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Airline frequent-flyer miles represent one of the first consumer loyalty programs ever developed. American Airlines was the first U.S. airline to do so in 1981. In turn, airline-specific credit cards that allowed consumers to earn miles with everyday purchases were among the first cards to provide rewards.
The best airline cards provide a combination of strong introductory bonuses, generous miles or points rewards tied to the airline’s frequent flyer program, flexible points redemption, and solid travel-related benefits. While certain airline cards score higher than others based on these factors, begin your selection process with the carriers you prefer, if any. Also, consider other airlines that extensively serve both your home city and your frequent or aspirational vacation destinations.
Best Airline Credit Cards for March 2023
- Best Overall: United Explorer
- Best Business Airline Card: United Business
- Best for American Airlines, Best for Gas: Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
- Best General Airline Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Best for Lounge Access: The Platinum Card from American Express
- Best for Flexibility: Capital One Venture Rewards
- Best Delta, Best for Groceries: Delta SkyMiles Platinum
- Best for Southwest Airlines, Best Anniversary Bonus: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
- Best for JetBlue: JetBlue Plus
Best Overall : United Explorer
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Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.99% - 27.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 for the first year, then $95 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges. 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services. 2 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
Based on our analysis, the United Explorer Card offers the second highest value per mile, and miles can be redeemed in multiple ways, including for flights with participating member airlines in its Star Alliance, one of the largest global airline partnerships. The compelling introductory bonus of the card really adds to the value of it because of the high value placed on redeeming those points with United. The annual fee is in line with its competitors and is waived the first year. The card does not charge foreign transaction fees which helps make it a good choice for international travel.
Valuable rewards program
Special benefits every time you fly United
Several travel benefits and protections
Fewer free checked bags than some competing airline cards
Higher spend required to receive the full welcome bonus
Read the full United Explorer credit card review
Best Business Airline Card : United Business
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Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.99% - 27.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99. |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, at restaurants, gas stations, eligible local transit, and office supply stores. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. 5,000 mile loyalty anniversary bonus. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Cash Advance APR (%) | 29.49% |
| Cash Advance Fee | Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
We chose the United Business Card as the best airline card for small businesses because of its superior mile value, ability to earn bonus miles for United, restaurant, gas, transit, and office supply purchases as well as excellent travel benefits. As one of the world's largest air carriers, United Airlines, along with its airline alliance partners, provides extensive and flexible business travel options to small business owners and their employees, adding to the value of miles earned through the card.
Huge bonus
Annual miles bonus if you also own a personal United card
Annual statement credit opportunity and complimentary United Club passes
Fewer free checked bags than other airlines
Read the full United Business credit card review.
Best for American Airlines, Best for Gas : Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
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Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.49% - 29.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 for the first year, then $99 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
We chose the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard as the best airline credit card for American Airlines customers due to the combination of its reward structure and price point. We also chose it as the best airline card for gasoline purchases because of the bonus miles offered for those purchases. It offers above-average rewards earning rate on American Airlines and restaurants with a competitive earnings rate for all other spending.
The card also offers a strong one-time bonus after reaching relatively light spend minimums and a reasonable annual fee that's waived in the first year. Plus, Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
Generous 50,000-mile one-time bonus after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months of account opening
Strong 2 miles per dollar rewards on American Airlines purchases
No annual fee the first year
Maximizing rewards value requires savvy—and probably an international destination
Read the full Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard credit card review.
Best General Airline Card : Chase Sapphire Reserve
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Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
| Regular APR (%) | 21.49% - 28.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $550 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 10x total points on chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 5x total points on flights and 3x on other travel worldwide. Earn 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The Chase Sapphire Reserve isn't a co-branded airline card, but it offers a ton of flexibility in terms of transferring its points to various airline programs which helps make it our pick for the best general airline card. It has a competitive one-time point bonus, annual travel credit, and high rewards earning rate.
While the annual fee for this card is high, if you're an avid traveler, the annual travel credit can help justify it. Plus, it has numerous other travel-related benefits that make this the best card for airlines if you're not ready to commit yourself to a single airline.
Excellent points reward rate for travel and dining
Large bonus for new cardholders
Premium travel features
Points worth 50% more for travel bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards
$550 annual fee
Limited high-rewards categories
Strong credit recommended
Read the full Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review.
Best for Lounge Access : The Platinum Card from American Express
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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards(R) points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.49% - 27.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $695 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 5X Membership Rewards(R) Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards(R) Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The Platinum Card from American Express is the best credit card for lounge access for travelers. Platinum cardholders get access to over 1,400 lounges in 140 countries including the large network of Priority Pass airport lounges as well as American Express Centurion Lounges.
