Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: This card helps frequent Delta flyers earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- The top features: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. If you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year, you can earn a $100 Delta flight credit. Plus, travel benefits including a free checked bag, priority boarding and 20% back on eligible in-flight purchases.
- Another card to consider: The Platinum Card from American Express comes with a wide offering of luxury travel perks, but charges a higher annual fee of $695. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a $0 introductory annual fee which becomes $99 after the first year.
See our full review.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: With the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases and a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases.
- The top features: The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee. Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Another card to consider: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers similar benefits but also lets you earn 2 miles per dollar on supermarket purchases, and offers a more generous sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months. However, this card carries an annual fee of $99 after the first year.
See our full review.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: This card offers perks that fall firmly in the luxury travel category, with benefits like access to airport lounges in the Global Lounge Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts perks. Enrollment Required for Select Benefits.
- The top features: Flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel earn five points per dollar, as do flights booked directly with airlines. Note that you will 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Those features help balance out the $695 annual fee.
- Another card to consider: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is also designed for frequent travelers with a wide offering of premium perks, and carries a lower annual fee of $550.
See our full review.
United℠ Explorer Card
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: With the United℠ Explorer Card, you can earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- The top features: Cardholders get valuable airline perks, including up to a $100 fee credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus, a first checked bag free for you and a travel companion, priority boarding and 25% back on eligible United in-flight purchases. The card offers a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Another card to consider: The United Club Infinite Card allows you to earn more miles from United spending and additional travel perks, but carries a heftier $525 annual fee.
See our full review.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a versatile rewards program and elite travel perks including a $300 annual travel credit, a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus, complimentary airport lounge access, and various trip protections.
- The top features: Earn up to ten points per dollar on purchases made with Chase Ultimate Rewards, three points per dollar spent on other dining and other travel after you have spent $300 on travel in a year, and one point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for an additional 50% in value or transferred to several airline and hotel partners at a 1-to-1 ratio. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. While it carries a pricey $550 annual fee, this can be offset by the many perks offered.
- Another card to consider: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a similar rewards structure and flexibility on points redemption, but with fewer travel perks. This card also carries a significantly lower annual fee of $95.
See our full review.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: This card’s 2 miles per dollar rewards rate and flexible redemption and transfer options make it one of the best travel cards on the market.
- The top features: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. Plus earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, with no expiration or limit to how many you can earn.
- Another card to consider: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a similar rewards structure and carries no annual fee.
See our full review.
Discover it® Miles
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: This card will automatically match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- The top features: With the Discover it® Miles, you can automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase – with no annual fee. Miles can be converted into cash or used to pay for travel purchases on your monthly bill. The card offers flexible redemption options to help avoid blackout dates.
- Another card to consider: The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card lets you earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases with flexible redemption options. Neither card has an annual fee.
See our full review.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a versatile rewards program with flexible redemption options and a lower annual fee than some rewards cards.
- The top features: You can earn five points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, plus three points per dollar on dining and two points per dollar on all other travel purchases. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.. Points can be transferred on a 1-to-1 basis to several travel programs.
- Another card to consider: Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a similar rewards structure with more premium travel perks and the ability to earn more points from your spending, but carries a steep $550 annual fee, compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card’s $95 annual fee.
See our full review.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Why this is one of the best airline credit cards: Chase Freedom Unlimited allows you to enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- The top features: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. Also, the card carries an annual fee of $0.
- Another card to consider: The Citi Double Cash Card- 18 month BT offer has a more straightforward rewards program, with cardholders able to earn 2% on every purchase – unlimited 1% cash back when you purchase and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
See our full review.
Citi Premier® Card
- Why this is one of the best airline cards: With the Citi Premier® Card cardholders earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels. Cardholders also earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets, and earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- The top features: The card earns three points per dollar in several categories. On top of that, you can earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Another card to consider: If you want travel rewards without an annual fee, consider Chase Freedom Unlimited, which earns 5% cash back on travel when you book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. You’ll earn bonus rewards on up to $20,000 spent in your first year with the card, including 6.5% cash back in this category.
