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Best Airline Credit Cards Of January 2025

Updated: Jan 6, 2025, 10:58am
Written By
Credit Cards Writer
Edited By
Senior Staff Writer
Expert Reviewed
Credit Cards And Banking Expert
& 2 others
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

One easy way to get airline perks without status is with a travel rewards credit card. While it might seem obvious that the best type of credit card for flights would be an airline credit card, that’s not necessarily the case. We’ve reviewed the best airline credit cards of January 2025 to help you decide which one is right for you.

An airline-specific credit card may be the right choice for you if you are loyal to an airline or if you want access to an airline-specific lounge. However, if that doesn’t sound appealing, you will almost certainly do better with a more flexible travel rewards credit card offering bonus rewards no matter which airline you fly, plus more flexible ways to redeem your rewards.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Advertisers do not and cannot influence our ratings. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • 93,000,000 miles and points redeemed
  • 29 loyalty programs covered
  • 113 countries visited
  • 53 years of industry experience

Read more
Show Summary

Best Airline Credit Cards


Best Flexible Airline Credit Cards

Best Flexible Rewards Card for Airlines

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a Forbes Advisor favorite for good reason. The moderate annual fee, wide network of travel partners and extensive trip protections make the card a top choice for almost any traveler.

Why We Like It

The card earns Ultimate Rewards® points which can be redeemed for travel bookings (with a bonus) through Chase Travel℠. But even more valuable is the option to transfer points to any of Chase’s airline and hotel partners which include United Mileage Plus, World of Hyatt and Air Canada Aeroplan.

All travelers can benefit from the included trip cancellation and delay insurance, baggage coverage and primary auto rental collision damage waiver.

What We Don’t Like

Many purchases only earn one point per dollar spent. The $50 hotel statement credit is only valid on bookings made through Chase Travel which limits its usefulness.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers who want to keep their reward options open until they’re ready to book.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

Pros & Cons
  • Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
  • Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
  • Many travel and shopping protections
  • Annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Flexible Rewards Card for Everyday Spending

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 3 points per dollar atRead More

Welcome Bonus

75,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

Our Expert Take

With extra rewards on supermarket and gas station purchases, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card makes it easy to quickly earn points without breaking a sweat. And the modest annual fee helps keep it affordable.

Why We Like It

ThankYou® Points are easily redeemed as cash back or can be transferred to a multitude of travel partners, giving you the best of both worlds. The earning structure makes this a great everyday card. Eligible bookings through CitiTravel.com earn a whopping 10 ThankYou Points per dollar. Travel protections include trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, baggage loss or damage and auto rental coverage.

What We Don’t Like

Citi’s airline transfer partners tend to favor international travel with JetBlue as the only U.S. airline partner. The annual $100 hotel credit can be challenging to use as it is applicable only to a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked with CitiTravel.com.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers focused on international destinations.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

Paying to fill up at the pump is never fun, but at least you’ll earn something back for it with the Citi Strata Premier. It’s one of the few cards around that earns significant bonus points on both gas stations and supermarkets, 365 days a year. And it’s also the only card on the market that can access Citi’s full roster of valuable airline and hotel transfer partners.

Pros & Cons
  • High rewards rates for many popular categories
  • Ability to transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Some built-in travel protections
  • The $100 hotel benefit is difficult to redeem
  • The highest earning rates are on Citi Travel bookings
  • $95 annual fee
Card Details
  • For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Premium Travel Rewards Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

If you know you travel often enough that the card’s statement credits and bonus miles are meaningful to you, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card almost pays for itself, making this premium credit card one of the best values in its category.

Why We Like It

The flat-rate rewards rate keeps things simple since you don’t have to remember bonus categories. The Venture X doesn’t compromise on features, offering unlimited complimentary Capital One and Priority Pass lounge access, cellphone protection and a suite of travel protections. You can share the card’s benefits with free additional cardholders.

