All-time Overall : Chase Sapphire Reserve Carte du jour

Our Rating Among Airline Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Electric current Offering

Earn 50,000 bonus points afterwards you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when y'all redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score eight credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Splendid

Regular APR (%) 16.99% - 23.99% variable
Almanac Fee $550
Rewards Earning Charge per unit Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® subsequently the first $300 is psent on travel purchases annually. Earn 10x total points on hunt Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 5x total points on flights when y'all purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the start $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel worldwide after the kickoff $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why We Chose This Card:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why We Chose This Card:

This is an all-star travel card, packed with perks, flexibility, and lucrative rewards rates. Yes, in that location'south a very steep annual fee, but benefits similar airport lounge access and an annual travel credit make it more than than worthwhile if yous're on the road plenty. Plus, Chase has a broad definition of travel purchases, then even parking fees and tolls earn extra points. When it comes time to redeem them, you have plenty of options through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Or, you can transfer your points to partners like United Airlines or World of Hyatt to potentially get even more value.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Earn actress points for travel and dining purchases

  • Many different purchases count as travel spending, which makes earning rewards easier

  • Several valuable ways to use points, including transfers to partner loyalty programs

  • Jam-packed with valuable travel credit and travel insurance benefits

Cons

  • Massive annual fee

  • High ongoing APR

Highlights:

  • Receive 50,000 points after spending $four,000 in the first three months from business relationship opening (That'southward $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).
  • Get an annual $300 travel credit for eligible purchases charged to your menu each ceremony twelvemonth.
  • Earn iii points on travel (excluding purchases eligible for the travel credit), restaurants, and dining. Earn one bespeak per $1 spent on other purchases.
  • Points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase'southward Ultimate Rewards portal.
  • Transfer points 1:1 to eligible Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partner programs.

Read the total Chase Sapphire Reserve Card review

Best for United Airlines : United Explorer Card

Our Rating Among Airline Cards

United℠ Explorer Card

Electric current Offer

Earn l,000 bonus miles after y'all spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your business relationship is open up.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is i of the many factors lenders review in because your application.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Good - Excellent

Regular Apr (%) 16.49% - 23.49% variable
Annual Fee $0 for the beginning year, then $95
Rewards Earning Rate Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, eligible delivery services, on hotel stays, and on United purchases. Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United ClubSM with 2 1-time passes each yr for your anniversary.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why Nosotros Chose This Card:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why Nosotros Chose This Carte du jour:

Frequent United Airlines flyers can easily rack upwardly high-value miles with this superior airline card. Y'all'll get two miles per $ane you spend with United and at restaurants and hotels. And the miles—worth an average 2.xix cents apiece, co-ordinate to our calculations—are among the nearly valuable for a domestic airline. Plus, this bill of fare has an excellent line-up of travel perks such as airport lounge passes and free checked bags.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Miles are worth more than than nigh other major U.S. airline's, co-ordinate to our calculations

  • Lots of great travel perks, such every bit lounge passes and free checked bags

  • Extra miles tin be earned on more than merely flight purchases

Cons

  • Almanac fee is waived the kickoff twelvemonth, merely it's even so a notable toll

Highlights:

  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you lot spend $3,000 on purchases in the get-go 3 months your account is open.
  • Go 2 United Club quondam passes each anniversary year.
  • Save up to $140 per roundtrip with a free checked bag for you lot and a travel companion on the aforementioned reservation.
  • Get 25% back as a argument credit on inflight United purchases.

