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Best Airline Credit Cards to Earn Miles of March 2024

If you like traveling with a particular airline, a co-branded card is the best way to earn frequent flier miles. These cards usually come with great rewards, including welcome bonuses and various travel perks such as airport lounge access, early boarding, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. This article will help you compare and choose the credit card for air travel that suits your spending habits and needs.

By Hanna Volkava
Updated March 15, 2024

Best Credit Cards for Airline in March 2024

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card best for Car rental

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Venture X Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$395 annually
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.53
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 10,000x 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.
    • 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.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 75,000x Bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Earn 10x Miles on hotels and rental cars (booked through Capital One Travel), 5x Miles on flights (booked through Capital One Travel), 2x Miles per dollar on every purchase.

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card charges an annual fee of $395. The APR for purchases and balance transfers is 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable). The card has a balance transfer fee of 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

    Refer your friends and family to apply for a Venture X card and earn up to 100,000 bonus miles when they’re approved.

  • Pros:
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • Welcome offer
    • Miles don’t expire for the life of the account
  • Cons:
    • Annual Fee
  • Benefits:
    • 10,000 Miles (Anniversary Bonus);
    • 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;
    • $300 Annual Travel Credit;
    • $200 Vacation Rental Credit;
    • Capital One Lounge;
    • Priority Pass™;
    • Global Entry & TSA PreCheck®;
    • Cell Phone Protection;
    • Hertz President’s Circle® status;
    • Free Additional Cardholders.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card best for Travel, Daily use

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Venture Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.43
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
    • 2x Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 75,000x 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.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    This card has a high rewards rate that gives you 5x miles for hotels and cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as a decent sign-up bonus. Cardholders have to pay a $95 annual fee, which seems reasonable considering the rewards that the card offers. Besides, you can offset this fee with the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit.

  • Pros:
    • High rewards rate. Earn 5x miles per dollar spent when booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel. You get 2x miles per dollar for all other purchases.
    • High welcome bonus. You will get 75,000 bonus miles when you spend at least $4,000 on qualifying purchases within three months after opening an account.
    • Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. You get up to $100 every four years as a statement credit for your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fees.
    • Miles transfer program. You can transfer your miles to more than 15 partner hotel and airline loyalty programs. For most of them, the transfer rate is 1:1.
  • Cons:
    • No intro APR. The card doesn’t offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
    • Travel-focused rewards. Redeeming your miles for travel is the only way to maximize rewards since they lose value when redeemed for gift cards and statement credit.
  • Benefits:
    • 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel;
    • 5x miles on hotels and car rentals;
    • 2x miles on every purchase, every day;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • 24/7 Customer Service;
    • The Eno assistant;
    • 24-Hour Travel Assistance Services;
    • Global Entry or TSA Precheck Credit;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Hertz Five Star status;
    • Transfer Your Miles;
    • Capital One Shopping;
    • Shop With Your Rewards;
    • Premier Culinary Experiences;
    • Big-time Sports Events;
    • Must-See Music Events.
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Capital One Spark Miles for Business best for Walmart purchases

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Capital One Spark® Miles
Annual fee:
$0 intro for the first year
$95 thereafter
Regular APR:
26.24% Variable
Our Rating:
4.11
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 2x Miles on every purchase for your business with no blackouts or seat restrictions and no minimum to redeem.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 50,000x Miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    26.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Spark® Miles for Business Credit Card has an annual fee of $0 (intro for the first year), then $95. The Card offers 2x miles on every purchase for your business and 5x miles on hotels and car rentals.

    The Card's APR for both purchases and transfers is 26.24% Variable.

    The Capital One Spark® Miles for Business Card offers 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

    Use your miles on flights, hotels, vacation packages and more-you can even transfer miles to any of 15+ travel partners.

  • Pros:
    • Attractive sign-up bonus
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cons:
    • No 0% APR period
    • Annual fee after the first year
  • Benefits:
    • 50,000 bonus miles ( once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening);
    • 5x miles on hotels and car rentals;
    • 2x miles on all purchases;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • $100 Travel Credit;
    • Capital One Lounge.

    For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® best for Travel, Restaurants, Daily use

Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Our Rating:
4.25
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • 5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
    • 3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
    • 3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
    • 3x Points on select streaming services.
    • 2x Points on other travel purchases.
    • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card, you earn 5x and 3x points when you spend on eligible travel and dining purchases, respectively. Even though there is a $95 annual fee, you can make up for it with the $50 yearly hotel credit, 25% bonus when using the Pay Yourself Back℠ feature or redeeming your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and the 10% anniversary bonus for total purchases for the previous year.

  • Pros:
    • High dining & travel rewards rate. Every dollar you spend on eligible travel and dining purchases earns you 5x and 3x points, respectively. You will get 2x points for all other travel purchases.
    • 60,000 points welcome bonus. After spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within three months after opening your account, you will be rewarded with 60,000 points. When redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, they are worth $750.
    • $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit. On your account anniversary each year, you get $50 as a statement credit to use for hotel bookings.
    • Pay Yourself Back. The value of points increases by 25% when redeemed for select, rotating categories during the current offer.
    • 1:1 points transfer. Transfer your points to the travel partner loyalty programs at 1:1 ratio.
  • Cons:
    • Regular APR. The interest rate is slightly above average (21.49% - 28.49%) compared with other travel cards with a 15.99% - 22.99% variable APR.
    • No intro APR offer. The card doesn’t offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
  • Benefits:
    • 60,000 Bonus Points;
    • $50 in statement credits;
    • 5x points on travel;
    • 3x points on dining;
    • 3x points on online grocery purchases;
    • 3x points on select streaming services;
    • 2x points on other travel purchases;
    • 25% more redemption value;
    • 1:1 Point Transfer;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Baggage Delay Insurance;
    • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.
Card detail

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card best for Honeymoon

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express
Annual fee:
$0 intro annual fee for the first year
$99 thereafter
Regular APR:
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.44
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2x Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
    • 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 70,000x Bonus miles after you make $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    This co-branded card offers 2x miles when you make qualifying Delta, restaurant, and US supermarket purchases. The $99 annual fee is waived during the first year and can be made up with other perks. You can also look forward to a lucrative intro bonus.