See our full review.
When you make purchases with your credit card, you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights and for many other travel-related expenses. Often, travel spending on airlines, rental cars and hotels earns bonus points. Some airline credit cards even allow for higher point valuations when points are redeemed for airline rewards.
Most airline credit cards earn at least two points or miles per dollar on airline purchases.
Many airline credit cards earn rewards that you can redeem as cash back, travel bookings or transfers to travel partners. Some airline cards have rewards you can redeem with multiple partners, such as within an airline alliance.
Sign-up bonuses worth at least $100 are common, and many cards offer sign-up bonuses worth $500 or more.
Most airline credit cards have an annual fee, but a few waive the annual fee for the first year.
Many airline cards have a minimum annual percentage rate between 15.99% and 18.99%.
In addition to earning free flights, many airline credit cards come with travel perks such as free checked baggage, priority boarding, seat upgrades, concierge services or access to members-only airport lounges.
Before you apply for an airline credit card, take a look at this checklist to see if these cards are a good fit for you.
- You frequently fly with the airline or plan to do so in the future. If you don’t travel frequently or visit destinations served by a particular airline, a general travel rewards card may be a better choice than an airline credit card.
- You have good or excellent credit. Airline credit cards usually require good to excellent credit. You should have a FICO credit score of at least 670 before you apply for an airline rewards credit card.
- You can pay off your balance each month. You should be debt-free and avoid carrying a balance on your airline rewards credit card, as interest charges can quickly wipe out any rewards you earn.
Airline loyalty, spending habits and preferences are different for every traveler, so the “best airline credit card” will differ from person to person.
When you’re trying to pick the best airline credit card, follow these six simple steps to evaluate each card:
1. Pick the right rewards program for you.
Co-branded airline credit cards sometimes offer the biggest benefits toward airfare and related purchases. Travel rewards cards provide broader rewards categories, but many don’t offer the same level of rewards for airline-based earnings.
Co-branded cards: Airline credit cards are often called “co-branded cards” because they are tied to a particular airline, such as Delta or United, which can limit your travel options.
If you’re signing up for a co-branded airline card, consider airlines with hubs at your local airport. For example, many frequent flyers in Atlanta fly with Delta because the airline has a huge hub there.
Travel rewards cards: With travel rewards cards, points or miles can be used for flights, hotels and rental cars without being restricted to a particular airline or an airline partner. They can also be redeemed for merchandise or cash back.
Take your time and decide which type of rewards will benefit you the most. The best type of credit card is the one that works best for you.
2. Calculate earning potential.
With the best rewards on airfare and related purchases made directly with the airline, co-branded airline cards promote brand loyalty.
General travel rewards credit cards often provide you with more chances to earn a higher rewards rate. They may offer broader bonus spending categories or simply earn a higher rate on all purchases.
3. Calculate sign-up bonuses and welcome offers.
Sign-up bonuses and welcome offers provide a lot of points or miles, but only after you meet certain spending requirements.
But a warning: Don’t get dazzled by a fabulous sign-up bonus. Make sure the credit card is right for you, apart from the sign-up bonus. In other words, keep a cool head and choose wisely.
4. Calculate redemption value.
For most travel rewards cards, one point is equal to 1 cent. Co-branded airline cards may offer from 1 cent to 5 cents per point, depending on the flight, but it’s difficult to put a consistent value on what you earn in rewards because it’s always changing based on flight prices, route, availability and more.
While some airlines have a published award chart you can use to estimate value, others don’t. Understanding how an airline card’s point system works is an important part of selecting a credit card.
Subtract annual fees from your potential earnings to estimate the true rewards value of a card. Although a card may have annual fees, the benefits and rewards could offset those costs.
6. Understand travel benefits.
Airline rewards cards come with benefits that can be helpful for traveling and making purchases. Many travel cards offer perks, including trip cancellation or interruption insurance, auto rental insurance, lost baggage protection and no foreign transaction fees.
