12 Best Airline Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated July 25, 2025

Finding the best airline credit card can help travelers earn valuable miles, save on fees, and unlock exclusive perks. Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or prefer flexible travel rewards, the right card can enhance your travel experience and stretch your budget. This guide highlights top airline credit cards, from beginner-friendly options to premium picks, so you can choose the one that fits your flying habits and financial goals.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards credit card with a moderate annual fee. It is designed for travelers who want flexible points and solid travel benefits without a high cost. The card offers good rewards on everyday spending, especially in travel and dining.

    Cardholders earn points through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, a versatile program that lets users transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. This makes the card a flexible option for a variety of travel styles and goals.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase
    • 3x points on dining
    • 2x points on other travel purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    New cardholders can earn a substantial bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first three months. The exact bonus may vary by offer but typically ranges in the tens of thousands of points.

    Key Benefits:

    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Extensive travel insurance coverage
    • Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer partners
    • Bonus points on travel and dining

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for travel booking through Chase at a higher value, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or converted to cash back. This flexibility suits many travel preferences.

    Potential Drawbacks:
    The card charges a yearly fee and may not offer as high rewards rates on general spending compared to some other cards. It requires good credit for approval.

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card works well for beginners because it balances a moderate fee with strong benefits and simple earning categories. It builds points that can be used in many ways without complicated rules.

  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card

    The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card is designed for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers, especially those on the West Coast. It offers useful travel perks like free checked bags and discounted companion fares. The card has an annual fee of $95, which some find worth the value due to its benefits.

    Cardholders earn miles through the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, known for its valuable travel rewards. It also provides discounts and priority boarding on Alaska flights. Users may access a $100 discount on Alaska Lounge+ membership, but the card no longer includes a free day pass to lounges.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines purchases
    • 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    • 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
    • Companion fare for $99 after meeting the spending requirement

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $95
    • APR: Variable (typically 16–24%)
    • Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 miles + $99 companion fare

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag on Alaska flights for the cardholder and up to six companions
    • Discounted Companion Fare each year
    • Priority boarding and no foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be used for Alaska Airlines flights, partner airline tickets, upgrades, and even some vacation packages.

    This card usually requires a good to excellent credit score. It may not be ideal for those who rarely fly Alaska or want more flexible rewards.

    Why it Works for Beginners: It suits beginners who want straightforward airline rewards without complex points systems. The Alaska Mileage Plan is easy to understand and valuable for frequent flyers on Alaska Airlines.

  • The New United℠ Explorer Card

    The New United℠ Explorer Card is a mid-tier airline credit card designed for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers valuable perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag, which can save money and improve the travel experience. This card has no annual fee for the first year, making it an attractive option for new users.

    This card helps users earn miles on everyday spending and offers travel-focused benefits. It works well for those planning at least one significant trip soon and who want to build rewards quickly.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
    • 2 miles per $1 spent on dining and select streaming services
    • 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    • Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $150
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • Priority Boarding: Yes
    • Free Checked Bag: Yes, for primary cardholder and one companion
    • United Club Passes: Two one-time passes per year

    Key Benefits:

    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Priority boarding and free checked bag
    • Discounted award travel pricing
    • Two United Club one-time passes yearly

    Redemption Options:
    Users can redeem miles for United flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel options through the MileagePlus program.

    Why it Works for Beginners: The no-fee first year and clear benefits make it easy to try. The earning rates and welcome bonus offer a strong start for those new to airline credit cards.

  • Aeroplan® Credit Card

    The Aeroplan® Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who want to earn points with Air Canada and its partners. It offers travel perks like free checked bags and exclusive airline benefits, making it a practical choice for those who fly often with Air Canada.

    This card helps cardholders earn points on everyday spending and travel purchases. It suits people looking to get more value from their flights and other expenses.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3X points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases, dining, and groceries
    • 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    The card often includes a sign-up bonus with a large number of Aeroplan points if the user meets the spending requirements within a specific time frame.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: Around $95
    • Points Redemption: Flights, hotels, and partners
    • Credit Required: Good to excellent credit

    Key Benefits:

    • Free checked bags on Air Canada flights
    • Priority boarding
    • Easier access to upgrades

    Points can be redeemed on over 50 partner airlines and transferred to other reward programs. This flexibility lets users travel internationally or domestically.