  • Pros:
    • Good rewards rate. You will be rewarded with 2x miles per dollar spent for purchases with Delta, at restaurants and US supermarkets. All other purchases earn you one mile for each dollar spent.
    • Huge welcome bonus. After spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within six months from account opening, you get 70,000 bonus miles.
    • First checked bag free. This bonus only applies to Delta flights where you are not charged for your first checked bag.
    • $100 Delta Flight Credit. When you use your card to make purchases amounting to $10,000 in a calendar year, you earn $100 as a statement credit to use for Delta flight purchases.
  • Cons:
    • No lounge access. Those looking for day passes to Delta lounges will have to try another card.
    • No Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. This statement credit is offered with most travel cards but is not available here.
    • Annual fee: There is a $99 yearly fee, but it is waived during the first year.
  • Benefits:
    • 70,000 Bonus Miles;
    • 2x miles at restaurants, on Delta purchases, at U.S supermarkets;
    • 1x miles on all other eligible purchases;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • American Express® Experiences;
    • Additional Cards;
    • $100 Delta Flight Credit;
    • First Checked Bag Free;
    • 20% Back on In-flight Purchases;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Chase United℠ Explorer best for Honeymoon

United℠ Explorer Chase
Annual fee:
$0 for the first year
$95 thereafter
Regular APR:
21.99% - 28.99% Variable
Our Rating:
4.09
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2x Miles on United purchases, dining and hotel stays.
    • 1x Mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The United℠ Explorer credit card rewards you with 2x miles on United, dining, and hotel purchases, giving you greater flexibility on how much you want to rack up bonus miles. It also has many travel perks, the most significant being the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, priority boarding, free first checked bag, and two one-day lounge passes. When all travel perks are considered, it is easy to overlook the $95 annual fee, which is waived in the first year anyway.

  • Pros:
    • Generous reward program. You can earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on restaurants and United purchases. This rewards rate also applies to eligible dining and hotel stays when purchased directly with the hotel. You’ll earn 1 mile per $1 spent for all other purchases.
    • High welcome bonus. 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
    • Free first checked bag. You and a travel companion on the same reservation each get a free first checked bag when flying United.
    • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit. Every four years, you get an up to $100 reimbursement to help with your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees.
    • Early boarding. This perk allows you and your travel companions to be among the first to board your United flight.
    • Two complimentary lounge passes. Each year you will get two free passes that grant you access to the exclusive United Club.
  • Cons:
    • Interest rate is above average. The lowest possible APR is 21.99%, while the highest is 28.99%.
  • Benefits:
    • 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays;
    • 1x mile on all other purchases;
    • 60,000 bonus miles;
    • Free first checked bag;
    • Priority boarding;
    • $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit;
    • 2 United ClubSM one-time passes;
    • 25% back on United inflight purchases;
    • Premier upgrades on award tickets;
    • The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection;
    • United MileagePlus® Cardmember Exclusives;
    • United Card Events;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Baggage Delay Insurance;
    • Lost Luggage Reimbursement;
    • Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance;
    • Trip Delay Reimbursement;
    • Extended Warranty Protection;
    • Premier qualifying points (PQP);
    • MileagePlus miles.
Card detail

Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® best for Honeymoon

AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Citi
Annual fee:
$99 annually
Regular APR:
21.24% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.51
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2x Miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and gas stations.
    • 2x Miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
    • 1x Mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 50,000x Bonus miles after making $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Citi
  • Details:

    With this card, you can earn twice the AAdvantage miles on American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas stations. You also earn 1 Loyalty Point for each eligible base mile earned from purchases. There is a $99 annual fee to consider, but you won’t have to pay it during the first year. Other perks justify the yearly charge, such as the free first checked bag and the $125 discount on American Airlines tickets.

  • Pros:
    • Double the bonus miles. When you spend on dining, gas, or eligible American Airlines purchases, you will be awarded 2x AAdvantage miles.
    • Earn 50,000 miles. This is an intro offer, where you get 50,000 miles in the first three months from your account opening, provided you spend at least $2,500 on qualifying purchases.
    • First checked bag free. You and up to four companions on the same reservation enjoy a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights.
    • $125 American Airlines Flight Discount. Spending a minimum of $20,000 in a calendar year earns you $125 as a statement credit to book American Airlines flights.
    • Save 25% on inflight food and beverages. When you use your card to buy food and drinks during your American Airlines flights, you get a special discount of 25%.
  • Cons:
    • Travel-centric redemption options. Your miles are only good for travel-related redemption options, such as airline tickets, flight upgrades, and booking hotels and car rentals through the AAdvantage loyalty program.
  • Benefits:
    • 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles;
    • 2 AAdvantage® miles at restaurants and gas stations;
    • 2 AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases;
    • 1 AAdvantage® mile on all other purchases;
    • Digital Wallets;
    • Citi Entertainment®;
    • $125 American Airlines Flight Discount;
    • First Checked Bag Free;
    • Preferred Boarding;
    • 25% savings on food and beverage purchases.
Card detail

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card best for Airline

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express
Annual fee:
$550 annually
Regular APR:
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
2.85
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3x Miles on Delta purchases.
    • 1x Miles on other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 100,000x Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    Anyone who frequently flies with Delta and is looking for premium travel benefits will find this card appealing. When you use the card for Delta purchases, you earn 3x miles, and the welcome bonus is substantial and contributes towards helping you achieve Medallion Status. However, if you are trying to avoid high annual fees, this card may not be right for you.

