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PLANNING A TRIP?
Your credit card might just be your new best friend!
Banking and financial transactions have become very convenient in modern days. Gone are the days of long queues and tedious purchasing practices. Now, almost every financial transaction can be done online and the use of credit cards has made things a lot easier. Even more so if you are a traveller.
Here are 5 ways credit cards can be useful in your foreign travels.
CASHLESS AND SECURITY
Even though Bangladesh is not quite cashless yet, the future is looking very much cashless at the moment. By getting a credit card, you get one step closer to the future. It is also more secure than carrying cash in person. When you travel with your credit card, it can become the cashless instrument that you use for every transaction. It’s also easy to endorse your credit card for foreign currency transactions.
LOUNGE FACILITIES
Most credit cards will offer you some sort of lounge facility. This is one of the key points for many people while getting a credit card because international flights can be tedious, exhausting, and time consuming. Sometimes, you need a place to just sit back and relax, process the exhaustion, eat something or sometimes you just need a place to sit.
Lounge facilities are really handy at this hour and having your credit card will offer you an opportunity for admission in selected lounge areas. Depending on your card provider, the facilities may vary, so it is up to you to know about the available facilities before getting a card.
EASIER TICKETS, BOOKINGS AND SHOPPING
Booking tickets has never been easier. One can book their ticket directly online by using their credit card these days. The same goes for booking hotel rooms and online shopping. In addition, most credit cards have a list of partners where you can get a discount or priority service by using the credit card. For example, your card might get you a 10 per cent discount on air tickets. You may get another 10 per cent on your shoe shopping or hotel booking. It’s a good idea to ask the retailer if your card gets you any additional discount.
REWARD POINTS
Most credit cards come with a reward system or credit point; which will vary with your bank/card provider of course. But one of the most common features is that the user can collect and redeem these reward points to get different facilities. This may include but is not limited to — different types of fee waivers, discounts on selected purchases, or any other rewards. These can be really useful while you are shopping on your travels.
TRACK YOUR EXPENSES
People will tell you that travelling is a matter of courage. Well, it’s a matter of money too and it is really challenging to arrange a foreign trip within a fixed budget. More often than not, you come back and you wonder how did you spend so much. Using a credit card can be helpful in this aspect. If you make all your transactions on your credit card, you will find it in the statement and that way you may track all your expenses and manage your finances accordingly.
Remember, it is always a good idea to contact your bank whenever you are in confusion about anything. Whether it is about fees, charges, or facilities and offers, feel free to reach out to your bank or their helpline. Always research and try to learn about the perks and benefits before choosing a credit card. And, if you are still in confusion, ask a friend who has a credit card to share his experience.
By Ashif Ahmed Rudro
Photo: Collected