Cathay Bank Credit Card Guide for Travel and Rewards

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Cathay Bank Credit Card is a popular choice among travelers and rewards enthusiasts alike. With its wide range of benefits and perks, it's no wonder why.

One of the standout features of the Cathay Bank Credit Card is its generous rewards program, which offers 3 points for every dollar spent on travel purchases. This can add up quickly, making it a great option for frequent travelers.

If you're planning a trip to Asia, you'll appreciate the card's 0% foreign transaction fee, which can save you money on international transactions. This can be a huge cost-saver, especially for big-ticket purchases.

With the Cathay Bank Credit Card, you can earn rewards on a variety of purchases, including dining, gas, and everyday spending. This flexibility makes it easy to rack up points and redeem them for travel, gift cards, or other rewards.

Choosing a Credit Card

Cathay Bank credit cards offer various rewards programs, including cashback, travel, and purchase rewards.

The Cathay Bank Visa Signature card offers 3% cashback on gas and 2% cashback on groceries, making it a great option for frequent shoppers.

To choose the right credit card, consider your spending habits and financial goals.

Here's an interesting read: Cathay Pacific Credit Cards

Choosing a Credit Card for Travel

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Choosing a credit card for travel can be a daunting task, but one thing to look for is a low foreign currency transaction fee.

Some credit cards, like Cathay Bank's, offer competitive rates for foreign transactions, making them a great option for international travel.

If you're a frequent traveler, consider a card that rewards you with points based on your spending, such as Cathay Bank's unlimited points system.

However, be aware that certain terms and conditions apply to these services, so be sure to ask for details and read the fine print.

If you do need assistance while traveling, look for a card with 24-hour support, like Mastercard's Global Service, which offers help with lost and stolen cards, emergency cash advances, and more.

Sign-Up Bonus

The sign-up bonus is a great perk to consider when choosing a credit card. A sign-up bonus of 25,000 Asia miles after spending $2,500 in the first 90 days can be a game-changer for frequent travelers.

This bonus can be a significant incentive to open a new account, especially if you're planning a trip to Asia in the near future.

Cathay Pacific Visa Signature Credit Card

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The Cathay Pacific Visa Signature Credit Card is a premium card that offers a range of benefits to its holders.

You can earn 1.2 miles for every HK$5 spent on Cathay Pacific flights, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

One of the key benefits of this card is the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles program, which allows you to earn miles on flights and other purchases.

This card also offers a generous sign-up bonus of 20,000 Asia Miles, which can be redeemed for flights or other rewards.

The Cathay Pacific Visa Signature Credit Card also offers a range of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and travel insurance.

You can enjoy airport lounge access in Hong Kong and other Asian cities, which is a great perk for frequent travelers.

The card also offers a 24-hour travel assistance service, which can help you with flight changes, cancellations, and other travel-related issues.

You can earn 1 mile for every HK$5 spent on other purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

The Cathay Pacific Visa Signature Credit Card has a annual fee of HK$2,800, which may seem steep, but the benefits and rewards make it worth considering.

Using the Card

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You can use your Cathay Bank credit card for foreign and domestic travel with competitive foreign currency transaction fees.

To get help while traveling, your card features Mastercard Global Service, which provides 24-hour assistance with lost and stolen card reporting.

If your card is lost or stolen, you can report it and get a replacement. Emergency cash advances are also available 24/7.

To learn more about these services, you can call the Mastercard Assistance Center at 1-800-MC-ASSIST.

Card Benefits

With the Cathay bank credit card, you can earn Asia Miles on your purchases, and the earning rates vary depending on the type of purchase. You can earn 2 Asia Miles per $1 spent on Cathay Pacific travel and in-flight purchases.

You can also earn 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent on dining in the US or abroad, and 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent on purchases outside the US. This broad-based foreign purchase bonus category is a unique feature that can be beneficial for those who spend a lot of time outside of the US.

For all other purchases within the U.S., you'll earn the standard rate of one Asia Mile per $1 spent.