  • Pros:
    • Substantial welcome bonus. When you spend $6,000 on qualifying purchases within six months from account opening, you are awarded massive amounts of up to 100,000 bonus miles.
    • Lounge access. Booking a flight with the Reserve Card gives you complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge. Furthermore, you will receive two free guest passes each year for Delta Sky Club, allowing you to bring your travel companions along for the experience.
    • Yearly companion certificate. When you renew your Reserve Card, you will be rewarded with a round-trip companion certificate for Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin.
    • Status boost opportunity. You can earn 15,000 MQMs (up to four times) when you spend $30,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year.
    • Waive Medallion® Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirements. When you spend $25,000 or more in a year, Delta will waive MQD requirements for the following Medallion Status tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
  • Cons:
    • Lack of bonus categories. You can maximize your rewards by making purchases directly with Delta, which can be limiting once you consider that other cards offer a wider choice of bonus categories to expand the cardholder’s earning potential.
    • Annual fee. You will be charged $550 annually, and this fee isn’t waived during the first year.
  • Benefits:
    • 100,000 Bonus Miles;
    • 3x miles on Delta purchases;
    • 1x mile on other eligible purchases;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Concierge Service;
    • American Express® Experiences;
    • Medallion® Qualification Dollar (MQD) Waiver;
    • Complimentary Delta Sky Club® Access;
    • Complimentary Access to The Centurion® Lounge;
    • Delta Reserve Annual Companion Certificate;
    • First Checked Bag Free;
    • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®;
    • Baggage Insurance Plan;
    • 20% Back on In-flight Purchases;
    • Trip Delay;
    • Trip Cancellation;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Premium Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card best for Airline

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express
Annual fee:
$250 annually
Regular APR:
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
2.85
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3x Miles on Delta purchases.
    • 3x Miles on purchases made directly with hotels.
    • 2x Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
    • 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 90,000x Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Creditcards-110-name@ American Express® is packed with value. You earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and hotel bookings, 2x on dining and groceries, and 1x on everything else. The sizable welcome bonus also includes MQMs. The checked baggage, early boarding, and companion round-trip fare certificate, among other benefits, round up a good credit card package.

  • Pros:
    • Miles plus MQMs welcome bonus. There’s a welcome bonus that gives you 90,000 miles, provided that you make a purchase amounting to $4,000 in the first six months you open an account.
    • More ways to earn. The card has a couple of bonus spending categories that give you more ways to get bonus miles. Hotel accommodations and Delta purchases net you 3x miles, and you get 2x miles when you spend on dining and groceries at the U.S. supermarkets.
    • First checked bag free. You and anyone traveling with you on the same reservation get a free first checked bag.
    • Companion round-trip fare certificate. Upon renewal of your card, you will get a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate.
    • Free Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. You receive an up to $100 statement credit every four years to help cover your application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
  • Cons:
    • High annual fee. You’ll be charged $250 a year for the card, which might seem high.
    • No lounge privileges. Some people might find the lack of lounge access disappointing for such a high fee.
  • Benefits:
    • 90,000 bonus miles;
    • 3x miles on Delta purchases and hotels;
    • 2x miles on dining (at U.S. restaurants, plus takeout and delivery) and groceries (at U.S. supermarkets);
    • 1x miles on all other purchases;
    • Medallion Status with Status Boost;
    • Annual Companion Certificate;
    • First Checked Bag Free;
    • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®;
    • Delta Sky Club® Per-visit Rate;
    • 20% Back on In–flight Purchases;
    • Trip Delay Insurance;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Baggage Insurance Plan;
    • Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • American Express® Experiences;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority best for Young couples

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Chase
Annual fee:
$149 annually
Regular APR:
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Our Rating:
3.89
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3x Points on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
    • 2x Points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
    • 2x Points per $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.
    • 1x Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 50,000x Bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority credit card has one of the easiest welcome bonuses to obtain. The $149 annual fee might make you think twice if you are opposed to costly cards, but the added benefits like the yearly statement credit and anniversary points can help you cover it. The credit card also rewards you with tier qualifying points that boost any elite status goals you might have.

  • Pros:
    • Easy-to-obtain signup bonus. As a new cardholder, you can earn 40,000 points within three months from account opening, and you only need to spend $1,000 on eligible purchases.
    • Unlimited tier qualifying points. These points contribute towards helping you achieve A-List and A-List Preferred status. You will get 1,500 tier qualifying points for each $10,000 spent, which is doable for most frequent travelers.
    • Generous rewards rate. Every dollar you spend earns you 3x points on Southwest purchases and 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local commute, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Every other purchase is 1 point per $1 spent.
    • Free anniversary points. You can look forward to getting 7,500 bonus points on your account anniversary each year.
    • Annual travel credit. Each year, you will receive $75 as a statement credit to use for travel purchases.
  • Cons:
    • High annual fee. You are charged $149 a year for the card, which might seem pretty high. Most non-premium airline credit card issuers usually charge a $95 annual fee.
    • Lack of self-operated lounges. While many airlines have lounges that operate in various airports worldwide, Southwest has none. So premium lounge access is out of the question for all their cards.
  • Benefits:
    • 50,000 bonus points;
    • 2x points on Southwest Airlines;
    • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners;
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting;
    • 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and streaming;
    • 1x points on all other purchases;
    • 7,500 anniversary bonus points;
    • Extended Warranty Protection;
    • Lost Luggage Reimbursement;
    • Baggage Delay Insurance;
    • 4 Upgraded Boardings;
    • $75 Southwest annual travel credit.
Card detail

