Airfare costs can significantly impact your travel budget, often remaining a substantial expense despite some price decreases from recent peaks. Whether it’s a quick trip to see family or a long-awaited international vacation, finding ways to save on flights is always a priority. While strategies like price alerts, airline comparisons, and advance booking can help, using the right credit card for your flight purchases can be a game-changer. Airline credit cards offer a pathway to earn valuable rewards, travel perks, and statement credits, ultimately reducing your out-of-pocket expenses and enhancing your travel experience.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top airline credit cards available today. This guide will delve into the best cards for various travel needs and preferences, helping you choose a travel credit card that aligns with your goals and maximizes savings on future flights.
Top Airline Credit Cards Compared
Choosing the right airline credit card depends on your travel habits, airline loyalty, and desired benefits. Here’s a comparison of some of the best airline credit cards, highlighting their strengths and ideal user profiles.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for Flexibility
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as a highly versatile travel rewards card, appealing to a broad spectrum of travelers. Its benefits extend beyond airline-specific perks, offering robust rewards on everyday spending categories and valuable redemption options.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, redeemable for $750 through Chase Travel℠.
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Benefits:
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠.
- $50 annual statement credit for hotel stays booked via Chase Travel.
- 10% annual points bonus based on total spending from the previous year.
- 1:1 points transfer to 14 travel partners, including 11 airlines.
- Travel protections and partner benefits with Instacart, Lyft, and more.
Why it’s great for flexibility: The Chase Sapphire Preferred’s strength lies in its flexible rewards program. Points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each towards travel booked through Chase, or transferred to various airline and hotel partners for potentially greater value. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for travelers who aren’t tied to a single airline and want diverse redemption options.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Best No Annual Fee Option
For travelers seeking rewards without an annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a compelling option. It provides a straightforward rewards structure and valuable travel benefits without the cost of an annual fee.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 within the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 1.25x miles on all other purchases
- Benefits:
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel partners.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Why it’s the best no annual fee option: The VentureOne card offers a simple way to earn travel miles on every purchase without an annual fee. The miles earned can be redeemed for travel or transferred to Capital One’s partner airlines, providing flexibility for budget-conscious travelers.
United Quest℠ Card
Best for United Airlines Loyalists
Frequent United Airlines flyers will find significant value in the United Quest℠ Card. It’s designed to enhance the travel experience for United loyalists with airline-specific perks and accelerated mile earning on United purchases.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $250
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 3x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
- 1x miles on all other purchases
- Benefits:
- Free first and second checked bags + priority boarding.
- Up to $125 annual United purchase credit.
- Up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits annually.
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years.
- Path to United Premier status through spending.
Why it’s best for United: The United Quest card is packed with benefits tailored for United Airlines travelers. The annual United purchase credit and award flight credits can offset the annual fee, while perks like free checked bags and priority boarding streamline the travel experience. The ability to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) through spending can also accelerate the path to elite status.
American Express® Gold Card
Best for Dining and Travel Rewards
The American Express® Gold Card is a favorite for those who spend significantly on dining and groceries, but it also offers valuable rewards on air travel. Its robust rewards structure and statement credits can outweigh the annual fee for the right cardholder.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $325
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 4x Membership Rewards Points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x).
- 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x).
- 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- 1x Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases.
- Benefits:
- Up to $120 annual Uber Cash ($10 monthly).
- Up to $120 annual dining credits with Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Milk Bar ($10 monthly, enrollment required).
- Up to $100 annual Resy Credit ($50 semi-annually).
- Up to $84 annual Dunkin’ credit ($7 monthly).
Why it’s great for dining and travel: The Amex Gold Card excels in rewarding dining and grocery spending, essential categories for many. The 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines and through Amex Travel, combined with the various statement credits, make it a valuable card for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts alike. The Membership Rewards points offer flexibility through transfers to numerous airline partners.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best Value for Delta Flyers
For travelers who prefer Delta Air Lines, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a balanced mix of airline-specific benefits and everyday rewards, especially valuable in the first year with its waived annual fee.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 2x mile on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
- 1x mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Benefits:
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights.
