Finder’s credit card experts spend more than 200 hours comparing and rating nearly 100 airline cards based on must-have features, including mileage-earning rates, rewards amendments in the face of the pandemic, redemption values and additional travel benefits. We’ve placed the top-performing cards into eight categories to help you best fly in style. Finder’s experts provide unbiased, trustworthy evaluations of all airline credit cards and providers, not just those we partner with on the site.
While the Chase Sapphire Reserve®'s annual-fee increased, the card still boasts an impressive travel credit to make up the difference. Not only does this card feature one of the highest travel credits available on a travel card, but it's the most flexible, allowing you to redeem it on any travel purchase. Similar cards, such as the Amex Platinum Card, restrict how and where you can use your credit.
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Rewards
Up to 10x points
Annual fee
$550
Minimum credit score
740
While the Chase Sapphire Reserve®'s annual-fee increased, the card still boasts an impressive travel credit to make up the difference. Not only does this card feature one of the highest travel credits available on a travel card, but it's the most flexible, allowing you to redeem it on any travel purchase. Similar cards, such as the Amex Platinum Card, restrict how and where you can use your credit.
Pros
Annual travel credit. Get $300 in statement credit as reimbursement for your travel purchases every year on your card account anniversary.
Signup bonus. Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months when you open your account. This is worth $900 if you redeem through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Rewards points. Earn 5x points on flights booked through Chase, 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase, 3x points on Chase Dining, 3x points on all other travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases. These points are worth 50% more when redeemed through the Chase travel portal.
Cons
Annual fee. You'll pay $550 annual fee for the card.
No intro APR period. Like many other travel cards, you won't get a 0% intro APR period on purchases, balance transfers or both.
Excellent credit score required. Being a premium card, your chances of approval greatly increase with a credit score of 740 or higher.
Annual fee
$550
Purchase APR
21.74% to 28.74% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card often offers one of the largest signup bonuses in the airline space. The card also greatly benefits from an improved earning rate of 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on dining, among its other rewards. The card also stands as the cheapest and simplest way entry into transferring points with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Rewards
Up to 5x points
Annual fee
$95
Minimum credit score
670
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card often offers one of the largest signup bonuses in the airline space. The card also greatly benefits from an improved earning rate of 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on dining, among its other rewards. The card also stands as the cheapest and simplest way entry into transferring points with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Pros
Signup bonus. 60,000 bonus points. Spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening to earn these points. They are worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Rewards. Up to 5x points. Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, and 2x on all other travel. Earn 1x points on all other purchases. These points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase travel portal.
Point transfers to select airline and hotel partners. You can transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel programs like Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.
Cons
Annual fee. The card costs $95 annually.
No intro APR period. You won't get to save money on interest with a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual fee
$95
Purchase APR
20.74% to 27.74% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
$300 Chase Travel SM Credit + 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Capital One's premium card the Venture X packs in all the value you'd expect from a premium travel card but at an asking price sizably lower than its main competitors. The card's up to $300 travel credit can make up for most of the $395 annual fee and the anniversary miles take care of the rest, each year. As long as you travel at least once a year or so, you'll gain the full value of the card's excellent reward rate and airport lounge access.
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Rewards
Up to 10x miles
Annual fee
$395
Minimum credit score
740
Capital One's premium card the Venture X packs in all the value you'd expect from a premium travel card but at an asking price sizably lower than its main competitors. The card's up to $300 travel credit can make up for most of the $395 annual fee and the anniversary miles take care of the rest, each year. As long as you travel at least once a year or so, you'll gain the full value of the card's excellent reward rate and airport lounge access.
Pros
Welcome offer. Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening.
Earn miles. Earn 10X miles on hotel and car rental purchases made through Capital One travel, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases. You can redeem these miles through Capital One and even transfer them to travel partners.
Numerous credits. You'll receive up to $300 back in statement credits each year when you book through Capital One Travel and 10,000 miles each card account anniversary starting on your first anniversary. These two perks alone pay for the cost of the card.
Cons
Not all travel partners transfer at 1:1 ratios. Most, but not all, of Capital One's travel partners allow for 1:1 transferring of your miles.
No intro APR. You won't find an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers with this luxury card.
Annual fee
$395
Purchase APR
19.99% - 29.74% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
The Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is designed primarily as a rewards option for Air Canada flyers, and it performs this role very well thanks to excellent earning rates in popular categories like dining and grocery stores, bonus point opportunities and a great signup bonus. But Air Canada's membership in the Star Alliance means you can redeem those miles on various international airlines, such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and EgyptAir.
