How to Apply for Air Miles Cards. The thicket of air miles cards available to consumers is bewildering for first-time applicants. Cards offered by banks differ greatly from air miles cards presented by airlines and travel companies. Apply for air miles cards that help you maximize your purchases in exchange for rewards points.
Ask air miles card providers about the miles per dollar rate before you apply. The primary consideration in finding air miles cards should be getting the highest number of miles with each purchase.
Keep the interest rates for air miles cards in mind as you find the best program for your purchasing style. Personal cards that build up air miles need to have low interest rates to make the process worthwhile. Businesses can be more lenient with interest rates due to a high volume of purchases.
Focus your attention on an airline-sponsored miles card if you fly a particular airline frequently. Continental Airlines is similar to its American competitors in offering multiple cards that allow consumers to build up miles for a single airline (see Resources below).
Consult with your banker to find air miles cards that accumulate miles for multiple vendors. Regional banks like Far West Bank allow account holders to apply for air miles cards that are connected to a network of partner airlines (see Resources below).
Peruse the double-miles and special benefits calendar of air miles cards before filling out an application. You should apply for a card that offers increased miles on specific days and products that are compatible with your purchasing patterns.
Choose an appropriate application method based on your urgency to get air miles cards. Many consumers use online applications, which offer instant approval, though concerns over secure transactions have led to a resurgence of mail applications.
