How to maximize cash back rewards for your next trip

If you’re staring out the window right now, dreaming of lying on a tropical beach with a frosty drink in your hand, sunglasses on, and your family happily frolicking in the sand, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey from the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) found that 77% of Americans put travel as their top priority — ranking higher than a new TV, car, computer and other goods.

If you’d like to earn travel rewards but prefer the simplicity of a cash back credit card, we’ve got you covered. These tips will help you save on travel by using the right cash back credit cards.

Here’s a little life hack: If you pick a credit card that has cash back rewards, you can rack up rewards before you even start planning your dream vacay! There’s a way to have it all, and by that we mean choosing a credit card that fits your lifestyle. We’ve got all the hot tips you need for choosing a card that provides the flexibility and convenience to use cash rewards how you choose — like jetting off to that island escape you’ve been dreaming of, for example. We can just about taste that pina colada.

Look for a card that offers rewards on the stuff you love most

Cash back credit cards are the most popular credit card, and for a good reason. It’s easy to find a card that has cash back rewards on categories you spend the most of your budget on. To help pay for that coveted vacation, you’re going to want to rack up the cash back rewards before you even start planning, so when it comes time to hit “submit” on your booking, you’ve got a healthy rewards balance. Some items you spend the majority of your dough on could be groceries, gas, or online shopping. Or, if you’ve been binge-watching HGTV (we’ve all been there) and decided to upgrade your home, some contractors might allow you to pay for home improvements with your credit card.

Flat rate cash rewards card: could it be right for you?

Just like its name suggests, a flat-rate cash rewards credit card is a credit card with a single rate (usually a percentage of credit card spending) for cash back rewards. They can simplify your rewards with one consistent cash back rate for your everyday purchases — no matter the category. It helps to do your research, not only about flat-rate cards, but also to learn a little more about APR percentages, balance transfers and any credit card annual fees.

Sign-up bonuses 101

Ok, it’s not quite the same bonus a pro athlete receives — wouldn’t that be nice? Typically, sign-up bonuses are pretty easy to understand. When you open a new credit card account, you spend a certain amount of money in the required amount of months, then you earn money back. Certain categories increase the cash back rewards you earn.

The win-win of travel benefits

Did you know you can often unlock travel benefits through your credit card? And that they might come automatically? They’re where you need protection most: travel, purchase protection and security, and savings. We’ll break it down for you to stay organized while planning your trip.

Zero liability protection

No one wants to think of the inevitable — their credit card being lost or stolen. But things sometimes happen. A Zero Liability policy is a condition in a credit card or debit card agreement that states the cardholder is not responsible for unauthorized charges. You have support when you most need it, and you can use the card without fear of it being stolen and used without your permission. Remember to review the terms and conditions of your credit card to understand the Zero Liability policy before you travel

Car rental benefits

When you pay for rental insurance with your card, you may get extra coverage. But what’s the coverage for in the first place, and why does one need car rental insurance? While it’s true that you can usually use your own car’s insurance toward a rental, if you want more protection, or if you are traveling abroad or for work, you might need to get rental car insurance. Also, certain countries, such as Mexico or Canada, may not accept your personal insurance. With certain car rental insurance, there is acceptance globally of your cash back credit card, making it easy to use it abroad.

Travel benefits

Credit card travel insurance is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you need it. So, it’s better to plan ahead. It’s like a safety measure to guard against an unforeseen circumstance that could disrupt your travel plans. It became much more widely known during the pandemic. If your credit card includes travel insurance, you may be reimbursed if your travel is affected by anything not in your control such as weather, health issues or certain kinds of emergencies. Travel insurance could be paid for with your cash back credit card. Every country is different, so be sure to do your research before you go. While some accept credit card bought travel insurance, others are sticklers for a specific plan offered by the destination. Double-checking the requirements of your country of destination can help you make smart budgeting decisions while planning.

Transaction fees

One great possible feature of your cash back credit card can be no foreign transaction fees. While most cash back credit cards are doing away with these fees, there are still some major companies that charge anywhere from 2.7% to 3% on all foreign charges while traveling. Even if the chic shop you’re buying a special item abroad in uses a foreign credit card processor, you’ll still get hit with a fee if your credit card charges foreign transaction fees. Trust us — you don’t want to get a large foreign transaction fee when you’re buying the perfect Eiffel Tower souvenir! Talk about putting a damper on things that would otherwise be a très chic experience.

The perks don’t stop when you get to your hotel

With rewards, while you’re traveling you could offset some of your trip expenses, so that when the kids beg for one more day at the water park, you can happily give in. Little things, like ground transportation, tourist attractions and the cost of eating out, can add up and be a make-or-break factor in whether you can afford the trip — but if you accumulate rewards at the same time, that’s where your cash back credit card makes it easy to stay organized and save money on purchases while still on vacation. There’s also worldwide acceptance, which means you can use it in whatever fabulous country you find your journey brings you.

Ready for your bon voyage

There are lots of choices out there, but Citizens Cash Back Plus™ World Mastercard® could be a perfect fit for wherever you roam. And wherever you decide to vacay, let’s toast to getting out there in the world, discovering new places, and dipping our toes in the sand.