18 Best Airline and Travel Rewards Cards

Earning Structure:

• 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• 6x points on airfare booked through Citi Travel
• 6x points at restaurants and delivery services during CitiNights℠ (Fri–Sat, 6 PM–6 AM ET); 3x at other times
• 1.5x points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $595
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 21.24%–29.24%
• Includes 4 Admirals Club passes annually
• Up to $300 annual hotel credit on 2+ night stays through Citi Travel
• Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits

Key Benefits:

• Elevated points earning through Citi Travel portal
• Exclusive 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Several lifestyle and travel statement credits
• Priority airport lounge access

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to Citi’s airline and hotel partners, including American Airlines.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Best value is tied to booking via Citi Travel, and lounge access is limited compared to other premium cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers clear travel rewards and perks without complex tier structures, making rewards easier to understand.

Earning Structure:

• 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on every purchase, every day

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 19.99%–29.24%
• Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• $50 experience credit on Lifestyle Collection hotel bookings
• Miles never expire and there’s no cap on earnings

Key Benefits:

• Miles transfer to 18 airline and hotel partners
• Redeem miles at a flat rate of 1 cent per point on travel purchases
• 15% bonus when transferring miles to Avianca LifeMiles
• Flexible redemption options for flights, hotels, and more

Redemption Options:

Miles can be used to book travel through Capital One Travel or applied as a statement credit toward travel purchases. They can also be transferred to over 15 airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Some travel partners have less favorable transfer ratios, and higher rewards may be available with category-based cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its straightforward earning and redemption make it easy for new users to understand and use travel rewards effectively.

Earning Structure:

• 3 miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines purchases
• 2 miles per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming, and local transit
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 50,000 bonus miles and a Companion Fare after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–28.24%
• Includes Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare annually (after $6,000 spend)
• Free checked bag and priority boarding for cardholder and up to six companions
• Earn 10% rewards bonus with an eligible Bank of America® account

Key Benefits:

• Miles can be used on Alaska Airlines and Oneworld partners such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas
• Companion Fare offers significant savings for traveling with a guest
• Includes travel and purchase protections

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for flights on Alaska Airlines or with oneworld and global partners, giving access to over 1,000 worldwide destinations.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $95 annual fee may not be worth it for infrequent travelers or those who do not benefit from companion fares or checked bag perks.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its clear earning structure and useful travel benefits make it a solid entry card for those new to airline rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 19.99%–28.24%
• Up to $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel
• 10% anniversary points boost
• Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance and rental car coverage

Key Benefits:

• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio
• Travel and purchase protections included
• No foreign transaction fees
• Redeem points for travel, gift cards, or cash back

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase’s portal, transferred to partner programs, or used for cash back and gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Some bonus categories only apply when booking through Chase Travel, and the $95 annual fee may not suit infrequent travelers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a clear rewards system, strong travel perks, and a manageable annual fee, making it easy to start earning travel rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points on Southwest Airlines® purchases
• 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Limited offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $229
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 19.99%–28.49%
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit (ends Dec. 31, 2025)
• 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary
• 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points per $5,000 spent

Key Benefits:

• Priority boarding on Southwest flights
• Free checked bags on every flight
• Points do not expire as long as account is active
• Companion pass can be earned with points

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel through the Rapid Rewards program.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $229 annual fee may not justify the perks for infrequent Southwest flyers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards and travel perks that make airline rewards simpler to earn and use.

Earning Structure:

• 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1x AAdvantage® mile per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 70,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $595
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–29.24%
• Admirals Club® membership with guest access
• Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee credit

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited access to Admirals Club lounges
• Bonus miles on American Airlines purchases
• Fast-track to American Airlines elite status
• Travel and purchase protections

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for American Airlines flights or transferred to other partners for travel rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Redemptions are limited to American Airlines and Oneworld partners; inflight discount excludes Wi-Fi.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It suits travelers who want to start building airline loyalty while enjoying premium perks and lounge access.

Earning Structure:

• 2x miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–29.24%
• First checked bag free for cardholder and up to eight companions
• 15% discount on Delta award flights when booking through Delta
• $200 Delta flight credit after $10,000 in annual spend
• Up to $100 credit on Delta Stays bookings

Key Benefits:

• Statement credit for Uber One membership up to $9.99 monthly for 6 months
• 15% off Delta-operated award flights
• Access to exclusive Delta offers and events

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline travel. Pay with Miles lets you reduce fares in $50 increments for every 5,000 miles.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Not ideal if you don’t fly Delta or want premium travel perks like lounge access.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It gives new Delta flyers easy access to miles and travel benefits without needing frequent travel to earn rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com
• 1.5x points on U.S. purchases at select business categories and on purchases of $5,000+ (up to $2 million annually)
• 1x point on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 within the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 18.49%–29.24%
• Access to 1,400+ airport lounges via the Global Lounge Collection®
• $200 airline fee credit with a selected airline
• Up to $1,150+ in credits on purchases with Dell, Adobe, Hilton, and CLEAR® Plus
• Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors

Key Benefits:

• 35% points rebate on eligible flight bookings through American Express Travel
• Hotel and car rental elite status upgrades
• Priority Pass membership and other lounge access
• Various business-related credits and reimbursements

Redemption Options:

Points are best used by transferring to American Express travel partners for flights and hotel stays, maximizing value.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $695 annual fee and high spending requirement for the welcome bonus may not suit small or occasional business travelers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It may not be ideal for beginners due to its complexity and cost but can work if they travel often and can use the perks fully.

