Personally, I won't take a trip without a travel credit card. I have two, but never really use the one associated with an airline. The best reason to use a travel credit card is the protection that many of them offer. For instance, you may get coverage for trip interruptions, rental car accidents, sickness related medical costs, loss of luggage, refunds for bad hotel rooms, replacement for damaged, stolen or lost items while traveling. The usual requirement is that you use the card to pay for the travel and accommodations. Most of them also have a points system that can be later redeemed for travel discounts or even full flights, as well as any number of other retail outlets. I often use my points as Amazon dollars. That said, these cards usually also carry an annual fee and require good or better credit for approval.