What We Don’t Like

Capital One Rewards are worth less when redeemed as cash back, so they’re truly best for frequent travelers. Although Capital One Rewards are transferable, there are no U.S. airline transfer partners. Domestic travel can be booked with Capital One’s international airline partners, but it requires some extra effort to learn those programs and may be more complicated.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers who want premium perks like airport lounge access and an easy-to-offset annual fee (rates & fees).

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • Lower annual fee than competing premium credit cards
  • Excellent base earnings rate of 2X miles on all eligible purchases
  • $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and 10,000-mile anniversary bonus
  • Access to Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge locations
  • Transfer miles to Capital One’s over 15 travel partners
  • Travel booked outside of Capital One Travel won’t earn bonus miles
  • Cash redemptions provide a poor value for your miles
  • No domestic airline partners
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Premium Rewards Card for Travel Insurance

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 10x Reward Rate

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

The premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a powerhouse when it comes to flight booking. The comprehensive suite of benefits includes excellent travel protections unrivaled by other credit cards.

Why We Like It

The Sapphire Reserve’s annual travel credit is one of the easiest to use since it’s automatically applied to qualifying purchases. The option to either redeem points for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal at an elevated rate or transfer to airline and hotel partners gives you flexibility and helps maximize value. The included Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounge access helps take the stress out of your travels.

What We Don’t Like 

To earn the highest rate of rewards on travel, you need to book your trips through Chase Travel℠. Even with the offset of the $300 annual travel credit, the annual fee may still be too steep for some travelers.

Who It’s Best For

Frequent travelers who want to maximize their reward value on travel redemptions.

Expert Commentary
Lori Zaino
Lori Zaino
Credit Cards Writer
A credit card enthusiast and avid traveler, Lori has visited more than 60 countries, many of them using credit card points and frequent flyer miles. She has lived in Spain as a freelance writer and editor for around two decades, figuring out the best tips and tricks for using points and miles to live and travel abroad, and writing about it to share her knowledge every step of the way.
Credit Cards Writer

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the most valuable flexible rewards credit cards thanks to its lucrative bonus categories and easy-to-use travel credit. Cardholders can offset the annual fee and get great value when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card, thanks to partnerships with numerous airlines and hotels and its convenient travel booking portal, Chase Travel℠.

Pros & Cons
  • $300 annual travel credit is incredibly flexible
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Points transfer to valuable airline and hotel partners
  • High annual fee
  • Additional fee for each authorized user
  • Excellent credit recommended
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Card for Lounge Access with Premium Rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
4.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

5X Reward Rate

Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directlyRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 points

Annual Fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The ultra-premium The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees) is the card that has it all, albeit at an equally ultra-premium price. Travelers get access to a long list of credits and benefits. Lounge access is particularly extensive, including The Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounge access with enrollment, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying on an eligible Delta flight) and more so you can relax in style during your next connection (effective 2/1/25, American Express Platinum card members will receive 10 Delta Sky Club visits per year; unlimited visits can be earned when total purchases exceed $75,000 in 2024 and each calendar year thereafter).

Why We Like It

The card earns Membership Rewards® points which are transferable to over 15 airline and hotel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors and Air France KLM. There’s a travel credit or benefit for nearly any scenario.

What We Don’t Like

Many of the statement credit offers have fine print that can make it more inconvenient to earn your credits. For example, the airline incidental credit is tied to one airline of your choice, making it tricky to use. Earning increased rewards on travel purchases only applies to bookings made through American Express Travel. Otherwise all purchases earn only one point per dollar. The card’s travel protections¹ are adequate but don’t measure up to the coverage provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Who It’s Best For

Frequent travelers who want rich travel and lifestyle perks and find value in the lengthy list of benefits.

Expert Commentary
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Writer
Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.
Credit Cards Writer

Being an Amex Platinum cardholder grants access to the International Airline Program, which can save you money on select first and business class seats on more than 20 airlines as well as premium economy tickets for you and up to seven traveling companions. Start your search on the Amex Travel website to find international flights departing or arriving in the U.S. on any of those premium cabins.