Read the full United Explorer Carte du jour review

Best With Annual Fee Under $100 : Chase Sapphire Preferred

Our Rating Among Airline Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Current Offer

Earn sixty,000 bonus points afterwards you spend $4,000 on purchases in the showtime 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Hunt Ultimate Rewards®.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your awarding.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Good - Fantabulous

Regular APR (%) fifteen.99% - 22.99% variable
Annual Fee $95
Rewards Earning Charge per unit Enjoy new benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards(R), 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases, plus more than.
Strange transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why We Chose This Card:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why We Chose This Card:

If yous can't tum a college annual fee but desire to rack up rewards on flights, add this quality travel bill of fare to add to your wallet. You'll earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining purchases, and there'due south a very generous new-cardholder bonus, as well. Spend $4,000 within iii months to earn 60,000 points worth at least $750 when redeemed for airfare, hotels, motorcar rentals and cruises through Hunt Ultimate Rewards. Nosotros found you tin can squeeze even more value out of the rewards by transferring them to a partner travel loyalty program, such equally United Mileage Plus or JetBlue TrueBlue. This card also packs a dial when it comes to travel perks despite only charging a $95 almanac fee. Frequent flyers will especially appreciate the lost luggage and trip delay, cancellation, and break benefits.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Proficient bonus compared to other travel cards with similar annual fees

  • Selection to transfer points to eligible airline and hotel programs, often at a i-to-ane ratio

  • Points are pretty valuable when redeemed for travel

    Some premium travel insurance benefits

Cons

  • No credits to encompass incidental airline fees or other travel-related costs

  • Few everyday purchase categories earn extra points

Highlights:

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first iii months from business relationship opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards(R). Plus earn up to $50 in argument credits towards grocery store purchases.
  • Become 25% more value when yous redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards(R). For example, 60 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022.
  • Transfer points 1:i to eligible Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partner programs.
  • With Pay Yourself Back(SM), your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when y'all redeem them for statement credits confronting existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
  • Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 commitment fee and reduced service fees from thousands of restaurants for a minimum of one yr on qualifying nutrient purchases with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by March 31, 2022.

Read the full Chase Sapphire Preferred review

All-time for American Airlines : Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Globe Elite Mastercard

Our Rating Amongst Airline Cards

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

Electric current Offer

Earn fifty,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles subsequently spending $2,500 in purchases within the showtime 3 months of account opening.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Good - Excellent

Regular Apr (%) xv.99% - 24.99% variable
Annual Fee $0 for the first year, then $99
Rewards Earning Charge per unit Earn ii miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Plus i mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why We Chose This Bill of fare:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why We Chose This Menu:

The Platinum Select offers the best long-term value for American Airlines enthusiasts. You'll earn two miles per dollar spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on American Airlines flights. Fifty-fifty better, the miles are some of the most valuable among the major airline rewards programs, co-ordinate to our calculations. The bonus lone—earned if you spend $two,500 within your outset three months with the card—is worth $i,130. In addition, you and four companions on your reservation will receive your starting time checked bag free.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Lets yous earn extra miles on gas and eating house purchases

  • Miles are worth more than any other domestic airline'southward, according to The Balance'southward enquiry

  • Excellent bonus with a more reasonable spending requirement than competitor deals

  • Complimentary checked bag benefit can easily make upwardly for annual fee toll

Cons

  • Few extra travel benefits, unlike other airline cards

Highlights:

  • Become 50,000 miles later making $2,500 in purchases during the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Earn a $125 American Airlines credit if y'all brand at to the lowest degree $xx,000 in purchases during your card membership year and renew your menu.
  • Pay no strange transaction fee.
  • Get a gratis checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for yous and four companions on your reservation.

Read the full Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Earth Elite Mastercard review

Best for Delta Air Lines : Delta SkyMiles Platinum Menu

Our Rating Amid Airline Cards

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card

Electric current Offer

Earn xc,000 Bonus Miles afterwards you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Bill of fare in your first three months. Offering ends 4/13/2022.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is ane of the many factors lenders review in because your awarding.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Good - First-class

Regular Apr (%) fifteen.99% - 24.99% variable
Annual Fee $250
Rewards Earning Charge per unit Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.South. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why Nosotros Chose This Card:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why We Chose This Card:

