Ever daydreamed about zipping through airport lines with priority boarding or enjoying a complimentary in-flight snack on your next trip? Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or an occasional vacationer, the right airline credit card can make all the difference in enhancing your travel experience. If you’re looking to find the best airline credit card to unlock these perks and more, you’re in the right place!
In this guide, we’re going to embark on a journey through the vast skies of airline credit cards. From cards that waive the annual fee to those that lavish you with luxury, we’ve got the lowdown on the top picks. Get ready to elevate your travel game and discover which card will help you soar the highest!
Best Airline Credit Card (Top 9 Options)
Before we delve into specific airline credit card recommendations, let’s discuss the varying types of cards available in the market. Airlines offer a spectrum of credit cards, ranging from no annual fee cards to premium cards with hefty annual fees of $400 or more. However, for the majority of travelers, the sweet spot lies in the middle, with annual fees typically ranging from $90 to $100. Now let’s see which is the best airline credit card for you.
1. United MileagePlus Explorer Card
- First-year annual fee: None
- Subsequent annual fee: $95
- Earning potential: 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and direct hotel bookings; 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: 60,000 miles for spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus an additional 10,000 miles for spending $6,000 within the first six months
- Additional perks: Preferred boarding, free first checked bag, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, United Club passes
The United MileagePlus Explorer Card offers its users a zero annual fee in the first year, followed by a $95 fee from the second year onwards. Regarding spending, cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar on United-related purchases, dining, and direct hotel bookings. On all other purchases, the earning rate is 1 mile per dollar.
On top of these attractive earnings, the card provides valuable travel perks such as preferred boarding, complimentary first-checked bag, and credits for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry. While the exact APR and security features require further details, this card becomes even more attractive for travelers aware that United is part of the broader Star Alliance, widening the horizon of benefits. If you are looking for the best airline credit card, then you should definitely consider this card.
Note: Business owners should consider the United Business Card for even more attractive bonuses.
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select (City Version)
- First-year annual fee: None
- Subsequent annual fee: $99
- Earning potential: 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines, restaurants, and gas stations; 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: 50,000 miles for spending $2,500 in the first three months
- Additional perks: Preferred boarding, free first checked bag
This card is an enticing offering for frequent flyers of American Airlines. It waives the annual fee for the first year, after which cardholders are charged $99 annually. As for the rewards structure, users will benefit from 2 miles per dollar on purchases related to American Airlines, dining experiences, and fuel. All other purchases grant 1 mile per dollar.
In terms of travel perks, expect to enjoy privileges like priority boarding and a complimentary first-checked bag. For those who often fly with partner airlines, it’s worth noting that American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance, presenting even broader possibilities.
Keep in mind that American Airlines also offers cards through Barclays, but we recommend the City version for its overall better package.
3. Delta Airlines SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
- First-year annual fee: None
- Subsequent annual fee: $99
- Earning potential: 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, and US supermarkets; 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: 40,000 miles for spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Additional perks: Priority boarding, free first checked bag
For enthusiasts of Delta Airlines, this card presents a favorable proposition. With no annual fee in the maiden year and a $99 fee thereafter, users are incentivized with 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases, dining globally, and groceries within the US. Other expenditures earn them a mile per dollar.
Additionally, tangible perks, including priority boarding and a free initial checked bag, enhance the travel experience. More intricate details like APR, card security measures, and downgrade/upgrade possibilities would need further exploration. Given the card’s association with American Express and Delta’s involvement in alliances, cardholders may find extended benefits on partner airlines.
Don’t forget to explore the business versions of these cards, which often offer more significant bonuses and tailored rewards.
4. Southwest Airlines Plus Card
- Annual fee: $69
- Earning potential: 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and with partner hotels and car rental companies; 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, and streaming services; 2 points per dollar on transit and ride-share services; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: 40,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first three months
Southwest Airlines loyalists have a worthy contender in the Southwest Airlines Plus Card. With a consistent annual fee of $69, this card is generous in its rewards structure, offering 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, transactions with partner hotels and car rental agencies, and even on internet, cable, and streaming services. Transit and rideshare services follow suit, while other expenses yield 1 point per dollar.
As a cherry on top, a bonus of 40,000 points can be earned by spending a mere $1,000 within the initial three months. Known for the high value of its points, this card becomes a top pick for avid Southwest flyers. While APR and security specifics need more clarity, it’s worth noting that Southwest has a robust loyalty program, ensuring users get maximum value.
Southwest airlines plus card points are known to have higher value, making this card an excellent choice for Southwest enthusiasts.