Earning Structure:

• 3 points per $1 spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–26.24%
• Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Includes trip cancellation, delay, and purchase protection
• Primary rental car coverage for business travel

Key Benefits:

• High rewards rate on common business categories
• Access to Chase’s travel partners for point transfers
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel and purchase protections included

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to travel partners for more value.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

3x bonus categories are capped at $150,000 annually; subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule for new accounts.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards on typical business expenses and useful travel perks that help new business owners maximize spending.

Earning Structure:

• 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $650
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–29.24%
• 15 Sky Club visits per year; unlimited visits after $75,000 annual spend
• Complimentary Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge access with Delta flight
• First checked bag free and Zone 5 priority boarding

Key Benefits:

• Upgrade priority with Medallion Status rewards
• Annual 2,500 MQDs toward elite status
• Complimentary airport lounge access
• Companion certificate for a discounted second ticket
• Dedicated concierge and travel support

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline travel within the SkyTeam alliance.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not suit infrequent Delta travelers or those with low business spending.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It helps new business travelers build airline loyalty and enjoy premium perks while earning valuable rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points on Southwest® purchases
• 2x points on gas stations and restaurants
• 2x points on hotel bookings made directly with the hotel
• 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $299
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 19.99%–28.49%

Key Benefits:

• Upgraded boarding certificates
• In-flight and terminal Wi-Fi credits
• Points help reach Southwest elite status faster
• Employee spending controls and management tools

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights with Southwest, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $299 annual fee may be difficult to justify for infrequent Southwest flyers or small-scale business spenders.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its clear rewards on common business and travel expenses make it easy for new users to earn and redeem points quickly.

Earning Structure:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $395
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 19.99%–29.24%
• Complimentary access to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One and Priority Pass
• Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited miles that never expire
• No blackout dates on travel redemptions
• Travel and purchase protections
• Access to luxury airport lounges
• Ability to transfer miles to multiple travel partners

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed as statement credits for travel expenses or transferred to loyalty partners for flights and hotels, providing great flexibility.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit (FICO 740–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee is steep for occasional travelers, and new restrictions on lounge guest access lower its value for those not traveling alone.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its easy-to-understand miles system and valuable travel perks make it a good choice for those new to premium travel credit cards.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year, then 1x)
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year, then 1x)
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com
• 2x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (offer may vary).

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $325
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Key Benefits:

• Valuable dining and supermarket rewards
• Flexible Membership Rewards points transfer options
• Travel protections like baggage insurance and car rental coverage
• Access to exclusive events and Amex Offers

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Credits require enrollment and consistent use; travel perks are limited compared to other premium cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards on common spending categories and flexible points that can grow with more travel experience.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000/year)
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com

Welcome Bonus:

Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months (offer may vary).

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Walmart+ membership credit and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® reimbursement

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass, Centurion, and Delta Sky Club lounge access
• Airline fee credits and Uber credits
• International Airline Program for discounted premium-class tickets
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent to good credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

High annual fee, and the card is best suited for users who can maximize its travel credits and benefits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward points earning on flights and travel perks that make frequent travel more comfortable and rewarding, even for new premium card users.

Earning Structure:

• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.25x miles on every purchase, every day

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then variable 19.24%–29.24%
• Miles never expire and have no earning cap
• Transfer miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Book or erase travel purchases through Capital One Travel

Key Benefits:

• Redeem miles with no blackout dates
• Flexible rewards usable on any airline or hotel
• Simple, flat-rate rewards system
• Travel and purchase protections included

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and experiences with no seat restrictions.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Other cards offer higher rewards for specific categories, making this card best for simple earning.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers easy earning and redeeming with no annual fee, making it a low-risk way to start earning travel miles.

Earning Structure:

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–28.24%
• $100 hotel credit on a single $500+ stay booked through CitiTravel.com (once per calendar year)
• Points never expire and have no earning cap

Key Benefits:

• Strong rewards on everyday and travel spending
• Flexible points with multiple transfer partners
• Travel protections and perks included
• Simple earning categories make tracking rewards easier

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed through the ThankYou® portal for travel, gift cards, cash back, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for added value.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Airline transfer partners are mostly international, with JetBlue as the only major U.S. partner.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its straightforward earning structure and versatile points make it a user-friendly card for those new to travel rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
• 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $350
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.24%–29.24%
• Companion Certificate each year after renewal (Main Cabin round-trip)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee reimbursement

Key Benefits:

• Priority boarding on Delta flights
• First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight companions
• Monthly statement credits for Delta purchases or in-flight services
• Added Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) toward elite status

Redemption Options:

Miles can be used for Delta flights, upgrades, and other rewards, with added value through discounts on award bookings via delta.com or the Fly Delta app.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $350 annual fee is best justified by frequent Delta use; SkyMiles have lower redemption value than some competitors.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers clear rewards for frequent Delta users and helps build toward airline status, making it useful for travelers ready to commit to one carrier.

Earning Structure:

• 2x miles on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery), gas stations, office supply stores, and local transit and commuting
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $150
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, 20.49%–28.99%
• First checked bag free for cardholder and one companion
• 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year

Key Benefits:

• Discounted award flight pricing available to cardholders
• Inflight discounts on food and beverages
• Access to United Club passes
• Priority boarding and free checked bags help save time and money

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed through United’s MileagePlus program for flights, seat upgrades, and travel partner redemptions.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Lounge access is limited to two passes per year, and the full value is best realized by frequent United flyers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple rewards and travel benefits that are easy for small business owners to use regularly.