When it comes to Delta cards, this one brings serious value, even with its $250 almanac fee. Yous'll earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made straight with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.South. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. Boosted benefits include an almanac companion ticket for a main cabin domestic flying (just pay taxes and fees), a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and a free first checked bag for you and upwards to eight travelers on your reservation.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Generous rewards rate on Delta flights

  • Means to earn extra miles on everyday expenses, not merely Delta flights

  • Perks such equally free checked numberless and a Global Entry/TSA Precheck application fee reimbursement

Cons

  • Annual fee is college than most other mid-level airline cards

  • Fee to enter Delta Heaven Guild lounges makes for a relatively stingy airport lounge perk

Highlights:

  • Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Carte du jour in your first 3 months. Offer ends 4/thirteen/2022.
  • Earn upward to 20,000 Medallion(R) Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost(R) per year. Afterwards y'all spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs upwards to two times per year, getting yous closer to Medallion(R) Condition. MQMs are used to determine Medallion(R) Status and are different than miles you lot earn toward flights.
  • Every bit a benefit of Card Membership, you can cheque your first bag costless on Delta flights booked with your Card. You can save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of iv that'south a potential savings of up to $240 per round-trip flight.
  • Receive Master Cabin ane Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early on, stow your carry–on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin circular-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Luggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and weather condition for details.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ with enrollment

Read the total Delta SkyMiles Platinum Menu review

All-time With No Annual Fee : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Our Rating Amidst Airline Cards

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Current Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you lot spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score viii credit-scoring model. Credit score is i of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Good - Excellent

Regular Apr (%) 14.99% - 24.99% variable
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Earning Rate Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you lot'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options.
INTRO Purchase APR 0% for 18 Months
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why We Chose This Bill of fare:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why We Chose This Card:

You don't need to pay a hefty annual fee to beginning earning miles in a program that offers plenty of flexibility. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital letter One Travel, where y'all'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options. You tin transfer your miles to 15 airline and hotel partners, or redeemed for a cent apiece as a argument credit against travel expenses or by booking trips through the card's rewards center. As an added bonus, this card does not charge a strange transaction fee, different some competitors without an almanac fee.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Simple and anticipated rewards

  • Rare option (for a no-annual-fee menu) to transfer miles to eligible airline and hotel partner programs

  • Flexible redemption options

  • Travel insurance not common with a no-annual-fee card

Cons

  • Low rewards-earning charge per unit

  • Limited number of travel partners, especially U.S. airlines

Highlights:

  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Majuscule Ane Travel, where yous'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options. Earn unlimited miles with no caps.
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
  • Use miles as a statement credit against any airline or hotel booking with no blackout dates. Or, transfer miles to eligible travel loyalty programs.
  • Enjoy an introductory April on purchases for the first 12 months.

Read the full Capital I VentureOne Rewards Credit Carte review

Best for Southwest Airlines : Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Our Rating Amongst Airline Cards

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Electric current Offering

Earn 40,000 points later y'all spend $i,000 on purchases in the outset 3 months from account opening.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score viii credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in because your application.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Good - Excellent

Regular April (%) 15.99% - 22.99% variable
Almanac Fee $149
Rewards Earning Rate Earn 3 points for each dollar spent on Southwest purchases. Earn 2 points for each dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. Earn ii points for each dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2 points for each dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1 point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%
  • Why Nosotros Chose This Bill of fare:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why We Chose This Carte du jour:

As well rewards points on travel, Southwest fans will go several valuable perks with this card: 4 upgraded boarding positions per year, travel accident and lost luggage insurance, and a $75 annual credit toward Southwest purchases, to get-go. Best of all: If you travel plenty, you'll recoup the cost of the annual fee merely with the travel credit and the seven,500 points you'll get on your anniversary each year.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Nice array of travel perks such as bonus points after your cardmember anniversary and seat upgrades

  • Yearly reimbursement for travel spending recoups half of the annual fee cost

  • Earn rewards that volition help you attain A-List condition faster, which comes with actress perks and points per flight

Cons

  • No extra points on everyday, non-travel purchases

Highlights:

  • Earn 40,000 points afterward yous spend $1,000 on purchases in the beginning 3 months from account opening. Promotional Companion Pass valid through two/28/2023.
  • Get 7,500 bonus points each year after you pay our annual fee.
  • Get $75 worth of Southwest travel credits every twelvemonth you lot're a cardholder.
  • Pay no strange transaction fee.
  • With Companion Laissez passer(R), every fourth dimension you fly, your friend tin too.

