Best airline credit cards of March 2025
Planning your next trip? Finding the right airline credit card shouldn’t be a hassle. Our editors have compiled a list of top picks for both personal and business travel. In today’s competitive market, airlines are pulling out all the stops to win your loyalty, offering everything from competitive fares to enhanced comfort and exclusive partnerships. Discover which card best aligns with your travel style.
OUR FEATURED CARD LIST
CardRatings’ top picks for the best airline credit cards
Ready to take your travel to new heights? Finding the perfect airline credit card can unlock a world of benefits, from free flights and priority boarding to exclusive lounge access. To help you navigate the skies, we’ve compiled a list of the top airline credit cards, each offering unique perks tailored to different travel styles and needs.
Why we like it
Thanks to a signup bonus worth $750 in Chase Travel℠ value, this card is a hard one to overlook. It earns solid rewards in multiple categories; plus, points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to a number of airline and hotel travel partners making it a great option for those not loyal to one particular airline brand.
Thanks to a signup bonus worth $750 in Chase Travel℠ value, this card is a hard one to overlook. It earns solid rewards in multiple categories; plus, points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to a number of airline and hotel travel partners making it a great option for those not loyal to one particular airline brand.
- Receive an annual points bonus equal to 10% of your total purchases from the previous year.
- There are several categories in which you can earn more than the base one point per $1 spent, making this a solid choice for multiple types of purchases.
- You can transfer your points at a ratio of 1:1 to many different airline and hotel loyalty programs, making it easier to travel with your preferred provider.
- There is a AnnualFees annual fee, which isn’t the highest when it comes to airline credit cards, but you also don’t get a lot of the benefits you get with others, such as airport lounge access and travel credits.
- While this card’s rewards program does cover several travel categories, it isn’t specific to a particular airline. If you have a favorite airline that you are loyal to, you might get more out of that brand’s rewards program.
Why we like it
This card offers the flexibility to redeem your rewards to cover the cost of any flight on any airline at any time. It also has the flexibility of transferring your miles to multiple travel partners, meaning you might be able to make your rewards go even further than by simply redeeming them to cover a travel purchase.
This card offers the flexibility to redeem your rewards to cover the cost of any flight on any airline at any time. It also has the flexibility of transferring your miles to multiple travel partners, meaning you might be able to make your rewards go even further than by simply redeeming them to cover a travel purchase.
- Enjoy up to a $120 application fee credit to cover Global Entry or PreCheck® membership.
- Since miles earned can be used to cover almost any travel purchase, rewards can be used to cover the cost for ANY airline ticket.
- Alternatively, you have the option to transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs.
- There's a AnnualFees annual fee, which isn't too steep, but still, it's something to consider.
- If you decide to redeem for cash instead of travel, you won't be maximizing the full value of your rewards. So it's good for travel, but not as useful as a cash-back rewards card.
Why we like it
This card isn't just about miles; it's a comprehensive travel companion. Enjoy a suite of travel benefits, like travel credits, lounge access, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement, with the added bonus of extending some of the card’s added perks to authorized users without additional fees.
This card isn't just about miles; it's a comprehensive travel companion. Enjoy a suite of travel benefits, like travel credits, lounge access, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement, with the added bonus of extending some of the card’s added perks to authorized users without additional fees.
- An annual 10,000-mile bonus provides consistent value for continued card membership.
- Consider the annual fee an investment; the card's substantial perks more than compensate for the cost.
- This card offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond standard travel perks such as lounge access and travel credits.
- The travel credit's value is somewhat diminished by its restriction to Capital One Travel bookings, which lacks the flexibility of other premium card credits.
- This card offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to redeeming your miles; however, if you’re loyal to one airline in particular, you may fare better with a card that’s co-branded with that airline.
Why we like it
For everyday travelers seeking maximum value, this no-annual-fee card delivers. Not only does it offer an attractive rewards structure that ensures you get the most bang for your buck, but it also boasts the flexibility to earn miles on all travel purchases, regardless of where you book. This makes it a standout choice for those who value both affordability and freedom.
For everyday travelers seeking maximum value, this no-annual-fee card delivers. Not only does it offer an attractive rewards structure that ensures you get the most bang for your buck, but it also boasts the flexibility to earn miles on all travel purchases, regardless of where you book. This makes it a standout choice for those who value both affordability and freedom.