- 20% savings on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
Why it’s best value for Delta flyers: The Delta SkyMiles Gold card provides solid value for Delta customers, particularly in the first year with no annual fee. The welcome bonus is substantial, and ongoing benefits like the first checked bag free and potential flight credit offer tangible savings. The bonus categories on Delta purchases, supermarkets, and restaurants align with common spending habits.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for Beginners
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent entry point into the world of airline rewards, offering a simple rewards structure and valuable travel perks without complex category bonuses.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year.
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 2x miles on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- Up to $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck credit.
- Hertz Five Star status.
- Capital One Travel benefits like experience credits and room upgrades at select hotels.
- Transfer miles to over 15 airline partners.
Why it’s good for beginners: The Venture Card’s flat 2x miles on all purchases simplifies rewards earning. Redemption is also straightforward, with miles worth 1 cent each towards travel purchases or transferable to partners. This ease of use, combined with travel credits and partner transfer options, makes it ideal for those new to travel rewards cards.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for Very Frequent Fliers
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel card designed for frequent and luxury travelers. While it carries a high annual fee, the extensive benefits and rewards can justify the cost for those who travel often and utilize the card’s perks.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $695
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year).
- 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- Up to $200 annual airline fee credit (select airline).
- Up to $200 annual Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection credit.
- Up to $199 annual CLEAR® Plus credit.
- Extensive airport lounge access (Global Lounge Collection, including Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges).
- Up to $200 annual Uber Cash ($15 monthly, plus $20 bonus in December).
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years.
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required).
Why it’s good for frequent fliers: The Platinum Card’s value proposition is centered around its premium travel benefits. The 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel, combined with extensive lounge access, airline fee credits, and hotel status, cater to frequent travelers seeking luxury and convenience. The high annual fee is offset by the potential value derived from these benefits for those who travel extensively.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card
Best for Companion Travel
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card is particularly attractive for those who frequently travel with a companion. Its signature Companion Fare benefit can lead to significant savings for couples or families traveling together on Alaska Airlines.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Offer: For a limited time, get a $0 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.
- Rewards Rate:
- 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases.
- 2x miles for gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services, and local transit purchases.
- 1x miles on everything else.
- Benefits:
- $99 Companion Fare each year after spending $6,000.
- Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on Alaska Airlines flights.
- Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights.
- 20% off Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
- 10% rewards bonus on miles earned from purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
Why it’s good for companions: The standout feature is the annual Companion Fare, allowing a companion to fly for just $99 plus taxes and fees after meeting the spending requirement. This benefit alone can easily offset the annual fee for those who utilize it. Additional Alaska Airlines perks like free checked bags and priority boarding enhance the travel experience for cardholders and their companions.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Best for Delta Air Lines Perks
For dedicated Delta Air Lines travelers seeking enhanced benefits and a faster path to Medallion status, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a strong contender. It offers a range of Delta-specific perks and accelerated mile earning.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $350
- Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.
- 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Benefits:
- Annual Companion Certificate for a main cabin round-trip flight.
- Up to $120 annual Resy credits ($10 monthly, enrollment required).
- Up to $120 annual rideshare credits ($10 monthly, enrollment required).
- Up to $150 Delta Stays credit.
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights.
- 15% off award travel on Delta flights.
- MQD Headstart and MQD Boost towards Medallion status.
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years.
Why it’s best for Delta Air Lines: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card provides a comprehensive suite of benefits for Delta flyers. The annual Companion Certificate is a valuable perk, and the various statement credits can help offset the annual fee. The accelerated mile earning on Delta and hotel purchases, along with the MQD boosts, facilitates faster accrual of miles and elite status qualification within the Delta SkyMiles program.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Best for American Airlines Admirers
American Airlines loyalists seeking a card with straightforward benefits and American Airlines-specific perks will find the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card a solid choice, especially in the first year with its waived annual fee.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $99.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 in the first 4 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 2x miles on restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases.
- 1x on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
- $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after spending $20,000 and card renewal.