Pros & Cons
  • High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • Multiple credits can help justify the fee
  • Comprehensive airport lounge access
  • Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
  • Very high annual fee
  • Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be impractical for many
  • Reward rate outside of travel is subpar for a premium card
Card Details
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Credit Cards for Specific Airlines

Best Airline Credit Card for Aeroplan

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3x Reward Rate

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 70,000 points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Even if you never fly Air Canada, the top notch Aeroplan rewards program offers great value for flight redemptions. The Aeroplan® Credit Card earns miles at superb rates on everyday spending, and cardholders get preferred award pricing.

Why We Like It 

In addition to earning strong rewards, the Aeroplan card offers multiple benefits while flying, including elite status for new cardholders. As a Star Alliance partner, Aeroplan miles can be used to book flights on United Airlines and other airline partners. For added flexibility, there’s also the option to redeem miles for statement credits applied to travel purchases at a rate of 1.25 cents per mile with no limit. The card provides solid travel protections such as trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay and an auto collision damage waiver.

What We Don’t Like 

Aeroplan miles might not be the most viable choice for U.S.-based flyers.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers who want to earn award flights with Air Canada.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

Chase and Aeroplan’s co-branded credit card will serve as an excellent companion for Air Canada and Star Alliance frequent flyers, as you earn valuable Aeroplan points on a set of airline partners like United and Lufthansa. Maximize your Aeroplan points and redeem for future flights and hotel stays through an extensive partner network. Enjoy additional points-earning opportunities in key everyday purchase categories.

Pros & Cons
  • Excellent rewards earning
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel benefits including perks for Air Canada flyers
  • $95 annual fee
  • Domestic flyers may find the redemption options limiting
Card Details
  • Earn up to 70,000 bonus points
  • Earn 60K bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Earn 10K bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
  • $95 Annual Fee
  • Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Airline Card for Distance-Based Redemptions

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 Avios

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card has some unique features, bundling discounts on paid flights, statement credits toward taxes and fees on eligible rewards flights and the opportunity to earn a Travel Together ticket.

Why We Like It

The card skips over benefits with nebulous merits, like priority boarding and focuses on offers with actual cash value and useful perks such as purchase and extended warranty protection. The distance-based award chart can offer some great values if used strategically.

What We Don’t Like

Customers who aren’t experts in award travel may be frustrated with British Airways’ notoriously high fees on its own flights. The best redemptions are generally on partner awards which can carry lower fees, but it can take time to learn the program to maximize value. The card lacks basic travel protections such as trip cancellation or interruption coverage, trip delay or auto rental coverage.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers who want to earn award flights with British Airways and partner airlines.

Expert Commentary
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Writer
Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.
Credit Cards Writer

Those who spend enough to earn the Travel Together Ticket can get 50% off the price of their award ticket when traveling solo or get a second seat on the same flight and cabin for a companion at no additional cost beyond taxes and fees. Travel Together Tickets are now valid on British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus flights and any of their subsidiaries on itineraries from anywhere in the world and on both one-way or round-trip flights.

Pros & Cons
  • Generous rewards on eligible flights
  • Potential to earn a companion ticket
  • Lucrative welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Rewards rate poor outside of Avios-earning airlines
  • Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule
  • No checked baggage or lounge perks
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
  • Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
  • 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
  • Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
  • Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!
  • Member FDIC
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Midtier Airline Credit Card for United Flyers

United Quest℠ Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

3 miles on United® purchases. 2 miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel. 1 mile on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 70,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$250

Regular APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Despite the above-average annual fee, the United Quest℠ Card stands out for its collection of perks that benefit the loyal United flyer.

Why We Like It

The benefits while flying go beyond the checked bags you’re expecting: anniversary flight credits (up to 5,000 miles rebated on United-operated awards flights twice a year), statement credits toward United purchases and perks that make air travel more bearable. The card also offers potential complimentary upgrades on award flights and the opportunity to earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year.

What We Don’t Like 

Since the anniversary mileage bonus applies only to United-operated flights, not all cardholders will find it easy to maximize this benefit every year.

