This story was originally posted on May 23 on WalletHub.

How much can the best travel credit cards save frequent travelers?

This is a difficult question. Depending on the traveler’s needs, one travel credit card might be superior to another. For example, I value the personalized travel booking service of the American Express Platinum card. This unique feature, although it is technically not a travel credit card, is a key reason why it is my preferred credit card. It brings a level of convenience and value that I find unmatched.

Does it make sense to get even the best travel credit card if you only travel once or twice a year?

It does not make sense for someone who travels only once or twice a year to get a travel credit card. I suggest that when choosing a credit card, the consumer finds an alignment between what he/she needs and what the card offers. A consumer should always pay off his/her credit balance monthly to avoid getting charged a premium on the balance. While getting travel perks on a credit card is important, it is more important to get a card that offers a relatively low APR.

Is $1 in cash back more valuable than $1 in a hotel's/airline's points/miles?

Without getting too technical in my answer to this question, I have to say it depends on when the consumer plans to spend the $1 in cash back or hotel’s/airline’s points/miles. If the consumer has an opportunity to spend the $1 sooner in the form of a cash back, then the consumer should choose the cash back option and vice versa. The logic behind this is the time value of money (TVM). In the world of finance, money is always worth more sooner than later because if the consumer chooses to get the money later, he/she loses the opportunity to invest that money.

Are the best travel credit cards generally associated with a particular hotel chain/airline?

It depends on the consumer’s travel habits. If the consumer stays at Marriott hotels often, then credit cards that offer more perks for staying at Marriott hotels might be a good choice.