• Credit cards can come in hand during a trip.credit card and hand image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Making purchases while on a business or personal trip can present unique issues, such as defective merchandise returns, warranty repairs and fraud. Using a credit card while on a trip can resolve some of these issues, as well as offer benefits such as reward points, price protection, detailed purchase records and discounts.
  
  

Product Warranty

• Some credit card issuers offer to extend the factory warranty of products purchased with their card. This can eliminate the need to purchase a costly extended warranty and offers further product protection. Check with your credit card issuer for complete details before making any purchase.
  
  

Exchange Rates

• When making travel purchases in foreign countries, the exchange rate can often make even simple purchases confusing. Using a credit card will allow you to eliminate this hassle and may help stop fraudulent merchants from taking advantage of the situation. Since credit card companies process your transaction using the most current exchange rate, you may also save money on your purchase, as well as avoid currency exchange fees.
  
  

Reward Programs

• Many credit card issuers offer a reward program tied to purchases made with their cards. These rewards can come in the form of a cash rebate or as points, which can be redeemed for merchandise, travel or gift cards. Check with your credit card issuer for details about how its program operates.
  
  

Discounts

• Some merchants offer discounts for purchases made with a particular credit card. Ask the merchant before choosing which credit card to use.
  
  

Safety

• Using credit cards for purchases during a trip can help reduce the amount of cash, traveler's checks or local currency you carry. Carrying large sums of cash can make you a target for thieves and pickpockets. In the event of loss or theft, credit cards are much easier to replace and fraudulent use can be eliminated from your account.
  
  

Record Keeping

• Credit card statements provide an easy and detailed record of purchases during your trip. These records can be used for work expense reports, tax records or insurance purposes. They will also show the exchange rate for each purchase.