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can significantly boost their earnings, enjoying up to a 75% bonus on all rewards.
- A simple rewards earning structure means rewards can accumulate quickly without requiring a lot of planning.
- Unlike most travel cards, which limit reward redemption to travel-related expenses, this card uniquely allows you to offset restaurant purchases—a significant travel cost often overlooked. This flexibility sets it apart, offering a rare opportunity to use travel rewards for dining.
- This card offers solid rewards for those with moderate spending, but high-volume credit card users may find greater value in cards with more robust earning potential.
- While the absence of an annual fee is a significant advantage, it's worth noting that travel cards with annual fees typically provide a wider range of enhanced perks and features. Frequent travelers who can justify the cost may find those added benefits outweigh the fee.
Why we like it
Generous rewards, a free checked bag, a nice welcome offer and more make this a card worth considering if you're a frequent Delta flyer. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser
Generous rewards, a free checked bag, a nice welcome offer and more make this a card worth considering if you're a frequent Delta flyer. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser
- Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to inspire your next travel.
- This is a good card to travel abroad with as it doesn't charge fees on foreign transactions.
- You also get travel benefits such as a free first checked bag on Delta flights, saving you money.
- It's lower than many others but you’ll still need to determine whether you’ll earn enough to cover the annual fee the second year and afterward.
- You do need to frequently fly with Delta to benefit the most from this card. However, even if you do travel quite a bit with the airline, you might get more out of the awards and benefits from the higher-tier Delta cards, even though they come with higher annual fees.
Why we like it
A card that allows you to work toward bringing a friend along on your flights for FREE (except for taxes and fees) is a winner in our book. Add some of the additional perks and money-saving features in and this card really takes off.
A card that allows you to work toward bringing a friend along on your flights for FREE (except for taxes and fees) is a winner in our book. Add some of the additional perks and money-saving features in and this card really takes off.
- Earning Companion Pass® good through 2/28/26 plus 30,000 points through the limited-time offer, after spending $4,000 in three months, is great perk and a fantastic welcome bonus.
- There's nice earning in everyday categories beyond just Southwest purchases, which is nice on an airline-branded card.
- You also get other travel perks with the airline such as a $75 Southwest travel credit each year and up to four upgraded boardings. Another benefit is 7.500 bonus points each year after your account anniversary.
- The AnnualFees annual fee is slightly higher than other airline rewards credit cards that offer similar benefits. Plus, it isn’t waived the first year, so you have to determine if the perks are valuable enough to cover it.
- Of airline travel cards, this one offers pretty standard rewards and benefits, especially for the annual fee.
Why we like it
American Airlines has extensive partnerships making these miles quite valuable if your travel passions are far-flung. Plus, with redemption options starting at just 7,500 miles, the welcome bonus alone can take you far. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
American Airlines has extensive partnerships making these miles quite valuable if your travel passions are far-flung. Plus, with redemption options starting at just 7,500 miles, the welcome bonus alone can take you far. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- The card's welcome bonus helps start membership off on a high note.
- You can also earn bonus miles at gas stations and restaurants which is a nice perk for a a co-branded airline card.
- Enjoy numerous airline perks such as your first checked bag free on American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions on the same reservation and 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
- The most you’ll earn is double miles on purchases at gas stations, restaurants and American Airlines. If most of your spending is in other categories or you frequently travel with other airlines, you’ll likely want to consider a more general travel rewards card.
Why we like it
We like a healthy bonus, but we like ongoing perks and features even more, and this card for the United Airlines-loyal set certainly has those in abundance.
We like a healthy bonus, but we like ongoing perks and features even more, and this card for the United Airlines-loyal set certainly has those in abundance.
- This is a great card for rewards and benefits if you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines.
- Bonus rewards aren't limited to only United Airlines purchases, which is always nice to see with a co-branded airline card.
- Some of the card's travel benefits include up to a $120 Global Entry, Nexus or TSA PreCheck statement fee credit every four years and over $400 in partner credits each year. These perks alone can more than offset the card's annual fee.
- Although you get a bunch of rewards and perks for the annual fee, it is still going to cost you if you don’t fly frequently enough or use the rewards and perks.
- Like all brand specific cards, you'll benefit most if the brand is actually a preference of yours. If you don't use United Airlines often, you'll miss out on the numerous perks this card has to offer.