Who It’s Best For 

Frequent United travelers, especially those interested in elite status will get the most from this card.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

Don’t let the card’s annual fee scare you off. Even if you’re not a United frequent flyer, the perks can make this card worth your while, and the rewards rates are better compared to most airline cards.

Pros & Cons
  • Up to $125 annual United purchase credit
  • Earn up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually
  • Two free checked bags for cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points per calendar year
  • Primary auto collision damage waiver for eligible rentals
  • Checked baggage benefit only applies to one companion
  • Earnings for general purchases are only 1 mile per dollar
Card Details
  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
  • 3x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and priority boarding
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC
Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Airline Credit Card for United Airlines Lounge Access

United Club℠ Infinite Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4 miles on United® purchases; Earn 2 miles on all other travel and on dining, including eligible delivery services;Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 90,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$525

Regular APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

The headlining benefit on the United Club℠ Infinite Card is a United Club membership for unlimited airport lounge access on eligible itineraries.

Why We Like It 

The card’s annual fee costs less than buying a United Club membership outright, so getting it through the credit card is a no-brainer if United Club access is a priority. In addition to United perks and enhanced earn rates on travel and dining purchases, this card includes a solid package of travel and purchase protections and some tangential status benefits like Avis President’s Club and IHG Hotels and Resorts Platinum Elite status to round out your travel experience. For loyal United flyers interested in status, the card earns Premier qualifying points on purchases up to a maximum of 10,000 PQP per calendar year.

What We Don’t Like 

Someone who travels enough to need lounge access may already receive a lot of the card’s “benefits” through status, like priority check-in or potential upgrades. United Club access applies only to eligible United and Star Alliance itineraries so if your travel patterns include other carriers, you may find yourself without lounge access.

Who It’s Best For 

Frequent United flyers who want United Club access and are interested in elite status are a good fit for this card.

Expert Commentary
Emily Moore
Emily Moore
Credit Cards Writer
Experiencing the world through travel is a privilege, but affordability is a common barrier to entry. By sharing accessible tips on responsible credit card use, rewards programs and rewards hacking, Emily Jane Moore helps people with limited financial resources access meaningful travel experiences.
Credit Cards Writer

If reaching a higher status with United is a priority, the United Club Infinite all but guarantees it, as long as the card is used regularly. Cardholders also enjoy frequent seat upgrades (depending on route and availability) plus always-free United Club access. But these perks come with a hefty price tag.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • United Club membership is worth more than the annual fee
  • First and second checked bag free when you pay for your flight with your card
  • Very high annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • High regular APR
Card Details
  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
  • 4x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on all other travel and dining
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • United Club℠ membership – up to $650 value per year
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC
Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Airline Card for American Airlines Lounge Access

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® *

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com; 4 miles forRead More

Welcome Bonus

70,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$595

Regular APR

20.24% – 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Admirals Club membership is the main attraction for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*.

Why We Like It 

The annual fee for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is lower than the cost of an annual Admirals Club membership so card ownership offers a discounted membership plus additional benefits such as a free checked bag, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years and travel protections. If you’re chasing AA status, each dollar spent with the card earns one Loyalty point. The card also offers Loyalty Point bonuses when certain annual spending milestones are hit.

What We Don’t Like

The rewards structure is lackluster, earning 1 redeemable mile per dollar on most purchases. Admirals Club access applies only to eligible itineraries, so you may still find yourself without lounge access on non-AA or non-Oneworld itineraries.

Who It’s Best For 

Frequent AA travelers, especially those living in AA hubs with Admirals Club lounges can get solid value from the card’s unlimited Admirals Club access.

