Best Airline Credit Cards

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* Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

You make credit card purchases every day, so why not turn all those swipes into your next epic adventure? You can when you pay with airline credit cards. These cards offer a unique blend of benefits, from miles accumulation with every dollar spent to exclusive travel perks that make your trips more fun! Whether you’re a savvy traveler trying to score the best overall value or a high-class lounger who likes to roll in style, we’ll help you find the best airline credit cards to make sure all your spending brings you closer to that next glorious trip. 

Our Top Airline Credit Cards of 2024

When it comes to airline credit cards, you’ve got a ton of options. So we’re here to help narrow the search in choosing the perfect card to suit you. Our frontrunners include both airline-specific credit cards which are perfect if you’re loyal to a particular airline, as well as the top overall travel cards that offer more reward flexibility. Check ‘em all out below and see what catches your eye! We’ve also included more information that’s worth the read to help you get the lay of the land and make the most of your jet-setting.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 

HTM Rating: All-Star

There’s a standard annual_fees annual fee for this card, but it’s packed with rewards and perks that make it well worth it. Here’s the current welcome offer: bonus_miles_full

Key card features:

• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
• 5x points on travel booked through  Chase Travel℠
• 5x points on rideshares (Lyft, Uber, taxies, etc,)
• 3x points on restaurants and select delivery services
• 3x points on online grocery shopping
• Free trip cancellation insurance 
• Free primary rental car insurance 
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Plus you’ll get 3x points of some of your favorite streaming services so you don’t miss your favorite shows when you’re at the airport or in your hotel, making this card a first-class travel partner in the skies.

Learn more: card_name

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

HTM Rating: Top Notch

This card has a annual_fees annual fee and an accessible sign-up bonus: bonus_miles_full

Here’s why this card is a top choice for anyone who isn’t a homebody:

• 5X miles on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on every purchase
• Free hotel room upgrades
• $100 credit for Global Entry & TSA Precheck
• 2 Free access passes to Capital One airport lounges every year
• No foreign transaction fees

The card gives you the freedom to choose the airline with the best fares and their mobile app is also super user-friendly. You can book a trip using miles through Capital One Travel or use your miles to get reimbursed for previous travel purchases made elsewhere.

Learn more: card_name

3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

HTM Rating: Points Pro

This airline credit card is ideal for those loyal to Southwest’s reliable service. It has a annual_fees annual fee, and it also offers the potential to bring along a companion, making every trip even more rewarding!

More about how this card is your ticket to value-packed journeys:

• Unlimited seat rewards (with no restrictions or blackout dates)
• 2 annual Early Bird Check-in®
• 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Reward hotels and car rentals
• 2 points per $1 on local transit services and public parking
• 2 points per $1 on internet, phone, and select streaming services
• 1 point per $1 on everyday purchases
• 3,000 points on your account anniversary
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• No charge for bags
• No change fees
• No foreign transaction fees
• No expiration on points 

Party of two? Add the SW Companion Pass—just call dibs on the window seat or armrest, whatever you prefer! 

Learn more: card_name

4. United℠ Explorer Card

HTM Rating: Fee Fighter

New cardholders can bonus_miles_full

Take a look a look at more of these knock-out perks: 

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
• 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotels
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases from United (airline tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight purchases, and more)
• 2 miles per $1 on hotel accommodations when purchased through the hotel
• 1 free checked bag for you and your plus-one
• Priority boarding for you and your travel party 
• 25% back on purchases of food, drinks, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights 
• $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, or NEXUS 
• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation insurance
• 2 miles per $1 on dining out and select delivery services
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

The United℠ Explorer Card also reimburses you for clothing and toiletries if your baggage gets delayed. So, if you want United Airlines in your travel corner, you’ve found your winner!

