The Altitude Explorer credit card offers a compelling suite of benefits tailored for avid travelers. Its primary draw is the generous rewards program, allowing cardholders to earn 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly through the Altitude Explorer travel portal. Dining and gas purchases also accrue rewards at a rate of 3 points per dollar, while all other eligible purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
A significant perk is the annual $300 travel credit, which can be redeemed for statement credits against travel-related purchases. This effectively offsets a substantial portion of the card’s annual fee. New cardholders can also take advantage of a welcome bonus, typically around 50,000 points, after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first three months of account opening.
The Altitude Explorer card distinguishes itself further with its travel insurance coverage. Cardholders receive trip cancellation and interruption insurance, covering non-refundable expenses if a trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances. Baggage delay insurance provides reimbursement for essential items if luggage is delayed by the airline. Additionally, the card offers auto rental collision damage waiver, providing coverage for damage or theft to a rental vehicle when the card is used to pay for the rental.
Another notable advantage is the access to a network of airport lounges. Cardholders can enroll in Priority Pass Select membership, granting them access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This can significantly enhance the travel experience, providing a comfortable and relaxing space to unwind before or between flights.
While the Altitude Explorer card boasts numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the associated fees. The card carries an annual fee of $395, which may be a deterrent for some users. Additionally, it’s crucial to be mindful of the APR on purchases and balance transfers, especially if you tend to carry a balance. Foreign transaction fees can also add up, so it’s advisable to use a different card for international purchases.
Before applying for the Altitude Explorer card, it’s important to assess your spending habits and travel patterns to determine if the card aligns with your needs. If you frequently travel and spend significantly on flights, hotels, dining, and gas, the Altitude Explorer card can offer substantial value. However, if you’re a more infrequent traveler or prefer a card with no annual fee, alternative options may be more suitable. *
Unlock Your Wanderlust: Maximizing Travel Rewards with the Altitude Explorer Card
Introduction: My Quest for the Ultimate Travel Companion
As a travel enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect credit card that complements my adventurous lifestyle. I firmly believe the right card can transform your travel experiences, turning ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. I’ve tested dozens of travel credit cards, and I’m excited to share my insights on one that has truly caught my attention: the Altitude Explorer Card. Let’s dive in and see if it lives up to the hype and, more importantly, if it’s the right card for you.
Earning Rewards: Fueling Your Adventures Faster
The Altitude Explorer card shines when it comes to its rewards program. I love that I can accelerate my points accumulation with its bonus categories. Specifically, you earn 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly through the Altitude Explorer travel portal. Booking directly through the portal can sometimes offer competitive pricing, but it’s always wise to compare with other travel sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal. For example, I recently used the portal to book a boutique hotel in Kyoto, Japan and earned a substantial amount of points, which I’ll put towards my next adventure.
Moreover, the card rewards everyday spending, too. You’ll receive 3 points per dollar on dining and gas purchases. Since I’m a foodie who loves to try new restaurants and also do a fair bit of driving, this is a huge plus for me. Finally, all other eligible purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Even these base rewards can add up significantly over time, especially when you put all your everyday spending on the card. I always make sure to pay my balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which ensures I maximize the value of my rewards.
The Annual Travel Credit: A Significant Value Proposition
One of the most attractive features of the Altitude Explorer card is its annual $300 travel credit. This is a game-changer for frequent travelers because it’s essentially like getting a substantial discount on travel every year. I personally value this credit highly because it can be redeemed for statement credits against almost any travel-related purchase. I’ve used it to offset airline tickets, hotel stays, and even a rental car once when I went on a road trip across the Pacific Northwest.
The key is to actively use the credit each year to maximize its value. I set a reminder on my calendar to make sure I don’t forget to utilize it before the year ends. It’s also important to note any specific terms or conditions associated with the credit, such as whether it can be used in conjunction with other promotions or discounts.