Pros & Cons
  • Free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for up to eight companions on the same reservation
  • Discounted Admiral Club membership
  • High annual fee with no first-year waiver
  • Lackluster rewards rates
  • Requires excellent credit
Card Details
  • Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
  • Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com, 4 miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for all other purchases
  • Admirals Club Membership: Access to nearly 100 lounge locations worldwide for you and your immediate family (or up to 2 traveling guests that accompany you)
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years
Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Airline Card for Delta Lounge Access

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

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On American Express's Website
3.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
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On American Express's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Miles on Delta flights and Delta Vacations®; Earn 1 mile per dollar for all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles

Annual Fee

$650

Regular APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Pick the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) if you’re looking for an airline card that gives you airport lounge access when flying Delta, but be aware that cardholders will be limited to 15 annual Sky Club visits beginning in February 2025. Once all 15 visits have been used, eligible cardholders may purchase additional Delta Sky Club visits at a per-visit rate of $50 per person. Receive unlimited visits by spending $75,000 on your card each calendar year.

Why We Like It 

One of the best features of this card is that it can help you work toward earning elite status, with Medallion Qualifying Dollar boosts. The card also gives you access to American Express Centurion lounges when flying Delta. A plethora of benefits include a yearly companion certificate (applicable to eligible round-trip itineraries, taxes and fees apply), restaurant and rideshare credits with enrollment and an annual $200 hotel stay credit for bookings made with Delta Stays. The TakeOff15 program gives cardholders a 15% discount on Delta award flights.

What We Don’t Like 

Basic Economy ticket holders are not eligible for Delta Sky Club access. Considering how pricey the annual fee on this card is, it has awful earning rates for everything other than Delta Air Lines purchases.

Who It’s Best For 

This card is best for true Delta loyalists who will be able to take advantage of all the included benefits.

Pros & Cons
  • Access to Delta Sky Club, Centurion and Escape lounges
  • Annual companion certificate
  • Free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight guests
  • Elite Delta Medallion status is possible through high spending
  • High annual fee and additional fee for authorized users
  • No bonus categories apart from Delta purchases
  • Delta Sky Club Lounge access is limited to 15 visits unless you spend $75,000 or more each year
  • Included credits can help offset the fee, but can be challenging to use
Card Details
  • Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Southwest Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
3.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2X points on internet, cable,Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus points.

Annual Fee

$149

Regular APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card features airline-specific perks that benefit the regular Southwest flyer.

Why We Like It

The annual travel credits, upgraded boardings, yearly anniversary points bonus and annual boost towards earning the Companion Pass add real value to your Southwest flights. The Companion Pass, unique in the industry, doubles the value of Southwest points once earned. Southwest credit cards like this one, puts earning the Companion Pass within reach since all spending and the welcome bonus count towards Companion Pass qualification.

What We Don’t Like 

Southwest has a limited route network and no airline partners, so frequent international travelers could have no redemption options for many of their trips. Award flight pricing is based on the cash price of flights so there’s no opportunity for outsized value. The annual fee is a little steep for this middle-level card and may not make sense for anyone that isn’t a frequent Southwest flyer.

Who It’s Best For

This airline credit card is best for someone looking to earn Southwest points in any and all forms—redeemable points, tier-qualifying points and companion pass qualifying points and can maximize the benefits to justify the annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Barbara King
Barbara King
Credit Cards Writer
Always dreaming about the next destination, credit cards specialist Barbara King is an avid traveler who optimizes her adventures through the use of points and miles. Barbara has earned and redeemed millions of credit cards points which has enabled her to explore over 50 countries on six continents, enjoying both budget and luxury travel.
Credit Cards Writer

The perks on this card are practical and useful for regular Southwest flyers. Four upgraded boarding passes per year when available plus an easy-to-earn $75 statement credit on Southwest purchases and a 7,500-point anniversary bonus can all make this card worth keeping in their wallets.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Earn points toward A-list status
  • Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates
  • High regular APR
  • No intro APR offer
  • Rewards flights only available on Southwest, no partner airlines
  • Annual fee
Card Details
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 7,500 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
  • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
  • $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Card for Delta Miles Loyalists

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

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On American Express's Website
3.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Miles on purchases made directly with hotels; Earn 3X Miles on Delta flights and Delta Vacations; Earn 2XRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles

Annual Fee

$350

Regular APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) has the best earning structure of any Delta card, making it an excellent way to replenish your SkyMiles balance.

