A ticket's price isn't only the number on the screen — the card you pay with can change the final cost too. Georgian banks (TBC, Bank of Georgia, Liberty) run cashback and installment programs that apply to online flight purchases as well, and using them well can noticeably lower what you actually pay.
💰 Cashback on flight tickets
TBC's standard card offers up to 1% cashback on all purchases, including flights bought online — the amount is credited back to the card automatically. Bank of Georgia runs its own bonus program too, but categories and rates change periodically, so check the current terms in the app before buying.
If you hold multiple cards, compare not just the cashback rate but the annual fee too — a lower cashback rate on an expensive card often eats the savings.
📆 Installments — spread the payment out
On an expensive route (say, Shanghai or Tokyo), an installment plan can smooth out your cash flow. TBC's "Ganatsileba" splits a purchase into 4 interest-free parts — a short-term plan ideal for a single large expense. Longer installment plans (6-12 months) usually carry interest, so calculate the total cost before deciding.
💱 Exchange rates and paying abroad
If you buy a ticket on a foreign site priced in dollars or euros, your card's currency conversion fee typically adds 2-3% to the final price. Choose to pay in the original currency (not the bank's offered lari rate at checkout — it's often worse), or use a multi-currency card. See the lari exchange rate and flight booking guide for more.
🎯 When cashback wins, when installments win
- The ticket is cheap and fits your budget → pay in full and take the cashback
- The ticket is expensive or you're buying several at once (a family trip) → a 0% installment plan eases the cash flow
- You're booking far in advance → booking early often saves more than any installment fee
- It's a last-minute ticket → check whether paying in full with a cashback card beats a rushed installment plan
Compare prices and book your flight on Travel365's price calendar — add your favorite route to favorites and get a price-drop alert.
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