- Free checked bag.
- Features luxury perks.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Updated April 18, 2024
The best airline credit cards have benefits like high reward rates, free checked bags and access to premium airport lounges. Co-branded airline cards and general travel cards can both offer excellent value. Airline cards with annual fees can be pricier upfront but may be worth it for frequent travelers.
Our top recommendations
- card_name: Best for United Airlines
- card_name: Best for American Airlines
- card_name: Best for Delta Airlines
- card_name: Best for businesses
- card_name: Best for Southwest Airlines
- card_name: Best for lounge access
- card_name: Best for flexible travel rewards
- card_name: Best for bonus redemption rates
- card_name: Best for no-annual-fee travel rewards
- card_name: Best for premium travel rewards
- card_name: Best for dining
card_name: Best for United Airlines
United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Explorer Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
Compared to other travel cards at the same price point, the card_name makes it easy to get plenty of value out of the card. It combines a solid introductory bonus of 50,000 miles after $3,000 in spending in the first three months with bonus earnings on United flights, dining and more.
When you combine these rewards with an affordable annual_fees annual fee ($0 for first year), it’s clear why the United Explorer Card is popular among frequent fliers with the airline. Benefits including up to $100 for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee and a free checked bag for the cardholder and a companion easily justify the cost.
Pros:
Cons:
- Rewards have limited flexibility.
Why we like it: The card_name has a nice bonus, several luxury perks and a solid reward rate on common travel expenses. The bonus has a reasonable spending requirement, and annual_fees. This allows you to dip your toes into the world of premium travel perks.
card_name: Best for American Airlines
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Includes Admirals Club access.
- Many premium perks.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
Why we like it: This card_name includes Admirals Club access (up to an $850 value), the first checked bag on domestic flights for you and up to eight travel companions and a 25% discount on AA inflight food and beverage purchases.
card_name: Best for Delta Airlines
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_fullTerms Apply.
Pros:
- Includes free checked bags.
- Priority boarding on Delta flights.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
Why we like it: The card_name includes benefits like Main Cabin 1 boarding and your first checked bag free. You also get a $100 Delta credit and 20% back in statement credits on eligible in-flight Delta purchases. It also has a annual_fees.
card_name: Best for businesses
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
For small business owners, the card_name is tough to pass up, bonus_miles, 3X points on common business expenses and a 25% boost to travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Pros:
- Excellent welcome offer.
- Reasonable annual fee.
Cons:
- The bonus has a high spending requirement.
- Bonus rewards have an annual cap.
Why we like it: For small business owners, the card_name is tough to pass up, bonus_miles, 3X points on common business expenses and a 25% boost to travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
card_name: Best for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
The card_name is designed with airline loyalists in mind, offering the highest rewards rate on Southwest purchases. Still, cardholders can still earn on plenty of general purchases thanks to bonus categories for transit, commuting and internet, cable and phone services.
Despite the Southwest Priority Card’s $149 annual fee, it can be worth the investment for frequent fliers. Its annual $75 Southwest credit offsets half the cost, and rewards and perks like upgraded boardings can cover the rest.
Pros:
- Includes priority boarding.
- Helps earn Companion Pass.
- Good reward rate.
Cons:
- Has a higher annual fee than similar cards.
Why we like it: The card_name has a lot to offer for Southwest customers, including a nice bonus, priority boarding and an annual points bonus. You also earn credit toward the coveted Companion Pass, and the regular reward rate is solid.
card_name: Best for lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full Terms Apply.
Pros:
- Access to a large network of airport lounges.
- Many credits available.
- High reward rate.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
Why we like it: With access to over 1,400 airport lounges at over 500 airports globally, the card_name is the ideal choice if you like to travel in comfort. Although the annual fee of annual_fees is high, this card's numerous credits can cover the fee several times over. Of course, this card also includes luxury travel benefits, like access to fine hotels and resorts and premium rental car protection.
card_name: Best for flexible travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
Often touted as the perfect beginner travel credit card, the card_name comes with all the necessities that a traveler needs. It’s got a large welcome bonus, it earns points quickly and it confers excellent travel insurance to protect you against flight delays and rental car dings.
The biggest selling point of the card is its flexible rewards. You can travel for pennies on the dollar by transferring the points you earn to airline and hotel loyalty programs such as Hyatt, United Airlines, British Airways and many more. You can also redeem your points for flights, rental cars and cruises through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.25 cents each.
Pros:
- Valuable welcome offer.
- Transferable points.
Cons:
- Has annual fee.
- Requires a lot of spending to earn the welcome offer.