Welcome Offer
75,000 points
Rewards
Up to 3x points
Annual fee
$95
Minimum credit score
670
The Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is designed primarily as a rewards option for Air Canada flyers, and it performs this role very well thanks to excellent earning rates in popular categories like dining and grocery stores, bonus point opportunities and a great signup bonus. But Air Canada's membership in the Star Alliance means you can redeem those miles on various international airlines, such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and EgyptAir.
Pros
Earn Aeroplan points. You’ll earn 3x points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining at restaurants including takeout and delivery services, and 3x points on Air Canada purchases. You’ll earn 1x points on all other purchases. For every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month, you’ll also earn 500 bonus points on up to 1,500 points total that month.
Intro bonus. Earn 75,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
New cardmember 25K Status. New cardmembers receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the year they open their account, as well as the entire following year. This status level includes benefits such as priority airport services, upgrades to premium cabins and more. Keep this status by spending $15,000 on your account during each calendar year. Primary cardholders can also upgrade their status level to 35K by spending $50,000 on their account during a calendar year.
Air Canada travel perks. Cardholders enjoy several Air Canada perks, including free first checked bags on up to 50lbs on flights originating on Air Canada, access to preferred pricing on flight rewards, and 24/7 concierge service.
Cons
No intro APR. This card lacks a 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual fee. You’ll need to pay an annual fee of $95 to use this card. Thankfully, this isn’t a huge deal since the card’s perks more than make up for this fee in value.
Annual fee
$95
Purchase APR
21.24% to 28.24% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Rewards
Up to 3x points
Welcome Offer
75,000 points
Rewards
Up to 3x points
Annual fee
$95
Minimum credit score
670
Best for United
United℠ Explorer Card
4.4
★★★★★
Finder score
The midtier United℠ Explorer Card continues to offer great value for its price. You find accelerated rewards on restaurant purchases and hotel stays, as well as perks like first checked bag free, annual United lounge passes and credit toward your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. You also find a great signup bonus value for the card's annual fee. Your other United card option, the United Club Infinite Card, is a luxury card and only suitable if you're a hardcore United customer.
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles
Rewards
Up to 2x miles
Annual fee
$95 after the first year intro
Minimum credit score
670
The midtier United℠ Explorer Card continues to offer great value for its price. You find accelerated rewards on restaurant purchases and hotel stays, as well as perks like first checked bag free, annual United lounge passes and credit toward your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. You also find a great signup bonus value for the card's annual fee. Your other United card option, the United Club Infinite Card, is a luxury card and only suitable if you're a hardcore United customer.
Pros
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Once every four years, you get up to $100 statement credit as reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
United miles. Earn 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and hotels stays, and 1x miles on all other purchases.
United Club passes. Get two United Club one-time passes each year. That is worth $118.
Signup bonus. Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
United discount. Get 25% back on United inflight purchases.
One-year complimentary DashPass. This membership for both DoorDash and Caviar provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate.
Cons
Annual fee. Get $0 intro annual fee for the first year, but pay $95 annually every year after that. However, with two United Club passes you already offset the annual fee.
No intro APR period. There's no 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers with this card.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Purchase APR
21.24% to 28.24% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards
Up to 2x miles
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles
Rewards
Up to 2x miles
Annual fee
$95 after the first year intro
Minimum credit score
670
Best for Southwest
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
4.1
★★★★★
Finder score
This is the highest-priced Southwest credit card, but you can offset the annual fee with the yearly $75 travel credit and the 7,500 anniversary points you get each year (valued around $97). This essentially negates the annual fee while still delivering a suite of perks, including priority boarding and in-flight discounts. Considering the card pays for itself, its the de facto choice for Southwest fliers.
Welcome Offer
30,000 points
Rewards
Up to 3x points
Annual fee
$149
Minimum credit score
670
This is the highest-priced Southwest credit card, but you can offset the annual fee with the yearly $75 travel credit and the 7,500 anniversary points you get each year (valued around $97). This essentially negates the annual fee while still delivering a suite of perks, including priority boarding and in-flight discounts. Considering the card pays for itself, its the de facto choice for Southwest fliers.
Pros
Limited-time offer: You’ll earn 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25.