The Platinum Card® from American Express best for Young couples

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee:
$695 annually
Regular APR:
21.24% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.59
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5x Points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights (per calendar year).
    • 5x Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
    • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 80,000x Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Platinum Card® from American Express® allows you to earn a lot of points with its very high rewards potential. For example, you get 5x Membership Rewards Points on qualifying flights and prepaid hotel bookings. Furthermore, the card provides more than $1,500 in statement credit, which helps justify the high annual fee. Also, you get access to the Global Lounge Collection for a luxurious respite at many airports across the world.

  • Pros:
    • Massive points on bonus categories. You earn 5x points on flight and prepaid hotel bookings.
    • Over $1,500 in statement credit. The Platinum Card® offers more than $1,500 in statement credit, which you can use to pay for tickets, hotels, digital entertainment, Uber, Uber Eats, and more.
    • American Express Global Lounge Collection access. Enjoy premium amenities at over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.
    • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status. With this perk, you are entitled to a room upgrade (subject to availability) at the Marriott Bonvoy.
    • Hilton Honors Gold Status. With a Platinum Card® membership, you are automatically upgraded to Gold Status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
  • Cons:
    • High annual fee. Since the Platinum Card® is one of the top premium credit cards, it comes with a hefty $695 annual fee.
  • Benefits:
    • 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points;
    • 5x points on directly-booked airfare and flights, prepaid hotels;
    • 1x points on all other purchases;
    • Platinum Card® Concierge;
    • Global Dining Collection;
    • Preferred Seating;
    • Return Protection;
    • Uber Rides with Platinum;
    • The Global Lounge Collection®;
    • International Airline Program;
    • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®;
    • Fine Hotels & Resorts® Program;
    • Platinum Travel Service;
    • Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status;
    • Hilton Honors Gold Status;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Trip Delay;
    • Trip Cancellation;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card best for Rewards, No Annual Fee, Daily use

VentureOne Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
4.63
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5x Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 1.25x Miles per dollar on all purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 20,000x Bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card has a generous rewards rate for hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. The miles you earn have higher value when redeemed for travel, a major advantage for frequent travelers. Moreover, you can also transfer them to over a dozen partner loyalty programs. And the fact that the card has an intro APR and no annual fee further makes it a good choice.

  • Pros:
    • Sign-up bonus. Capital One offers 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
    • Great earning rate. Hotel and car rental purchases earn your 5x miles for every dollar spent when booked through Capital One Travel. Furthermore, you are given 1.25x miles for every other purchase.
    • Over 15 partner loyalty programs. Capital One has partnered up with over 15 airlines and hotels to allow you to transfer your miles to their loyalty programs. For most of the partners, the transfer rate is 1:1.
    • Intro APR. Capital One won’t charge you the 19.99% - 29.99% Variable variable APR in the first 15 months from opening an account.
    • No foreign transaction fee. You won't be charged extra for using the card outside of the United States.
  • Cons:
    • Miles redemption makes sense only towards travel. Even though you can redeem miles for statement credit or on PayPal and Amazon purchases, the value per mile is significantly lower.
  • Benefits:
    • 20,000 bonus miles (once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening);
    • 5x miles on hotels and car rentals;
    • 1.25x miles per dollar on every purchase;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • The Eno assistant;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Transfer Your Miles;
    • Capital One Shopping;
    • Shop With Your Rewards;
    • Emergency Card Replacement;
    • 24/7 Customer Service;
    • Premier Culinary Experiences;
    • Must-See Music Events;
    • Big-time Sports Events.

    For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Card detail

Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® best for Young couples

AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Citi
Annual fee:
$450 annually
Regular APR:
21.24% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.51
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 4x Miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
    • 1x Mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 70,000x Bonus miles after making $7,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Citi
  • Details:

    American Airlines loyalists will find the perks offered by the Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® enticing. The standout is the Admirals Club membership, which makes up for the high annual fee.

  • Pros:
    • Sign-up bonus. The card offers 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
    • Lounge access. The card includes Admirals Club® membership (valued at $650) that gives you and up to two travel companions access to the exclusive lounges available in nearly 50 airports globally.
    • Receive a statement credit. You get up to $100 as a statement credit as reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application every five years.
    • Loyalty Points Bonus. You will get extra 10,000 Loyalty points after making $40,000 purchases within the qualifying status year.
    • No foreign transaction fees. You won’t be charged any fee for purchases you make abroad.
  • Cons:
    • High annual fee. You will be charged an annual fee of $450.
  • Benefits:
    • 70,000x American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles;
    • 4x AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases;
    • 1x AAdvantage® mile on other purchases;
    • $0 Liability;
    • Admirals Club® membership;
    • Banking Relationship Annual Credit;
    • Digital Wallets;
    • First Check Bag Free;
    • Enhanced Airport Experience;
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Statement Credit;
    • 25% Savings on Inflight Food and Beverage;
    • Dedicated Concierge;
    • Citi Entertainment®.
Card detail

Citi Premier® best for Travel

Premier® Citi
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
21.24% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.88
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3x Points per dollar on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, hotel and air travel purchases.
    • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening. Redeemable for $750 in gift cards.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Citi
  • Details:

    Although the Citi Premier® is not an airline credit card, you get triple points for spending on air travel and hotels. And you can redeem your points for travel, including flight tickets, hotel stays, and cruise ships. If you travel frequently, perks like the annual hotel savings benefit, no foreign transaction fees, and points transfer program make the Citi Premier® worth considering.