Welcome Bonus: Jumpstarting Your Rewards Balance
The Altitude Explorer card typically offers a generous welcome bonus for new cardholders. It’s usually around 50,000 points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first three months of account opening. This welcome bonus provides a significant boost to your rewards balance right from the start. When I first signed up for the card, the welcome bonus allowed me to book a free round-trip flight to visit my family across the country.
To ensure you qualify for the bonus, make sure to track your spending and meet the minimum spending requirement within the specified timeframe. I recommend using the card for all your regular purchases to reach the threshold quickly. Also, be aware of any exclusions or restrictions on the welcome bonus, such as whether certain types of purchases don’t count towards the spending requirement.
Travel Insurance: Peace of Mind on the Road
Beyond the rewards program, the Altitude Explorer card provides valuable travel insurance coverage, which offers peace of mind when you’re traveling. I’ve personally found the trip cancellation and interruption insurance to be incredibly useful. This coverage reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or injury.
I also appreciate the baggage delay insurance. If your luggage is delayed by the airline, this coverage reimburses you for essential items like clothing, toiletries, and medications. Furthermore, the auto rental collision damage waiver provides coverage for damage or theft to a rental vehicle when you use the card to pay for the rental. I once had a minor fender-bender while renting a car and the card’s coverage saved me a significant amount of money.
It’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the travel insurance coverage to understand the specific benefits, limitations, and exclusions. Make sure to keep all relevant documentation, such as receipts and police reports, in case you need to file a claim.
Airport Lounge Access: Elevating Your Travel Experience
Another fantastic perk of the Altitude Explorer card is the access to a network of airport lounges. Cardholders can enroll in Priority Pass Select membership, which grants them access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. I cannot emphasize enough how this can significantly enhance your travel experience. Airport lounges offer a comfortable and relaxing space to unwind before or between flights.
I’ve personally used Priority Pass lounges in numerous airports around the world. They typically provide complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, and sometimes even showers. It’s a welcome escape from the crowded and often chaotic airport terminal. Remember to activate your Priority Pass membership as soon as you receive your Altitude Explorer card to start enjoying this benefit.
Weighing the Costs: The Annual Fee and Other Considerations
While the Altitude Explorer card offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the associated fees. The card carries an annual fee of $395, which is a substantial amount. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the value of the rewards and benefits outweighs the cost of the fee. For me, the annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and travel insurance coverage more than compensate for the fee.
Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the APR on purchases and balance transfers, especially if you tend to carry a balance. I always strive to pay my balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest charges. Foreign transaction fees can also add up, so it’s advisable to use a different card for international purchases, preferably one with no foreign transaction fees. I keep a separate card specifically for international travel to avoid these fees.
Is the Altitude Explorer Card Right for You?
Before applying for the Altitude Explorer card, it’s crucial to assess your spending habits and travel patterns to determine if the card aligns with your needs. If you frequently travel and spend significantly on flights, hotels, dining, and gas, the Altitude Explorer card can offer substantial value. The combination of bonus rewards, annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and travel insurance coverage can make it a worthwhile investment.
However, if you’re a more infrequent traveler or prefer a card with no annual fee, alternative options may be more suitable. There are numerous travel credit cards available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Consider your priorities and choose a card that best fits your lifestyle and spending habits.
Conclusion: My Verdict on the Altitude Explorer Card
Overall, I’m impressed with the Altitude Explorer card and its comprehensive suite of travel benefits. The generous rewards program, annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and travel insurance coverage make it a valuable tool for maximizing travel rewards and enhancing the travel experience. While the annual fee is a consideration, I believe that the benefits outweigh the cost for frequent travelers like myself.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to apply for the Altitude Explorer card depends on your individual circumstances and travel preferences. Take the time to evaluate your spending habits, travel patterns, and priorities before making a decision. With careful planning and strategic use, the Altitude Explorer card can help you unlock your wanderlust and explore the world in style.
Happy travels!
