14 Best Airline Credit Cards to Earn Miles and More

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x point per dollar on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

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

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 19.99%–28.24% Variable
• Other perks: $50 annual statement credit for hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, 10% anniversary points boost, complimentary DashPass membership with $10 monthly credits on select orders, and extensive travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.

Key Benefits:

• Transfer points to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio
• 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Anniversary 10% points boost and an annual hotel credit
• Strong travel and purchase protections

Redemption Options:

Cardholders can redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards, or statement credits, with travel redemptions typically offering the best value.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card does not include airline-specific perks like free checked bags or priority boarding. To maximize travel earnings, bookings must go through Chase Travel℠.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple earning structure, flexible redemption choices, and strong protections make it easy for new travelers to maximize rewards without complication.

Earning Structure:

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel and other hotel purchases
• 3x points at 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 of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.24% Variable
• Travel protections for trip cancellation/interruption, lost or damaged luggage, trip delay, and auto rental coverage

Key Benefits:

• Broad bonus categories for everyday spending
• Flexible transfer partners for airline miles
• Travel protections and purchase coverage
• Easy online account management

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, gift cards, or transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The best rewards are tied to Citi Travel bookings, and the $100 hotel benefit requires a $500 minimum spend, making it less accessible for shorter stays.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its broad earning categories and flexible redemption options make it easy for new travelers to start maximizing rewards quickly.

Earning Structure:

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

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% Variable
• Travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption coverage, lost baggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver
• Visa Signature® Concierge services for dining, events, and travel

Key Benefits:

• Strong earning rates on travel and dining
• Flexible redemption options for points
• Built-in travel protections and purchase security
• Cell phone protection when paying the bill with the card

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or other rewards through the Wells Fargo Rewards portal.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Fewer airline transfer partners compared to other major issuers may limit flexibility for frequent flyers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card’s simple earning structure, annual airline credit, and flexible redemption options make it easy for new travelers to get consistent value.

Earning Structure:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25
• 2x miles on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

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

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $395
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 19.99%–29.24% Variable
• 10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year (equal to $100 toward travel)
• Lounge access to 1,300+ Priority Pass™ and Capital One Lounge locations after enrollment

Key Benefits:

• Strong base earning rate of 2x miles on every purchase
• Transfer miles to over 15 airline and hotel loyalty partners
• Annual travel credits and anniversary bonus offset the annual fee
• Access to premium lounge networks and travel protections

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and travel purchases, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for more value.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The best earning rates are limited to bookings through Capital One Travel, and cash redemptions provide lower value compared to travel redemptions.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple 2x earning on all purchases makes it easy to accumulate miles, while built-in credits and lounge access provide instant value even for new travelers.

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $795
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.74% Variable
• Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club (with two guests)
• Premium travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption, lost luggage, auto rental coverage, and more

Key Benefits:

• Priority Pass™ Select lounge access
• Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection
• TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry fee credit
• Strong transfer partners through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals through Chase Travel℠ or transferred to airline and hotel partners for higher value redemptions.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $795 annual fee is steep, and most benefits require travel or dining spend to justify the cost. General travel spending outside Chase Travel earns just 1x.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Despite its premium positioning, the easy-to-use credits and strong redemption options make it accessible for travelers new to maximizing points, provided they can offset the annual fee.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1x point on other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

You may be eligible for up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $695
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: Pay Over Time APR varies
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® statement credit every 4–4.5 years
• Complimentary Walmart+ membership credit
• Extensive travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption coverage, car rental loss/damage insurance, and premium global assistance hotline

Key Benefits:

• Access to American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Annual travel credits for eligible purchases
• Hotel elite status with select programs
• Strong travel insurance protections

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, gift cards, and statement credits, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for more valuable travel rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $695 annual fee is steep, and many credits require enrollment and effort to fully maximize.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Although premium, its straightforward earning on flights and hotels combined with clear travel perks makes it easy for new cardholders to see immediate value.

Earning Structure:

• 3x points on purchases with Air Canada
• 3x points at grocery stores
• 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% Variable
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month (up to 1,500 points per month)
• Travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption coverage, trip delay insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver

Key Benefits:

• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights
• Preferred pricing on flight rewards
• Access to Air Canada travel partners
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners, as well as through the “Pay Yourself Back” option for statement credits on select categories.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The elite status perks are limited mostly to Air Canada, with fewer benefits extended to other Star Alliance carriers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

With easy earning categories, airline perks, and flexible redemption options, it’s a strong choice for those new to travel rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 2x miles on United® purchases
• 2x miles on dining, including eligible delivery services
• 2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Travel Protections: Trip delay and baggage insurance included
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% Variable
• Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion (up to $160 savings per roundtrip)
• Two United Club℠ one-time passes each card anniversary year
• Travel protections including trip delay reimbursement and baggage insurance

Key Benefits:

• Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on United flights
• Priority boarding on United-operated flights
• Two one-time United Club℠ passes each year
• 25% back on in-flight purchases with United

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for United flights, Star Alliance partner flights, seat upgrades, hotels, and more through the MileagePlus program.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Earning rates are strongest for United purchases, so general spending may not provide as much value.

