Why You Need to Carry a Backup Credit Card While Traveling

If you travel frequently, a travel credit card is essential. Credit cards with travel benefits will help you earn air miles, access discounts, and enjoy perks while you fly. However, if you want to make sure you are completely covered during your work trips or vacation, it is always advisable to bring a backup credit card when traveling.

According to Experian, the typical American holds approximately four credit cards. However, frequent travelers who want the best credit cards for travel benefits might deviate from this average and possess more than four good credit cards for travel miles.

However, you may have been more cautious in your credit card applications and only held one travel credit card to earn rewards and points for your flights. Regardless of whether you find yourself with more than one credit card, the chances are that you don't carry all of them when embarking on a journey.

But have you ever pondered the ideal number of credit cards to bring along and what specific types would be most beneficial for your travel needs? Our article below explains why traveling with a backup credit card is essential for domestic and international flights.

Why Do You Need Backup Credit Cards With Travel Benefits?

Here are some of the main reasons you will want to bring more than one of the best credit cards for travel benefits when you next take a trip:

• Some Card Issuers Have Less Coverage Abroad: Visa and Mastercard credit cards are renowned for their wide acceptance, both within the United States and internationally. However, Discover and American Express travel cards may encounter less acceptance when used abroad. Therefore, if your primary or everyday spending card is an American Express or Discover card, it's advisable to carry additional Visa or Mastercard credit cards with travel benefits when traveling. This strategy ensures you're prepared for situations where merchants may not accept your primary card. Having a backup card on a different card network can also be invaluable in the rare event of a network outage that temporarily halts your ability to make purchases on your trip.
• Maximize Your Travel Points Earned by Using The Best Card for Different Spending Categories: Many experienced travelers leverage this approach to optimize rewards and benefits. By utilizing distinct cards tailored to various spending bonus categories such as dining, travel, or groceries, they can maximize their earnings and capitalize on the most advantageous perks available on their journey.
• If Your Card Is Stolen or Lost During Your Trip, You Should Use a Card Issued by a Different Bank: It's also important to have other credit cards with travel benefits on hand for situations where your primary card is lost, stolen, temporarily locked or declined due to a fraud alert. Ideally, your backup card should be issued by a different bank than your primary travel credit card. If your card issuer or bank suspects unusual activity abroad and decides to lock all your accounts while you're traveling, having a card from a different bank issuer as a backup can be a lifesaver. Those reliant on more than one credit card or good credit cards for travel miles from the same bank might face challenging situations until the issue is resolved.
• Keep a Back-Up Travel Credit Card in Your Hotel Safe: Having a second card with you can be invaluable in situations like card declines or locks. This extra card will ensure you can still complete your transactions while abroad. However, the general recommendation is to keep your backup card securely stored, such as in your hotel room safe. This precaution becomes crucial if your wallet is stolen or lost, leaving you with other good credit cards for travel miles set aside for safekeeping.
• Add More Than One Travel Card to Your Mobile Payment Wallet: With the increasing retail acceptance of mobile payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay, it's also a wise decision to add multiple cards to your mobile wallet. While you may prefer using physical cards while you travel, having the mobile wallet option available can offer added peace of mind in case of unforeseen issues.
• Emergency Contact Information: Ensure you have easy access to your card issuer's emergency contact number in case of a lost or stolen card.
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes credit card theft protection. This can provide additional coverage and peace of mind.
• Digital Wallets: Utilize digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for added convenience and security.

How Many Credit Cards with Travel Benefits Should I Bring on a Trip?

Bringing multiple travel credit cards on your trip provides an extra layer of financial security and flexibility. You can ensure that you have alternative payment options at your disposal in case one card is lost, stolen, or experiences issues. After all, the last thing anyone wants is to spend their well-earned vacation time making numerous phone calls to cancel compromised cards.

Yet, even with all these benefits, it's paramount to be cautious. Even if you're an avid rewards enthusiast, it's prudent to reserve at least one card as a safeguard back in your hotel room. This precaution ensures that in the event of an unfortunate loss or theft of your wallet or primary cards, you have a reliable backup accessible. It spares you from unnecessary stress and inconvenience while allowing you to enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Takeaway - Why You Need to Carry a Backup Credit Card While Traveling

When planning an upcoming journey, adding travel credit card to your wallet is very beneficial. Even if you intend to primarily rely on a single card for your transactions throughout the trip, the presence of a spare card offers a reassuring layer of security.