  • Pros:
    • Triple points on travel and hotels. When you book a flight or hotel using your Citi Premier® card, you earn 3x points per dollar spent. Other bonus categories that reward you with the same points include restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets, while all other purchases give you 1x.
    • Annual hotel savings benefit. You will get $100 off your single hotel bill every calendar year, provided it is $500 or more.
    • Points transfer program. Partner programs include Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, TrueBlue, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, but you will need to transfer at least 1,000 points.
    • No foreign transaction fees. You aren’t charged any fees for the transactions you make abroad.
  • Cons:
    • Annual fee. You will be charged an annual fee of $95.
    • Lackluster travel deals. If you are looking for a card that provides early boarding, statement credit to cover the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application costs, and free checked bags, you will have to look elsewhere.
  • Benefits:
    • 60,000 Bonus Points;
    • 3x points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, hotel and air travel purchases;
    • 1x points on all other purchases;
    • World Elite Mastercard perks;
    • Gift Cards;
    • Shop with Points;
    • Additional Cards;
    • Digital Wallets;
    • Citi Entertainment;
    • $100 Annual Hotel Savings Benefit;
    • Points Transfer.

Card detail

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card best for No Annual Fee

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.69
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2x Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 2x Miles on Delta purchases. Made directly with Delta.
    • 1x Miles on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 10,000x Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    N/A
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    N/A
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express® is a good card for those not looking for too many benefits. The rewards rate is decent, giving you double miles on qualifying Delta and dining purchases. The card comes with no annual and foreign transaction fees. Furthermore, the card offers a variety of ways for you to save while you travel.

  • Pros:
    • No annual fee. You can enjoy this card without worrying about paying a yearly fee.
    • No foreign transaction fee. Enjoy spending abroad without paying a fee on out-of-country transactions.
    • Decent rewards rate. For a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee, the rewards rate on bonus categories is decent. You earn 2x miles per dollar on eligible Delta and dining purchases, while everything else gives you 1x.
    • Save while you travel. You get 20% off on any food, drinks, and audio headsets you purchase on Delta flights. Furthermore, for every 5,000 miles you redeem to book a flight on delta.com, you will get a discount of up to $50.
  • Cons:
    • Low one-time bonus. You only need to spend $500 in the first three months from account opening; however, you only get 10,000 miles.
    • Missing travel perks. The lack of priority boarding and free checked bag perks is disappointing for an airline credit card.
  • Benefits:
    • 2x miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S;
    • 2x miles on Delta purchases (made directly with Delta);
    • 1x miles on all other purchases;
    • 10,000 bonus miles;
    • Pay with Miles;
    • Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • 20% Back on In-flight Purchases;
    • American Express Experiences;
    • Amex Send & Split™;
    • Terms Apply.

Card detail

American Express® Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business best for Airline

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express
Annual fee:
$550 annually
Regular APR:
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
2.85
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3x Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
    • 1.5x After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5x miles per dollar (that's an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year.
    • 1x Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 110,000x Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express® credit card is a premium card with a good rewards rate and plenty of perks for Delta aficionados. Using this card, you can get 3x on Delta purchases as well as a status boost and advantages like priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access. Therefore, paying a high annual fee may seem reasonable.

  • Pros:
    • Good rewards rate. When you make purchases directly with Delta, you are rewarded with triple the miles for each dollar you spend and 1.5x on all non-Delta purchases after you spend $150,000 in a calendar year. The rewards rate for other purchases is 1 mile per dollar spent.
    • Amazing welcome bonus. Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 on eligible purchases within six months of card membership.
    • A range of Delta travel deals. This credit card doesn’t skimp on many of the perks you’d expect from a travel card. These include a first free checked bag, no foreign transaction fees, 24/7 concierge service, priority boarding, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit.
    • Complimentary Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access. You get access to these luxurious lounges when you use the card to purchase your Delta ticket.
    • Status Boost perks. The card allows you to fast-track your eligibility for elite status by rewarding you 15,000 MQMs when you spend $30,000 on qualifying purchases in a calendar year. You can activate this perk up to four times per year.
  • Cons:
    • High annual fee. The $550 annual fee makes owning this card expensive, considering that you will also need to spend a lot to activate many of the bonuses that can potentially offset it.
  • Benefits:
    • 110,000 bonus miles;
    • 3x miles on eligible purchases (Delta);
    • 1.5x mile on all other eligible purchases;
    • 1x mile on all other purchases;
    • Status Boost®;
    • Employee Cards;
    • Cell Phone Protection;
    • Delta Sky Club® Access;
    • Complimentary Access to The Centurion Lounge;
    • Companion Certificate;
    • Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding;
    • First Checked Bag Free;
    • Concierge;
    • Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Credit;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Trip Delay Insurance;
    • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance;
    • Baggage Insurance Plan;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Barclays Bank Delaware JetBlue Plus best for Airline

Barclays JetBlue Plus
Annual fee:
$99 annually
Regular APR:
21.24% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.6
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 6x Points on eligible JetBlue purchases.
    • 2x Points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores.
    • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Barclays Bank Delaware
  • Details:

    With the JetBlue Plus credit card, you can earn a generous 6x points on purchases made directly with the airline. Cardholders can also look forward to a 60,000 points sign-up bonus and a range of other benefits, such as the free checked bag, inflight discount, and yearly bonus points. These perks can easily make up for the $99 annual fee.