Why we like it
For those who regularly fly with Alaska Airlines, this card delivers exceptional value. The miles earned on airline purchases can provide substantial earnings, helping to justify the card's reasonable annual fee.
For those who regularly fly with Alaska Airlines, this card delivers exceptional value. The miles earned on airline purchases can provide substantial earnings, helping to justify the card's reasonable annual fee.
- Unlock an exceptional travel perk: each year, after spending $6,000, you'll earn Alaska's Companion Fare™. This allows a companion to fly with you for just the taxes and fees on any Alaska Airlines flight booked on alaskaair.com—with absolutely no blackout dates. It's a fantastic way to share your travels and save significantly.
- This card rewards you with a premium mileage earning on Alaska Airlines transactions, a strong earning on common daily spending, and a standard earning on all remaining purchases. In addition, your miles do not expire if your account remains open.
- Travel with ease: enjoy complimentary checked bags and priority boarding for yourself and up to six companions on the same reservation when you use your card to purchase your flight. Authorized users also receive these benefits when booking their own reservations.
- This card's value is highly dependent on Alaska Airlines' route network. If you're outside their service area or don't fly with them regularly, you'll likely struggle to maximize its benefits.
Why we like it
We appreciate this card for its ability to enhance the travel experience for loyal JetBlue customers. It provides valuable perks that can make flying more comfortable and convenient. The card helps you earn rewards on everyday purchases, which can then be redeemed for future JetBlue flights. It's a solid choice for those who frequently fly with JetBlue and want to maximize their travel benefits. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
We appreciate this card for its ability to enhance the travel experience for loyal JetBlue customers. It provides valuable perks that can make flying more comfortable and convenient. The card helps you earn rewards on everyday purchases, which can then be redeemed for future JetBlue flights. It's a solid choice for those who frequently fly with JetBlue and want to maximize their travel benefits. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
- Earn 5,000 bonus points each year after your JetBlue Plus Card account anniversary.
- Earn points on everyday purchases, turning your spending into future JetBlue flights and travel experiences.
- Get 10% of your points back after you redeem for and travel on a JetBlue-operated Award Flight.
- Rewards are primarily tied to JetBlue, restricting redemption options compared to general travel cards.
- While the perks can offset the cost, the annual fee might not be justified for infrequent JetBlue flyers.
Why we like it
This card resonates with us because it transforms travel from a mere journey into an orchestrated experience. It's less about accumulating points and more about unlocking doors to a curated world of elevated moments. Imagine your travel days punctuated by seamless transitions and exclusive indulgences; that's what this card delivers. It feels less like a credit card and more like a passport to a refined lifestyle.
This card resonates with us because it transforms travel from a mere journey into an orchestrated experience. It's less about accumulating points and more about unlocking doors to a curated world of elevated moments. Imagine your travel days punctuated by seamless transitions and exclusive indulgences; that's what this card delivers. It feels less like a credit card and more like a passport to a refined lifestyle.
- This card provides entry into curated experiences and privileges, extending beyond typical travel perks. See the "additional details" tab for full details!
- This card does not charge foreign transaction fees so it makes a great international travel companion.
- The sheer volume of benefits may be challenging to navigate for some cardholders.
- The annual fee can't be overlooked. While it can easily be offset by the right cardholder, this card isn't for everyone.
Why we like it
We like this card because it cuts through the noise of complicated travel rewards. It's like having a reliable travel partner that handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on the business at hand. Imagine earning rewards that translate directly into flexible travel, without the need for deciphering intricate point systems. It's a card that understands the value of simplicity in the fast-paced world of business.
We like this card because it cuts through the noise of complicated travel rewards. It's like having a reliable travel partner that handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on the business at hand. Imagine earning rewards that translate directly into flexible travel, without the need for deciphering intricate point systems. It's a card that understands the value of simplicity in the fast-paced world of business.
- This card offers a straightforward system for accumulating travel miles on all business purchases.
- It also provides the freedom to book travel through various channels without restrictive limitations.
- This card lacks the extensive suite of luxury travel benefits found in some high-end cards.
Compare the best airline credit cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best airline credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
Select up to 23 cards to compare side-by-side:
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Compare the best credit cards for airline miles by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Ask CardRatings’ experts
Who is a good fit for an airline credit card?
Airline credit cards are best for frequent flyers who typically fly with one airline or within an airline alliance. If you like flying different airlines or need to fly with various airlines throughout the year, you may be better off with a flexible travel credit card that offers general benefits that aren't airline-specific.
