal is a travel booking tool that is offered by most credit card providers. The tool allows users to collect points and book directly through their card provider.
The majority of major banks will have their own travel booking tool which can be used by card holders to grab deals and use their points to book trips away.
When booking through a credit card travel portal the bank issuer will make the transaction on your behalf and the process is very similar to booking through a travel agency. However, users typically pay with points instead of cash.
Most of the time, you will be given access to the credit card travel portal when your credit card application is approved. Once your card is set up, you can start collecting and using your travel points through the booking tool.
What are the pros of booking through a credit card travel portal?
While many people stick to the comfort of an agency, there are a number of benefits that come with booking your travel through a credit card portal. In fact, you may be missing out on great rewards by not taking advantage of the tool!
Deal notifications
Everyone likes to save money where they can and booking through your credit card provider could help you to do this.
Most credit card travel portals offer deal prediction tools that notify you the best time to book your holiday based on value. The tools mean that you never miss out on a good deal, which could help you to save loads on your future travels!
Price drop protection
When you book through a credit card portal, you are automatically protected from overpaying for your flights! This means that, if the price of a flight drops after booking, your credit card issuer will refund you the excess that you paid.
Price matching
Some credit card travel portals offer a price matching service which will refund you the difference if you find a better offer on your purchase through another portal. As a result, you will never find yourself paying more than you need to for your holiday!
What are the cons of booking through a credit card travel portal?
The main disadvantage of booking travel through a credit card portal is that you are adding a third party to your booking. This can make things complicated when it comes to changes in schedule, flight delays or hotel changes.
However, the majority of credit card issuers work in a similar way to travel agencies and will ensure that your booking goes as smoothly as possible!
Furthermore, credit card travel portals can sometimes have limited flight and hotel options available. You may be able to find a wider variety on alternative booking platforms.
However, credit card issuers aim to include the best deals on their booking tools so which minimises the need to look elsewhere.
Should I use a credit card travel portal to book my holiday?
By using a credit card portal, you are protected from paying more than you need to for a holiday. This is excellent for those who want to save money or are booking on a tight budget.
To book through a credit card portal, you will need to hold a credit card with the issuer. You can apply for as many credit cards as you like and start using their booking tools today!
