Airline Credit Cards - Reviews
An airline rewards card may seem like a no-brainer if you are a loyal customer of a particular airline, but frequent travelers of all stripes can reap great benefits from these cards. Airline cards come with some of the most generous sign-up bonuses in the rewards card industry, as well as very valuable perks such as free checked bags and discounted companion fares. The free airfare earned and the savings on travel expenses can easily outmatch the cost of a yearly membership fee.
We've reviewed and rated airline cards based on their value and utility. We calculate and compare the value of sign-up bonuses and rewards miles. We also consider how easy it is to redeem those miles, and the overall coverage that the airline offers, to help you select an airline card that takes you where you really want to go.
British Airways Visa Signature Card
Last reviewed: October 29, 2018
One of the best airline cards on the market, this super charged premium card offers frequent transatlantic flyers an accessible sign-up bonus that amply rewards heavy spenders, a plentiful point bonus on airfare, valuable travel perks and generously priced rewards points that are worth more than twice the average credit card rewards point.
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
Last reviewed: November 20, 2018
The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard is an excellent means for collecting bonus AAdvantage miles. It offers up a 60,000-mile bonus for simply paying the annual fee and making one qualifying purchase.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Last reviewed: November 13, 2018
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card doesn’t have as much heft as most elite airline cards, but it does offer enough value to justify paying the higher fee.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Last reviewed: October 26, 2018
The AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard from Citi is worth getting due to its generous sign-up bonus and numerous perks.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card
Last reviewed: October 25, 2018
A good deal for budget-conscious West Coast residents who frequently fly Alaska Air, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card pairs a generous sign up bonus and valuable rewards program with one of the lowest APRs available on a travel card.
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Last reviewed: November 20, 2018
This premium airline card offers a hefty sign-up bonus in the first year and attractive perks, such as a $100 companion certificate; but with an $89 annual fee and a ho hum rewards rate, the card’s value falls sharply after its first year.
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United Explorer Card
Last reviewed: November 14, 2018
With a generous sign-up bonus, the United Explorer Card makes it easy to earn a free flight quickly; but you’ll have to fly United often to make up for the card’s $95 annual fee.
Delta Reserve credit card from American Express
Last reviewed: November 15, 2018
The Delta Reserve card offers a great rewards value thanks to its free annual companion pass; but you can get the same benefit with the Platinum Delta card, for a lower annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Last reviewed: November 20, 2018
The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus card is a great card for both Southwest Airlines fanatics and the more casual rewards card user, due to its generous sign-up bonus and many options for domestic travel.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Last reviewed: November 13, 2018
If you frequently fly Southwest, it’s worth upgrading to this high value airline card, despite its $99 annual fee: It offers one of the best sign-up bonuses on the market and its rewards points are worth substantially more than the average credit card rewards point.
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
Last reviewed: October 25, 2018
Despite its high APR and moderately priced annual fee, this budget airline card offers a tremendous amount of value for domestic travelers – especially if cardholders spend enough each year to qualify for the card’s $100 airline voucher.
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Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Last reviewed: November 28, 2018
Gold Delta Skymiles points are worth more than the average credit card rewards point, making this airline card’s rewards program an attractive choice for cardholders who want to quickly earn a free flight on a major carrier.