Should You Charge All Your Travel Expenses to Your Credit Card?

Credit cards provide people with a convenient way to pay for goods and services. With a simple swipe or tap, purchases are processed instantly, eliminating the hassle that often comes with physical cash. This ease of use is especially useful when travelling. Since credit cards are a globally accepted mode of payment, you’ll have fewer obstacles when making purchases and have an easier time tracking your expenses while abroad.

However, there are certain situations where using your credit card isn’t the most practical option. For instance, small local vendors may only accept cash, and using your card in some regions may incur additional fees or security risks. Thus, knowing when to use your credit card—and when not to—can make a significant difference in your travel experience and overall budget.

Here’s a look at some common travel expenses that are best suited to credit cards, and others that may be more practical to pay using cash or alternative methods.

Best Paid with a Credit Card

Airfare

Purchasing airline tickets with a credit card offers several advantages beyond convenience. For one, most travel-focused credit cards provide built-in protections such as trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance, or reimbursement for lost luggage. These benefits can be extremely valuable in the event of delays or cancellations, giving you peace of mind when plans unexpectedly change.

Additionally, using a rewards card that offers miles can turn your spending into travel opportunities. Take the Maya Black Credit Card as an example. This card enables you to earn up to 10x Maya Miles when you shop, dine, pay, or play at Maya Black Preferred brands. The more you use it, the faster your miles accumulate, bringing you closer to your next trip or travel upgrade. This makes the Maya Black Credit Card a strong contender if you’re looking for a credit card with miles Philippines consumers vouch for.

Lodging

Paying for accommodations with a credit card is not only convenient but often necessary. Many hotels and vacation rentals require a credit card to secure a reservation or to cover potential incidental charges during your stay. Using a credit card also provides an extra layer of protection in case of billing discrepancies or disputes, which can be helpful when traveling in unfamiliar places.

Furthermore, some credit cards offer travel-related perks when booking accommodations. These include complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, or access to exclusive rates through affiliated booking platforms.

Tours, Tickets, and Other Entertainment

Activities such as guided tours, museum entries, theme parks, or live performances are often best paid for with a credit card. Since many event organizers prefer digital or online bookings, using a card ensures a smoother reservation process and immediate confirmation. What’s more, cards can offer you protection against event cancellations or fraudulent vendors, making them particularly useful when dealing with unfamiliar providers in a foreign country.

Better Paid with Cash or Alternative Methods

Everyday Purchases

Buying snacks from a street vendor, souvenirs from a local market, or small items from convenience stores is usually quicker and easier with cash. These types of transactions are often low in value, so using your card for such small purchases may be inefficient, especially if foreign transaction fees apply.

Additionally, many small businesses located outside major cities aren’t equipped to process card payments at all. As such, carrying a modest amount of local currency can help avoid these inconveniences and ensure smoother day-to-day spending.

Public Transportation

While some major transit networks around the world are starting to accept contactless credit cards, many still don’t. Often, subway systems, buses, and other forms of local transit rely on cash payments or alternative methods, like reloadable transport cards and mobile app systems unique to that city. Therefore, having small bills or coins on hand helps avoid delays or confusion when navigating unfamiliar public transportation systems.

ATM Withdrawals

ATMs can be a convenient source of local currency, but using your credit card for withdrawals is typically not advisable. Unlike debit cards, credit card cash advances come with high fees, immediate interest charges, and no grace period. If you aren’t careful, these charges can quickly add up and inflate your travel expenses.

That said, if you anticipate needing cash while traveling, it’s better to use a debit card linked to a checking account, ideally one that offers low or reimbursed international ATM fees. This way, you’ll have to access cash when needed without incurring steep penalties or interest.

Using your credit card to cover your travel expenses can streamline your spending and protect you against unforeseen issues. However, relying on it exclusively isn’t always the most practical or cost-effective choice. Balancing credit card use with cash or alternative payment methods ensures that you’re prepared for a wider range of situations. When you’re able to match the right payment method to the right expense, you can enjoy a smoother, more confident travel experience.