Why We Like It

This card offers similar benefits to more expensive cards but at about half the annual fee: You’ll still get access to Delta flight award discounts, an annual companion certificate for eligible travel, elite status boosts and a handful of other credits.

What We Don’t Like 

Similar to other Amex cards, many statement credits are earned on a monthly basis rather than as a lump sum which means extra effort is required to ensure the credits are maximized. Plus, the card does not provide lounge access, which may be something you’d want from a premium-priced airline card.

Who It’s Best For 

The Platinum version of Delta’s card is best for loyal Delta flyers who want a selection of benefits but don’t need airport lounge access.

Pros & Cons
  • Annual companion certificate for an eligible U.S., Mexico, Caribbean or Central American round-trip flight
  • Zone 5 priority boarding and free checked bag when flying with Delta
  • Various statement credits for rideshares, Resy and Delta Stays
  • Companion certificate is subject to taxes and fees
  • Does not include Delta Sky Club access
  • Statement credits may be difficult to maximize
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $350 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Summary of the Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Best Flexible Rewards Card for Airlines
Excellent, Good
$95
60,000 bonus points
Best Flexible Rewards Card for Everyday Spending
Excellent, Good
$95
75,000 bonus points
Best Premium Travel Rewards Card
Excellent
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Best Premium Rewards Card for Travel Insurance
Excellent
$550
60,000 bonus points
Best Card for Lounge Access with Premium Rewards
Good,Excellent
$695
Earn 80,000 points
Best Airline Credit Card for Aeroplan
Good, Excellent
$95
Earn up to 70,000 points
Best Airline Card for Distance-Based Redemptions
Excellent, Good
$95
Earn 75,000 Avios
Best Midtier Airline Credit Card for United Flyers
Good/Excellent
$250
Earn 70,000 bonus miles
Best Airline Credit Card for United Airlines Lounge Access
Excellent
$525
Earn 90,000 bonus miles
Best Airline Card for American Airlines Lounge Access
Excellent, Good
$595
70,000 bonus miles
Best Airline Card for Delta Lounge Access
Good,Excellent
$650
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles
Best Southwest Credit Card
Good, Excellent
$149
Earn 50,000 bonus points.
Best Card for Delta Miles Loyalists
Good,Excellent
$350
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Methodology for Best Airline Credit Cards

Forbes Advisor looked at both airline credit cards and flexible rewards cards. We considered the following:

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in the context of airline credit cards. Cards with average stand-alone ratings may rank highly as an airline credit card due to its performance on the factors listed above which are of more importance for an airline credit card.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be one of the recommended cards on our list of airline credit cards. That’s because the card might offer features such as lounge access or airline statement credits that are valuable for someone specifically looking for an airline credit card.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.


Airline Credit Cards In The News

Several new airline credit cards have recently been released, giving flyers new opportunities to earn miles with their preferred airlines. Avianca and Qatar Airways both recently launched two new co-branded airline cards that earn points in their respective loyalty programs. Someone who prefers flexible points may instead want to look at the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, a relatively new card earning Citi ThankYou® Points, which can be transferred to a number of partnering airlines.

If you hold a credit card earning flexible points, keep an eye out for limited time transfer bonuses which yield more miles than usual and can help you get more value for your hard-earned points.


What Is an Airline Credit Card?

Credit cards co-branded with a specific airline or rewards program and enable cardholders to earn frequent flyer miles or points on every purchase are often referred to as airline credit cards. These cards offer an easy way to boost your miles balance with every purchase you make and often include other travel benefits.

How Do Credit Card Airline Miles Work?

An airline credit card offers rewards in the form of miles when making purchases on your card. Those miles are then deposited directly into your frequent flyer account, typically once per billing cycle. Your frequent flyer account will be linked to your credit card account when you open the card. There are no extra steps to get the miles from your credit card to your airline frequent flyer account. Once your miles earned from credit card spending are in your frequent flyer account, you can redeem them as you normally would.

Learn more with our Complete Guide To Redeeming Miles and Points.