5. JetBlue Plus Card
- Annual fee: $99
- Earning potential: 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: 60,000 points as a welcome bonus
JetBlue fans, here’s a card tailored for you. The JetBlue Plus Card carries an annual fee of $99. Its rewards system is lucrative, with 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points on dining and grocery store expenses, and 1 point on all other purchases.
A generous 60,000-point welcome bonus is on offer, making it a strong contender for travelers fond of JetBlue’s services. Given the high value of JetBlue points, this card ensures a premium travel experience. If you are looking for the best airline credit card, then you should definitely consider this card.
JetBlue’s airlines plus card points have a higher value, making this card a strong contender for those who appreciate the airline’s offerings.
6. Alaska Airlines Credit Card
- Annual fee: $75
- Earning potential: 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Air purchases, 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: A bonus opportunity and an annual companion fare
For those who frequent Alaska Airlines, this card comes as an enticing package. With a reasonable annual fee of $75, cardholders can earn 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Air purchases and 1 mile on everything else. An added bonus opportunity and an annual companion fare make this card even more compelling. Notably, Alaska Airlines’ inclusion in the Oneworld alliance significantly broadens the horizons for earning and redeeming miles.
Alaska Airlines‘ participation in the oneworld alliance expands your options for earning and redeeming miles.
7. Frontier Airlines Credit Card
- Annual fee: $89
- Earning potential: 5 points per dollar on Frontier purchases, 3 points per dollar at restaurants, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus offer: 50,000 points for spending a specified amount in the first few months
Targeting the budget-conscious traveler, the Frontier Airlines Credit Card comes with an $89 annual fee. The rewards structure is lucrative, with 5 points per dollar on Frontier purchases, 3 points at restaurants, and 1 point for all other expenses.
With a 50,000-point bonus on offer for spending a specified amount in the initial months, this card promises robust rewards. Frontier’s offering makes it a top pick for those who prioritize rewards without splurging excessively. If you are looking for the best airline credit card, then you should definitely consider this card.
Frontier’s airlines credit card offers excellent rewards for budget-conscious travelers.
8. Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card
- Annual fee: Varies by card
- Earning potential: Card-specific rewards on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, restaurants, and more
- Bonus offer: Card-specific bonus opportunities
For those in love with the Aloha spirit, the Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card is a go-to choice. Though the annual fee varies by card type, users can earn card-specific rewards on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, dining, and more, alongside card-specific bonus opportunities. Notably, Hawaiian Airlines provides both consumer and business cards, catering to a wide range of needs.
Hawaiian Airlines offers both consumer and business cards with rewards tailored to your needs.
9. Spirit Airlines Credit Card
- Annual fee: Varies by card
- Earning potential: Card-specific rewards on Spirit Airlines purchases and more
- Bonus offer: Card-specific bonus opportunities
Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly offerings, extends its ethos to its credit card. With a variable annual fee based on the card type, users can avail card-specific rewards on Spirit Airlines purchases and other categories. The card-specific bonus opportunities further sweeten the deal. If you are looking for the best airline credit card, then you should consider this card.
Spirit Airlines‘ credit card may appeal to those who prioritize cost savings above all else.
Should You Get an Airline Credit Card?
Before diving headfirst into an airline credit card, take a moment to consider your travel habits and preferences. While airline-specific cards offer perks and rewards, they lack the flexibility of flexible travel points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One Venture Miles.
Additionally, factor in your location and how often you fly. Your nearest airport and preferred destinations should play a role in your card selection. Finally, annual fees vary widely, but for most travelers, cards in the $69 to $99 range offer the best balance of benefits and costs for a business credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is an airline credit card?
An airline credit card is a specialized credit card that offers rewards and benefits tailored to frequent flyers. It allows cardholders to earn miles or points with specific airlines, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks.
Q2. How do I choose the best airline credit card for me?
To select the best airline credit card, consider factors like your preferred airline, travel habits, annual fees, rewards structure, and additional perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access. Evaluate various choices to discover the one that best suits your requirements.
Q3. What are the advantages of airline-specific credit cards?
Airline-specific credit cards often offer substantial sign-up bonuses, accelerated mileage earnings on airline purchases, and exclusive perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. They are ideal for loyal customers of a particular airline.
Q4. Are there no-annual-fee airline credit card options?
Yes, some airlines offer no-annual-fee credit cards. These cards provide basic benefits and may be suitable for occasional travelers. However, they typically have fewer rewards and perks compared to cards with annual fees.
Q5. Can I use airline miles from credit cards for international travel?
Yes, many airline credit cards allow you to redeem miles or points for international flights, depending on the airline’s alliances and partnerships. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your specific card to understand your redemption options for international travel.