Learn more: card_name

5. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card

HTM Rating: Mile Master

For a limited time: bonus_miles_full There’s also a annual_fees

More ways your Delta loyalty pays off in miles, comfort, and convenience:

• 5x miles on Delta purchases 
• 15% off Award Travel on Delta flights
• $200 flight credit
• 1 free checked bag
• Priority boarding
• 20% back on select in-flight purchases 
• $50 off your flight when you pay with miles
• Car rental and baggage insurance
• No foreign transaction fees

And with 2x miles on restaurants, takeout, delivery services, and groceries, your everyday spending becomes miles for you to do with as you please! 

Learn more: card_name

6. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card

HTM Rating: Lounge Lover 

This airline credit card is tailored for the traveler who appreciates a serene spot to relax or work before flights. This card’s annual_fees annual fee is higher than we would normally want you to spend, but the rewards easily cover it. Sometimes you just gotta let your bougie flag fly.

Check out the suite of premium benefits that cater to the finest of flying experiences and make layovers part of the adventure:

• Delta Sky Club access + 4 guess passes each year
• 3x miles on Delta purchases
• 1x miles on other purchases
• TSA PreCheck®
• 1 free checked bag
• Priority boarding
• 20% off in-flight purchases
• 15% off Award Travel on Delta flights
• $200 hotel credit 
• $120 rideshare credit
• Complimentary flight upgrades when available 
• No foreign transaction fees

The perks keep coming like free mimosas at brunch, and speaking of brunch: you also get a $240 Resy credit and insider access to reservations at top restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card to your Resy account! This card also made our list of top credit cards for lounge access!

Learn more: card_name

7. The Platinum Card® from American Express

HTM Rating: Perks Player

Here is the current welcome offer: bonus_miles_full (equal to $800 in travel)!

We know, we know, this isn’t directly associated with an airline, but we like to think of this card’s features as the ace up your sleeve for maximizing your travel experiences:

• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels
• 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® 
• $200 annual airline credit for checked bags and in-flight refreshments 
• $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels or Hotel Collection
• $200 in Uber cash ($15/month and bonus in December)
• $200 annual airline credit for incidentals
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit to breeze through airport security
• Free access to 1,400+ airport lounges
• No foreign transaction fees

Aside from its long list of travel perks (the annual fee seems like peanuts now doesn’t it?) your initial buy-in also affords you other wins like a $240 annual digital entertainment credit for streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, etc., and a free Walmart+ subscription. We could go on, too! 

Learn more: card_name

8. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card

HTM Rating: West Sider 

bonus_miles_full

Other features that make The Alaska Airlines Visa card a savvy traveler’s pick for unlocking the best of the west and beyond:

• No blackout dates 
• $99 annual Companion Fare™ 
• Unlimited 3 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines purchases
• Unlimited 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
• Free checked bag & priority boarding for you and up to 6 travel companions
• 20% back on in-flight purchases
• $100 off your Alaska Lounge+ Membership each year
• No foreign transaction fees

You’ll also get some awesome perks in-between flights like unlimited 2 miles per $1 on select gas, EV charging stations, cable and streaming services and local transit purchases. Plus, if you have an eligible Bank of America® account, you can earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases. 

Learn more: card_name

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If you like to nerd-out on everything there is to know about airline credit cards, read our guide below!

What are airline credit cards?

Airline credit cards turn everyday spending into miles or points that can be redeemed for flight credits and other travel-related perks. For every dollar you spend, you earn a certain number of miles, and each card has different bonus opportunities and multiplier categories. After you build up enough miles, they can then be redeemed for airline tickets, upgrades, and more, making every purchase an opportunity to travel further.

Why are airline rewards credit cards awesome?

Unlike regular credit cards of the cash-back variety, airline credit cards come with additional perks that elevate your travel experience. You can get benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and exclusive airline lounge access. Not only are vacations way more enjoyable with these upgrades, but they also help lower your overall travel costs. Airline rewards credit cards are a valuable tool for both frequent flyers and occasional travelers. It all comes down to selecting the right card. That will allow you to transform your regular expenditures into really cool travel experiences.