When buying your airline tickets, you'll receive 5X Membership Rewards(R) Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards(R) Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Travelers will also enjoy $200 in annual airline fee credits to cover fees from your designated airline, $200 in hotel credits, $200 per year in Uber credits, and so much more. Also, use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR(R) membership. CLEAR(R) is available at select airports and stadiums.
Outstanding rewards on flights and hotel stays
Generous one-time offer for new cardholders
Exceptional luxury travel benefits
High annual fee
Limited bonus categories for spending
Read the full The Platinum Card® from American Express credit card review.
Best for Flexibility : Capital One Venture Rewards
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Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
| Regular APR (%) | 18.99% - 26.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. 5 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
Our choice for the card with the best flexibility is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. This card is primarily known for its ability to book travel with "no blackout dates." Simply book your trip, pay with the card, then "erase" the travel purchases with your rewards within 90 days.
Customers may also book directly with Capital One Travel to earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Plus, 5 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This flexibility is ideal for offering numerous options when redeeming rewards.
High rewards rate with no cap on earnings
Sizable one-time bonus
Flexible redemption options
Credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
Probable poor cashback redemption rate
Read the full Capital One Venture Rewards credit card review.
Best Delta, Best for Groceries : Delta SkyMiles Platinum
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Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 6 Months. Offer ends 3/29/23.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.49% - 29.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $250 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is our choice as the best option among Delta cards because of its robust miles earning structure with excellent bonus miles on Delta purchases, hotels, restaurants, and, notably, U.S. supermarket purchases.
First checked bag free and an annual companion certificate are also excellent benefits of the card. The annual fee is quite high relative to similar competitor cards but is easily justified for frequent Delta flyers, especially when considering the value of the rewards structure and the welcome bonus: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 6 Months (offer ends 3/29/23).
Exceptional bonus offer for new cardholders
Outstanding travel perks
Spending helps achieve or maintain elite status
No free lounge access
$250 annual fee
Read the full Delta SkyMiles Platinum credit card review.
Best for Southwest Airlines, Best Anniversary Bonus : Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
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Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.49% - 27.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $149 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 3 points for each dollar spent on Southwest purchases. Earn 2 points for each dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. Earn 2 points for each dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2 points for each dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1 point for each dollar spent on all other purchases. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the top-of-the-line card allied with the airline, which typically scores very well in customer satisfaction surveys. While the annual fee is on the high side for an airline credit card, its perks and credits should more than justify the fee for regular Southwest customers.
Cardmembers get a 25% rebate on in-flight purchases and are eligible to receive four upgraded boardings per year when available, along with an additional 7,500 points upon the anniversary of account opening each year.
Rewards are relatively valuable
Annual Southwest travel credit of $75 offsets a larger annual fee
No checked bag fees or reservation change fees
$149 annual fee, on the high side for an airline card
Limited to four complimentary priority boarding passes per year
Read the full Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card review.
Best for JetBlue : JetBlue Plus
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For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
| Regular APR (%) | 20.49% - 29.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $99 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases. |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 12 Billing Cycles |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The Barclays JetBlue Plus Card is the best credit card for people who fly on JetBlue. It earns 6x points for every dollar that you spend on JetBlue, which is twice as much as the no-fee card. Plus, you'll also earn 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores to get that much closer to a free flight.
This card also comes with a generous welcome bonus of 80,000 points with a relatively small $1,000 minimum spending requirement and annual fee payment both within the first 90 days. You'll receive 5,000 bonus points when you renew the card and you can achieve Mosaic elite status when you spend $50,000 in a calendar year.
Strong rewards program to earn free travel on JetBlue, double that of the no annual fee card option
Decent sign-up bonus with a relatively low spending requirement
Can earn Mosaic elite status based on spending
Balance transfer offer, which is relatively rare for an airline card
No introductory APR offer on new purchases
Annual fee not waived in year one
Read the full JetBlue Plus credit card review.
Final Verdict
When picking the best airline credit card, a mix of a generous welcome bonus, strong earning power, and excellent travel benefits for a reasonable annual fee is ideal. Airline credit cards can save money and time by offering complimentary first-checked bags and priority boarding for you and your companions. Additional perks, like airport lounge access and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement, improve your travel experience before you board the plane.
