Best Airline Credit Cards for Flights, Airfare, Upgrades, Points, & Status in 2024
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Airline credit cards offer a host of benefits that reward your loyalty with only a couple of flights. Most airlines offer several options with different annual fees and benefits that cater to most travel frequencies.
This guide can help you spot the best credit card for your preferred airline. As a result, you can unlock the most benefits with an affordable annual fee.
Table of Contents
How Do Airline Credit Cards Work?
Branded airline credit cards sync with your loyalty account for that specific carrier. Then, you earn frequent flyer miles on card purchases that deposit into your loyalty account monthly.
Your card may also offer these benefits:
- Free checked bags
- In-flight purchase discounts (reimburses as a statement credit)
- Priority boarding
- Airport lounge access
- Discounted companion tickets (as an anniversary bonus)
- Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Many credit cards now let you earn bonus miles on non-airline purchases. The enhanced rewards programs make using this card as your primary rewards card easier.
However, these feature-packed cards can also be excellent secondary cards that you only break out when buying tickets to unlock these perks. Then, you can use your favorite travel rewards card for your daily purchases to book award travel more frequently.
Tip: It’s not uncommon for the air travel benefits to only be active when you buy the ticket for you and your travel companions with the branded credit card. Review the benefit terms and conditions before applying to decide if the card is worth using.
Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards
American Express currently offers three consumer and three small business cards to maximize your Delta SkyMiles loyalty. Unfortunately, the $0 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card currently isn’t accepting new applications.
The Delta SkyMiles credit cards have generous free first checked bag allowances for the basic cardholder and up to eight companions plus 20% in-flight savings. It’s also possible to get complimentary or discounted Delta Sky Club access or fast-track Medallion status.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $0 for the first year, then $99 (see Rates & Fees) | Up to 2x SkyMiles on purchases Free first checked bag Earn a $100 flight credit |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | $250 (see Rates & Fees) | Up to 3x SkyMiles on purchases Up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)Discounted Delta Sky Club Access Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit Annual companion certificate |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | $550 (see Rates & Fees) | Up to 3x SkyMiles on purchases Complimentary Delta Sky Club access Centurion Lounge access Premium annual companion certificate |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card | $0 for the first year and then $99 (see Rates & Fees) | 2x SkyMiles on Delta and select business purchases Free first checked bag Up to $100 Delta flight credit |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card | $250 (see Rates & Fees) | Up to 3x SkyMiles on purchases Discounted Delta Sky Club access Annual companion certificate Cell phone protection |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card | $550 (see Rates & Fees) | Delta Sky Club access Centurion Lounge access Annual companion certificate Status Boost (up to 60,000 bonus MQMs per year) |
The small business versions of these cards have similar fees and card benefits.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Best for Casual Delta Flyers
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is best for periodically flying on Delta. You can enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee and then pay $99 per renewal.
Featured card benefits include:
- First checked bag is free for you and 8 companions
- $100 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 in annual card purchases
- Earn 2x miles on Delta, U.S. restaurant, and U.S. supermarket purchases
- $50 off flight costs for every 5,000 SkyMiles you redeem
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Best for Frequent Delta Travelers
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium card with a $550 annual fee. However, it can be well worth the price if you want airport lounge benefits or an easier time achieving Medallion status.
You get complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge locations when flying with Delta. It’s possible to share two one-time Sky Club passes each year with friends.
To reach Delta SkyMiles Medallions status sooner, you can enjoy these benefits:
- Status Boost: Earn 15,000 MQMs after $30,000 in annual purchases (up to 4x per year)
- Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) waiver: Spend at least $25,000 per year and waive the annual MQDs requirement for Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion status.
- Upgrade Priority: Can receive flight upgrades before either Medallion members. Non-Medallion members also get first preference after Medallion passengers receive upgrades.
Two other benefits of note include a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and an annual companion certificate. Each card anniversary, the certificate provides a domestic first-class, Comfort+, or a main cabin round-trip flight for no more than $75.
Best United Airlines Credit Cards
United Airlines offers several personal and small business cards through Chase.
