Best airline credit cards of December 2024
Finding the best credit card for your travel plans doesn’t have to be difficult. CardRatings editors reveal the best airline rewards credit cards for both personal and business travel. … View More
Airlines are vying for your loyalty any which way they can get it. Some offer lower prices, others entice with the offers of more leg room, priority boarding, deals with partner hotels and car rental companies – you name it, they’ll offer it.
One way into your air travel heart that they have found includes partnering with financial institutions to offer credit cards tied to airline loyalty programs and rewards. This is nothing new, but it continues to evolve. Lenders are upping the ante daily, trying to lure qualified new card members into their ranks, which is why we’ve compiled our top picks for the best airline credit cards from our partners to help make the decision making easier. View Less
Jennifer Doss
Last Updated:
List of Winners
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The Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel or certain purchases through Pay Yourself Back, meaning, the signup bonus alone could be worth $750.
The Rewards: Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
Added Perks: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and more when booked through Chase Travel. Plus, this card has no foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travel, as well as a number of other benefits such as car insurance and travel and purchase coverage.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- Receive a points bonus each account year worth 10% of your total purchases on the card in 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.
- Receive a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit
CONS:
- 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 and benefits.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 80.3 | 86.6 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Customer Service | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| Website/App Usability | 8.3 | 8.8 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 8.1 | 8.6 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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The Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
The Rewards: Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, plus earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
Added Perks: Cardholders are eligible for up to $120 every four years to cover your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- Enjoy up to a $120 application fee credit to cover Global Entry or PreCheck® membership.
- The rewards are more generous than many credit cards with travel rewards: unlimited two miles per $1 spent on every purchase, and five miles per $1 spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Since miles earned can be used to cover almost any travel purchase, rewards can be used to cover the cost for ANY airline ticket.
CONS:
- There's a AnnualFees annual fee, which isn't too steep. But still…
- 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.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 83.3 | 76.0 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 8.2 | 7.7 |
| Customer Service | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Website/App Usability | 8.4 | 8.2 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.9 | 7.9 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 8.5 | 7.2 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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The Bonus: Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. That's a low spending threshold for any welcome bonus, but especially so for a card with no annual fee.
The Rewards: Rack up two miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores as well as on your American Airlines purchases. You'll earn one mile per $1 on your other purchases.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
Added Perks: You'll save 25% on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- New cardholders can earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. This is one of the lowest spending thresholds you’ll find with an airline rewards card.
- You can earn two miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores and on American Airlines purchases, and one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. You also get perks such as a 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card.
- This card is one of the few airline travel rewards cards that does not charge an annual fee.
CONS:
- This card has no annual fee, which is nice if you aren’t sure you’ll get enough out of the rewards to cover an extra charge for carrying the card; however, you might be missing out on valuable rewards or travel benefits that might be available with annual-fee cards.
- You’ll only benefit from this card if the majority of your spending is on groceries and you frequently fly with American Airlines. If you also spend in other categories (such as restaurants) you might want to consider another American Airlines card or a general travel rewards card.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.2 | 74.7 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Customer Service | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Website/App Usability | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.4 | 7.6 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 7.8 | 7.1 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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The Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
The Rewards: Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus delivery and takeout in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1x point on all other eligible purchases.
Added Perks: Save money as your first checked bag is free on Delta flights.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- 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 free first checked bag on Delta flights, saving you money.
CONS:
- 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 also come with higher annual fees.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 77.2 | 77.7 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| Customer Service | 7.9 | 8.0 |
| Website/App Usability | 7.6 | 8.0 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.1 | 7.6 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 7.8 | 7.6 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
UPGRADE YOUR CARD
The card mentioned above is the middle-of-the-road Delta card, which means you could certainly upgrade your experience if you appreciate a little luxury or know you'll offset the additional annual fees. The CardName has an annual fee of AnnualFees, but offers new cardholders an opportunity to earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months.discontinued (See Rates and Fees.)
Enjoy even more luxury with the CardName. This one comes with a AnnualFees annual fee, but includes access to the Delta SkyClub® as well as a bonus offer opportunity to earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months.discontinued (See Rates and Fees.)
