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There are plenty of factors to consider when deciding which airline card is best for you. First things first, you want to choose a card that is co-branded or at least partners with an airline that offers frequent service to your nearest (or preferred) airport. You should also have a sense of what you’re looking for in terms of card perks and realistically assess whether those perks align with both your spending and travel habits.
There are plenty of factors to consider when deciding which airline card is best for you. First things first, you want to choose a card that is co-branded or at least partners with an airline that offers frequent service to your nearest (or preferred) airport. You should also have a sense of what you’re looking for in terms of card perks and realistically assess whether those perks align with both your spending and travel habits.
Our rating:4.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
At A Glance
Intro offer
75,000 miles
75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn 80,000 points
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool.
Our rating:5.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
At A Glance
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.74% variable
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
At A Glance
Intro offer
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x
1x on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$300 Chase Travel℠ Credit + 60,000 bonus points
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2X
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2X
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1X
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn 50,000 points.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$69
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.25 Miles
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
At A Glance
Intro offer
20,000 miles
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
2 miles
Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases.
1 mile
Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™
Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Best general airline credit card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best features: You can really rack up travel rewards with this popular travel credit card from Capital One. The Venture Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (miles are currently valued at 2 cents per mile*). That means you can earn rewards from everyday purchases that you can use toward flights with a wide range of airlines, including over 15 partners that allow you to transfer points 1:1. You can also use your rewards for statement credits for other travel purchases.
Biggest drawbacks: The current list of airline travel partners doesn’t include other large U.S. carriers. There’s a $95 annual fee not waived the first year (See rates and Fees).
Alternatives: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Cardoffers a higher rewards rate in several spending categories, including restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets, at 3X points. Plus, you can earn a total of 10X points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal. While general purchases only earn 1X points, those who spend more in higher-rate rewards categories could do well.
Bottom line: If you travel frequently but don’t always fly the same carrier, this general-purpose travel credit card might give you the most bang for your buck. That said, airline loyalists may prefer to go with a co-branded airline card.
Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best features: The popular premium card from American Express comes fully loaded with luxury travel benefits, including top-tier travel insurance, perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available and elite hotel perks like complimentary hotel loyalty status with Marriott and Hilton (enrollment required). However, the Amex Platinum card’s features stand out because they include one of the most valuable lists of annual statement credits on the market.
Biggest drawbacks: The $695 annual fee is a big commitment, so carefully consider whether you travel enough to justify the price. You must redeem travel rewards through American Express Travel – and, unlike with many Chase credit cards, you won’t get a bonus for doing so. Some of the travel credits come with caveats that make them a bit tricky to track or maximize. For instance, the Platinum comes with up to a $200 Airline Fee Credit per calendar year but the credit can only be used at one select qualifying airline.
Bottom line: This card ticks off all the boxes for big spenders and frequent travelers looking for luxury travel perks, particularly complimentary airport lounge access. But the sky-high annual fee is tough to justify if you only fly a handful of times a year, rarely dine out and hardly ever stay at hotels.
Best for unlimited miles on purchases: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best features: This premium rewards card offers the best way to earn unlimited travel miles from Capital One, including an impressive 10X miles on hotel stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel and a flat-rate 2X miles on all other purchases. Beyond rewards, the Venture X adds extra value to your wallet with high-end benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge access and a credit worth up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Biggest drawbacks: The $395 annual fee (See rates and Fees) is a bargain compared to other premium credit cards, but it might still be too much for some.
Alternatives: While the Chase Sapphire Reserve® does have a higher annual fee than the Venture X, it also offers more in terms of redemption value. You’ll get 50% more value from your points when you redeem for travel with Chase (1.5 cents per point).
Bottom line: This card is a great fit for travel enthusiasts with excellent credit who plan to take advantage of enough premium benefits to make the annual fee worth it but prefer streamlined travel miles.
Best for no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Best features: There’s a lot going for this travel card, including considerable rewards and few restrictions – and that’s with no annual fee. For example, earn 1.5X points on all purchases. No annual fee means that you don’t have to track your earnings to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Biggest drawbacks: You won’t get a boost by redeeming points for travel through the Bank of America Travel center. If you redeem points for cash, your points are only worth 0.6 cents each.
Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card carries a lower rewards rate on general purchases (1.25X miles), but its miles can offer a much higher redemption value if you transfer to airline and hotel partners.