- Earn Loyalty Points towards American Airlines elite status.
Why it’s best for American Airlines: The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card offers practical benefits for American Airlines flyers. The waived annual fee in the first year, coupled with a solid welcome bonus, provides immediate value. Ongoing perks like free checked bags and preferred boarding enhance the travel experience, while the ability to earn Loyalty Points contributes towards elite status.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Best for Southwest Enthusiasts
Southwest Airlines aficionados aiming for the coveted Companion Pass and seeking to maximize rewards within the Rapid Rewards program will find the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card highly beneficial.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: $99
- Welcome Offer: Earn Companion Pass® plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate:
- 3x points on Southwest purchases.
- 2x points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
- 2x points local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services, plus select streaming.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- 6,000 bonus points each year on your account anniversary.
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually.
- 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins per year.
- 25% back on inflight purchases.
- Earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status.
Why it’s best for Southwest: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card is tailored for Southwest loyalists. The annual bonus points and Companion Pass qualifying points accelerate the path to earning a Companion Pass, one of the most valuable perks in travel rewards. The bonus categories, including Southwest purchases and everyday spending, allow for rapid points accumulation within the Rapid Rewards ecosystem.
Choosing the Right Airline Credit Card: Key Considerations
Deciding if an airline credit card is right for you and selecting the best option involves considering several factors related to your travel habits and financial situation.
Travel Frequency
- Frequent Fliers: If you travel multiple times a year, especially by air, an airline credit card can be highly beneficial. Look for cards that offer maximum rewards on flight purchases, travel credits, airport lounge access, and airline-specific perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. Premium travel cards with higher annual fees might be justified by the value of the benefits you’ll utilize.
- Occasional Travelers: If you only travel a few times a year, or prefer road trips or other modes of transport, a general travel rewards card or a no-annual-fee airline card might be more suitable. Focus on cards that offer rewards on broader spending categories like groceries, gas, and dining, which can then be redeemed for travel.
Budget and Spending Habits
- Annual Fee Tolerance: Evaluate whether you’re comfortable paying an annual fee. Cards with annual fees often come with more robust rewards and benefits, but ensure the value you expect to receive outweighs the cost. If you prefer to avoid annual fees, consider no-annual-fee airline cards or general travel cards.
- Spending Patterns: Analyze your typical spending categories. Do you spend heavily on dining, groceries, or gas? Choose a card that offers bonus rewards in your highest spending areas to maximize your points or miles earnings. If a card offers bonus categories aligned with your everyday spending, you’ll accumulate rewards faster, which can then be used for flights.
Credit Score
- Creditworthiness: Airline credit cards, especially those with premium benefits, typically require a good to excellent credit score for approval. Check your credit score before applying to increase your chances of approval. If you have a lower credit score, consider building your credit with a secured credit card or a credit-building card before applying for an airline rewards card.
- Pre-Approval: Some card issuers offer pre-approval tools that allow you to check your eligibility for a card without impacting your credit score. Utilize these tools to gauge your approval odds before submitting a full application.
Desired Travel Benefits
- Airline Loyalty: If you are loyal to a specific airline, a co-branded airline credit card from that airline can offer the most relevant and valuable benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles on airline purchases.
- Flexibility vs. Airline-Specific Perks: Decide whether you prioritize flexibility in rewards redemption or airline-specific benefits. General travel cards offer flexible redemption options through travel portals, statement credits, or transfers to multiple partners. Co-branded airline cards offer more targeted benefits and often enhance the travel experience specifically with that airline.
- Specific Perks: Consider which travel perks are most important to you. Do you value airport lounge access, travel insurance, statement credits for travel expenses, or priority airport services? Match the card’s benefits to your travel needs and preferences to maximize their value. For example, if you frequently check bags, a card with free checked baggage can save you significant money over time.
Airline Credit Card Perks: Pros and Cons
Before applying for an airline credit card, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to determine if it aligns with your financial and travel goals.