Why we like it: The card_name is tough to beat for those looking for transferable rewards and a reasonable annual_fees annual fee. It offers a welcome bonus and $200 in partner value, plus a 25% redemption boost when you book travel through Chase. But what really stands out among cards in this tier is its extensive travel and purchase protection.
card_name: Best for bonus redemption rates
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
The card_name is a premium travel rewards credit card with souped-up travel perks that the frequent traveler will love. You’ll get up to $300 in annual statement credits to offset virtually any travel purchase; you’ll get the highest level of travel insurance; you’ll get access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
This card’s points can save you a bundle on travel in two key ways: You can redeem them for airfare, hotel stays, rental cars and more through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.5 cents. Or, you can convert them into several different airline miles and hotel points currencies to potentially get a value of 2 cents (or more) in travel from your rewards.
Pros:
- Lucrative welcome offer.
- Points earn a redemption boost.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
- Welcome bonus requires a lot of spending.
Why we like it: The bigger cousin of the card_name, the card_name currently has the same bonus_miles welcome bonus. However, it includes significantly more credits, including a $300 annual travel credit and better reward rates. You also get a 50% redemption boost when booking through Chase, making this card great value, even with its annual_fees annual fee. You can read our full card_name review here.
card_name: Best for no-annual-fee travel rewards
VentureOne Rewards from Capital One
VentureOne Rewards from Capital One
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- No annual fee.
- Good cash-back rate.
- Flexible redemptions.
Cons:
- Limited transfer partners.
Why we like it: If you are just getting into travel rewards, the card_name can be a great way to start, as there is annual_fees annual fee. Meanwhile, it lets you earn 1.25 miles on every purchase with no categories to track. Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus with a reasonable spending requirement.
card_name: Best for premium travel rewards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- $300 annual travel credit and 10,000-anniversary bonus miles.
- High reward rate.
Cons:
- Travel credit is only for booking travel through Capital One.
Why we like it: The card_name is a premium travel card with a much lower fee than most of its competitors, yet you still get several credits and bonuses. It also includes an excellent welcome offer and a high reward rate on everyday purchases.
card_name: Best for dining
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Pros:
- Good welcome bonus.
- High earning rate on dining and groceries.
- Several credits available.
Cons:
- Higher annual fee than some cards on this list.
Why we like it: The card_name offers a foray into the world of premium credit cards, acting as a stepping stone between the $95 and $99 fee cards and the pricey Platinum Card. It offers several possible credits, a high earning rate and a generous welcome bonus. It also includes extensive travel and purchase protections.
Best credit cards 2024: Comparison
| Card name | Annual fees | Welcome offer | Description | Credit score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 2X miles on United purchases, dining and hotels, 1X miles on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 10X miles on rental cars and hotels, 4X miles on AA purchases, 1X miles on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 2X on dining, groceries and Delta purchases. Terms Apply. | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 3X points on $150,000 in combined purchases on travel, shipping, advertising, internet, cable and phone, 1X points on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car purchases, local transit, internet, cable, phone and select streaming, 1X points on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels, 1X on other purchases. Terms Apply. | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 5X on Chase Travel purchases and Lyft rides, 3X points on dining, 2X on travel, 1X on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 3X points on dining, restaurants, delivery services and travel purchases, 5X points on Chase Travel airline tickets, 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase, qualifying Lyft rides and Ultimate Rewards Chase Dining purchases, 1X on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 1.25 miles per dollar | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 10X miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles on all other purchases | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | bonus_miles | 4X points at restaurants, 4X points on up to $25,000 in purchases at supermarkets, 3X points on flights, 1X on all other purchases. Terms Apply. | credit_score_needed |
How we chose the best airline credit cards
We compared card offers based on the following criteria: rewards rates (when applicable); welcome offers (when applicable); rewards flexibility; introductory APR offers; variable APRs; annual fees; consumer protections included; travel benefits and perks; travel insurance benefits; credit rating required.
Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards structures and welcome offers, as well as flexibility within their designated rewards programs. Some cards that don't offer rewards were evaluated based on other factors, including their fee structure, introductory interest rates and regular variable APR. In all cases benefits such as consumer protections and travel insurance perks were taken into account.
Choosing the best credit card: Where to begin
Choosing the best airline credit card can seem challenging, but following the right steps can simplify the process. Here's what you need to get started.
Assess your travel habits
Many airline transaction fee cards are available, including everything from no-annual-fee cards to premium cards with luxury benefits. Start by assessing how often you travel abroad, as frequent international travelers typically get more value out of premium cards, such as those with lounge benefits.
In addition, you should consider where you usually go or plan to go in the future. Cards on networks like Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express, especially in other countries.
Lastly, consider how you spend your money while traveling. Certain cards offer better reward rates on certain categories, such as dining, airfare and hotels. Look for a card that aligns with your spending habits while traveling abroad.