Why it Works for Beginners:

With an introductory waived annual fee, useful travel perks, and simple redemption through MileagePlus, it’s an approachable airline card for new travelers.

Earning Structure:

• 3 Avios per $1 spent on British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL purchases
• 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
• 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 19.99%–28.49% Variable
• 10% discount on British Airways flights originating in the U.S. when booked through the provided site
• Earn a Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 in purchases within a calendar year, valid for two years
• Contactless payment enabled for fast and secure transactions

Key Benefits:

• Opportunity to earn a Travel Together Ticket after meeting yearly spending requirements
• Flexible redemption with Oneworld airline partners
• Access to travel protections like trip delay and lost luggage coverage
• Ability to pool Avios with family accounts

Redemption Options:

Avios can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card lacks in-flight benefits like free checked bags or lounge access, and Avios redemption rates can vary greatly in value depending on taxes and fees.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides easy earning opportunities and valuable travel discounts, making it a straightforward choice for new travelers looking to maximize Avios.

Earning Structure:

• 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $99
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% Variable
• 25% in-flight food and beverage savings when using the card
• Introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (balance transfers must be completed within 45 days; a fee applies)

Key Benefits:

• First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
• 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases when using the card
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed through the AAdvantage® program for flights, upgrades, vacation packages, hotels, and car rentals.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card earns only 1x mile on non–American Airlines purchases, limiting rewards value outside of direct airline spending.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its easy welcome bonus and straightforward American Airlines perks make it a strong starter option for new travelers loyal to the airline.

Earning Structure:

• 3x miles on United® purchases
• 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after meeting the required spending threshold.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $350
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% Variable
• 10,000-mile award flight discount annually
• Two free checked bags for the cardholder and one companion
• Up to 18,000 PQP per calendar year with eligible spending
• Travel protections including trip delay, baggage insurance, and auto rental collision coverage

Key Benefits:

• Significant travel credits that offset the annual fee
• Annual 10,000-mile discount on award flights
• Free checked bags and priority benefits on United flights
• Premier qualifying points to help reach elite status faster

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for United flights, Star Alliance partner flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards through MileagePlus.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Some partner credits are restrictive or split into monthly amounts, and general purchases earn only 1x mile per dollar.

Why it Works for Beginners:

With valuable travel credits and straightforward rewards, it helps new cardholders quickly see value while building loyalty with United.

Earning Structure:

• 4 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
• 2 miles per $1 on all other travel and dining
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $695
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.49%–28.99% Variable
• United Club membership valued at $750+ annually
• Free first and second checked bags (up to $360 savings per roundtrip)
• Premier Access benefits including priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling
• Earn up to 28,000 Premier qualifying points per year with card spending
• Automatic Avis President’s Club and IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status

Key Benefits:

• United Club lounge access for cardholder and eligible companions
• Free first and second checked bags on United flights
• Priority boarding and Premier Access travel services
• Expanded award seat availability for cardholders
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for United flights, Star Alliance partner flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through MileagePlus.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, typically a score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee is steep, and many benefits overlap with elite status. Several partner credits require effort to fully utilize.

Why it Works for Beginners:

For new travelers who want instant lounge access and elite-style perks without flying thousands of miles, this card delivers luxury benefits in a simple package.

Earning Structure:

• 10x miles on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com
• 10x miles on eligible car rentals booked through aadvantagecars.com
• 4x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1x mile on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

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

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $595
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% Variable
• Complimentary Admirals Club membership
• Free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit every 4 years
• Earn Loyalty Points at the same rate as AAdvantage miles, plus bonus Loyalty Points after reaching certain thresholds

Key Benefits:

• Priority boarding on American Airlines flights
• Free first checked bag for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation
• Enhanced airport lounge access
• Mileage earning boosts for Loyalty Points qualification

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed through the AAdvantage program for flights, seat upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score between 670 and 739.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Earning rates on everyday purchases are low compared to other premium cards, and the annual fee is high without a first-year waiver.

Why it Works for Beginners:

For new travelers loyal to American Airlines, the card offers easy access to Admirals Club lounges and valuable travel perks right from the start.

Earning Structure:

• 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery
• 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
• 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

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

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $350
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% Variable
• Annual Companion Certificate for Main Cabin round-trip flights within the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, or Central America (taxes and fees apply)
• 15% discount when redeeming miles for Delta award travel (Delta-operated flights only)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit every 4–4.5 years
• Complimentary Upgrade list eligibility on Delta flights with qualifying tickets

Key Benefits:

• Free first checked bag on Delta flights
• Priority boarding on Delta flights
• Companion certificate each year upon renewal
• Discount on in-flight purchases
• Ability to earn toward Medallion Status

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, vacation packages, and more through the SkyMiles program.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $350 annual fee is high for a mid-tier airline card, and the Companion Certificate has restrictions, including limited destinations and main cabin use only.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card’s simple earning categories, free bag perks, and annual Companion Certificate make it easy for new cardholders to get consistent value.