Card benefits can vary but typically include free first checked bags, complimentary United Club visits, and earning 25% back on United in-flight purchases.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| United Gateway℠ Credit Card | $0 | Up to 2x United miles No blackout dates for Mileage Plus members 25% in-flight savings |
| United℠ Explorer Card | $0 for the first year, then $95 | Up to 2x United miles Free first checked bag 2 United Club one-time passes each year Up to 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQPs) |
| United Quest℠ Card | $250 | Up to 3x United miles $125 annual United purchase credit Up to 3,000 PQPs Free first and second checked bags |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | $525 | Up to 4x United miles United Club membership Free first and second checked bags Up to 4,000 PQPs |
| United℠ Business Card | $99 | $100 annual United flight credit Free first checked bag 2 United Club one-time passes each year Up to 1,000 PQPs 5,000-mile better-together anniversary bonus |
United Gateway Card
No Annual Fee United Credit Card
The United Gateway Card is one of the few airline credit cards without an annual fee. You won’t pay a foreign transaction fee either.
This card is a good fit if you want to earn airline miles on purchases but don’t need free checked bags, lounge passes, etc.
You will earn 2x MileagePlus miles on United, gas stations, and local transit or commuting purchases. Other notable card benefits include redeeming your miles as a statement credit for award flights and 25% in-flight savings.
United Quest Card
Best Mid-Tier United Credit Card
The United Quest Card is more expensive than the other mid-tier card ($250 annually vs. $0 then $95 for the United Explorer Card) as it features more benefits.
Some of the most valuable perks include:
- $125 in annual United statement credits
- Two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits
- Free first and second checked bags for you and one companion
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
You might prefer the United Explorer Card if you want a lower annual fee and two one-time United Club passes each year. However, you miss out on the $125 United statement credit and 5,000-mile flight credits.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Complimentary United Club Lounge Access
The premium United Club Infinite Card is your best bet if you want unlimited access to the United Club network. This benefit alone costs up to $625 and the card’s annual fee is only $525.
Other excellent benefits include:
- Free first and second checked bags
- Premier Access travel services
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS
- Earn up to 4x miles on purchases
- Earn up to 4,000 PQPs per year
- 10% discount on United Economy Saver Awards
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
- Avis President’s Club status
Best American Airlines Credit Cards
The branded American Airlines credit cards are available from Citi and Barclays. Citi offers four of the six available cards and Barclays provides the two “Aviator” products.
All cards can earn 1 Loyalty Point per mile you earn to earn AAdvantage elite status quickly.
Most cards offer a free checked baggage allowance for the primary cardholder and up to four companions. However, the premium Citi/AAdvantage Executive extends the free first checked bag to eight companions.
Additionally, several cards provide the opportunity to earn a $99 domestic companion certificate for each card anniversary. Depending on the card, the annual spending requirement is between $20,000 and $30,000.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® (Citi) | $0 | Up to 2x miles on purchases Earn 1 Loyalty Point per $1 25% in-flight savings on food and beverage |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | $0 for the first year, then $99 | Up to 2x miles on purchases $125 flight discount after $20,000 in annual purchases Free first checked bag for up to 4 companions |
| AAdvantage® Aviator®Red World Elite Mastercard®(Barclays) | $99 | Up to 2x miles on purchases 25% savings on in-flight food and beverages Up to $25 in annual statement credits for in-flight wifi First checked bag free for you and up to 4 companions $99 companion certificate each card anniversary |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | $450 | Complimentary Admirals Lounge access Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions Enhanced airport experience Earn AAdvantage status sooner |
| AAdvantage® Aviator®World Elite Business Mastercard® | $95 | Free first checked bag for you and up to 4 companions 5% AAdvantage mileage bonus $99 companion certificate after eligible purchases |
| CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® | $0 for the first year, then $99 | Up to 2x miles on purchases Free first checked bag 25% savings on in-flight food, beverage, and wifi purchases American Airlines Companion Certificate |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard®
Best Mid-Tier American Airlines Credit Card
The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is the best consumer credit card for American Airlines. Its annual fee is $0 for the first year and then $99 each renewal.
Your card benefits include:
- Earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases (1x for everything else)
- 1 Loyalty Point per mile on purchases
- 25% savings on in-flight food and beverages
- Free first checked bag for you and up to four companions
- $125 American Airlines flight discount after $20,000 in annual purchases and renewing your card
Unfortunately, this card doesn’t provide lounge passes like competing cards from other airlines.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Free Admirals Lounge Access
Regular American Airlines passengers should consider the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard to get complimentary Admirals Lounge access. None of the other American Airlines credit cards provide lounge access.