Bottom line: If you’re committed to avoiding an annual fee, this general-purpose travel card is one of your best options so long as you’re all right forgoing fancy travel perks.
Best for rewards value: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Best features: Frequent fliers can rack up rewards pretty quickly with this solid general-purpose travel credit card from Chase. It offers 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 2X points on other travel purchases and 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs). Plus, you’ll receive 10% of your total purchases last year back as annual bonus points. All of these points can then be redeemed for 25% more value toward Chase Travel℠, or they could even be worth 2 cents apiece on average* with the right Chase transfer partner.
Biggest drawbacks: The card’s $95 annual fee might price this card out of a frugal flier’s budget.
Alternatives: If you have a tendency to spend heavily on travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a higher-end version of the Sapphire Preferred. Cardmembers receive a $300 travel credit that can be applied to airfares, baggage fees, and more. Yes, its $550 annual fee is steep but the perks could be worth it for some.
Bottom line: If you travel frequently but don’t often fly with a specific carrier, this general-purpose travel rewards credit card will net you a nice return on flights – and then some! But despite its broad appeal, travelers on tighter budgets may still prefer a no-annual-fee card. Everyday spenders may want to consider pairing no-annual-fee Chase cards with the Sapphire Preferred to squeeze more value from their rewards.
Best for Southwest airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Best features: It not only earns 2X points on Southwest purchases (plus partner hotel and rental car bookings), but it also offers the same rewards rates for a few popular everyday purchases, including local transit (including rideshares), select streaming services and cable, phone and internet services. Luckily, yearly perks such as 3,000 bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-Ins can more than make up for the card’s $69 annual fee.
Biggest drawbacks: Southwest doesn’t have airline partners, so the only rewards flights you can book are with Southwest.
Bottom line: The Rapid Rewards Plus is an excellent starter Southwest card if you’re not sure you’ll be able to take advantage of the higher-tier Southwest credit cards. But if you don’t fly Southwest often, don’t live near a Southwest hub, or mostly travel internationally, this card isn’t a match for you.
Best for less frequent travelers: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Best features: This straightforward travel rewards credit card lets you earn 1.25X miles on general purchases without paying an annual fee (See rates and Fees). Cardholders also earn 20,000 miles if they spend $500 in your first three months, which is equal to $200 in travel rewards. There’s no minimum to start redeeming rewards.
Alternatives: Even if you only travel occasionally, the higher-tier Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card may be a better value overall thanks to its better flat rewards rate (2X miles) and valuable perks like an up to $120 credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. These benefits can easily make the Venture worth it.
Bottom line: If you like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, but can’t stomach its annual fee or aren’t quite sure if you’ll travel enough to justify the charge, consider this card a solid alternative. That said, frequent travelers may be better off with a higher flat-rate rewards card or one with bonus categories that allows them to maximize earnings.
Best for American Airlines: American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Best features: For no annual fee, you can earn 2X miles on both American Airlines and grocery store purchases. Plus, American Airlines offers one of the largest travel networks in the world, and AAdvantage miles (valued at 1 cent*) can be transferred to dozens of airline, hotel and car rental partners.
Biggest drawbacks: Redeeming AAdvantage miles can be complicated; you’ll have to navigate blackout dates and award seats are limited.
Alternatives: The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card also has no annual fee and doesn’t limit you to just one airline. Cardmembers earn 1.5X points on all purchases, which can add up quickly.
Bottom line: While this is a great starter airline credit card for people who fly American Airlines, those who do not fly American or even live near an American hub may want to keep looking.
Best for Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Best features: There’s a rewarding limited-time online offer that lets you earn 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. You’ll also receive a companion fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each year on your account anniversary (after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year).
Biggest drawbacks: The card carries a $95 annual fee, so be sure you fly Alaska Airlines enough for the long haul to justify adding it to your wallet.
Alternatives: With a slightly lower annual fee ($69 versus $95), the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card can help you earn a Companion Pass if you aren’t able to fly with Alaska Airlines often. However, it’ll take much more work since you’ll need to earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights with Southwest per calendar year to be eligible for the airline’s Companion Pass offer. You’ll earn a 10,000 qualifying point head start each year as a Southwest cardholder.
Bottom line: If you fly Alaska Airlines with a companion even once or twice a year, you’re likely to appreciate this card’s benefits.