Read the total Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card review

Best For Travelers Who Prefer Cash Back : HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard®

Our Rating Amid Airline Cards

HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard®

Current Offer

Earn an Introductory 3% Cash Back on all purchases in the get-go 12 months from Account opening, upward to the showtime $10,000 in purchases. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Recommended Credit

Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your awarding.

350 579

580 669

670 739

740 799

800 850

Expert - Splendid

Regular Apr (%) 13.99% - 23.99% variable
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Earning Rate Earn an introductory 3% greenbacks back on $10,000 in purchases made during the get-go 12 months of business relationship opening. 1.five% cash back thereafter.
INTRO PURCHASE APR 0% for 12 Months
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%

The HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® is no longer bachelor as of January 24, 2022.

  • Why Nosotros Chose This Bill of fare:
  • Pros & Cons:
  • Highlights:

Why Nosotros Chose This Card:

Earning cash back that yous tin put toward flights is easy with this no-almanac-fee card. You'll get unlimited i.v% back on every purchase, so there are no bonus categories or earning limits to go along track of. The unusual welcome bonus essentially doubles your earnings on the get-go $10,000 spent after opening the carte, too. Information technology doesn't come with some of the travel perks that are piece of cake to detect on an airline-branded bill of fare, but there are a couple of squeamish insurance benefits, and no foreign transaction fee if you lot utilise information technology while traveling outside the U.S.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

  • Superb bonus that doubles the already-solid rewards earning rate on eligible purchases during the first year

  • 0% APR deals requite yous a full yr to pay off purchases and remainder transfers

  • Includes cellphone insurance coverage, which is uncommon

Cons

  • No short-term new cardholder bonus for those seeking a quick stash of cash back

  • Above-boilerplate balance transfer fee can chip abroad at the toll savings of moving large balances to this menu

Highlights:

  • 1.5% Unlimited Cash Back – on all purchases later on the intro menses
  • No Annual Fee
  • No Strange Transaction Fees

Read the full HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® review

Compare the All-time Airline Credit Cards

FAQs

What Is an Airline Credit Carte & How Does it Work?

Airline cards are co-branded with a major airline, such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, or American Airlines. They permit you earn frequent flyer miles or points on every dollar you spend on the card, with actress miles given for purchases made through that item airline. Some general travel cards too highly reward airline ticket purchases and offer robust travel reward redemption options, then we considered them for this list, too.

Miles or points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and even other travel expenses, like hotel stays. Most airline cards too offer loftier-value bonuses to new cardholders who spend a sure amount within a few months of opening their account. The best cards award bonuses large plenty to book a round-trip plane ticket.

Many airline cards also offering extra airline and travel benefits, like gratuitous checked bags, early on boarding privileges, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Premium cards may include lounge access and diverse types of travel insurance.

Do You Need an Airline Credit Carte?

Pros

  • Easy manner to earn frequent flyer miles

  • Valuable bonuses for new cardholders

  • Airline privileges (eastward.g., early on boarding or free checked bags)

  • Travel insurance perks

  • Travel discounts or statement credits offered with select cards

Cons

  • Express flexibility with airline-branded cards

  • Good or splendid credit required

  • High APRs

  • Complex airline reward program rules

  • Annual fees on the most valuable cards

How Should Y'all Compare Airline Cards?

Pay attending to these card details to select the best airline card for you:

New cardholder bonus: Utilize our mile valuations (below) to determine which card offers more than value right off the bat. Multiply the number of miles in the bonus by the per-mile value (i.e., i.three cents-per-mile value x 50,000 bonus miles = $650 value). Besides, based on your normal monthly spend, does one bill of fare have a more than accessible spending requirement than another?

