In the ever-evolving world of travel, airline credit cards have become essential tools for unlocking exclusive perks and maximizing the flying experience. Whether you’re a frequent traveler earning miles for your next adventure or someone seeking a more enjoyable journey, airline credit cards offer benefits such as miles, preferred boarding, checked bag waivers, and access to VIP airport lounges.
However, not all airline credit cards are created equal, and navigating the options can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making process, the Fortune Recommends team has evaluated around 30 of the top airline credit cards available today, considering factors such as annual fees, rewards structure, APR, consumer benefits, and more.
The Top Picks: A Glimpse into the Sky
1. Best Delta Air Lines Card: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months
- Annual Fee: $550
- Rewards: 3X Miles on Delta purchases, 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases
Why we like this card: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card stands out with premium perks, including access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, free checked bags, and an annual companion certificate.
2. Best American Airlines Card: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Bonus: 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $595
- Rewards: 10x miles on eligible car rentals and hotels, 4x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
Why we like this card: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers Admirals Club® membership, 10 miles per dollar on car rentals and hotels, and various travel benefits, making it a premium choice for American Airlines loyalists.
3. Best United Airlines Card: United℠ Explorer Card
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
- Rewards: 2x miles on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
Why we like this card: The United℠ Explorer Card offers free checked bags, United Club access, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making it a valuable choice for both frequent and occasional United flyers.
4. Best Budget Airline Card: JetBlue Plus Card
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee
- Annual Fee: $99
- Rewards: 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
Why we like this card: The JetBlue Plus Card caters to loyal JetBlue customers with a high earning potential, a significant welcome bonus, and valuable airline-specific perks, including a free first checked bag.
5. Best Cash Back Airline Card: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days
- Annual Fee: $0 intro fee (then $95)
- Rewards: 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals, 4x points on travel at gas stations, dining, and streaming services
Why we like this card: The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature® Card offers a diverse rewards program, complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, and premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
6. Best Foreign Airline Card: Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 3X Aeroplan miles per $1 with Air Canada, at grocery stores, restaurants, takeout, and delivery services
Why we like this card: The Aeroplan® Credit Card offers great perks when flying Air Canada, including automatic Aeroplan 25k status, free checked bags, and substantial rewards for spending.
7. Best Flat-Rate Airline Card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on every purchase
Why we like this card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides a competitive flat reward rate, flexibility in redemption options, and added benefits such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits.
8. Best Premium Airline Card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $395
- Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Why we like this card: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a robust rewards program, exclusive travel perks, and valuable travel protection benefits for frequent travelers.
9. Best Airline Card for No Annual Fee: Capital One VentureOne Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.25x miles on every other purchase
Why we like this card: The Capital One VentureOne Credit Card provides a no-fuss rewards program with no annual fee, making it accessible for those who prefer simplicity and savings.
10. Best Airline Card for Flexible Point Redemption: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $550
- Rewards: 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 5x points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on other travel and dining
Why we like this card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® combines a generous rewards structure with flexible point redemption options, offering a high return on travel and dining spending.
11. Best Airline Card for Companion Pass: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $99
- Rewards: 6x points on Southwest® purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
Why we like this card: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is ideal for travelers seeking a Companion Pass, allowing a companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) when you earn 125,000 points.
Choosing the Right Card for You: Factors to Consider
Choosing the best airline credit card depends on your travel habits, airline preferences, and financial priorities. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
- Airline Affiliation: Select a card aligned with your preferred airline to maximize benefits and rewards.
- Welcome Bonus: Evaluate the welcome bonus in relation to the spending requirement and your ability to meet it.
- Rewards Structure: Assess the rewards structure to ensure it aligns with your spending habits and travel needs.
- Annual Fee: Consider the annual fee and weigh it against the card’s benefits and rewards.
- Travel Benefits: Examine additional perks such as lounge access, free checked bags, and priority boarding.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: If you frequently travel internationally, opt for a card with no or low foreign transaction fees.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): If you carry a balance, prioritize cards with competitive APRs.
- Companion Pass or Free Companion Tickets: For those who frequently travel with a companion, a card offering a Companion Pass or free companion tickets can provide substantial value.
Remember, the best airline credit card for one person may not be the best for another. Evaluate your priorities and preferences to find the card that aligns with your unique travel lifestyle.