What are airline credit cards and how do they work?
Airline credit cards are typically aligned with airlines to bring you rewards specific to that brand, although there has been a movement in the last year to offer boosted general rewards as well. Called co-branded cards, these products reward you for loyalty to that brand through in-flight purchases and tickets, as well as brand-specific benefits.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to pick a card partnering with an airline you’ll actually use, or there’s no point in earning all those miles. For example, American Airlines has a hub in Charlotte, while United has a hub in Houston, and Delta is based out of Atlanta. Where you live and go should factor into your decision.
“Airline cards are especially valuable when you’re loyal to a particular carrier,” says Ted Rossman, CreditCards.com’s industry analyst. “The miles you earn through a sign-up bonus and your ongoing spending can quickly earn you a free trip. Plus, airline cards often offer additional perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding. Many of them charge annual fees, but they can be recouped quickly. For example, a $95 annual fee equals roughly three checked bags. A family could come out ahead after just one flight.”
In addition to co-branded cards, there are general-purpose travel credit cards that partner with airlines for redeeming points or miles, such as Capital One Venture Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
What is the difference between an airline credit card and a general travel credit card?
Though they are both handy for travelers, there are clear differences between an airline card and a general-purpose travel card. For starters, an airline card offers rewards for loyalty to one specific carrier or alliance whereas a general-purpose travel card partners with multiple airline brands. If your closest airport happens to be a designated hub for a particular airline, you might find that airline’s branded credit card to be the most convenient.
With an airline credit card, you can often earn boosted rewards on travel and in-flight purchases. A general-purpose travel credit card tends to reward for a variety of categories, sometimes even offering rewards for all purchases. More recently, airline credit cards have begun to reward for everyday spending in categories such as groceries, although it isn’t nearly as common as with general-purpose cards. General travel cards also offer benefits such as Global Entry or TSA Precheck credits, while airline cards might offer complimentary checked baggage, seating upgrades and lounge access.
Pros and cons of an airline credit card
Pros
Travel value. The points and miles you earn can be put towards future travel, and they’re especially valuable when used to book business class seats. However, you’ll still be on the hook for applicable taxes and fees.
Travel perks. Airline credit cards come loaded with valuable perks such as complimentary checked baggage, lounge access and priority boarding, as well as coverage for lost luggage and trip cancellation.
Rewards are easy to earn. Depending on your spending habits, it’s relatively easy to rack up rewards. Plus, generous welcome bonuses give cardmembers a leg up on accumulating miles and earning status.
Cons
Points can be difficult to redeem. Airlines sometimes restrict the number of seats available per flight for those booking with rewards. Blackout dates also restrict exactly when travelers can redeem points for travel, particularly during peak travel periods.
Loyalty can be limiting. If you have an airline-branded card, you’re limited to that particular carrier and its network of partner airlines. That’s why it’s so important to choose an airline that is convenient for you to fly.
Perks often include caveats. While benefits like trip protection and lounge access can be helpful when plans go awry, some of these benefits come with a lot of fine print you need to be familiar with in case there’s a hitch in your travel plans.
Most popular airline rewards programs
Delta SkyMiles
While the SkyMiles program is forever moving the finish line with fluctuating point values and rules, its range of redemption options and lack of blackout dates make it a crowd-pleaser. The average point value is 1.2 cents, according to Bankrate*, and rewards don’t expire. There are more than 20 airline partners, so you can go pretty much anywhere in the world on Delta and its SkyTeam partners. Loyal Delta flyers and international travelers will certainly find a lot to love about this program.
United MileagePlus
The United program award tickets are one-way, which opens up your options in terms of how you choose to redeem. You can select seats in a different class in each direction; or you can travel out with a lesser Saver ticket when your plans are flexible, and with an Everyday ticket on the return with firmed-up plans.
You can use miles to request upgrades to a premium cabin, which allows you to benefit from free alcoholic beverages, as well as priority check-in, security line access, boarding, and baggage handling. The average point value is 1.1 cents each*.
Southwest Rapid Rewards
With this loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, flight options are primarily limited to domestic destinations which now include service to Hawaii. It’s also worth noting that its short-haul international service is rapidly expanding. Families with a tendency towards overpacking will appreciate the complimentary additional checked baggage.