Annual fee: Benefits can offset annual fees (typically betwixt $95 and $450), but If you don't care about actress airline or travel perks, don't open a card with an annual fee.

Airline flight options: If you lot're considering a co-branded airline card, but aren't almost a major airline hub metropolis (similar Atlanta for Delta or Denver for United), how oftentimes can you lot fly the airline, based on desired departure and inflow locations? For general travel cards, can you easily redeem (or transfer) the points for flights on a variety of airlines?

Actress rewards: If y'all don't already have a good everyday rewards card, consider an airline bill of fare that will earn miles on non-travel purchases, like groceries and gas. In some cases, a general travel card may offering more than flexible rewards earning options.

Boosted benefits: An airline card will be more valuable if you utilise the benefits information technology provides, like free checked numberless, TSA Precheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement, or complimentary airport lounge admission.

Given those considerations, hither's some other look at the cards nosotros think are best for a variety of air travelers:

What Are Airline Miles Worth?

Boilerplate mile value data tin can help you lot gauge whether or not an airline bill of fare bonus (or flight) is actually a skilful deal.

Our point valuations may exist more realistic for you than other website valuations.
At that place's more than one fashion to use airline miles to relieve on air travel, so we included more than 1 type of flight in our value calculations. Our average per-mile value data includes one-way economy and kickoff-form (or the equivalent classifications) ticket prices for domestic and international flights from xviii airlines. The flights follow popular routes for each airline, with departures one to five months out to account for trip planners and last minute flying shoppers. We practise not factor in fuel surcharges when determining value.

Hither's our analysis of average airline-mile value for major U.S. carriers:

  • United Airlines (MileagePlus): 2.19 cents
  • American Airlines (AAdvantage): 2.26 cents
  • Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles): i.54 cents
  • Southwest (Rapid Rewards): 1.45 cents
  • JetBlue (TrueBlue): i.43 cents
  • Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan): 0.85 cents

Tin You Transfer Miles?

Nigh airline frequent flier programs don't permit transfers between 1 another, fifty-fifty if the airlines are in the same alliance. There are numerous international airline alliances, but the biggest ones with major U.S. airlines are: Star Alliance (United), OneWorld (American Airlines), and SkyTeam (Delta).

However, within these groups, you can typically earn miles by flying i airline and redeem them for flights on some other. For case, Delta SkyMiles may be used for flights on Air France and Virgin Atlantic in the SkyTeam alliance.

Note

Points earning and redemption levels on partner airlines may vary, depending on the partner.

How Tin can You Maximize Airline Carte Rewards?

Each rewards programme has its own rules, but to maximize airline carte rewards overall, follow these tips:

  1. Don't make reservations through a third-party agent or website. Book all flights directly with the airline or rewards portal.
  2. Airline miles are usually most valuable when used to book flights or other travel reservations. You lot may come across options to redeem rewards for merchandise or gift cards, but they are oftentimes a worse value.
  3. Sentry for loyalty program opportunities to earn extra miles or score discounted flight tickets.
  4. Pair with another card that earns rewards on everyday expenses if the airline card lacks earning options.
  5. Book travel companions on your reservation then they can enjoy many of the airline benefits yous practise.
  6. Connect your frequent-flyer account to your menu to access all loyalty perks.

Important

Should You Become a No-Annual-Fee Airline Bill of fare?

Virtually airline cards charge annual fees, simply people who travel only a few times each year tin can easily recoup that toll. For example, most airlines charge $30 for a checked bag, each way. If a menu offers one free checked handbag each way, merely charges a $95 annual fee, it only takes 2 round trips to make up the fee cost. No-annual-fee airline cards usually lack valuable benefits, like free checked numberless, and come up with low-value bonuses for new cardholders.

If y'all prefer a card with no annual fee, we recommend a cash-back credit menu with no annual fee, instead.