Earn miles for every dollar spent

The bedrock benefit of airline credit cards is earning miles for every dollar spent. This means when you’re out making everyday purchases, you’ll silently accumulate points in the background, building up rewards that you can redeem to save big bucks on future trips. Later when you’re ready to redeem those points or miles, you get to choose which benefit is best for you, like free flights, seat upgrades, or maybe a couple of sneaky in-flight beers! These types of cards ingeniously convert routine spending into a reservoir for future travel needs.

Free or discounted airline lounge access

Ever been inside an airport lounge? They are AMAZING. Aside from the free snacks, delicious drinks, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms, airport lounges serve as a sanctuary away from the hectic airport environment. It’s truly a serene experience, helping you live in the moment and enjoy the trip more, instead of dreading airports. Many airline credit cards offer free or discounted access to these luxurious airline lounges.

Priority boarding and check-in privileges

Nobody likes paying extra for checked bags when they fly. So having the right airline credit card up your sleeve can relieve that stress and give you extra check-in privileges. Priority boarding is another underrated perk that helps make your boarding process less stressful. You get to skip long lines, saving precious time and avoiding the rush to find your seat amongst the crowds. Traveling is way more fun when you can kick back and relax, moving at your own speed.

How do you choose the best airline credit cards?

The main goal in choosing airline rewards credit cards is striking the perfect balance between how you spend to accumulate points, and how you like to travel when spending those points. Since each card works a little differently, there are several factors to evaluate to make sure the card you choose will seamlessly fit into your lifestyle and maximize your travel benefits. 

Assess annual fees vs. benefits

The first step in assessing cards is considering the balance between annual fees and the benefits you will use and enjoy. Paying $200 each year for a card and only using $100 worth of benefits doesn’t make sense. So it’s really important to focus on the perks that are most important to you. Figure out the ones you will actually use and make sure that they will significantly outweigh the annual fee. Airline credit cards with higher annual fees typically offer more lucrative perks, such as extensive mile rewards, complimentary lounge access, or travel insurance. Bottom line: that annual fee might be well worth it if you travel regularly.

Compare mile-earning rates across cards

Next, you’ll want to compare mile-earning rates. This means calculating how many points you will accumulate for the type of spending you do regularly. Look for airline credit cards that get you the highest rate of miles for every dollar spent, particularly in spending categories that match your lifestyle. This strategy will get you the best ROI because all your regular expenditures contribute more significantly when it comes time to redeem rewards.

Evaluate specific airline partnerships and alliances

There’s no sense accumulating 80,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles if you hate the beach and never fly on Hawaiian Airlines (also, shame on you for hating the beach). To make the most of airline rewards credit cards you need to pick airline partnerships and alliances you will use! Spend some time thinking about your current travel patterns, as well as any desired future travel for the next few years. You’ll benefit more from picking a card associated with airlines you frequently use or ones that offer routes that match your travel needs. Keep in mind, some airlines have alliances or partnerships with others, allowing you to transfer points easily and offering better flexibility and options.

Check for foreign transaction fees

For those who travel internationally, foreign transaction fees can work against you and diminish the benefits of your airline credit cards. So you’ll want to select a card that has no fees to make sure your spending abroad contributes positively to your travel rewards, rather than undermining them with additional costs.

What factors affect credit card eligibility?

Securing the best airline credit cards involves understanding the key factors that determine eligibility. Ideally, you only want to apply for cards that give you quick and easy approval, so it’s worth some time researching the eligibility criteria. 

Minimum credit score required

The biggest determining factor in your eligibility for airline credit cards is your credit score. This metric considers your past credit behavior and reliability in managing debt. Credit card issuers prefer people with higher credit scores and offer better card benefits. Continually monitoring your credit score and looking for ways to increase it will significantly boost your chances of securing the card you want.

