Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just a casual traveler, an airline credit card can be a great way to save money and earn rewards on your flights. But with so many different cards to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
What to look for in an airline credit card
When choosing an airline credit card, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Annual fee: Some airline credit cards have annual fees, while others don’t. If you’re not a frequent flyer, you may want to choose a card with no annual fee.
- Sign-up bonus: Many airline credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel rewards. If you’re planning a big trip, consider signing up for a card with a generous sign-up bonus.
- Rewards program: Airline credit cards typically offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles on your purchases. These points and miles can then be redeemed for flights, airfare upgrades, and other travel rewards. When choosing a card, compare the different rewards programs to see which one is the most valuable to you.
- Benefits: Some airline credit cards offer additional benefits, such as free checked bags, airport lounge access, and priority boarding. When choosing a card, consider the benefits that are most important to you.
The best airline credit cards for flights, airfare, upgrades, points, & status
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Benefits |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $395 | Priority Pass Select membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, 2x miles on all purchases, 5x miles on flights booked directly with airlines or through Capital One Travel |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 2x points on travel and dining worldwide, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, 25% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $99 | Free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta |
| United℠ Explorer Card | $95 | Free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to United Club lounges when flying United |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | Priority Pass Select membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit, 3x points on travel and dining worldwide, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, 50% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® |
Here are some of the best airline credit cards for flights, airfare, upgrades, points, and status:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great all-around travel rewards card. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, a high rewards rate on travel purchases, and a number of valuable benefits, including:
- 100,000 bonus points: After you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening.
- 5 points per dollar: On flights booked directly with airlines or through Capital One Travel.
- 2 points per dollar: On all other travel purchases, including hotels, rental cars, and cruises.
- Up to $300 in annual statement credits: For travel purchases booked through Capital One Travel.
- Priority Pass Select membership: This gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit: This credit covers the cost of applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, which can help you speed through airport security.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is another great option for travel rewards. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, a high rewards rate on travel purchases, and a number of valuable benefits, including:
- 60,000 bonus points: After you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 2 points per dollar: On travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, transit, dining worldwide, and select streaming services.
- 1 point per dollar: On all other purchases.
- 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®: For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit: This credit can be redeemed for eligible hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- No foreign transaction fees: This means you won’t pay any extra fees when using your card abroad.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a great option for frequent flyers on Delta Air Lines. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, a high rewards rate on Delta purchases, and a number of valuable benefits, including:
- 70,000 bonus miles: After you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership from account opening.
- 2 miles per dollar: On Delta purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar: On all other eligible American Express purchases.
- Free checked bags: For you and up to 8 companions on Delta-operated flights.
- Priority boarding: On Delta-operated flights.
- Access to Delta Sky Club lounges: When flying Delta.
United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card is a great option for frequent flyers on United Airlines. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, a high rewards rate on United purchases, and a number of valuable benefits, including:
- 60,000 bonus miles: After you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 2 miles per dollar: On United purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar: On all other eligible purchases.
- Free checked bags: For you and up to one companion on United-operated and United Express® flights.
- Priority boarding: On United-operated and United Express® flights.
- Access to United Club lounges: When flying United.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards card that offers a generous sign-up bonus, a high rewards rate on travel purchases, and a number of valuable benefits, including:
- 60,000 bonus points: After you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 5 points per dollar: On travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, transit, and dining worldwide.
- 3 points per dollar: On other travel purchases.
- $300 annual travel credit: This credit can be redeemed for eligible travel purchases booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Priority Pass Select membership: This gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit: This credit covers the cost of applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, which can help you speed through airport security.
How to choose the best airline credit card for you
To choose the best airline credit card for you, consider your individual needs and travel habits. If you’re a frequent flyer on a particular airline, you may want to choose a co-branded card that offers bonus rewards on that airline’s purchases. If you’re more flexible with your travel plans, you may want to choose a general travel rewards card that offers rewards on all travel purchases.