Methodology

We collect data on hundreds of cards and score more than 55 features that bear on your finances. We do this considering it'southward our mission to give yous unbiased, comprehensive credit carte du jour reviews.

Our reviews are always impartial. No one can influence which cards we review, the way we present them to you lot, or the ratings they receive.

About This List

Nosotros reviewed more than 50 airline-specific and general travel rewards credit cards to find the very best airline cards, and these cards made the cut.

What We Score

Cards with big bonuses, flexible rewards programs, valuable miles, and better benefits receive better scores. Airline cards with low miles value, few perks, and limited transfer options receive lower scores appropriately. For more than information about how The Balance evaluates credit cards, see our full credit card review methodology.

Compare the Best Airline Credit Cards

Looking to compare credit airline credit cards? Hither are the acme 50 of more than than 300 cards that we considered when compiling our best airline credit card list.

Our annual rewards value is calculated using Bureau of Labor Statistics and other source data to estimate how much the average consumer would earn each year every bit a cardholder. The almanac fee is deducted from the rewards estimate, and any ongoing reimbursement credits a card may offer are added in. A card with low rewards-earning rates may receive a negative value after the annual fee is deducted.

Airline Rewards Credit Cards
Carte du jour Name Annual Fee Rewards Annual Rewards Value Gauge
Chase Sapphire Reserve $550 Earn 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3X points on dining at restaurants, and 1 signal per $ane spent on all other purchases. $602
The Platinum Card from American Limited $695 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked straight with airlines or with American Limited Travel. 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. 1 signal per dollar on all other purchases. $322
United Explorer Card $0 for the beginning yr, then $95 Earn 2 miles per $ane spent at restaurants, on hotel stays and on purchases from United. $622
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card $400 Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and motorcar rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Middle. Earn 3X points for every $1 on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending. $370
Citi Prestige $495 Earn 5 points per dollar at airlines, travel agencies, and restaurants, 3 points per dollar at hotels and cruise lines, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. $407
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card $450 Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy(TM) plan. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked direct with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases. $601
United Guild Infinite Card $525 four miles per $1 spent on United purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services and all other travel, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. $383
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard $450 Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every $i spent on other purchases. $146
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Carte du jour $550 Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases -$39
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Carte du jour $250 Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and commitment in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases $338
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card $95 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants & ane point per dollar spent on all other purchases worldwide. $377
Citi  AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard $0 for the first twelvemonth, then $99 Earn 2 miles for every $ane spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Plus 1 mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. $639
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Menu $0 for the first twelvemonth, and then $95 Earn ii miles per dollar on every purchase. $462
HSBC Premier Earth Elite Mastercard credit card $395 three points on travel, ii points on dining, and ane signal on all other purchases. $177
AAdvantage Aviator Crimson World Elite Mastercard $99 Earn 2X miles for every i dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1X miles for every dollar spent on all other purchases. $497
American Express Green Card $150 Earn 3 points per $one spent on eligible travel and at restaurants. Earn 1 bespeak per $one on all other purchases. $452
Depository financial institution of America Premium Rewards credit carte $95 Earn unlimited two points per $one spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.five points per $1 spent on all other purchases. $418
HSBC Premier Globe Mastercard credit card $0 first year, then upwardly-to $95 depending on cyberbanking relationship ii points on travel and ane point on all other purchases $310
British Airways Visa Signature Card $95 Earn 5 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 3 Avios. Earn 3 Avios per $ane spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel within your commencement 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 2 Avios. Plus earn one Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases. 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials $593
Earth of Hyatt Credit Card $95 Earn 4X points for Hyatt stays, 2x for eligible transit, restaurants, gym memberships, and airfare purchased directly from the airline. 1x on other purchases. $597