Benefits
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Flight Perks: Airline credit cards often provide valuable flight-related benefits that can enhance your travel experience and save you money. These perks may include:
- Free Checked Baggage: Waiving checked baggage fees, which can save $30-$40 per bag per flight.
- Priority Boarding: Allowing you to board earlier, secure better overhead bin space, and settle in sooner.
- Inflight Discounts: Providing discounts on inflight purchases like food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
- Airport Lounge Access: Offering access to airport lounges, providing a comfortable and quiet space to relax before or between flights.
- Companion Tickets or Fares: Enabling you to bring a companion on a flight for a reduced fare or free (after meeting certain criteria).
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Large Welcome Bonuses: Airline credit cards frequently offer substantial welcome bonuses, often in the form of bonus miles or points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within a specific timeframe. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars towards flights and other travel expenses, providing a significant upfront value.
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Potential for Elite Status: Spending on some airline credit cards can contribute towards earning elite status with the airline’s loyalty program. Elite status can unlock even more valuable perks, such as:
- Complimentary Upgrades: Increasing your chances of getting upgraded to a higher class of service.
- Bonus Miles on Flights: Earning more miles on paid flights.
- Priority Airport Services: Access to priority check-in, security, and customer service lines.
- Lounge Access: Expanded or complimentary lounge access.
Drawbacks
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Limited Flexibility: Unlike general travel credit cards that offer versatile redemption options, airline credit card rewards are typically tied to a specific airline’s loyalty program. While some airline miles can be redeemed for hotels, rental cars, or merchandise, the best value is usually realized when redeemed for flights within that specific airline network. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage if your travel plans are not consistently aligned with the card’s affiliated airline.
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Award Availability: Earning enough miles for an award flight does not guarantee that you’ll be able to book your desired flight using miles. Airlines often limit the number of seats available for award bookings, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times. This limited award availability can require flexibility in your travel dates and destinations to successfully redeem miles for flights.
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Potential for Devaluation: Airline loyalty programs are subject to changes, and airlines can devalue their miles or points over time. Devaluation means that the value of your accumulated miles may decrease, requiring more miles to book the same award flight in the future. Program changes, such as increased award chart prices or reduced earning rates, can impact the long-term value of your rewards.
General Travel Cards vs. Co-branded Airline Cards: Making the Choice
When considering credit cards for air travel, you’ll typically encounter two main types: co-branded airline cards and general travel cards. Understanding the differences between them is key to making the best choice for your needs.
Co-branded Airline Cards:
- Affiliation: Directly linked to a specific airline’s loyalty program.
- Rewards: Earn miles or points within that airline’s program.
- Benefits: Offer airline-specific perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on inflight purchases.
- Redemption: Miles are primarily redeemed for flights with the affiliated airline and its partners.
- Loyalty Focus: Best suited for travelers loyal to a particular airline and who frequently fly with them.
General Travel Cards:
- Issuer: Offered by banks or financial institutions (e.g., Chase, Capital One, American Express).
- Rewards: Earn flexible points or miles that can be redeemed in various ways.
- Benefits: Offer broader travel benefits such as travel credits, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus rewards on diverse travel categories.
- Redemption: Points can be redeemed through the card issuer’s travel portal, for statement credits, or transferred to various airline and hotel partners.
- Flexibility Focus: Ideal for travelers who want flexibility in airline and hotel choices, diverse redemption options, and broader travel benefits.
Which is Right for You?
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Choose a co-branded airline card if:
- You are a loyal customer of a specific airline.
- You frequently fly with that airline.
- You value airline-specific perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
- You are primarily interested in redeeming rewards for flights with that airline.
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Choose a general travel card if:
- You want flexibility in choosing airlines and hotels.
- You want diverse redemption options, including travel, cash back, or merchandise.
- You value broader travel benefits like lounge access and travel insurance.
- You want to earn rewards that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners.
Transfer Partners: Best of Both Worlds?
General travel cards often offer the advantage of transferring points to airline partners. This feature can bridge the gap between general travel cards and co-branded airline cards.
- Transfer Flexibility: You can earn flexible points with a general travel card on everyday spending and then transfer those points to your preferred airline’s loyalty program when you’re ready to book a flight.