  • Pros:
    • Rewarding welcome bonus. If you spend $1,000 within 90 days from your account opening, you will receive 60,000 bonus points.
    • Earn massive points. Making eligible JetBlue purchases earns you 6x points. You get a further 2x on qualifying restaurant and grocery purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.
    • 50% in-flight savings. Qualifying food and drink purchases are half off when you fly with JetBlue.
    • Annual bonus points. After your account anniversary, you will receive 5,000 bonus points every year. There are no spending requirements that you need to fulfill to activate this.
    • First free checked bag. Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation when you use the JetBlue Plus card.
  • Cons:
    • Annual fee. The card comes with a $99 annual fee, and it is not waived during the first year.
    • Inflexible redemption options. There are a few ways to redeem your JetBlue points, the primary options being booking flights and vacation packages with the airline.
  • Benefits:
    • 60,000 bonus points (after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days);
    • 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary;
    • 6х points on eligible JetBlue purchases;
    • 2x points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores;
    • 1x points on all other purchases;
    • Enjoy Mosaic benefits;
    • $100 statement credit;
    • 50% inflight savings on eligible food and drink purchases;
    • $0 Fraud Liability.
Card detail

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus best for Airline

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Chase
Annual fee:
$69 annually
Regular APR:
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Our Rating:
3.71
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2x Points for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
    • 2x Points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
    • 2x Points per $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.
    • 1x Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 30,000x Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2025 plus 30,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus credit card comes with a solid sign-up bonus while charging a relatively low $69 annual fee. Cardholders can expect 2x points on Southwest purchases, hotel and car rentals from its partners, and 1x points on everything else.

  • Pros:
    • Relatively low annual fee. Southwest will charge you $69 yearly, but this fee can easily be overlooked with the benefits the card has to offer.
    • Cardmember anniversary bonus. Get 3,000 points on the anniversary of your account opening.
    • Two Bags fly free. Your first two bags are checked in for free when you fly with Southwest.
    • Solid welcome bonus. Get 50,000 bonus points when you spend a minimum of $1,000 on qualifying purchases within three months from account opening.
    • 25% off in-flight purchases. When you make inflight purchases with your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card, you get a discount of 25%.
  • Cons:
    • Annual fee. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has a $69 annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee. The card charges 3% on each transaction in U.S. dollars.
    • Limited redemption options. Redeeming points for Southwest flights is the only valuable way. Redemeening for gift cards, non-Southwest flights, hotels, and merchandise is a bad deal.
  • Benefits:
    • Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2025 plus 30,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening;
    • 3,000 anniversary points;
    • 2x points on hotel and car rental;
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting;
    • 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming;
    • 2x points on Southwest Airlines® purchases;
    • 1x points on all other purchases;
    • No change fees;
    • Unlimited Reward Seats;
    • Bags Fly Free;
    • 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year;
    • 25% back on inflight purchases;
    • Companion Pass.
Card detail

Short Review of Best Credit Cards for Airlines

NameBest forRewards RateAPRApply
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
3.53
Car rental
  • 10,000x 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.
  • 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.
  • 19.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
    3.43
    Travel, Daily use
  • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
  • 2x Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
  • 19.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Spark Miles for Business
    4.11
    Walmart purchases
  • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2x Miles on every purchase for your business with no blackouts or seat restrictions and no minimum to redeem.
  • 26.24% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Chase Sapphire Preferred®
    4.25
    Travel, Restaurants, Daily use
  • $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
  • 3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
  • 3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
  • 3x Points on select streaming services.
  • 2x Points on other travel purchases.
  • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 21.49% - 28.49% VariableLearn more
    Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
    3.44
    Honeymoon
  • 2x Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • 20.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Chase United℠ Explorer
    4.09
    Honeymoon
  • 2x Miles on United purchases, dining and hotel stays.
  • 1x Mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 21.99% - 28.99% VariableLearn more
    Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
    3.51
    Honeymoon
  • 2x Miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and gas stations.
  • 2x Miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
  • 1x Mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 21.24% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
    2.85
    Airline
  • 3x Miles on Delta purchases.
  • 1x Miles on other eligible purchases.
  • 20.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
    2.85
    Airline
  • 3x Miles on Delta purchases.
  • 3x Miles on purchases made directly with hotels.
  • 2x Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • 20.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
    3.89
    Young couples
  • 3x Points on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
  • 2x Points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • 2x Points per $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.
  • 1x Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 21.49% - 28.49% VariableLearn more
    The Platinum Card® from American Express
    3.59
    Young couples
  • 5x Points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights (per calendar year).
  • 5x Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • 21.24% - 29.24% VariableLearn more
    Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
    4.63
    Rewards, No Annual Fee, Daily use
  • 5x Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 1.25x Miles per dollar on all purchases.
  • 19.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
    3.51
    Young couples
  • 4x Miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
  • 1x Mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 21.24% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Citi Premier®
    3.88
    Travel
  • 3x Points per dollar on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, hotel and air travel purchases.
  • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • 21.24% - 29.24% VariableLearn more
    Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
    3.69
    No Annual Fee
  • 2x Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 2x Miles on Delta purchases. Made directly with Delta.
  • 1x Miles on all other purchases.
  • 20.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    American Express® Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business
    2.85
    Airline
  • 3x Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
  • 1.5x After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5x miles per dollar (that's an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year.
  • 1x Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
  • 20.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Barclays Bank Delaware JetBlue Plus
    3.6
    Airline
  • 6x Points on eligible JetBlue purchases.
  • 2x Points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores.
  • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • 21.24% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus
    3.71
    Airline
  • 2x Points for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
  • 2x Points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • 2x Points per $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.
  • 1x Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 21.49% - 28.49% VariableLearn more

    Who should apply

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is for frequent travelers seeking a simple and generous rewards system. It is arguably the best credit card to accumulate miles for any travel purchases without being tied down to a single airline or hotel chain.