Southwest points. Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services. You'll also earn 2x points on internet, cable and phone services, as well as select streaming.
Anniversary points. Every year on your card anniversary you'll get 7,500 points.
Annual travel credit. Get $75 Southwest travel credit every year. You'll also get four upgraded boardings per year when available.
Cons
Annual fee. The card costs $149 annually, but the annual travel credit perk and the anniversary points are enough to pay for the card.
Annual fee
$149
Purchase APR
20.74% to 27.74% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
Limited-time offer: You’ll earn 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25.
The Platinum Card® from American Express has a steep $695 annual fee, but it offers a stellar 5x points on flights on up to $500,000 annually (then 1x) as well as prepaid hotels you book through Amex Travel. It also happens to be one of the most coveted credit cards for airport lounge access, with premium benefits such as access to the Global Lounge Collection, Priority Pass, and most notably, Centurion Lounges. No matter where you fly with this card, you can wait for your flight in style.
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Rewards
Up to 5x points
Annual fee
$695
Minimum credit score
670
The Platinum Card® from American Express has a steep $695 annual fee, but it offers a stellar 5x points on flights on up to $500,000 annually (then 1x) as well as prepaid hotels you book through Amex Travel. It also happens to be one of the most coveted credit cards for airport lounge access, with premium benefits such as access to the Global Lounge Collection, Priority Pass, and most notably, Centurion Lounges. No matter where you fly with this card, you can wait for your flight in style.
Pros
Earn points. Earn 5x points on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. You can use your points toward gift cards, travel rewards, statement credit and more. Your 5x points on flights are capped on up to $500,000 annually, reverting to 1x points after. On other eligible purchases, you'll earn 1x points.
Welcome offer. Earn 80,000 membership rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
Travel fee credit. Select a qualifying airline and earn up to a $200 airline fee statement credit each year on incidental charges, such as checked bags or in-flight purchases. Also earn up to $200 in statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay). Enrollment required.
Cons
Annual fee. As a luxury card, the Amex Platinum Card requires a $695 annual fee for use.
Narrow reward categories. This card is only particularly strong at earning rewards on travel.
Potentially limited acceptance abroad. American Express cards are not as widely accepted worldwide as Visa or Mastercard.
Annual fee
$695
Purchase APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
80,000 points after spending $8,000 in your first 6 months
This card offers the best bang for your buck among the Delta line of cards. On top of the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, it offers increased rewards on Delta purchases and accelerated rewards at hotels, restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. But the real kicker: it comes with an annual companion certificate, a perk worth far more than the card's annual fee. Delta power travelers will find the Delta Reserve well worth the price as well, though the earning rates aren't much different from the Platinum.
Welcome Offer
60,000 miles
Rewards
Up to 3x miles
Annual fee
$350
Minimum credit score
670
This card offers the best bang for your buck among the Delta line of cards. On top of the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, it offers increased rewards on Delta purchases and accelerated rewards at hotels, restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. But the real kicker: it comes with an annual companion certificate, a perk worth far more than the card's annual fee. Delta power travelers will find the Delta Reserve well worth the price as well, though the earning rates aren't much different from the Platinum.
Pros
Welcome offer. After you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open, you'll earn 60,000 miles.
Mile earnings. Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2x at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on other eligible purchases.
Invite a guest to fly. Each year you renew your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, you receive a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate. This allows you to take a guest along on a round-trip domestic flight for only the price of the taxes and fees. See provider terms for details.
Status Boost. Every Medallion Qualification Year, receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars and reach Status with MQD Headstart.
Cons
Annual fee. Expect to pay $350 annually for the card.
Companion certificate fees. To use the companion certificate, you'll have to pay taxes and fees. Terms and conditions also apply.
Annual fee
$350
Purchase APR
20.24% to 29.24% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases in your first 6 months
While you can find a companion pass on other Delta cards, including the Delta Platinum, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card's companion pass allows your friend to fly with you on a first class booking. The other Delta card companion pass offerings are just for main cabin booking, which, while valuable, can't compare to a free first class flight for your friend. This pass alone more than pays for the cost of the card, so if you have a friend to bring along with you for a trip each year, you could consider this luxury card free to own.
