Travelling Abroad Soon? Here's Why You Should Consider Bringing Along A Travel Credit Card

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From a getaway with your besties to romantic couples retreats and family trips, there are plenty of ways to make the best out of your vacation, including how you benefit from your travel spends.

One method is by using a travel credit card to maximise spends while you travel, as they usually earn you points which you can use for other perks like added discounts and cashback.

Plus, having a travel credit card can come in handy, be it for security reasons, convenience, and more.

Some cards in the market offer better reward points for overseas spending as well as foreign currency spend, local travel, and dining spend.

Choose a travel credit card that suits your lifestyle and needs. Travel credit cards offer flexibility and protection that cash cannot, as lost or stolen cash cannot be replaced.

Plus, having a travel credit card on hand means you get to earn points as you spend while on holiday. Certain banks don't even require minimum air miles for you to start redeeming, so if that's important to you, keep an eye out for the perk. A surprise trip might be in order, especially if there are miles expiring. ;)

Nobody can predict when things go south, more so when you're on vacation in a foreign country. This includes medical expenses, which can be pretty costly while on a holiday abroad.

While it's always great to have cash on hand, the same goes for credit cards, since you'll be able to deal with any large or surprise expenses, such as a trip to the emergency room, that may arise during your trip. Depending on your bank, some credit card types come with complimentary travel insurance, so be it flight or baggage delays, you can expect a worry-free travel experience.

This ensures you choose the right card that fits your lifestyle and needs, while enjoying all the perks and benefits.

Travel credit cards can not only help you earn miles or points that you can then redeem for free flights and other benefits, but also offer you even bigger rewards, especially towards travel purchases and overseas spend.

Travelling with a group of friends or colleagues? Then paying with your travel credit card can save you any headaches that can come from trying to track everyone's expenses.

With a travel credit card, you can easily check your bank statements and split the bill for shared expenses when you get home. 

You'll also have the convenience of not keeping track of who spends in cash, not to mention the ability to temporarily block credit cards if there is suspected fraud or misuse.

If you have a travel credit card, you can still earn rewards locally, so use it for expenses in your day-to-day to accumulate points and perks.

Whether you're eating out with family, paying for groceries, or filling up petrol, and more, you could earn additional points each year with the right credit card tailored to your spending habits. So, get to know the categories that let you earn or stack rewards to capitalise on earning opportunities, allowing you to get the most out of your everyday spending.

Planning on buying that special bag you've been longing for? More often than not, you can find yourself in situations where big purchases are involved while on holiday.

Keep an eye out for the credit limit that banks can offer — you'll gain greater budget flexibility while travelling and won't have to worry about your credit limit being held for pre-authorisations.

Plus, it'll be easier to make bookings online too. Flights, shuttles, hotels, and activities abroad can all add up, so paying with a travel credit card can be essential, especially when you can avoid paying large sums of cash in advance. 

If you're a frequent flyer, you'll know the hassle of long connecting flights, and how tiring waiting at the airport can be.

A travel credit card comes with exclusive travel perks such as access to airport lounges, which means you can rest easy and in comfort while waiting for your next flight.

Plus, airport lounge access usually includes complimentary food and beverages, so you'll get to munch on something and whet your appetite too.

The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card allows cardholders to enjoy instant reward points redemption from up to 17 airlines* and 4 hotel groups with 20,000 chain properties through the HSBC Malaysia mobile banking app — a first of its kind in the country.

Increasing accessibility and demonstrating commitment to inclusivity, the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card also features a vertical inclusion card that has a blind notch at one end. In other words, this tactile solution allows cardholders to correctly orient the card when using it.

*Terms and conditions apply. 

Here are four key features and benefits you can expect:

1. Earn accelerated reward points on all foreign currency spend, local travel, and dining spend

2. Tap into instant reward redemptions on a range of airline and hotel partners around the world

3. Enjoy travel privileges like complimentary travel insurance coverage, airport lounge access, and more

4. Split purchases across a range of flexible tenures that suit your needs