Our choice for the best airline credit card is the United Explorer Card. It earns some of the most valuable airline miles of all of the domestic airlines and includes a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles. You'll earn 2x miles with United and on dining and hotels, and one mile per dollar everywhere else. The first checked bag is free for you and a traveling companion, which can save up to $140 on each roundtrip flight you take. Cardholders get reimbursed up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA Precheck and receive two United Club lounge passes every year. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.
Compare the Best Airline Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|
| United Explorer
Best Overall |
$95 (first year waived) | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. |
| United Business
Best Business Airline Card |
$99 | 75k mile bonus; free employee cards |
| Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Best for American Airlines, Best for Gas |
$99 (first year waived) | Free checked bags and priority boarding |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve
Best General Airline Card |
$550 | Earn 10x total points on chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 5x total points on flights and 3x on other travel worldwide. Earn 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. |
| The Platinum Card from American Express
Best for Lounge Access |
$695 | Access over 1,400 lounges in 140 countries including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion |
| Capital One Venture Rewards
Best for Flexibility |
$95 | No blackout dates; erase travel purchases with miles |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
Best Delta, Best for Groceries |
$250 | Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 6 Months (Offer ends 3/29/23). |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Best for Southwest Airlines, Best Anniversary Bonus |
$149 | $75 annual Southwest credit; 7,500 points upon renewal each year |
| JetBlue Plus
Best for JetBlue |
$99 | 6x on JetBlue; 5k bonus upon renewal each year |
Editorial Picks for Best Airline Credit Cards
United Explorer Card
Best Overall
The United Explorer Card is the best overall airline credit card based on its earning power, high welcome bonus, and additional perks. Cardholders receive free checked bags, priority boarding, a 25% discount on in-flight food, drinks, and Wi-Fi, and two United Club passes every year.
United Business Card
Best Business Airline Card, Best for No Annual Fee
The United Business Card is ideal for business owners. It has a sizable welcome bonus, offers employee cards at no charge, includes free checked bags and priority boarding, and gives 5,000 miles each anniversary when you have both the personal and business United cards.
Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Best for American Airlines, Best for Gas
The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is the best card for American Airlines and gas based on its welcome bonus and 2x earnings on AA flights, dining, and gas. It offers 25% off in-flight purchases, priority boarding, first checked bag free, and waives the annual fee for the first 12 months.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Best General Airline Card
The best general airline card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve because its points can be used to book travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.5 cents each or transfer to a wide selection airline and hotel partners. Earn 10x total points on chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 5x total points on flights and 3x on other travel worldwide. Earn 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Also, receive access to Priority Pass lounges.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Best for Lounge Access
The Platinum Card from American Express offers the best lounge access of any airline credit card. Cardholders receive complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges in 140 countries, including Priority Pass lounges and Amex's exclusive Centurion Lounges.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for Flexibility
The best card for flexibility is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card because its points can be used to book travel, erase travel purchases, or transfer to airline and hotel partners. The card offers a simple earning structure and reimbursement of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
Best Delta, Best for Groceries
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is the best for Delta fliers and for grocery purchases. The card earns 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases and 2x on dining and groceries, plus many additional perks that travelers enjoy.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Best for Southwest Airlines, Best Anniversary Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the best for Southwest Airlines because it includes a $75 credit for Southwest flights and four Priority Boarding passes each year. It also offers the best anniversary bonus with 7,500 bonus points every year that you renew the card.
JetBlue Plus Card
Best for JetBlue
For the best JetBlue card, we chose the JetBlue Plus Card because it has a higher welcome bonus, earns more points on spending, and offers free checked bags. The card also provides a 5,000 point bonus on renewal, and your spending can earn elite Mosaic status for even more benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Airline Cards Work?
Airline credit cards are partnerships between major credit card issuers like Citi and Chase and air carriers like United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines. Such cards are now offered by even the smallest airlines, like Spirit and Allegiant Air. They allow you to earn miles or points on that airline on every dollar you spend—usually, one mile or point per dollar spent—along with higher earnings when the card is used to purchase tickets or services on the airline instead of something like groceries.
Cards may also offer better rates than the default of one mile per one dollar on select other purchases, such as dining, gas, or hotels. Rewards can generally be redeemed for flights; seat upgrades to exit-row, business-class, or first-class seating; hotel stays; car rentals; or destination-based vacation packages offered through the airline. Some cards in the market offer flexible “miles” on purchases that can be redeemed for travel on any airline through the issuers’ dedicated booking portals.