The card mentioned above is the middle-of-the-road Delta card, which means you could certainly upgrade your experience if you appreciate a little luxury or know you'll offset the additional annual fees. The CardName has an annual fee of AnnualFees, but offers new cardholders an opportunity to earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months.discontinued (See Rates and Fees.)
Enjoy even more luxury with the CardName. This one comes with a AnnualFees annual fee, but includes access to the Delta SkyClub® as well as a bonus offer opportunity to earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months.discontinued (See Rates and Fees.)
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Welcome Offer:Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
The Rewards: Earn three points per $1 on Southwest purchases as well as two points per $1 on local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming and one point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Added Perks: Enjoy a $75 Southwest travel credit each year as well as up to four upgrade boardings, when available. You'll also receive 7,500 bonus points each year after your account anniversary.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- Earning a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points through the welcome offer, after spending $3,000 in four months is great perk!
- 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.
CONS:
- 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.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 76.3 | 79.1 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Customer Service | 7.1 | 8.4 |
| Website/App Usability | 7.5 | 8.1 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 7.7 | 7.7 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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The Bonus: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 on your card in the first three months of account opening.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
The Rewards: Earn two AAdvantage® bonus miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Also earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.
Added Perks: There are no foreign transaction fees and your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation. Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights and receive 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- This card offers new cardholders 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 on your card in the first three months of account opening.
- You can earn two miles for every $1 you spend at gas stations, restaurants and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Redemption options start at 7,500 miles.
- 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.
CONS:
- 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.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 79.8 | 82.9 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| Customer Service | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Website/App Usability | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 8.3 | 8.1 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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The Bonus: Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees.
The Rewards: Earn 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays; and 1x mile on all other purchases
Added Perks: Receive up to a $120 Global Entry, Nexus or TSA PreCheck statement fee credit every four years as reimbursement for the application fee for either program when charged to your card. Also, get 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and WiFi on-board United-operated flights when you pay with your card. You'll also receive two, one-day passes to the United Club each year for your anniversary.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- This is a great card for rewards and benefits if you’re a frequent flyer with United airlines. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles (see the Card Details tab for more).
- This card awards two miles per $1 spent on dining and on hotel accommodations as well as purchases from United. You also earn one mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
- Other travel benefits include up to a $120 Global Entry, Nexus or TSA PreCheck statement fee credit every four years, 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi onboard United-operated flights, which are all worth way more than the annual fee.
CONS:
- 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.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.0 | 75.5 |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| Customer Service | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| Website/App Usability | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 8.1 | 7.9 |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 7.3 | 6.9 |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
The Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for advertising (in select media) on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year; 2 miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants; and 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
The Annual Fee: AnnualFees
Added Perks: After spending $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, earn a $200 Delta flight credit. Additionally, receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your card.
Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded
PROS:
- Save money when you travel with travel benefits such as first checked bag free and Zone 5 priority boarding.
- Avoid paying foreign transaction fees on purchases you make abroad with no foreign transaction fees.
CONS:
- If you frequently fly with Delta, it may be worth considering one of the other Delta credit cards that reward you more generously for Delta purchases and offer more travel benefits, even with higher annual fees.
| Current Scores | Past Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 79.1 | n/a |
| Rewards Program Satisfaction | 7.9 | n/a |
| Customer Service | 7.6 | n/a |
| Website/App Usability | 7.7 | n/a |
| Likelihood of Continuing to Use | 7.9 | n/a |
| Recommend to a Friend/Colleague | 8.3 | n/a |
*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.
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How to Compare Airline Credit Cards
As you review airline credit cards, you need to take into account several factors, including:
- Airline loyalty: Do you have one airline you love or are you open to using different carriers? Some cards will only earn miles for a specific airline while others accrue points that can be redeemed for travel on multiple airlines.
- Everyday spending: Some credit cards offer reward points only in specific categories of spending, such as travel, dining or groceries. Select a card that will allow you to maximize your rewards based on what you normally buy.