Annual income considerations

Your annual income plays a critical role when applying for airline credit cards. Credit card issuers evaluate your income to double-check you have the means to handle additional credit. A stable and sufficient income stream signals to issuers that you can meet future payment obligations.

Existing debt-to-income ratio

Your existing debt-to-income ratio is also a key indicator of your financial health. Issuers want to make sure you are not overextending yourself or digging into a deeper debt hole without realizing it. They compare your current overall debt levels to your income to assess how easily you can manage payments. The lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better your overall financial standing looks.

How to apply for airline credit cards?

Applying for airline credit cards typically takes place online. Taking a little time to get your ducks in a row will help streamline your application and improve your chances of securing the best airline credit cards for you.

Online application process

You’ll complete a digital form, which usually takes less than 5 minutes. You’ll need to input all your personal and financial details which will determine the eligibility for the airline credit card. It’s really important to double-check that your information is accurate, and never lie on an application.

Required documentation for application

Above and beyond the online form, sometimes issuers will ask you to provide proof of identity – like your driver’s license or passport – and proof of income, which could be recent pay stubs or tax documents. They do this to make sure no fake applications are approved and to verify all the information you entered is correct and true.

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid during the application process and specific requirements that some airline credit cards may have:

Common Pitfalls to Avoid	Description
Incomplete Application	Ensure all required fields in the application form are filled out. Missing information can lead to delays or rejection.
Incorrect Information	Double-check all personal and financial details for accuracy. Incorrect information can negatively impact your eligibility.
Not Reading Terms and Conditions	Understand the card’s terms, including fees, interest rates, and reward structures, to avoid surprises.
Applying for Multiple Cards at Once	Multiple applications within a short period can negatively affect your credit score. Focus on the card that best suits your needs.

Specific Requirements	Description
Minimum Income Requirement	Some cards have a minimum income requirement. Ensure you meet these criteria before applying.
Credit Score	Check the minimum credit score requirement for the card. Applying for a card within your credit range increases approval chances.
Employment Status	Some cards may require proof of employment or a certain employment status.
Age Requirement	Most cards require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Some may have additional age-related conditions.

Avoiding these mistakes and understanding exactly what they might ask for during an application can help the process go smoothly and put the odds in your favor to get approved.

Maximizing benefits from your airline credit cards

To get the most bang for your buck and maximize the rewards of airline credit cards, you need to think strategically. This means using the right credit card at the right time, leveraging promotions, and redeeming miles or points in the most valuable way.

Strategically timing your purchases

Strategically timing your purchases helps maximize mile accumulation. It’s easier than it sounds – just align your spending with periods when your card offers additional miles or during promotional events. If you know a big purchase is coming up then it could be wise to apply for a new card to maximize your rewards. You can build your point balance faster and boost the rewards you earn with just a little bit of planning.

Leveraging bonus categories for extra miles

Making the most of bonus categories is a savvy strategy for earning extra miles. Concentrate your spending on areas that your card rewards more generously. For example, if one of your airline credit cards offers a point multiplier for dining purchases, be sure to always use that card when hitting up your favorite restaurants. Labeling all your credit cards helps you remember which circumstances to use which card, and makes sure every dollar spent counts towards your next flight or upgrade. 

Taking advantage of card-specific travel perks

Utilizing card-specific travel perks from airline credit cards is a win for your travel experience and cost-savings. Whether it’s enjoying the comfort of complimentary lounge access, the convenience of priority boarding, or the savings from free checked bags, this is one of the few times you get a champagne experience on a beer budget. Cheers! 

Staying informed about limited-time offers

Keeping an eye on limited-time offers or promotional periods can unlock extraordinary opportunities to boost your rewards. These promotions might include extra miles, exclusive travel deals, or bonus points on specific categories. You’ll typically receive limited-time offers via email or notifications in the card’s app. You don’t need to take them up on each offer, but if you can swing it and it works for you, by all means, take advantage while you can! 

Airline Credit Cards FAQs

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_{*Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.}

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