- Program Diversity: Major programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Venture Miles, and American Express Membership Rewards have extensive lists of airline transfer partners, including many major domestic and international carriers.
- Maximize Value: By strategically transferring points to partners, you can often achieve a higher redemption value for your points compared to redeeming through the card issuer’s travel portal.
For example, if you frequently fly JetBlue, you could consider both the JetBlue credit card and a general travel card like Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold. While the JetBlue card offers airline-specific benefits, a general travel card provides broader rewards categories and the option to transfer points to JetBlue TrueBlue, offering flexibility and potentially better overall value.
FAQs About Airline Credit Cards
Navigating the world of airline credit cards can raise several questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions.
What’s the Best Card for Airline Miles?
The “best” card for airline miles is subjective and depends entirely on your individual travel habits, spending patterns, and preferences.
- For Frequent Fliers: Premium travel cards with high rewards on flight purchases, airport lounge access, and travel credits (like The Platinum Card® from American Express) can be highly valuable.
- For Occasional Travelers: Cards with broader bonus categories, lower annual fees, or no annual fees (like Capital One VentureOne or Chase Sapphire Preferred) might be more practical.
- For Airline Loyalists: Co-branded airline cards (like United Quest℠ Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card) are often the best choice, offering tailored benefits and rewards within their respective airline programs.
Ultimately, the best card is the one that aligns with your specific needs and helps you maximize rewards and benefits based on how you travel and spend. Compare different options, considering annual fees, rewards rates, benefits, and redemption options before making a decision.
How Much are Airline Miles Worth?
The value of airline miles is not fixed and can vary significantly depending on the airline loyalty program, redemption method, destination, and time of booking.
- Dynamic Pricing: Many airlines now use dynamic pricing for award flights, meaning the mile value can fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and flight prices.
- Average Value: As a general guideline, airline miles are often estimated to be worth around 1 to 2 cents per mile. However, this is just an average, and you can sometimes get much higher or lower value depending on the specific redemption.
- Redemption Method: Redeeming miles for international business class or first-class flights can often yield a higher value per mile compared to economy flights. Conversely, redeeming for merchandise or cash back typically provides a lower value.
- Flexibility: To maximize mile value, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons and booking in advance or being open to last-minute deals.
To determine the real-time value of your miles, compare the cash price of a flight to the mile price for the same flight. Divide the cash price by the mile price to calculate the cents-per-mile value.
Which Credit Card is Best for Flight Booking?
If you are not loyal to a single airline and want a credit card that rewards flight purchases across various airlines, consider cards that offer bonus rewards on all flight bookings, regardless of the airline.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year).
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card: Offers 4x points on airlines and 5x points on hotels.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Offers 2x points on all travel purchases and 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
These general travel cards provide excellent rewards on flight bookings and offer flexibility in redeeming points for travel across different airlines and hotel chains.
What is the Best Airline Credit Card for Students?
Currently, there are no airline credit cards specifically designed for college students. Qualifying for most airline credit cards, including entry-level options, typically requires a good credit history and sufficient personal income.
Options for Students:
- Student Credit Cards: If you’re a student with limited credit history, focus on building credit with a student credit card. These cards are designed for students and often have easier approval criteria.
- Secured Credit Cards: Secured credit cards are another option for building credit. They require a security deposit, which becomes your credit line. Responsible use can help improve your credit score over time.
- Authorized User: If a parent or family member has a travel rewards credit card, consider becoming an authorized user on their account. This can help you build credit and potentially access some travel benefits.
Once you’ve established a good credit history and have some income, you may then qualify for entry-level airline or travel rewards cards.
Is it Hard to Get an Airline Credit Card?
The difficulty of getting approved for an airline credit card depends largely on your credit score and credit history.
- Credit Score Requirement: Most airline credit cards, especially those with better rewards and benefits, require a good to excellent credit score (typically FICO score of 670 or higher).
- Credit History: Card issuers also consider the length and quality of your credit history, including on-time payments and responsible credit utilization.