Booking is flexible and there aren’t a ton of hidden fees. Southwest Rapid Rewards are, on average, worth 1.5 cents a piece*. While there are no blackout dates and one-way trips are permitted, it’s not the largest of airlines. Southwest currently serves about 120 destinations, and only 11 countries.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
OneWorld member Alaska Airlines offers travelers excellent value across the board, particularly in terms of earning potential, average airfares, and general service. Alaska is the fifth largest airline in the U.S. with a focus on West Coast service, underserved markets in the Pacific Northwest, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
By Alaska’s math, Mileage Plan members earn 30% more miles than with other domestic loyalty programs. While Alaska’s fees are on par with other domestic carriers, its flexibility around ticket changes and rebookings makes it a favorite among flyers. The average point value is 1.1 cents each*.
American Airlines AAdvantage
With about 350 destinations to more than 50 countries, American Airlines, with regional carrier American Eagle, is one of the largest airlines in the world. Its network of OneWorld partners makes it a strong choice for world travelers. The airline partners with OneWorld Alliance carriers as well as other partners.
While there’s the MileSAAver awards, which means you can book award flights at a low number of miles, there are downsides, such as some quirky rules and the need for flexibility when booking. American Advantage points are worth 1 cent each* on average.
British Airways Executive Club
OneWorld partner British Airways can eat up your miles, called Avios, but the experience is superior. There is a feature called Reward Flight Savers, advertised as the best value reward flights, which is available on return flights in Europe and southern Africa. Like other loyalty programs, you can use Avios to upgrade, for a hotel stay or getting a rental car. Avios points are worth 0.7 cents each* on average.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Flying to roughly a dozen countries, Virgin Atlantic is a 35-year-old British airline with a number of stops in the U.S. Flying Club, Virgin Atlantic’s loyalty program, offers dozens of partners, including Delta. You can redeem as few as 7,500 Virgin Points for a one-way flight through Delta. Other partners include KLM, Air France and other international airlines, as well as hotels such as Hilton and IHG.
The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Virgin Points are worth a whopping 2.6 cents on average*. You can also convert rewards into Virgin Points through some of the top card issuer programs, such as Citi ThankYou and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Do airline miles expire?
When it comes to airline rewards, few things are more frustrating than seeing your hard-earned points and miles expire before you’ve had a chance to use them. Unfortunately, only a few airline rewards programs offer miles that never expire, with the vast majority requiring you to either earn or redeem miles within one or two years or risk forfeiting the miles in your account. In some cases, you can have expired miles restored to your account, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay a reinstatement fee.
Here’s how airline point and mile expiration breaks down with some of the most popular airline rewards programs:
Airline / rewards program
Do miles expire?
How to keep miles from expiring
Alaska Airlines
Yes, after 36 months of no activity
Earn or redeem miles at least once every 24 months, or reactivate them between 25 and 36 months of inactivity
American Airlines AAdvantage
Yes, after 24 months of no activity
Earn or redeem miles at least once every 24 months
British Airways / Avios
Yes, after 36 months of no activity
Earn or redeem Avios at least once every 36 months
Cathay Pacific / Asia Miles
Yes, after 18 months of no activity
Earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months
Delta
No
N/A
Etihad
Yes, after 18 months of no activity (for non-Etihad Guest Platinum members)
Earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months, or maintain Etihad Guest Platinum status (Platinum members’ miles don’t expire)
Air France / KLM (Flying Blue)
Yes, after 24 months of no activity
Earn or redeem miles at least once every 24 months
JetBlue
No
N/A
Qantas
Yes, after 18 months of no activity
Earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months
Southwest Rapid Rewards
No
N/A
United MileagePlus
No
N/A
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
No
N/A
How to choose an airline credit card
Who should get an airline credit card
Airline loyalists. If you often use a specific airline, an airline card can deliver boosted rewards and superior redemptions.
Frequent flyers. Want to earn lots of points or miles? You’ll earn more if you’re often traveling with your favorite airline.
Big shoppers. Many airline cards have an annual fee, so you’ll need to plan on using your card enough to recoup the cost of that fee.
Fine print readers. The rules of an airline rewards program can be tough to navigate, so make sure you are prepared to follow them.
Who should skip an airline credit card
Last-minute travelers. Airline rewards programs often have blackout dates and seating restrictions, so airline cards may not suit the procrastinator.
