July Fourth is around the corner. Here's how your credit card can help you save on last-minute travel

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Summer travel is in full swing, and prices are going up for everything from gas to airfare. If you haven't booked your summer vacation or lodging for your trip to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, it's time to look at your options. Comparing options and price shopping are important first steps for booking last-minute travel , even if your options may be limited. Your credit card also offers several ways to provide relief for your travel budget. You may even be able to open a new rewards credit card and use its welcome bonus to offset travel expenses. How to use credit cards to save on last-minute travel Cash-back redemptions for anything The easiest credit card rewards to use and understand are cash-back rewards. If you have or earn cash back, you aren't restricted by award availability or blackout dates. Plus, with cash back, you don't need to have a large enough balance to cover the entire cost of the trip. You can redeem rewards to pay for any portion of your travel. If you don't have a stack of cash rewards sitting in your account, cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offer generous welcome bonuses. While you aren't likely to be able to earn the welcome bonus before you need to book summer travel, you can pay for your trip with a new card. …