This card can also be a great option if you have a large travel party as the free checked bag perk extends to eight companions (vs. four with other cards).
If you make lots of card purchases, you earn 10,000 additional loyalty points after $40,000 in annual spending. You already earn 1 point per mile earned on card purchases.
Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
Chase Bank is the exclusive issuer of the Southwest Airlines credit cards, arguably the most popular discount airline. Each card has an annual fee but you receive an anniversary points bonus on each renewal.
Many Southwest enthusiasts time their card application to have a better shot at qualifying for the Companion Pass benefit. You see, the signup bonus and purchase rewards help reach the annual requirement of 125,000 qualifying points.
As a passholder, the ticket price is only the cost of fees and taxes for one designated companion when you purchase your ticket with points or cash.
The card benefits differ somewhat from the legacy airline credit cards (i.e., American, Delta, and United) as Southwest already offers two free checked bags on every ticket.
All cards offer 25% off in-flight purchases and bonus points on each card anniversary.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | $69 | 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year 3,000 bonus points each card anniversary 25% back on inflight purchases |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | $99 | 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year 6,000 points each card anniversary Earn unlimited Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | $149 | $75 Southwest annual travel credit 4 Upgraded Bookings per year 7,500 bonus points each card anniversary Earn unlimited TQPs |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | $99 | 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year 6,000 bonus points each anniversary Earn unlimited TQPs $500 fee credit for points transfers |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card | $199 | 4 Upgraded Bookings per year Up to 365 InFlight WiFi credits per year 9,000 bonus points each card anniversary Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card
Best Consumer Card for Southwest Airlines
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card can be your best option as it provides the most benefits and its annual fee isn’t much higher than the other two alternatives ($149 vs. $99 vs. $69).
Each year, you receive a $75 Southwest travel credit to offset your first flights each year. You also get up to 4 Upgraded Bookings per year and 7,500 card anniversary bonus points.
You also earn up to 3x Rapid Rewards on purchases:
- 3x on Southwest purchases
- 2x with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
- 2x on local transit and commuting, internet; cable; and phone services, and select streaming services
- 1x on remaining purchases
Best Alaska Airlines Credit Cards
There is a single personal and small business card available for Alaska Airlines. Bank of America issues both cards.
You might consider this card if you can use this discount airline for affordable airfare across the U.S. west coast to accumulate points quickly. Alaska purchases earn 3 points per $1 and all remaining spending earns 1 point per $1.
It’s also possible to redeem your MileagePlan miles with Oneworld Alliance partners, such as American Airlines if Alaska doesn’t serve your destination.
Another reason to consider this card is for its Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ anniversary bonus. Each renewal, you receive one domestic companion flight for as low as $121 ($99 fare plus $22 in taxes and fees).
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card | $75 | Free checked bag for you and up to 6 companions $121 Companion Fare each card anniversary 20% in-flight savings 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes |
| Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card | $50 (primary card) and $25 per additional card | Free checked bag for you and up to 6 companions $121 Companion Fare each card anniversary 20% in-flight savings 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes |
Best JetBlue Credit Cards
The JetBlue rewards cards can help you achieve Mosaic status sooner and also enjoy 50% off qualifying in-flight purchases.
Infrequent flyers also have access to a $0 annual fee credit card which makes it easy to earn TrueBlue points without buying plane tickets.
Barclays offers all three branded credit cards. The JetBlue Plus Card ($99 annual fee) can be the best option for leisure travel as it offers free checked bags along with several opportunities to receive bonus points and discounts.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| The JetBlue Card | $0 | Earn up to 3x points on purchases 50% savings on in-flight food and drink No foreign transaction fee |
| The JetBlue Plus Card | $99 | First checked bag free for you and up to 3 companions 10% of redeemed points back on JetBlue-operated award flights 5,000 bonus points each card anniversary Get Mosaic benefits after $50,000 in annual spending |
| The JetBlue Business Card | $99 | 10% of redeemed points back on JetBlue-operated award flights 5,000 bonus points each card anniversary Get Mosaic benefits after $50,000 in annual spending |
Best Aeroplan Credit Card
The Aeroplan® Card is the only Air Canada credit card available directly to US residents.