Balance carriers. If you carry a balance to the next month, you will incur interest charges, negating the benefits of rewards. If you are prone to carrying a balance, consider a top low interest credit card instead.
Those who live far from an airline hub. If you live in a midsize city, the airline of your choice may not fly there, making it more difficult to earn rewards.
Infrequent travelers. If there are only airline reward offered, it may be difficult to earn enough rewards to make the card worth your while.
How to make the most of an airline credit card
Consider how frequently you fly
Simply put, if you don’t fly more than a couple of times a year, you probably don’t need an airline credit card. While some airline credit cards let you earn miles on everyday purchases, like gas or groceries, you generally get the most bang for your buck by redeeming for free flights. And while many cards have moved away from blackout or expiration dates on miles, you’re not likely to recoup the annual fee associated with most of these cards if you’re not cashing in your rewards each year or taking advantage of the ancillary perks a card entitles you to.
If your spending tends to vary, consider a general rewards credit card or a cash back credit card instead.
Identify your carrier of choice
If you do fly frequently, consider next whether you tend to do so on the same carrier. (That’s generally dictated by whether you live near an airline hub or a major airport serviced by carriers with a large flight network.) If so, that brand’s airline credit card could help you earn award flights more quickly, qualify for elite status and receive perks that let you travel in style.
If you’re more likely to fly on a variety of carriers throughout the year or you like to comparison-shop for deals across travel providers, consider a general-purpose travel credit card. We’re partial to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which offers 2X miles on general purchases and lets you redeem rewards as statement credits for a wide variety of travel expenses.
Account for a card’s transfer partners
Many general-purpose travel credit cards let you transfer your points to partnering airlines. Review their list of current partners to see if they’re in line with your travel habits. Transferring points is often a great way to get a bit more bang for your buck. Learn other ways to maximize credit card rewards.
Ask yourself if you check a bag
Most airline’s charge $30 for a first checked bag and $40 for a second, so if you frequently travel with a suitcase, an airline credit card that lets you skip that charge can save you money or, at least, cover a card’s annual fee before you factor in the rewards.
Decide if you’re looking for lounge access
Some premium travel rewards credit cards offer access to a large number of airport lounges, irrespective of brand. The Platinum Card from American Express, for example, grants cardholders access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which includes more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, meanwhile, comes with complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges in more than 1,300 locations around the world.
Are airline credit cards worth it in 2024?
If you travel frequently and tend to fly the same carrier each time, a good airline credit card could help you earn loyalty points (and, by extension, award flights) faster. They could also entitle you to benefits that make flying more enjoyable or cost-effective, like priority boarding, a free checked bag, elite status and upgrades, when available.
Although travel restrictions have relaxed compared to the past few years, it’s important to carefully consider how often you plan to fly in the future before deciding on whether to get an airline credit card.
Of course, if the card has no annual fee, we say it’s a no-brainer. While you’re waiting around for your next trip to roll around, you may as well be accumulating points or miles to fund future getaways. If the card has an annual fee, you should make sure that your estimated yearly rewards and perk value makes up for the annual fee.
When assessing whether or not an airline credit card is a good option for you, here are five things to consider:
You plan to regularly fly with the same airline – If you live near a hub of the airline partnering with the card you are eyeing, that might be a good card for you. Also, if you find yourself often turning to a specific airline for your travel needs, this card might be the right choice.
You will use the card’s perks – You’ll want to look at the travel features beyond just the miles offered. TSA PreCheck, free first checked bags, lounge access, cancellation insurance: These are a few of the features strong airline cards may offer.
The perks outweigh the annual fee – There’s often an annual fee with airline cards, so you’ll need to assess whether the rewards and the perks make the card worthwhile once the annual fee has been charged.
You have the credit score for the card – Airline cards typically require good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670). There’s no point in applying for a card if you don’t have the required credit score, because applying will temporarily impact your score even if you don’t get the card.
You can pay the full balance each month – If you get any type of rewards card, airline cards included, it’s important to make sure you can pay your balance in full each month. Otherwise, any earned points or miles are basically eaten by the interest you’d owe.
How we picked the best airline credit cards
Research methodology: We analyzed 148 airline credit cards to identify the best ones currently on the market. The major factors we considered in making our Editor’s picks include:
Rewards rates: The best airline credit cards offer at least 2X points on purchases with their specific carrier. General-purpose travel credit cards might offer between 1.25X to 2X miles on all purchases.