    The card requires good credit approval. It may have spending minimums to unlock bonuses and benefits.

    Why it Works for Beginners: It works well for beginners because it has a simple earning structure and clear travel perks. New users can quickly understand how to earn and use points.

  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

    The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is designed for frequent American Airlines travelers. It offers solid rewards and travel perks with a moderate annual fee, which is waived the first year. This card helps users earn miles faster when flying or spending in key categories.

    Cardholders earn AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent. It is well-suited for those loyal to American Airlines and looking to boost their airline miles without a high fee.

    Earning Structure

    • 2X miles on American Airlines purchases
    • 2X miles at gas stations and restaurants
    • 1X mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus
    New users can earn a generous bonus when they spend a required amount within the first few months of account opening. The current offer varies but can be up to 60,000 or more miles.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee is $99, waived for the first 12 months.
    • Spend about $3,500 in the first 4 months.
    • Requires good to excellent credit.

    Key Benefits:

    • Free checked bag on American Airlines flights
    • Priority boarding
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Earn miles quickly on airline, gas, and dining

    Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel experiences through American Airlines. The card’s benefits and earning structure fit well for beginners starting to build travel rewards. Potential drawbacks include the annual fee after year one and the spending minimum needed for the bonus.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is designed for travelers who fly with Delta occasionally and want to enjoy airline perks at a reasonable cost. It offers a strong value with rewards and benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, making travel smoother without a high annual fee.

    This card helps users earn miles quickly on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. It does not offer some of the premium perks found in higher-tier cards but covers the basics well for moderate flyers.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2X miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets
    • 1X mile on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months (details vary by offer).

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag on Delta flights
    • Priority boarding
    • 20% in-flight savings on food and beverages
    • 15% miles discount on award redemptions

    Cardholders redeem miles for award flights, upgrades, or other travel-related expenses through Delta’s program. The card offers a 15% discount when redeeming miles, improving the value of points.

    This card typically requires good to excellent credit. Users should watch for the annual fee and limited premium perks compared to higher-level cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It works well for beginners because it offers a solid way to earn miles with everyday spending and unlock basic travel benefits without a large fee or complex rewards structure.

  • Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

    The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers and diners. It offers strong point earnings on key spending categories like hotels, airlines, and dining. The card also features flexible redemption options and a modest annual fee.

    It includes perks like an annual $50 airline statement credit, which helps offset the $95 annual fee. This card suits those who want solid rewards without complicated bonus categories.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on hotels
    • 4x points on airlines
    • 3x points on dining and other travel
    • 1x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    New cardholders can earn 60,000 points after meeting the spending requirement within the first few months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee is $95.
    • Includes a $50 airline statement credit each year.
    • Has several, but limited, points transfer partners.
    • Rewards are earned as points.

    Key Benefits:

    • High points on travel and dining
    • Annual airline credit to reduce costs
    • Points transferable to loyalty programs

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Transfers to partner loyalty programs give extra flexibility.

    Spending Limitations:
    The $95 fee may not suit infrequent travelers. The number of transfer partners is fewer than some competitors.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It has straightforward earning and redemption, making it easy to understand. The annual statement credit helps reduce the fee, offering good value for new travelers.

  • American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

    The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® card is designed for travelers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee. It offers a simple way to collect AAdvantage miles, especially for those who fly occasionally or want to avoid high yearly costs.

    This card gives users a straightforward earning system and bonus rewards on everyday purchases. It’s a good fit for people looking to start building miles without a big commitment.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2X miles on groceries and eligible American Airlines purchases
    • 1X mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    • Typically offers a bonus amount of miles after spending a certain amount in the first few months (exact offer varies by promotion)

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee
    • Earn double miles on groceries and airline purchases
    • Miles do not expire with account activity
    • Redeem miles on flights, upgrades, and more

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be used for American Airlines flights, upgrades, vacation packages, and car rentals. They provide flexibility in travel rewards without blackout dates.