Aeroplan can be an excellent rewards program for booking international flights and also flying to Canada.
Featured Aeroplan Card benefits include:
- Earn up to 3x points on purchases
- 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend each month
- Automatic Aeroplan 25k Status
- Free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions
- Preferred pricing on reward flights
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit
The annual fee is $95 and there is no foreign transaction fee.
The Vacationer Recommendation
See a few of our top flight and airline guides to get the best prices on airfare.
– Best Websites for Booking Cheap Flights and Airfare
– How to Find Cheap Flights
– How to use Google Flights
– How to Use Skyscanner
– Best Days to Book Flights
– Best Seats on a Plane
– Worst Seats on a Plane
Best Avios Credit Cards
There are three airline credit cards for the Avios rewards program (Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia). The better option can depend on your preferred airline.
There are many similarities, such as earning bonus Avios when booking flights from the three Avios airlines instead of just for your preferred airline. But, as you might expect, each card offers airline-specific benefits that don’t carry over to the other Avios partners.
In most situations, the British Airways Visa Signature Card provides the most valuable benefits in reducing travel expenses.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card | $95 | Priority Boarding on Aer Lingus flights Commercial Airline Companion Ticket after $30,000 in annual purchases Earn up to 5x Avios |
| British Airways Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US Up to $600 in yearly Reward Flight Statement Credits Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 in annual purchases |
| Iberia Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 10% on qualifying airfare bookings $1,000 Airfare Discount Voucher each year after $30,000 in purchases |
General Travel Credit Cards for Airline Benefits
You may not be loyal to a particular airline and rely on airline-specific benefits. If this is you, a general travel rewards credit card lets you earn and redeem bonus points for many carriers.
The air travel benefits can also apply no matter which airline you fly. In a nutshell, flexibility is critical with these cards.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $395 | Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access Annual $300 Capital One Travel credit 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | Annual $300 travel credit Priority Pass Select 50% award travel redemption bonus 1:1 point transfers |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 – (see Rates & Fees) | $200 annual airline fee credit Airport lounge benefits Private jet travel perks 1:1 airline and hotel point transfer |
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Premium Perks and a Low Annual Fee
The Capital One Venture X Rewards is one of the most affordable premium travel credit cards. The primary card is only $395 and up to four authorized users are free.
Air travel benefits include:
- Annual $300 Capital One Travel statement credit
- Priority Pass Select lounge access
- Capital One Lounge access
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers
This card also provides 10,000-anniversary bonus miles ($100 value) and you can earn up to 10x miles on Capital One Travel purchases.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Most Valuable Redemption Options
The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $550 per year plus $75 per additional card. This card earns up to 10x Ultimate Rewards on purchases (up to 5x for flights).
Your points are worth 50% more (1.5 cents) when booking award travel. You can also transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to airlines including, United, Southwest, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
Other valuable air travel benefits include:
- Annual $300 travel credit (reimburses your first travel spending each year)
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge access
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit
You can also enjoy valuable credit card travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation/interruption and emergency evacuation.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Luxury Travel Benefits
The Platinum Card from American Express can satisfy your luxury travel cravings as it features the most airline and hotel perks.
Amex Platinum Card airline benefits include:
- Annual $200 airline fee credit
- Wheels Up private jet program discounts
- American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- CLEAR application fee credit
- 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers
- Earn up to 5x Membership Rewards on flights
This card also offers several lifestyle and entertainment benefits.
The annual fee is $695 for the basic card and up to three additional cards cost $175. Your fourth or more additional card costs $175 each.
The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts
There are so many airline credit cards to choose from and narrowing your list to your favorite five can make the comparison process more manageable.
Consider your travel frequency and air travel needs for that particular airline to find the best card. While you will most likely pay an annual fee, the ongoing benefits can easily help you save more than the yearly fees and access elite travel perks.
And don’t forget to also carry a flexible travel rewards credit card in your wallet. These cards can help you get bonuses when another airline offers a better itinerary for your travel dates. Finally, see our list of the best hotel credit cards to get the most out of your next stay.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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