Also, consider the annual fee and sign-up bonus when choosing a card. If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll be able to take advantage of the annual fee benefits, you may want to choose a card with no annual fee. And if you’re planning a big trip, consider signing up for a card with a generous sign-up bonus.
Tips for using your airline credit card to get the most value
Here are a few tips for using your airline credit card to get the most value:
- Use your card for all of your travel purchases: This will help you rack up points or miles quickly.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: Sign-up bonuses can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel rewards.
- Redeem your rewards for travel: This is the best way to maximize the value of your rewards.
- Be aware of the terms and conditions of your rewards program: Some programs have blackout dates and other restrictions, so it’s important to read the fine print before redeeming your rewards.
By following these tips, you can use your airline credit card to save money and earn rewards on your flights.
Most asked FAQs about airline credit cards:
- What is an airline credit card?
An airline credit card is a type of credit card that offers rewards on travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. Some airline credit cards also offer benefits such as free checked bags, airport lounge access, and priority boarding.
- What are the benefits of having an airline credit card?
The benefits of having an airline credit card can include:
- Earn rewards on travel purchases: Airline credit cards typically offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles on your travel purchases. These points and miles can then be redeemed for flights, airfare upgrades, and other travel rewards.
- Get valuable benefits: Some airline credit cards offer additional benefits, such as free checked bags, airport lounge access, and priority boarding. These benefits can make your travel experience more enjoyable and convenient.
- Save money on travel: By using your airline credit card to earn rewards and take advantage of benefits, you can save money on your travel expenses.
- How do I choose the best airline credit card for me?
When choosing an airline credit card, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Your travel habits: If you’re a frequent flyer on a particular airline, you may want to choose a co-branded card that offers bonus rewards on that airline’s purchases. If you’re more flexible with your travel plans, you may want to choose a general travel rewards card that offers rewards on all travel purchases.
- The annual fee: Some airline credit cards have annual fees, while others don’t. If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll be able to take advantage of the annual fee benefits, you may want to choose a card with no annual fee.
- The sign-up bonus: Many airline credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel rewards. If you’re planning a big trip, consider signing up for a card with a generous sign-up bonus.
- What are the different types of airline credit cards?
There are two main types of airline credit cards: co-branded cards and general travel rewards cards.
- Co-branded cards: Co-branded cards are issued by a credit card company in partnership with an airline. These cards typically offer bonus rewards on purchases made with the airline, as well as other benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
- General travel rewards cards: General travel rewards cards are issued by a credit card company and are not affiliated with any particular airline. These cards typically offer rewards on all travel purchases, regardless of the airline.
- How do I earn rewards on my airline credit card?
To earn rewards on your airline credit card, simply use your card to make purchases. The amount of rewards you earn will depend on the rewards program offered by your card issuer. Some cards offer a flat rate of rewards on all purchases, while others offer bonus rewards on certain types of purchases, such as travel or dining.
- How do I redeem my airline credit card rewards?
To redeem your airline credit card rewards, you will need to log into your account online or call your card issuer’s customer service line. You can then redeem your rewards for flights, airfare upgrades, and other travel rewards.
- What are some tips for using my airline credit card to get the most value?
Here are a few tips for using your airline credit card to get the most value:
- Use your card for all of your travel purchases: This will help you rack up points or miles quickly.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: Sign-up bonuses can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel rewards.
- Redeem your rewards for travel: This is the best way to maximize the value of your rewards.
- Be aware of the terms and conditions of your rewards program: Some programs have blackout dates and other restrictions, so it’s important to read the fine print before redeeming your rewards.
- What are the drawbacks of having an airline credit card?
The main drawback of having an airline credit card is that some cards have annual fees. If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll be able to take advantage of the annual fee benefits, you may want to choose a card with no annual fee.
Another drawback is that some airline credit cards have blackout dates and other restrictions on redeeming rewards. It’s important to read the fine print of your rewards program before redeeming your rewards.