- Pre-Approval: Before applying, check for pre-approval options on the card issuer’s website. Pre-approval can give you an indication of your approval odds without impacting your credit score.
If you have a fair or poor credit score, it may be challenging to get approved for most airline credit cards. In such cases, focus on improving your credit score first before applying.
What is the Easiest Travel Credit Card to Get?
While most travel credit cards require good to excellent credit, there are some options that may be more accessible for those with fair credit.
- Credit One Bank Wander® American Express® Card: This card is often cited as one of the easier travel credit cards to get approved for, even with fair credit. It offers rewards on travel and dining purchases.
- Secured Travel Cards: While less common, some secured credit cards may offer travel rewards. These cards can be easier to get approved for as they require a security deposit.
Keep in mind that cards accessible with fair credit may come with fewer benefits or higher interest rates compared to cards for excellent credit.
Should You Book a Flight with a Credit Card?
Yes, it is generally advisable to book flights using a credit card, regardless of whether it’s an airline credit card or another type of rewards card.
- Earn Rewards: Booking flights with a credit card allows you to earn rewards on your purchase, whether it’s airline miles, flexible points, or cash back.
- Travel Protections: Many travel credit cards offer travel insurance and protections, such as:
- Trip Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for expenses incurred due to flight delays.
- Baggage Delay or Loss Insurance: Coverage for delayed or lost luggage.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons.
- Rental Car Insurance: Coverage for rental car damage or theft when you pay with your card.
- Purchase Protection: Some credit cards offer purchase protection, covering eligible purchases against damage or theft for a limited time after purchase.
- Dispute Resolution: Credit cards offer dispute resolution services, allowing you to dispute charges for services not rendered or in case of fraud.
To utilize these travel protections, you typically need to pay for your flight (or a portion of it) with your eligible credit card. Always review your card’s guide to benefits to understand the specific terms, conditions, and coverage limits of the travel protections offered.
Our Methodology
Our recommendations for the best airline credit cards are based on a comprehensive evaluation of various factors to provide value and relevant options for a wide range of travelers. We started with a broad list of travel credit cards, including both co-branded airline cards and general travel rewards cards.
Key Evaluation Criteria:
- Rewards Value: We assessed the earning potential of each card, considering rewards rates on flight purchases, bonus categories, and the overall value of points or miles earned.
- Welcome Bonus: We evaluated the value and accessibility of welcome bonuses, considering the bonus amount, spending requirements, and redemption options.
- Travel Benefits: We analyzed the travel benefits offered by each card, including airline-specific perks (free checked bags, priority boarding), travel credits, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and other relevant benefits that enhance the travel experience.
- Annual Fee: We considered the annual fee of each card and assessed whether the benefits and rewards justified the cost, especially for different types of travelers.
- Redemption Flexibility: We evaluated the flexibility of redemption options, including redemption for flights, hotels, statement credits, cash back, and transfer partners.
- User Experience: We considered the ease of use of the card, customer service reputation, and overall user experience.
Categorization and Superlatives:
To cater to diverse traveler needs, we categorized cards based on specific travel profiles and priorities, such as “Best for Flexibility,” “Best for Beginners,” “Best for Frequent Fliers,” and “Best for specific airlines.” We assigned superlatives based on the strengths of each card in relation to these categories.
Focus on Practicality and Relevance:
While premium cards with high-value benefits are included, we also prioritized cards that offer practical value for everyday travelers, including no-annual-fee options and cards with solid rewards on common spending categories. We aimed to present a balanced list that caters to both frequent and occasional travelers, budget-conscious individuals, and those seeking premium travel experiences.
Editorial Independence and Objectivity:
Our recommendations are based on independent research and editorial judgment. We strive to provide objective and unbiased information to help readers make informed decisions. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date and are subject to change. Always verify the most current information on the bank’s website before applying for any credit card.
By considering these factors and employing a comprehensive methodology, we aim to guide readers in finding the best airline credit card that aligns with their individual travel habits, financial situations, and preferences, ultimately maximizing their travel rewards and savings.