As an additional incentive, airline credit cards usually provide valuable benefits when you fly, such as a waiver of checked baggage fees, upgraded boarding status, and a discount on in-flight purchases like drinks, food, and Wi-Fi. Certain ultra-exclusive airline cards even offer complimentary airline lounge access, which some frequent fliers feel alone justifies these cards’ higher annual fees.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Airline Credit Card?
Enticing introductory one-time bonuses
An additional way to earn miles or points without flying
Flying benefits such as earlier boarding
Discounts and fee waivers for certain services
Best rewards redemptions often limited to the airline itself
Significantly higher interest rates than other categories of cards
Annual fees common and sometimes substantial
Is An Airline Credit Card Right for Me?
When choosing an airline credit card, consider the following features:
- Airline service to your city: Choose a credit card for the airline that services your local airport and flies to the destinations that you want to travel to.
- Annual fee: If you're going to pay an annual fee, make sure that the card's benefits and rewards earned justify the amount that you pay. For example, the complimentary checked bag benefit can save a family of four over $200 on one round-trip flight.
- Introductory bonus: Most airline cards offer a one-time bonus when you meet a minimum spending requirement. Make sure that you can meet that requirement to earn the bonus without overspending.
- Rewards on carrier purchases: When you purchase flights frequently, you want an airline credit card that offers a bonus on the purchase of plane tickets.
- Airline travel benefits: Many airline credit cards offer valuable carrier benefits like fee waivers for checked bags, early boarding priority, and discounts on in-flight purchases.
- Additional travel perks: Airline credit cards may also offer travel perks not associated with the airline, including credits against the cost of TSA or Global Entry pre-check clearance and complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges.
How Much Is an Airline Mile Worth?
Our scoring of the various airline cards depends in part on the respective values of their rewards—and those, in turn, should be an important factor as you choose among the cards. These values are averages and your redemptions may be at a higher or lower value depending on how they are used.
How Do We Value Airline Miles and Points?
To arrive at those valuations, our research digs deep to compare the cost of buying flights to the number of miles required to acquire them through rewards. Where some other websites that cover cards take single snapshots of airfares, we research flight costs for a number of different fare classes, including economy, business, and first-class fares, and for both domestic and international destinations.
Further, we look at fare data for a number of advance-booking scenarios, ranging from one to five months prior to departure. A few caveats to our valuations, though. Fuel surcharges are not included in our calculations, in part because some airlines charge these and some do not.
Also, valuations are based on using rewards to buy further flights on the carrier; other redemption options may provide less value. Finally, despite diligent research, our valuations are only estimates; the precise value you’ll receive for each mile or point will vary by the transaction.
Below are our current valuations for each rewards mile or point offered by the major U.S. air carriers.
| Airline | Value |
|---|---|
| American Airlines (AAdvantage) | 2.04 cents |
| United Airlines (MileagePlus) | 1.98 cents |
| Southwest (Rapid Rewards) | 1.50 cents |
| Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) | 1.44 cents |
| JetBlue (TrueBlue) | 1.42 cents |
| Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) | 1.26 cents |
| Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan) | 0.85 cents |
Consider the following features when selecting an airline credit card.
Airline Service to Your City
Only choose an airline that makes sense for you, based on where you live and where you might be flying. Even if you live in a major city that’s likely serviced by many airlines, you should check the frequency and departure times for flights to your preferred destinations. If your home is in a smaller city, you might have little choice but to select among a limited number of carriers that serve your area well.
Annual Fee
Since many, if not most, airline credit cards carry an annual fee, it’s wise to assess that cost against the benefits you expect to receive. That involves calculating, at least roughly, the value of the rewards you expect to earn, based on your anticipated spending and miles valuations. Consider, too, the value to you of any other benefits or niceties the card offers, even if some (such as early boarding for flights) may be hard to quantify financially.
Introductory Bonus
Most airline cards offer a one-time bonus in the form of frequent flyer miles or points. However, these almost invariably require you to meet an initial spending threshold, sometimes of several thousand dollars within the first three or four months the account is open. Before opting for a card, be sure your normal spending can satisfy the spending requirements of its bonus, since failing to pay off the required spend quickly and carrying it as an ongoing balance could quickly negate the bonus’s value. And consider strategically planning any major purchase in order that it helps you meet the necessary bonus spending.
Rewards on Carrier Purchases
Airline cards generally reward spending on the carrier, for tickets or extra services, with higher earnings than the card’s norm—typically 2 or 3 miles or points per dollar spent. Consider the size of this “multiplier” as you choose between cards. The same goes for the elevated rewards for purchases in select categories like dining, gas, or groceries, which some co-branded and general travel cards also provide.