- Annual fee: Airline credit cards can sometimes come with pretty hefty fees, however, these pricier cards usually come with valuable perks such as free checked bags, airport lounge access and travel credits. If you travel regularly, these benefits can easily offset the cost of the fee. However, if you tend to take a single trip each year, you may be better off with a low or no-fee card.
Remember, it’s important to choose a card that matches your lifestyle; not the other way around. By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision, choosing a card that works for your lifestyle and spending habits.
What Is the Best Airline Credit Card?
The CardName appears on several best of lists of credit cards, but it can be an especially lucrative card for airline rewards even though it isn’t actually linked to a specific airline brand. In fact, its flexibility is exactly what makes it the best airline credit card. Not only can you earn bonus points on a variety of types of travel purchases (not just a specific airline) but your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for several different types of travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Plus, this card comes with one of the most valuable signup bonuses you’ll find with an airline travel credit card. It’s worth up to $750 in travel if you redeem through Chase’s travel portal – earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first three months from account opening.
Can You Transfer Miles Between Airlines?
The short answer is, sometimes. Many airlines are part of an alliance. There are three major alliances most people are familiar with: Star Alliance, OneWorld and SkyTeam. Each includes one U.S. legacy airline. United is part of Star Alliance, American Airlines is a member of OneWorld and Delta is a SkyTeam carrier.
One perk of alliances is the ability to book reward travel on multiple airlines. For instance, Delta SkyMiles may be used for reward travel on partner airlines within the SkyTeam alliance, such as Air France and KLM. So in this case, yes, you can transfer miles, as long as you’re transferring to an airline within the same alliance.
Another way to transfer miles is to use a travel credit card that is not connected to a specific airline. Some card issuers have their own rewards programs, such as Membership Rewards from American Express or Ultimate Rewards from Chase. Points earned in these programs can be used to book travel directly or can be transferred to a partnering airline. Just be aware that once points are transferred, they can’t typically be transferred again to a competitor airline.
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.
How Do You Choose an Airline Card?
Choose an airline card in much the same way you’d choose any other credit card: Thoughtfully and with planning rather than responding to the first flashy signup bonus you see.
More specifically…
- Assess your own situation: What is your credit score and situation? What’s your financial situation like; are you responsible enough to add another card to your wallet? Does your lifestyle support an airline rewards card or is there a better option for you? These are all standard questions to ask before applying for a any new credit card.
- Plan a budget: To assess various credit card offers and their associated rewards, you’ll need to know how much you plan to spend monthly and yearly in order to apply for the one that will reap you the most rewards.
- Find an angle: Do you want to be brand loyal or can you only afford flexibility with how you earn rewards and where you spend them?
- Don’t fall for the first offer you receive: Do your research, starting with reviews of our top picks for the best airline rewards credit cards.
- Don’t ignore the fees: Credit cards with annual fees aren’t automatically bad; often, the perks, rewards and benefits they offer more than outweigh the annual fee. But you need to do the math and make sure that’s the situation in your specific case. There’s no reason to pay an annual fee for a card that doesn’t offer you at least that much value.
- Consider a general travel rewards card: A general rewards credit card offers flexibility that co-branded travel cards do not. If you’re not typically loyal to one specific airline or hotel brand, you might better benefit from a general travel rewards card.
- Consider applying for a business credit card: Small business credit cards earn rewards on both business and personal expenses, and often times offer the best bonuses.
Jennifer Doss is a credit card analyst and the executive editor of CardRatings.com. She has worked as both a print and online journalist and has over a decade of experience in the media industry. Her published work has covered a broad range of topics, from finance and technology to travel and dining. Through extensive travel experiences and her personal interest...Read more
Survey Methodology: CardRatings commissioned Op4G in September 2023 to conduct surveys among 1,869 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings website analytics from Jan. 1, 2023-Aug. 31, 2023 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards and additional cards were included to add survey breadth. Responses to each of nine questions were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ scores were then averaged under broad topics. To determine the overall score, responses from questions 1-8 were summed and the answer to “How likely are you to recommend this card to a friend, coworker or family member?” was double weighted. “Current Scores” reflect scores from the most recent survey (2023); “Past Scores” reflect scores from the 2022 survey.
Ranking 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); 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.
Disclaimer:
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.
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