Airline co-branded cards typically provide more valuable cardholder benefits than general travel cards. They may offer benefits directly with the airline, which could include free checked bags, priority check-in, priority boarding, companion tickets and access to airport lounges.
Make sure the fees are worth it. Consider your plans for using the card, earning rewards and taking advantage of benefits. If you won’t use it enough to offset associated fees, the card may not be worth it.
Combine cards. If you have a general travel rewards card but often fly one airline, it may make sense to supplement with an airline credit card. Your general travel rewards card may offer better rewards on bonus categories, but your airline card will earn the most when you fly with that specific airline.
Maximize loyalty tier rewards. To do this, you have to travel as much as you can with a single airline. Keep close track of your qualifying purchases, points and flights, and find out when qualifications expire. Schedule your trips so that you can maximize earnings within the calendar year and earn a tier upgrade. You’ll need to think ahead to make it work out.
Maximize bonus category returns. Understand the criteria for earning bonuses, and keep track of any promotional programs your credit card company offers. Keep in mind that bonus spending with airlines may not be limited to flights. And don’t overspend to get the bonus or the rewards. Have a budget for your airline credit card and stick to it.
- Earn points for travel. Rewards can be a major incentive for frequent travelers. Airline credit cards may offer bonus points for purchases with the airline, for other travel-related purchases, or on categories such as dining, entertainment and groceries.
- Airfare discounts. Even when you’re not redeeming rewards points or miles, you may still be able to use your airline card to save money.
- Airline privileges. Many airlines offer special privileges for airline credit card holders, including free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts on in-flight purchases and seat upgrades. Your card may also get you into private airport lounges with complimentary beverages, snacks, internet access and workspaces.
- Travel perks and protections. Many airline credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, which is important if you travel overseas. They may also offer protection for travelers including trip cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, lost baggage protection and emergency assistance.
- Complicated rewards structure. With airline co-branded credit cards, point valuations are fluid. Determining just how much a point or a mile is worth can sometimes be a challenge.
- Annual fees. Many airline credit cards have annual fees, so you’ll have to make sure your rewards will outweigh the cost.
- Higher purchase and balance transfer APRs. Purchase and balance transfer APRs for airline credit cards may be higher than other types of rewards cards.
- Credit score requirements. Airline credit cards are often reserved for consumers with at least good credit (FICO score of at least 670).
- Restrictions on earnings. Many airline credit cards only earn bonus points or miles on purchases with a specific airline. Or some bonus categories may only earn the bonus rewards rate on a limited amount of annual purchases.
- Restrictions on redemptions. Points or miles earned with an airline credit card may only be usable with a particular airline or with its partners. There may be blackout dates, which limit the flights you have access to as well as the dates when you can travel.
- General travel rewards credit cards. Some of the best airline credit cards are general travel rewards cards. But there are also cards such as the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card that you can consider if you want to earn travel rewards that aren’t as focused on air travel.
- Hotel credit cards. If your travel spending tends to focus on hotel stays, you can consider hotel credit cards. There is some overlap among the best airline, best hotel and best travel credit cards, but consumers loyal to a particular hotel chain can look into co-branded cards.
- Airline rewards programs. You can still earn in an airline’s frequent flyer program even if you don’t have a co-branded credit card.
U.S. News has helped consumers make money decisions for decades. Our ranking of the Best Airline Credit Cards factors in overall issuer satisfaction, APR, cardholder benefits, and each card’s annual fee, foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee. We also consider several factors related to rewards: ease and flexibility of redemption, airline rewards earning rate, rewards redemption value and sign-up bonus value. Satisfaction data is based on an annual nationwide survey.
Our top picks include both co-branded cards and general travel rewards cards, so you can find a good option whether or not you’re loyal to a particular airline. Annual fees among top airline cards range widely, so be sure to consider whether you’d get enough value from a card to make up for any annual fee. Most of the cards on our list offer a sign-up bonus. Be sure to consider whether you could unlock the extra rewards with your normal spending.