    Credit Requirements:
    Ideal for people with good to excellent credit. It’s accessible to beginners who want to build credit while earning travel rewards.

    Spending Limitations/Potential Drawbacks:
    Limited premium travel perks like lounge access or free checked bags. Best for those who value earning miles over luxury benefits.

    This card works well for beginners because it balances no annual fee with practical earning potential. It helps users start collecting AAdvantage miles easily.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for frequent travelers who want premium Delta benefits. It offers lounge access, upgrade priority, and an annual companion certificate. This card has a high annual fee but comes with exclusive perks that reward loyal flyers.

    Cardholders earn miles on Delta purchases and other spending categories. The card helps members move closer to elite Medallion status with special MQD Headstart benefits.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
    • 1 SkyMile per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    New cardmembers often receive a large number of bonus miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. The exact offer can vary by promotion.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee is $550.
    • Typical welcome bonus is 40,000+ miles.
    • Includes priority boarding.
    • Access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge.
    • Comes with an annual companion certificate.

    Key Benefits:

    • Annual companion ticket for select flights
    • Upgrade priority over other Medallion members in the same tier
    • Access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges
    • MQD Headstart toward elite status

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and other travel options like hotels and car rentals. Cardholders get better value by using miles for Delta flights.

    This card requires good to excellent credit for approval. The $550 fee and needed spending may not suit casual travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It works for beginners who plan to fly Delta often and want to build status. The perks help users get more value from their travel expenses.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is designed for travelers who often fly with Southwest Airlines. It offers perks like an annual travel credit, priority boarding, and the chance to earn extra points on Southwest purchases.

    Cardholders earn points that can be used to book flights or other rewards. This card suits those who want to get more value when traveling with Southwest.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3X points on Southwest Airlines purchases
    • 2X points on local transit and commuting
    • 1X points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    New cardholders can earn 7,500 anniversary points each year. There may also be a sign-up bonus, but this depends on current offers and promotions.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee is $149.
    • Includes a $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
    • Earns 3X points on Southwest, 2X on transit, 1X on other purchases.
    • Priority boarding is included.
    • Free checked bags are provided.

    Key Benefits:

    • $75 travel credit each year for Southwest purchases
    • Priority boarding on Southwest flights
    • Two free checked bags per flight
    • Annual 7,500 points bonus

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and gift cards. The card requires good to excellent credit to apply.

    The $149 annual fee may be a drawback for some. Benefits mostly suit frequent Southwest flyers, so occasional travelers might find less value.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    This card works well for beginners who want simple rewards linked to travel. It provides clear rewards that are easy to understand and use.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is designed for frequent Delta flyers and business owners. It offers premium travel benefits and helps users earn miles faster for business spending. The card also aims to support earning Delta Medallion elite status.

    Earning Structure:

    Cardholders earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other eligible spending. When they spend $150,000 in a calendar year, earning rates increase to 1.5 miles per dollar on eligible purchases. The card awards 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 spent, plus 2,500 MQDs annually just by holding the card.

    The welcome bonus varies but often includes a significant miles offer after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee is high (premium tier).
    • Comes with a large miles bonus.
    • Earns 3X miles on Delta, 1X elsewhere (1.5X after $150k spend).
    • Earns 1 MQD per $10 spent plus 2,500 MQDs annually.

    Key Benefits:

    • 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year.
    • Annual companion ticket included.
    • Up to $250 in statement credits for prepaid hotel bookings through Delta Stays.

    Miles can be used for flights, upgrades, and other travel options. The card requires good to excellent credit for approval.

    One drawback is the high annual fee, which may not suit casual travelers. However, its perks and miles earning potential make it useful for business owners frequenting Delta.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    The card works for beginners who plan to spend heavily on Delta and want to earn elite status faster. It offers clear rewards and travel perks with straightforward earning and redemption.