If you travel regularly, you may be a good fit for an airline card. I don't always choose an airline card, but if you prefer a specific airline you may be able to benefit if it has a lucrative bonus and the earning rate is good. Don't overlook other benefits like lounge access if those are important to you.
Anyone who flies often and checks at least one bag can benefit from an airline card.I have an airline card that comes with a free first checked bag for me and three traveling companions, perfect for my family of four. Even if we fly just once a year round trip, we save more on the baggage fees than the annual cost of the card.
What are some of the benefits consumers can look forward to with an airline credit card?
As a frequent flyer, I carry several different airline credit cards with varying perks. The best benefits that come from these cards include free checked bags, priority boarding and annual travel credits. My favorite airline credit card even offers Delta Sky Club access, which I take advantage of at least once per month.
I find that people often only consider the miles they can earn when selecting an airline credit card. Depending on the card, there may be other valuable benefits like free checked bags, lounge access, discounts on in-flight purchases, companion fares, and priority seating. Any of these can help maximize value.
In addition to checked baggage perks, airline cards often include priority boarding and travel protections and insurances like trip cancellation or delay coverage and lost or delayed baggage insurance.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions about airline credit cards
What is an airline credit card and how does it work?
An airline credit card earns you airline miles for everyday spending. You use it like any other credit card, and purchases translate to miles in the airline's loyalty program. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and sometimes other travel perks. Many airline cards also offer benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding, enhancing your travel experience.
How do you choose an airline credit card?
Choosing the right airline credit card requires careful planning, not just reacting to big sign-up bonuses. Begin by thoroughly understanding your financial situation: check your credit score, assess your stability, and determine if an airline card aligns with your lifestyle. Next, budget your spending to estimate monthly and yearly expenses, ensuring you maximize rewards. Define your travel style, deciding between airline loyalty or flexible travel rewards. Don't settle for the first offer; research options, read reviews, and understand all associated fees, calculating if the benefits outweigh any annual costs. If you lack brand loyalty, explore general travel rewards cards for greater flexibility. Finally, if you have a business, consider small business credit cards, which often offer higher rewards.
Can you transfer miles between airlines?
Yes, you can sometimes transfer airline miles to other airlines - but not always. This is primarily due to airline alliances—Star Alliance, OneWorld, and SkyTeam—which allow you to redeem miles within the same alliance. That said, airline miles generally can't be transferred to an airline outside an alliance. Travel credit cards with flexible rewards programs, like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, also enable point transfers to partner airlines.
Learn more about transferring airline miles between loyalty programs.
How to maximize airline rewards
Selecting the right credit card is only the first step in earning free travel. You also need to know how to maximize airline rewards. To do that, follow these basic strategies:
- Stick with a single loyalty program: Select your favorite airline and try to concentrate your travel with that carrier. Most major airlines have loyalty programs which provide elite status to frequent flyers or those who earn a certain number of rewards miles. Gaining status is a good way to earn additional perks such as free upgrades, checked bags and bonus reward miles.
- Use all mile-earning opportunities: Airlines let customers earn miles in multiple ways. They can gain them from flying, buying items through an online portal or using a co-branded credit card. Use all available options to maximize your airline reward miles
- Don't be afraid of stops: While non-stop flights are convenient, stopping along the way can help speed your journey to elite status. Some programs will let you earn status based on qualifying segments. A segment typically refers to each leg of your flight so multiple stops can result in multiple segments.
- Look for discounted award travel: Some airlines let customers redeem for award travel at a reduced rate. For instance, United has Saver Awards on certain routes with extra availability.
- Be flexible: Many airlines use dynamic award charts that may change how many miles you need to redeem for flights depending on when you want to travel. Check multiple dates before locking in your award flight.
What happens to my airline miles if I close the credit card?
Closing an airline credit card doesn't necessarily lead to the loss of your accumulated miles. Most often, your miles are stored within your established frequent flyer account, which is a separate entity from the credit card itself. The credit card served as a tool for earning those miles, but it doesn't hold them. Therefore, while the card account will be closed, your miles will remain accessible within your airline's loyalty program, ready for future redemption.
Before you close an account, however, it's important to make sure no miles aren't housed in your credit card account. If they are, you'll want to transfer them to the airline frequent flyer program first so you don't lose any rewards.
Meet the editorial team
Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees);
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.
The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.