    Read more about Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Chase Sapphire Preferred®

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card is a good choice for those who travel at least a couple of times per year. The travel and dining spending categories allow you to earn points quickly, which you can enjoy with the flexible redemption options offered through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

    Read more about Chase Sapphire Preferred®

    Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    This card will please anyone looking to take advantage of the free first checked bag and travel credit perks. However, keep in mind that you have to spend $10,000 in one year to earn the $100 annual Delta flight credit. If you travel with Delta occasionally, we recommend considering the card. If you travel Delta more than 5 - 6 times a year you might consider Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve cards.

    Read more about Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    Chase United℠ Explorer

    People who frequently fly United or its partner airlines will get the most out of the card, considering the rich benefits it offers, such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and lounge access. It is also a good card for earning ongoing rewards, as the bonus spending categories offer more ways to earn miles.

    Read more about Chase United℠ Explorer

    Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

    If you regularly fly with American Airlines, the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is worth considering. The annual fee isn't too bad once you factor in the double miles, free first checked bag, and the discounts on tickets, food, and beverages.

    Read more about Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

    Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express® is a suitable card for Delta fans looking to achieve Medallion Status faster and enjoy lounge access. Traveling frequently with Delta will activate a status boost and waive MQD requirements. Furthermore, it will help rack up enough miles to offset the high annual fee.

    Read more about Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    The card is suitable for anyone who likes to travel with Delta, as it allows the cardholder to use the perks to help make up for the high annual fee. Furthermore, those eyeing Medallion Status will find the welcome bonus’ MQMs to be a great help.

    Read more about Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority

    You can earn many rewards with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority credit card if you solely use Southwest for air travel. The perks are basic, but they help lessen the blow of paying the annual fee.

    Read more about Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Platinum Card’s high annual fee might scare off many. However, the premium benefits offset this fee for anyone who spends a lot on travel. It is a suitable card for anyone who wants to get from point A to B luxuriously.

    Read more about The Platinum Card® from American Express

    Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

    If you are an occasional traveler not bound to any particular airline, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards is a good credit card for earning travel rewards. The lack of an annual fee means cardholders can enjoy their miles and benefits without worrying about offsetting any yearly charge.

    Read more about Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

    Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

    We wouldn’t recommend this card to anyone who isn’t an American Airlines loyalist. If you frequently fly American Airlines, you can take advantage of the double miles for American Airlines purchases and get a lot of use out of your Admirals Club membership and bonus Loyalty Points.

    Read more about Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

    Citi Premier®

    Suppose you are looking for a solid card that rewards you for air travel but can overlook the lack of other travel benefits, such as priority boarding and free checked bags. In that case, the Citi Premier® is worth considering. Furthermore, if you don’t mind paying the annual fee, you can enjoy some good travel perks, including the yearly hotel savings benefit and points transfer program. The former, in particular, can help make up for the annual charge.

    Read more about Citi Premier®

    Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

    If you are looking for a basic Delta credit card and don’t want to pay an annual fee, you will be happy with the Delta SkyMiles® Blue​ American Express®. Some travel perks are missing, but with no annual and foreign transaction fees to worry about and a few discounts to enjoy, the offer isn’t too disappointing.

    Read more about Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

    American Express® Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express® is suitable for those business owners who solely fly Delta. The wide range of benefits is tailored for the airline’s big supporters, those who want to travel in style while working towards achieving elite status.

    Read more about American Express® Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business

    Barclays Bank Delaware JetBlue Plus

    When you consider the annual fee, the card has little to offer anyone who isn’t already a frequent flier with JetBlue. If you travel with them a lot, you can enjoy airline-specific perks and earn many points (even though the redemptions options are limited).

    Read more about Barclays Bank Delaware JetBlue Plus

    Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus

    This card is great for occasional Southwest travelers. Despite lacking premium travel perks, it’s still a great option if you are looking for an entry-level co-branded card that doesn’t come with a high annual fee.

    Read more about Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus

    What are airline credit cards and how do they work?

    An airline credit card generally refers to a co-branded card created by a credit card issuer in partnership with a specific airline. The idea behind these cards is to allow travelers to earn miles or points for each dollar they spend on eligible purchases. You can then redeem these miles for specific travel benefits, such as flight tickets, flight upgrades, car rentals, and hotel stays.

    The rewards system depends on which company issued the card, but the cardholder usually earns a mile per dollar spent on everyday purchases. The rewards rate can be higher or lower depending on the system, but most of them come with bonus categories that accelerate the rate at which one can earn points. For example, a card might reward you with 5x miles for each dollar you spend on flying with the airline while offering 1x miles for all other purchases.

    What is the difference between an airline credit card and a general travel credit card?

    Both airline and general travel cards cater to the needs of travelers. However, a generic travel card will usually provide points on a broader range of spending categories and offer flexible redemption options.

    Airline credit cards are more suitable for anyone looking for airline-specific perks. These include priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, inflight discounts, and elite status boosters. Generic travel credit cards also come with added benefits, such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit, but some airline credit cards also offer the same.

    Are airline credit cards worth it?