American Express Aureate Card $250 Earn 4 points per $1 spent at restaurants and at Us supermarkets (up-to $25,000 per year). three points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. i point per $1 on other eligible purchases. $558
U.Southward. Bank FlexPerks Aureate American Limited Card $85 3 points per dollar at restaurants, 2 points per dollar at airlines and gas stations, 1 point per dollar on everyday spend. $553
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Carte $95 Earn up to 17X full Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy™. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $ane on the outset $6,000 spent in combined purchases each yr on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. $579
JetBlue Plus Card $99 Earn 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases. $503
Citi Premier $95 Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel including gas stations, 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on entertainment, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $312
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card $0 Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Majuscule Ane Travel, where yous'll go our best prices on thousands of trip options $312
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Menu $149 Earn 3X points on Southwest(R) purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cablevision, phone services, and select streaming. Earn two EarlyBird Check-In(R) each yr. Earn 1 betoken per $1 spent on all other purchases $323
Mastercard Black Card $495 Earn i point per dollar on all purchases. -$127
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Menu $0 Earn 3X points for eating out and ordering in, gas stations, rideshares, transit, for travel including flights, hotels, homestays and auto rentals, every bit well as popular streaming services. Earn 1X points on other purchases. $421
Delta SkyMiles Gold Carte $0 for the outset year, and so $99 Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made direct with Delta, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn one mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases. $441
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Carte $450 14 points per $ane for eligible Hilton purchases. vii points per $1 on eligible flight, car rental, and U.S. eatery purchases. 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases. $544
Banking company of America Travel Rewards Credit Card $0 Earn unlimited 1.five points for every $one y'all spend on all purchases everywhere. $364
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard $0 intro almanac fee the first twelvemonth, and so $99 Earn 3x miles on eligible Hawaiian Airlines purchases. 2x miles on gas, dining and grocery store purchases. 1x miles on all other purchases. $465
Iberia Visa Signature Carte $95 Earn 3 Avios for every $ane spent on Iberia, British Airways, and on Aer Lingus flight purchases, 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations, and ane Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases. $509
Capital Ane Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card $0 1.5% greenbacks back on every buy, every day. $364
Aer Lingus Visa Signature menu $95 Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Iberia, British Airways, and on Aer Lingus flight purchases, 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations, and 1 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases. $509
Chase Freedom Unlimited $0 Earn five% cash dorsum on travel purchased through Hunt, 3% on restaurants and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on everything else. $364
Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard $79 Earn three Amtrak Guest Rewards points per $1 spent with Amtrak, two points on other qualifying travel purchases,1 point spent on all other purchases. $600
Discover it Miles $0 Earn unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent. $364
USAA Rewards Visa Signature Card $0 Go 2X points on dining and gas, and 1X points for every dollar spent on other purchases. $309
Avianca Vuela Visa Carte $149 Earn 3 LifeMiles per $one spent on Avianca purchases , two per $i spent at gas stations and grocery stores, and 1 per $ane spent on all other purchases $579
Uppercase 1 SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Bill of fare $0 Earn three% cash dorsum on dining, amusement, streaming services and groceries, and 1% on all other purchases. $357
Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card $95 Earn three points per $1 at Usa supermarkets on up to $6,000 per yr. Earn 2 points at Us gas stations, and 1 point on other purchases. $328
HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard $0 Earn an Introductory 3% Cash Back on $10,000 in purchases fabricated during the outset 12 months of account opening. ane.5% greenbacks back thereafter. $364
Amex EveryDay Credit Card $0 Earn two points per $i at US supermarkets on up to $half-dozen,000 per year. Earn 1 point per $ane for other eligible purchases. $173
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card $0 Earn 3% cash dorsum in the category of your pick, ii% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined pick category/grocery store/wholesale order quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases. $396
Mastercard Gold Card $995 Earn one point for every dollar you spend. -$527
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card $0 Earn i.5% Greenbacks Back on all purchases made with your card, and two% Full Cash Back for PenFed Honors Advantage Members. $364
American Express Greenbacks Magnet Card $0 ane.five% cash back on your purchases. $364