Pro Tip
Take advantage of credit card welcome bonuses. Many credit cards offer lucrative bonuses in the form of airline miles for signing up for the card. Make sure to read the fine print to understand the terms and conditions required to earn the bonus. These welcome offers are typically the most rewarding way to jumpstart your mile-earning with any given loyalty program.

Pros and Cons of Airline Credit Cards

While airline credit cards offer plenty of value for the right user, several disadvantages mean they won’t be right for many travelers.

Pros of Airline Credit Cards Cons of Airline Credit Cards
Airline cards typically offer accelerated earnings with a specific airline program.
Rewards earned with airline credit cards may typically only be redeemed for flights and upgrades with the specific airline.
Airline cards may offer airline-specific perks, such as priority boarding, free checked bags and automatic upgrade or status qualification.
Reward redemptions within airline programs typically don’t offer a wide variety of redemption options.
Premium airline cards offer travel protections, lounge access and more.
Some users may feel stuck within a specific loyalty program after devoting time and energy to build points in a specific program.

Who Should Apply for an Airline Credit Card?

An airline card may be right for you if you’re seeking any of the following benefits in a card:

  1. Frequent flyer. You fly often with a specific airline, as airline cards typically provide bonus points or miles for each purchase made with the card.
  2. Airline perks. You want to take advantage of airline-specific benefits, such as priority boarding, discounts on checked baggage fees or discounts on flight tickets.
  3. Travel benefits. You want to take advantage of additional benefits, such as travel insurance, car rental discounts or access to airline-specific airport lounges.
  4. No foreign transaction fees. You want to save on foreign transaction fees, as many airline cards waive these fees.
  5. Welcome bonus. You’re looking to acquire a large number of airline-specific points from a welcome bonus.

How To Choose an Airline Credit Card

Before you pick a credit card for flights, consider the following questions.

  1. Do you always fly the same airline? If not, consider a flexible rewards card, which broadens your redemption options.
  2. Do you have status with an airline? Someone with elite status may not need the redundant benefits offered from lower-cost airline credit cards.
  3. Do you want to access airport lounges? Premium rewards cards may offer airport lounge access to a specific airline’s network or a group of lounges through Priority Pass. But if you won’t use lounge access, you can save money on card annual fees by choosing a different option.
  4. Do you want travel insurance? Many airline credit cards provide travel insurance on eligible trips as a perk.
  5. How hard do you want to work to use your points? Not all miles have easy redemptions, but the more challenging programs may yield higher value or additional flexibility. For the simplest option, you may want to choose a cash-back credit card.
Pro Tip
Carefully select your airline credit card based on a thorough analysis of where you fly. The fewer times you shop for tickets outside of your preferred airline’s routing, the fewer times you’ll miss earning points.

Ask an Expert

How To Make the Most of Your Airline Credit Card

Brian Muse-McKenney

Brian Muse-McKenney

Credit Cards Expert

Robin Frankel

Robin Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

Barbara King

Barbara King

Credit Cards Writer

 

Don’t get grounded by flashy welcome bonuses. Choose an airline credit card that actually takes you where you want to go, with perks you will definitely use. Look for one that aligns with your travel habits—frequent flyer programs, partner airlines and bonus categories matter. The right card should upgrade more than just your miles—it should upgrade your entire travel experience.

Brian Muse-McKenney

Brian Muse-McKenney

Credit Cards Expert

 

Think about your home airport when considering what miles you want to accrue. If you’re new to airline credit cards, it likely makes the most sense to go for miles that can fly you to and from where you live.

Robin Frankel

Robin Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

 

Choosing the right airline credit card at the outset will ensure that you’ll be able to get the most value out of your card. That means being realistic about your travel goals, needs and patterns and selecting the right card based on that analysis.

Barbara King

Barbara King

Credit Cards Writer


Alternatives to Airline Credit Cards

A host of alternatives exist for those seeking to make the most of credit card rewards and benefits without an airline card.

