Many credit cards are accepted globally, making them ideal for travelling. You can book your hotel stay online or over the phone with a credit card. You can do the same with your flight. You’ll sometimes need a credit card in order to rent a car at your destination, and using a credit card for shopping and meals may be more convenient than carrying around another currency you’re unfamiliar with.

Despite the fact that credit cards can be convenient for travellers, there are also a few potential concerns. These five credit card travel tips will help you get the most of your credit cards whether travelling throughout the country or abroad.

1. Keep a bigger balance available than you think you’ll need.

Car rental companies can require a large hold on your credit card balance (which is refunded or released when you return the car). While it’s not technically a travel expense, you still have to keep those funds available, or you may be out of luck when you get to the rental office. There’s also always the chance that you’ll need access to emergency funds. You may need to pay for medical costs if someone in your party becomes ill or injured for example.

2. Bring more than one credit card, and keep them in different places.

If you bring only one credit card on your trip and it’s lost or stolen, you’re in trouble. Always have a backup funding source to make sure you’re covered in a worst case scenario. Don’t only bring multiple credit cards though. Keep them in different places. If you store them all in your wallet, and that’s stolen, you’ve likely lost all of your credit and debit cards as well as your cash. Store one in your hotel safe, pocket outside of your wallet, or on another party (such as your spouse’s pocket or handbag). This way if one is lost, you won’t be completely without funding for the rest of your trip.

3. Make sure your card will be accepted widely before travelling.

If you plan to rely on your credit cards heavily while you’re away, make sure it’s widely-accepted at your destination. For instance, Visa and MasterCard credit cards (like an ANZ First Visa card) may be accepted at more locations than an American Express or a card from a lesser-known company, especially when travelling internationally.

4. Don’t rely solely on credit cards.

Credit cards may be convenient, but they shouldn’t be your sole method of funding when you travel. Also bring cash and / or traveller’s cheques. If you end up at a small restaurant off the beaten path, you may discover that cash is your only option for payment. If your credit card isn’t accepted, you’ll have to go hungry until you find a restaurant that accepts it.

5. Use a credit card with travel rewards like frequent flyer points.

If you use a rewards card that offers travel benefits like free travel insurance or frequent flyer points (like the American Express Blue Sky credit card), you may be able to save money on your travel plans. Your frequent flyer points, for example, can be used to upgrade your seat on a flight (when upgrades are available), or can be put towards a free or discounted ticket for you or your travel companion. Also, by using your rewards card to pay for the major expenses of your trip, you’ll earn more frequent flyer points which can be used for future travel.

Credit cards can be a huge asset when travelling as long as you take a few precautions. Always try to travel with more credit available than you think you’ll need, keep your credit cards safe, and use a rewards card. Then not only will you be prepared for anything that comes your way, but you’ll earn a little something extra in the process.