Welcome Offer
70,000 miles
Rewards
Up to 3x miles
Annual fee
$650
Minimum credit score
670
While you can find a companion pass on other Delta cards, including the Delta Platinum, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card's companion pass allows your friend to fly with you on a first class booking. The other Delta card companion pass offerings are just for main cabin booking, which, while valuable, can't compare to a free first class flight for your friend. This pass alone more than pays for the cost of the card, so if you have a friend to bring along with you for a trip each year, you could consider this luxury card free to own.
Pros
Welcome offer. Earn 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 on your card in your first 6 months.
Earn miles. Eligible purchases made directly with Delta earn you 3x miles, and you’ll earn 1x miles for every other eligible purchase. You can redeem SkyMiles for flights, seat upgrades, gift cards, shopping and more.
Status Boost. Every Medallion Qualification Year, receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars and reach Status with MQD Headstart.
Cons
Annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with an annual fee of $650.
High APR on purchases. All Delta cards come with relatively high APRs on purchases when compared with other American Express cards.
Annual fee
$650
Purchase APR
20.24% to 29.24% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
4.1
★★★★★
Finder score
The mid-tier AAdvantage card is a safe bet during these uncertain times when travel may not be top of mind. It offers a lot of value for a low annual fee, including 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and on restaurant and gas station spending, which is more categories than you'd find with the similarly priced AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®. You also get access to useful American Airlines perks, as well as flight discounts after meeting annual spend requirements and renewing your card.
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles
Rewards
Up to 2x miles
Annual fee
$99 after the first year intro
Minimum credit score
670
The mid-tier AAdvantage card is a safe bet during these uncertain times when travel may not be top of mind. It offers a lot of value for a low annual fee, including 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and on restaurant and gas station spending, which is more categories than you'd find with the similarly priced AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®. You also get access to useful American Airlines perks, as well as flight discounts after meeting annual spend requirements and renewing your card.
Pros
AAdvantage miles. Earn 2x miles on your American Airlines purchases, at restaurants and at gas stations, and 1x miles on all other purchases.
Signup bonus. Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,500 within your first 3 months of card membership.
Flight discount. Earn an annual $125 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 or more with your cardmembership year.
Cons
Annual fee. During the first year you won't pay an annual fee, but starting from the second, you'll pay a $99 each year.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Purchase APR
21.24% to 29.24% variable
Foreign transaction fee
None
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months
There are dozens of airline credit cards on the market. You can compare all airline card options to see how they stack up and find one that best suits your travel needs.
Since there is no single “best” airline credit card for all types of travelers, you need to consider a few factors to find the card that best fits your individual needs.
Look at your options from your preferred airlines. Most airlines offer at least a few credit cards that can help you earn and redeem miles on flights. However, some airlines offer more choices than others.
Pick based on your travel frequency. If you travel a lot, you’re bound to get more value out of an airline card with a larger annual fee thanks to the additional perks it offers.
Review the card perks. Airline cards can come with a variety of perks, ranging from free checked bags to in-flight discounts. If you’re looking for a specific perk, make sure it’s listed on the card’s features.
You asked, we listened: Top 5 common questions
With so many airline credit cards to choose from, it’s only natural to have some questions. Here are the 5 most common questions we receive on the subject.
How much are credit card airline miles worth? The ultimate value of an airline mile can vary greatly depending on the specific loyalty program and how you redeem your miles.
Can I get an airline credit card with bad credit? Most airline credit cards require a good or better credit score. However, you can still use another type of credit card for your airline purchases.
What kinds of airline cards are there? Airline credit cards come in two varieties: cobranded, which are released under the umbrella of a specific airline, and general, which can be used on any airline.
Do I need a frequent flyer number to use an airline card? Only if you’re using a cobranded credit card. These cards need to be linked to your frequent flyer number to generate miles and provide rewards.
What’s the difference between airline credit cards and travel credit cards? Airline credit cards generate miles and offer rewards specifically for flights. Travel credit cards offer general points for use on airlines as well as other travel options, such as hotels and cruises.
Bottom line
The best airline credit card for you will depend on your credit score, spending habits and how often you fly. We’ve highlighted some of the top-performing cards on the market, but if none of these cards quite hit the mark, compare more airline credit cards to find the right fit.
Credit card ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
Our team evaluates credit cards to determine their value against similar cards on the market.
We rank card types — travel, cash back, business — on a set of factors that are most relevant to that type of card. We create these rankings to help you narrow down a credit card that best suits your spending and budget.
Kevin Chen is a personal finance expert and a former writer at Finder. His expertise has been featured in CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com, among other top media. See full bio
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Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