Extra Travel Benefits
Many airline credit cards offer valuable carrier benefits like fee waivers for checked bags, early boarding priority, and discounts on in-flight purchases. The cards may also offer travel perks not associated with the airline, including credits against the cost of TSA or Global Entry pre-check clearance and complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges.
Is it Possible to Transfer Miles or Points?
While you generally can’t transfer miles between frequent-flier programs, it is possible to book flights on other airlines that share membership in a global alliance. The biggest alliances (with their U.S. carriers in parentheses) are OneWorld (American Airlines), SkyTeam (Delta), and Star Alliance (United).
Within an airline alliance, you can then earn miles in one airline’s frequent flier program and redeem those miles for flights on another. However, you cannot transfer miles from one airline loyalty program to another. For example, miles earned on American Airlines can be redeemed on eligible British Airways flights just because they are both members of the One World Alliance.
Credit cards that earn flexible points can be transferred to multiple airlines. American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citibank each partner with certain airlines and hotels so you can transfer your points to those loyalty programs.
How Can You Maximize Airline Credit Card Rewards?
Each airline’s frequent-flier program has its own rules and guidelines, but to maximize airline card rewards overall, follow these tips:
- Book flights directly with your credit card issuer’s travel portal (if a general travel card) or the airline itself (if you have a co-branded airline card), rather than at a third-party travel site.
- Avoid redeeming miles for merchandise or other non-travel-related options, as this will dilute the value you receive for each mile redeemed.
- Take advantage of special fare deals the airline offers to boost the miles you earn or their value when redeemed.
- Consider using online shopping apps and portals as a way to earn additional airline miles without flying.
- Take advantage of points and cash payment options to reduce the number of miles or points needed to book your reservation.
Should You Get an Airline Card With No Annual Fee?
The vast majority of airline credit cards charge an annual fee, but a few of them have no yearly charge. In addition to no-fee co-branded airline cards, there are flexible airline cards, not associated with any particular airline, that have no annual fee. The credit cards with an annual fee generally offer better rewards and additional travel features compared with their no-annual-fee counterparts. If you fly regularly, then, it can be quite easy to justify the cost of the fee, whether through additional rewards or the value of perks such as waived checked-bag fees or credits for the cost of a streamlined security program.
If you only fly occasionally, compare the rewards and perks of the paid card versus the one with no annual fee. Sometimes even a single use of the perks makes it worth paying an annual fee. For example, getting free checked bags for you and your family can save over $200 on a single round-trip flight. That alone makes it worthwhile paying an annual of around $100.
When shopping for no-annual-fee rewards cards, many people find a better value in cash-back credit cards than branded airline cards. Although cashback cards usually don't offer travel benefits, the ability to spend the rewards any way you choose can be very attractive to some cardholders.
Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?
While airline credit cards make great sense for people who travel frequently for business or pleasure, their value may be much lower if you aren't traveling a lot. Benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access do not justify a card's annual fee if they are not being used. In an effort to retain customers while they aren't traveling, banks have added temporary benefits and expanded how travel credits can be used, such as groceries and dining.
Many people have continued to apply for or renew airline credit cards to receive welcome bonuses and earn miles on their purchases for future travel; others have canceled their card or downgraded to a no-fee version to save money on annual fees in the interim.
When you're ready to start traveling again, it makes sense to apply for a new airline credit card. You have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus and can save money on checked bags when you fly.
Popular Airline Rewards Programs
Airline loyalty programs are free to join, so those who are interested in travel should open an account. This makes it easier to earn rewards when you travel, use a credit card, or shop with their partners. Additionally, you can opt-in to email newsletters to learn about the latest promotions, limited-time offers, and fare sales.
Here are links to the most popular airline rewards programs:
- Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan)
- American Airlines (AAdvantage)
- Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
- JetBlue (TrueBlue)
- Southwest (Rapid Rewards)
- United Airlines (MileagePlus)
Methodology
To find the best airline credit cards, we gathered dozens of data points from every available airline and travel card. We then assigned a star rating for each of these data points to analyze the pros and cons of each card. Features such as the welcome bonus, rewards earned, airline benefits, additional perks, and annual fees all weighed into our decision. We continuously monitor data from the credit card issuers to ensure that we're offering the most up-to-date rankings for our readers so that they can make an informed decision before applying.
Meet Our Credit Cards Expert
Ben Woolsey is Investopedia's Senior Editor for Credit Cards. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including marketing for banking and financial institutions such as Associates First Capital and Bank One. Prior to Investopedia, he managed credit card content for CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com.
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