  • JetBlue Plus Card

    The JetBlue Plus Card is a solid travel credit card designed for frequent JetBlue flyers. It offers rewards that help users save on airfare while providing useful travel perks. The card carries a $99 annual fee and targets those who want value specifically for JetBlue flights.

    Cardholders earn TrueBlue points on everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights and other travel rewards. It’s a good option for travelers seeking a straightforward card focused on JetBlue benefits without a lot of extra features.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases
    • 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores
    • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee is $99.
    • APR is variable (check with issuer for updates).
    • Requires good to excellent credit (typically 670+).

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 3 companions
    • 10% points back on award bookings
    • Anniversary bonus points each year
    • $100 JetBlue Vacations statement credit yearly

    Cardholders can redeem points for flights, seat upgrades, and vacation packages via JetBlue. Points do not expire as long as the account is active.

    Limitations/Drawbacks:

    Potential drawbacks include the annual fee and limited perks outside JetBlue travel. There is no lounge access with this card.

    This card works well for beginners who fly JetBlue regularly and want simple rewards. It offers clear savings on flights and benefits without complex rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many airline credit cards share common perks like bonus miles, airport lounge access, and travel protections. Differences usually come down to fees, reward structures, and which airlines or travel partners they work best with.

What are the top features to look for in an airline credit card?

The best airline credit cards offer strong rewards on travel spending, generous welcome bonuses, and valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, or lounge access. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, flexible point redemption—especially through airline transfer partners—and added travel protections like insurance or delay coverage.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top pick for beginners due to its flexibility. It earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, with a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in 3 months. Points can be transferred to airline partners or redeemed through Chase’s travel portal. A $95 annual fee applies, and good credit (around 700+) is usually required.

How do airline credit cards with no annual fee compare to those with fees?

No-annual-fee airline credit cards are ideal for infrequent travelers or those looking to ease into rewards without extra cost. They typically offer basic earning rates and a limited range of perks, often excluding premium benefits like lounge access or free checked bags. These cards are more accessible, with moderate credit requirements, but may lack the travel protections and flexibility of higher-fee options.

The American Airlines® AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is a strong example. It earns 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile on other spending, with occasional savings on inflight purchases. While it doesn’t include a sign-up bonus or premium perks, its no-fee structure makes it appealing for budget-conscious users starting out with airline rewards.

Which credit card offers the best benefits for international travelers?

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is designed for frequent international flyers. It offers 10 miles per dollar on Capital One Travel purchases, 5 miles on hotels and rental cars, and 2 miles on all other purchases.

New cardholders can get 75,000 miles after $4,000 in spending within 3 months.

Key benefits include $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access worldwide, and no foreign transaction fees. Miles can be transferred to multiple airline partners or redeemed for travel statement credits. Good to excellent credit is needed. With a $395 annual fee, it fits serious international travelers seeking premium perks.

What is the best starter airline credit card for someone new to travel rewards?

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a good entry-level option. It earns 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other spending.

The welcome offer usually includes 10,000 bonus miles and a Delta discount after first purchase. No annual fee applies.

Cardholders get priority boarding and checked bag on Delta flights. Miles don’t expire and can be used on Delta or transferred partners indirectly.

Credit requirements are moderate, suitable for new reward card users. It works for beginners because it has simple earning and no yearly cost.

Are there any airline credit cards that cater to frequent flyers of Alaska or Southwest Airlines?

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card targets loyal Alaska Airlines customers. It earns 3 miles per dollar on Alaska purchases, 1 mile per dollar on others. The welcome bonus can be 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in 90 days.

Benefits include a companion fare each year starting at $121, free checked bag, and priority boarding. Miles can be redeemed for Alaska flights or transferred to partners.

It requires good to excellent credit. No foreign transaction fee applies.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers 3 points per dollar on Southwest flights and 2 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.

It has a 60,000-point welcome bonus and offers tier qualifying points toward elite status. Annual fee is $199. Rewards are best for frequent Southwest travelers.

Both cards focus on perks that benefit frequent flyers of their airlines.