Best Airline Credit Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

Airline credit cards offer a range of benefits for frequent flyers, including bonus rewards, free checked bags, and priority boarding. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which card is right for you. This article provides an overview of the best airline credit cards, based on research from NerdWallet, Forbes, and WalletHub.

Key Facts

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card offers flexible redemption options and a big sign-up bonus. It earns bonus rewards on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points can be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners.
  2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: This card is a great choice for Delta Air Lines travelers. It offers bonus rewards on Delta flights, as well as at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. It also provides a checked-bag benefit, priority boarding, and an annual flight credit.
  3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: This card is ideal for frequent American Airlines flyers. It offers bonus rewards at gas stations and restaurants, a fine sign-up bonus, a checked-bag benefit, priority boarding, and points towards elite status.
  4. United℠ Explorer Card: This card is recommended for United Airlines travelers. It earns bonus rewards on spending with United Airlines, as well as at restaurants and eligible hotel stays. It also provides perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and lounge passes.
  5. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card is the top choice for Southwest Airlines. It offers an annual travel credit, a great anniversary bonus, and other perks that justify its annual fee. It also provides benefits like priority boarding and upgraded boarding positions.
  6. Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: If you frequently fly Alaska Airlines or travel enough on the West Coast, this card is highly recommended. It offers an annual Companion Fare benefit and other valuable perks.

Please note that these are just a few examples of the best airline credit cards, and there are other options available. It’s important to consider your own travel habits, preferred airlines, and specific needs when choosing the best airline credit card for you.

Top Airline Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • RewardsFlexible redemption options, big sign-up bonus
  • EarningBonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming, and online groceries
  • Transfer PartnersPoints can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

  • RewardsIdeal for Delta Air Lines travelers
  • EarningBonus rewards on Delta flights, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets
  • PerksChecked-bag benefit, priority boarding, annual flight credit

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

  • RewardsSuitable for frequent American Airlines flyers
  • EarningBonus rewards at gas stations and restaurants
  • PerksChecked-bag benefit, priority boarding, points towards elite status

United℠ Explorer Card

  • RewardsRecommended for United Airlines travelers
  • EarningBonus rewards on United Airlines, restaurants, and hotel stays
  • PerksFree checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

  • RewardsTop choice for Southwest Airlines
  • EarningAnnual travel credit, great anniversary bonus
  • PerksPriority boarding, upgraded boarding positions

Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

  • RewardsAnnual Companion Fare benefit
  • EarningBonus rewards on Alaska Airlines and West Coast travel
  • PerksValuable perks for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers

Considerations for Choosing an Airline Credit Card

When selecting an airline credit card, consider the following factors:

  • Travel HabitsDetermine which airlines you fly most frequently.
  • Preferred BenefitsIdentify the perks that are most important to you, such as free checked bags or priority boarding.
  • Annual FeeSome cards have an annual fee, so weigh the benefits against the cost.
  • Earning RateConsider the rate at which you can earn rewards and the value of those rewards.
  • Redemption OptionsExplore the flexibility of redeeming rewards for flights, upgrades, or other travel expenses.

Conclusion

Choosing the best airline credit card depends on individual travel patterns and preferences. By considering the factors outlined above, you can select a card that provides the most value for your specific needs. The cards highlighted in this article represent some of the top options available, offering a range of rewards, perks, and earning potential.

Sources

FAQs

What factors should I consider when choosing an airline credit card?

Consider your travel habits, preferred benefits, annual fee, earning rate, and redemption options.

Which airline credit card offers the most flexible redemption options?

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Which airline credit card is best for Delta Air Lines travelers?

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Which airline credit card offers the best sign-up bonus?

Varies depending on current promotions, but many cards offer bonuses of 50,000 points or more.

Do airline credit cards have annual fees?

Some do, while others have no annual fee. Consider the benefits and earning potential to determine if the annual fee is worth it.

Can I earn rewards on everyday purchases with an airline credit card?

Yes, many airline credit cards offer rewards on everyday purchases, such as dining, groceries, and gas.

Can I use airline credit card rewards for more than just flights?

Yes, some cards allow you to redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.

How do I choose the best airline credit card for my needs?

Evaluate your travel patterns, preferred benefits, and financial situation to select the card that offers the most value for you.

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