    There are a few scenarios where you are better off getting an airline credit card. The biggest one is if you regularly fly with a particular airline. You will earn airline miles and achieve elite status at a faster pace.

    Another scenario is if you are looking for flight-specific benefits, such as:

    • Priority boarding: You can board the plane ahead of most passengers, giving you ample time to find your seat and settle down.
    • Lounge access: Airlines usually have exclusive lounges in airports where members can enjoy premium food, beverages, and amenities (e.g., comfortable seats, WiFi, and charging ports). Many airline credit cards offer complimentary passes into these areas.
    • Free checked bag: With this benefit, you can get several bags checked for free. This perk usually applies to the first bag, which can cost $30 or more if you pay out of pocket.

    How to choose an airline credit card?

    There are many airline credit cards to choose from, so the logical thing would be to compare them to determine the best one for your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make a decision on which card to get:

    • How often will I fly with this airline? Cards that belong to an airline you frequently fly with will warrant further consideration. This is because it’ll be easier for you to earn miles and take advantage of the perks.
    • What is the rewards rate? Some credit cards offer higher rewards rates than others. So it is best to see which ones will offer enough miles to redeem for something useful, such as a free flight, hotel stay, or seat upgrade. Also, the frequent flier points need to be easy to earn without changing your spending habits drastically.
    • What is their frequent-flier program like? Take the time to research every reward for each airline credit card. Pay attention to how much the points are worth, as this will determine how much you will get for them. Also, look out for any hidden charges that may reduce your miles.
    • Are there any other benefits? Most airline cards have an annual fee, so having extra perks helps you offset that. For example, a free checked bag can save you $30 or more. You can easily make up for a $95 yearly fee with a few trips if you fly a lot.

    What is the best airline rewards program?

    Our choice would be United's MileagePlus award-winning loyalty program. It is designed to meet the needs of almost every traveler, no matter how frequently they travel, as it provides many ways to earn miles. The miles never expire, and there is no earning cap.

    You can use earned miles on a wide range of redemption options, including free tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, cruises, merchandise, gift cards, sports events, and Broadway shows. You can also use them for flights on Star Alliance partners or gift them to another MileagePlus account holder. There are no blackout dates, meaning you can use your frequent flier points anytime.

    Best airline credit cards for bad credit

    There’s no such thing as an airline credit card for bad credit. Although the below cards aren’t co-branded or travel cards, you will find that they have rewards that apply to travel purchases.

    • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: This card offers 3% cash back on a category of your choice, and you can always choose travel. You will also earn 2% cash back on qualifying grocery store and wholesale purchases and 1% on all other purchases. It has no annual fee, but you will have to pay a minimum of $300 as the security deposit, which will serve as your spending limit.
    • Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card: You earn 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases with this card. So if you have a legit business and go on lots of trips because of it, this card could be for you. There is a minimum security deposit of $500 (this will be your spending limit), but on the upside, there’s no annual or foreign transaction fee to worry about.
    • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards: The card comes with no annual fee offering you unlimited 1.5% cash back. A minimum $200 refundable deposit is required.

    How to make the most of your airline credit card?

    There are many things you can do to maximize your airline credit card rewards. First, look at the welcome bonus and determine if you can meet the spending requirements. However, we highly recommend not choosing a credit card just because of its bonus. Be sure that the card suits your spending habits and lifestyle in general. For example, if you are flying with a particular airline, look for their joint card and see which perks it offers.

    If the card charges an annual fee, make sure you use it frequently for travel. Doing so allows you to enjoy perks like priority boarding, free checked bag, lounge access, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. You will be able to offset the fee this way.

    Find out what additional perks the cards offer and take advantage of those that appeal most to you. Of course, your miles will be worth more when redeemed for travel with the airline. However, some airlines also allow you to use them to get gift cards, electronics, apparel, experiences, cash back, and more.

    Pros and cons of an airline credit card

    Pros: Cons:
    Welcome bonus. Most travel cards usually have an intro bonus that rewards you with thousands of miles when certain spending requirements are met. Airline-specific benefits. You will find that most benefits apply to people who like flying with a specific airline.
    Easy to earn frequent flier points. Airline credit cards usually have travel-related spending categories that allow you to receive extra miles. And even if you aren’t someone who frequently travels, you can still get miles on all other purchases. Good-excellent credit requirement. Finding an airline credit card is hard if your credit score is below average.
    Many travel benefits. These include a complimentary checked bag, priority boarding, lounge access, in-flight discounts, travel insurance, 24/7 concierge service, and no foreign transaction fees. High interest rates. The interest rate for airline credit cards is higher than most other cards.

    FAQ

    What are the easiest airline credit cards to get approved for?

    Unfortunately, if you have bad credit, you won’t find any airline credit card options. But if you are looking for some cards that are easy to acquire because they only require good credit, the United Gateway Credit Card and JetBlue Plus Card are good options.

    Do I have to be a frequent flier to get an airline credit card?

    No. Even with airline credit cards, you will earn miles on everyday purchases. If you spend enough, you should be able to redeem your miles when you need them for travel or something else. However, it will take you a little longer to rack up the miles since these cards usually award more points on travel-related spending categories.

    Do airline miles expire?

    It depends on the airline. For most airline frequent flier programs, miles can expire. In most cases, you will lose them if you don’t redeem miles or your rewards program account has been inactive for a certain period, or if you close it. It is best to read the terms and conditions of the frequent flier program to determine when or if your miles will expire. But even if the miles don’t have an expiration date, they will likely devalue over time, which is enough incentive to use them often.
    Hanna VolkavaHanna Volkava

    Financial and product expert

    hv@myfin.us