Rewards value: Not all miles are created equal. We looked at how much each mile was worth when redeemed for airfare. We also considered how much each mile was worth across additional redemption options, when available.
Ancillary airline perks: The best airline credit cards offer extra benefits, like a free checked bag, priority boarding, automatic elite status, airport lounge access or more. Many offer travel credits for items like Global Entry or TSA Precheck. We weighted cards more heavily if they offered these types of benefits.
Rates and fees: Many airline credit cards charge annual fees and, as a rewards credit card, they tend to carry higher APRs than low-interest counterparts. However, we still considered if these costs were reasonable relative to the category and the benefits each card carried.
Full criteria used: Rewards rates, rewards categories, airline alliance partners, other transfer partners, sign-up bonus, point values, redemption options, redemption flexibility, elite status, annual fee, travel credits, airport lounge access, miscellaneous travel benefits, rates and fees, customer service, credit needed, upgrade and downgrade options. For more detail on our review scores, see our ratings process for airline cards.
More information on airline credit cards
For more information on all things travel cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:
Typically a travel card requires good to excellent credit, and that includes airline and hotel credit cards.
If you have your eye on an airline card, but don’t have the needed credit score, look into getting a card that’s designed for your credit level and build your score. Although it’s hard to find an airline card available for a low credit score, there are several secured rewards cards that you can use until your score improves. At that point, you may qualify for a general-purpose travel card for fair credit, such as the Capital One VentureOne or the Credit One Bank Wander® Card.
Once you’ve earned your miles, you would think you could access them quickly, but that isn’t always the case. The length of time for rewards to post to your account varies depending on the issuer:
American Express. Within 72 hours of receiving the payment (or, up to eight to 12 weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
Bank of America. Rewards post right away, but may take until after the billing statement closes to be redeemable (or, up to eight to 12 weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
Capital One. Rewards post within 10 days, but may take up to two billing cycles to be redeemable (or, within one to two billing cycles after qualifying for the welcome offer)
Chase. Rewards quickly appear as “pending,” but may take until after the billing statement closes to be redeemable (or, within six to eight weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
Citi. Rewards post within a few days (or, within eight to ten billing weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
Discover. Rewards post within two billing cycles, but may take up to two billing cycles to be redeemable (or, within two billing cycles after qualifying for the first-year offer)
Like other rewards cards, you can earn airline points or miles through airline credit card spending. You’ll typically earn rewards through airline or other travel purchases, although many airline cards also offer everyday categories so you can earn miles without flying. Some airlines also allow you to earn additional miles through airline loyalty and partner merchant programs connected to your account.
Airline miles can be redeemed through your credit card issuer or directly through an airline. When logged in to the airline’s website with your loyalty account, you’ll find that flights are generally listed both by their dollar amount and by amount in miles, or sometimes you may have to toggle between the two.
Miles redeemed through your issuer’s rewards portal can be booked for flights or hotels as well as other rewards such as cash back, gift cards, statement credits, or donations.
You can’t transfer points between frequent flyer programs in most cases, even if the airlines are partners. Partnerships such as OneWorld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam typically allow you to earn miles when you fly on one airline, and redeem those miles you earn for flights on a carrier within the same network. However, most of those airlines won’t allow you to transfer miles directly from one carrier to another, because there is no financial benefit to them for doing so.
But there are some exceptions to the rule. British Airways and Iberia share the Avios frequent flyer program. So while your points in each program remain separate and distinct, you can transfer them freely between the two.
Just because you can’t transfer points back and forth, however, doesn’t mean that you are stuck with a single carrier for life. Most airlines within the major alliances will allow you to use your mileage stash with that brand to book award flights on partner airlines. For example, an American Airlines frequent flyer can use AAdvantage miles to book a flight on British Airways, and the cost of that ticket will be based on the American Airlines mileage award chart.
About the Author
Tracy Stewart
Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.
About the Editor
Jeanine Skowronski
Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.
About the Reviewer
Stephanie Zito
Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, humanitarian and credit card points collector sharing savvy travel tips she has learned firsthand from more than 20 years of circling the globe as a backpacker, expat and premium traveler in more than 125 countries and all seven continents.
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