  • Travel rewards cards. Travel reward cards not associated with a specific partner airline or hotel can earn points redeemable for travel of all kinds with nearly any airline or hotel chain. These cards are often issued by banks and financial institutions with their own travel agencies and reward programs. Travel rewards cards often provide valuable travel perks, but these perks aren’t likely to be airline-specific.
  • Flexible rewards cards. Flexible reward programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, offer a variety of redemption options, including travel. The best rewards credit cards make ideal alternatives to airline credit cards because they offer significantly more in terms of redemption options.
  • Cash-back cards. Cash-back cards offer rewards on much more than travel purchases with a specific airline, and the most-lucrative redemption options typically involve a bank deposit or statement credit. Since cash is ultimately the most flexible reward, it makes sense that many who aren’t committed to spending all their rewards on travel might prefer a cash-back credit card.
  • Hotel credit cards. Prefer spending your rewards on hotel stays? The best hotel credit cards offer free nights, excellent welcome bonuses and plentiful rewards on many types of spending. Like airline cards, rewards and benefits are typically aimed at a specific hotel brand or family of brands.

Find the Best Travel Credit Cards for 2025

Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.


Should You Get an Airline Credit Card?

Airline cards often pack in benefits similar to how airlines pack seats in a plane, with the difference being your credit card benefits may get you some extra legroom. Opening a new credit card is a major financial decision, so choosing a card shouldn’t be done casually. Our list provides the best overall options, but the card that’s right for one airline aficionado may not be the right one for you. Make sure to read the fine print for any card before applying.

Ask an Expert

Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?

Clint Proctor

Clint Proctor

Credit Cards Lead Editor

Becky Pokora

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer

Harlan Vaughn

Harlan Vaughn

Credit Card Expert

 

Beyond earning rewards, airline credit cards often come loaded with other benefits such as annual flight credits, free checked bags, priority boarding, companion passes, lounge access and more. Whether you use it for everyday purchases or not, getting an airline card could be worth it if you can utilize enough of these extra perks.

Clint Proctor

Clint Proctor

Credit Cards Lead Editor

 

Since most airline credit cards charge an annual fee, they can be good fits for someone who’s faithful to a single airline but an expensive piece of plastic for someone who’s loyalty jumps around on each trip. For travelers like that, other types of travel rewards cards can be a better value.

Becky Pokora

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer

 

Airline credit cards offer elite-like perks without requiring even a single flight—and the savings can be huge if you only fly occasionally. Most airline cards offer free checked bags for yourself and companions, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per round-trip flight. That can be worth many times a card’s annual fee. Even if you don’t check bags, other benefits can often cover any annual fees, if you use them.

Harlan Vaughn

Harlan Vaughn

Credit Card Expert

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card please visit this page.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest airline credit card to get?

Most rewards cards, including airline credit cards, require better-than-average creditworthiness for approval. The easiest airline credit cards to get are the ones without an annual fee. We’ve evaluated several favorite travel cards without annual fees that might be worth considering.

How do I earn airline miles?

There are numerous ways to earn airline miles, though the most common methods are by flying with the airline or by using an airline’s credit card for purchases. The amount you earn through spending varies depending on what card you have. In general, airline cards award extra miles for purchases made directly with the airline which would include ticket purchases. Some cards also have bonus categories such as travel, dining or gas purchases.

Using an airline credit card as payment does not affect your ability to earn frequent flyer miles on the same flight. You may earn bonus miles from the card you used to make your purchase and separately, earn miles from taking the flight. Each airline awards miles from flying based on its own formula, which is usually a combination of ticket cost, miles flown and elite status.

How do I transfer credit card points to airline miles?

Not all types of credit card points can be transferred to airline miles. Some of the most popular transferable currencies include Chase Ultimate Rewards points, American Express Membership Rewards points and Citi ThankYou Points.

Each transfer partner has a slightly different set of instructions, but in general, you can transfer credit card points to airline miles via your credit card’s rewards page. Make sure you have your frequent flyer number handy in order to complete the transaction.

How many miles do I need for a free flight?

The number of miles needed for a free flight varies by airline loyalty program. Some airlines have fixed award charts based on distance or region, while others have dynamic pricing based on the dollar cost of the flight.


Next Up In Travel

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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