Points Earned:

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The points earned on this card are quite generous. You can earn 2 Asia Miles per $1 spent on Cathay Pacific travel and in-flight purchases.

For dining in the US or abroad, you'll earn 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy trying new restaurants or have a large family to feed.

All other purchases within the US will earn 1 Asia Mile per $1 spent. This is the standard rate for most credit cards.

Here's a quick breakdown of the points earned categories:

  • Earn 2 Asia Miles per $1 spent on Cathay Pacific travel and in-flight purchases
  • Earn 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent on dining in the US or abroad
  • Earn 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent on purchases outside the US
  • All other purchases within the US earn 1 Asia Mile per $1 spent

This broad-based foreign purchase bonus category is unique among credit cards. For those who spend a lot of time outside the US, this can be a significant earning opportunity.

Additional Cardholder Benefits

Having a credit card with additional benefits can make a big difference in your financial life.

Some cards offer purchase protection, which can refund or replace items that are lost, stolen, or damaged within a certain timeframe, typically 90 to 120 days.

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Travel insurance is another valuable benefit, covering unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.

Some cards also offer concierge services, providing personalized assistance with everything from restaurant reservations to event tickets.

With some cards, you can even get reimbursed for travel-related expenses, such as baggage fees or travel delays.

Other benefits may include roadside assistance, identity theft protection, and exclusive discounts at certain retailers.

Explore further: Bofa Travel Rewards

Security and Protection

Cathay Bank Credit Card holders can enjoy peace of mind with the bank's robust security measures.

Credit card providers, including Cathay Bank, have their own cardholder protection guidelines that are designed to safeguard against potential risks.

Cathay Bank's credit card protection features may include insurance for lost luggage, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances, which can be a huge relief for travelers.

By understanding and taking advantage of these protections, cardholders can minimize their financial risks and enjoy a more carefree travel experience.

Write Down Issuer Info

Writing down the credit card issuer's information is a crucial step in protecting yourself from identity theft. Having this information readily available can save you time and stress in case of an emergency.

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The toll-free number on the back of your card may not work abroad, so it's essential to find alternative numbers. The FTC reported that credit card fraud was the most common type of identity theft in the country, with 230,937 complaints reported nationwide for the first half of 2022.

Write down the issuer's information on a piece of paper and take a picture of it as a backup. This will ensure you have a working phone number to connect with your credit card provider in case of an emergency.

Understand Travel and Fraud Protections

Credit card companies have their own cardholder protection guidelines, so it's essential to understand what's covered.

Some credit card issuers offer special clauses that benefit travelers, such as insurance for lost luggage or accidents. These clauses can provide peace of mind while on the go.

Cathay Bank's credit cards, for example, offer foreign currency transaction fees at competitive rates, allowing cardholders to earn unlimited points based on their spending. This can be a great perk for frequent travelers.

If you're planning to travel, it's worth checking with your credit card provider to see what protections they offer. This can include benefits like Mastercard Global Service, which provides 24-hour assistance with lost and stolen card reporting, emergency card replacement, and emergency cash advance.

For your interest: Citi Bank Credit Card Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for a Cathay Pacific credit card?

The annual fee for a Cathay Pacific credit card is $95, which is not waived in the first year. This fee is a part of the card's overall cost, but the welcome offer and rewards may make it worthwhile.

Did HSBC become Cathay Bank?

HSBC customers' accounts were converted to Cathay Bank effective February 4, 2022. The acquisition marked a significant change for HSBC customers in the US.

Is Cathay Bank a real bank?

Yes, Cathay Bank is a legitimate American bank with a rich history and a strong commitment to community and financial security. Founded by Chinese Americans, it's one of the oldest operating banks in the US.

Abraham Lebsack

Lead Writer

Abraham Lebsack is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and insurance. With a focus on educating readers, he has crafted informative articles on critical illness insurance, providing valuable insights and guidance for those navigating complex financial decisions. Abraham's expertise in the field of critical illness insurance has allowed him to develop comprehensive guides, breaking down intricate topics into accessible and actionable advice.

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