Prioritize your needs
Not everyone is looking for the same thing from a travel credit card. When choosing an airline credit card, consider the kind of rewards you want, as different credit cards offer different kinds of rewards. For instance, do you prefer cash back, airline miles, hotel points or general travel points?
Different credit cards also offer different rewards and perks. These might include travel or trip cancellation insurance, purchase protection, rental car discounts or free checked bags. Look for a card with the perks you prefer.
You should also pay attention to each card's annual fee. Those with no annual fee might be cheaper, but cards with high annual fees can pay for themselves for frequent travelers.
Compare based on criteria
When considering airline credit cards, take a look at each card's reward rates, bonus categories and redemption options. Also, compare the value per point or mile for each card.
In addition, weigh the fees and APRs of each card against its benefits. While the value of these benefits can be difficult to quantify, some issuers estimate the value of their cards' benefits. Some also offer credits with specific values, which can help you estimate the value of the card's offerings.
Eligibility by credit score
Each card issuer has different requirements, and you may have an easier time qualifying with some issuers than others. Here are some major credit issuers and their minimum credit score requirements. These scores are averages across products. Different cards from the same issuer may have different credit score thresholds.
| Issuer | Minimum score |
|---|---|
American Express | 670 |
Chase | 670 |
Citibank | 670 |
Capital One | 580 (for student cards) |
Barclays | 700 |
U.S. Bank | 670 |
How to maximize your airline credit cards
Maximizing your rewards from airline credit cards requires strategic spending, watching for bonuses and properly managing your finances. While it can seem complex, you must follow just a few basic principles.
Choose credit cards that align with your everyday spending. For instance, several airline credit cards give you high reward rates on spending on gas, groceries, internet and other popular spending categories. Look for credit cards with the best reward rates where you usually spend.
You may also want to look for airline cards with lucrative welcome bonuses. While you generally shouldn't sign up for airline cards only because they have a good bonus, this can be a tipping point between your top choices.
Also, remember not to spend more than you can afford on your airline credit card. Their reward rates and welcome bonuses can be tempting, but you may eliminate those benefits if you rack up high balances and interest charges.
Popular airline rewards programs
There are many airline rewards programs in the U.S., each with its own benefits. Here are some of the most popular and well-known programs:
- American Airlines AAdvantage: This program has a wide range of partner airlines through the oneworld® alliance, including Finnair, Iberia, Etihad Airways and JetBlue. This program is great for international travel and earning rewards through airline credit cards.
- Delta SkyMiles: This program was recently overhauled and looks to have a more upscale feel. As a result, it made earning its Medallion® Status more difficult at first, though Delta has eased some restrictions in response to customer demand. Partners include airlines like Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.
- JetBlue TrueBlue: This program is known for its transparent award pricing and frequent bonus offers. It features great value on its Caribbean and Latin American routes.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards: Features simple points you can transfer to various hotel and airline partners. Doesn't have blackout dates for its award flights.
- United MileagePlus: Popular for international upgrades and award travel on partner airlines, such as Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. You can earn miles at a higher rate with co-branded cards.
In addition to airline rewards programs, don't forget general travel rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Venture Rewards. These programs feature transferable points that can make it easier to fly on various airlines.
How much are airline miles worth?
The value of airline miles can vary based on several factors and in different situations. On average, an airline mile is worth about 1.3 to 1.5 cents. However, miles can be worth closer to two cents with programs like AAdvantage and Alaska Mileage Plan. The only objective way to price out points is to see how much a ticket or service costs in dollars compared to miles.
There are many reasons the value of airline miles can fluctuate. For instance, award flight availability and pricing can vary based on the demand and route. In addition, miles can have a high value for business class seats, while they might offer less value in economy class.
Also, consider that some airlines might add fees or surcharges, which could decrease the value of your miles. Consider these charges in your calculation to get a true picture of how much your points are worth.
In reality, the value of your points largely depends on how you use them. Some flights can have better values, as can some seating arrangements. Some airlines could also devalue miles in some cases. Use your miles widely for the best redemption.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between airline and travel credit cards?
Airline credit cards are those branded for a specific airline loyalty program, while travel credit cards are general travel cards that typically offer transferable points or miles. Travel cards are usually more flexible, offering value across various airlines. However, airline credit cards often have airline-specific perks you won't get with travel credit cards.
What is the easiest credit card to get?
There is no single credit card that is the easiest to get. However, some credit cards, such as secured credit cards and student credit cards, are meant for those with minimal or damaged credit. If you fall into either of these categories, consider a secured credit card or a student credit card if you are a student.
What are the best credit card offers right now?
Currently, some of the best credit card offers include the card_name that has a bonus_miles_full welcome offer, and the card_name has a bonus_miles_full welcome offer. Depending on the redemption method, Capital One miles can be worth more than two cents each.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit URL.
AP Buyline has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. AP Buyline and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.