The Essentials

How Credit Cards Have Changed Travel Perks

In the highly competitive world of consumer credit cards, travel perks were always a key offering. But the pandemic has changed that.

Instead of straight travel rewards, or access to airline lounges, more and more cards are offering direct rebates and statement credits. This includes everything from local restaurant takeout and delivery services to triple points for grocery shopping. You can even get statement credits on streaming services.

But this also means you might want to reassess why you got a specific card in the first place — travel benefits — and whether additional points for grocery shopping are worth the still hefty annual card membership fees.