Travel Credit Card vs. Airline Credit Card. How to Decide Which Is Best in 2024

Many travelers benefit from using rewards credit cards. Earning travel rewards when you swipe your credit card is a smart financial strategy. If you like to travel, you may be considering getting a credit card that rewards you for travel spending.

But with so many credit card options, it's understandable if you need help deciding what type of credit card to get. For travelers who fly often, airline credit cards are a good option. Another option that is a solid choice for many travelers is a travel rewards credit card.

Find out what travelers like you should consider before getting a rewards credit card.

Consider your travel preferences and spending habits

Before getting a new credit card, consider how you travel. Your travel habits will determine the type of credit card that is best for your needs.

Some travelers fly often, while others use various forms of transportation, including buses, trains, planes, and rental cars. Frequent flyers should consider whether they're loyal to one airline or tend to book the cheapest airfare, regardless of the carrier.

Next, consider your current spending habits. You'll want to choose a rewards credit card that rewards you for the purchases you make most often. Not every card will do that.

Determine your top spending categories and how much you usually charge to credit cards. This information will help you choose a card with maximum reward potential.

Review the benefits offered

Many rewards credit cards include valuable perks. But not every benefit will meet your needs. Before getting a credit card with an annual fee, ensure the benefits are worth the yearly cost. Consider a different card if you won't get much from the perks. If the travel benefits provided don't match your travel style, you may want to explore a different card.

An airline credit card may be a good choice for…

Consider an airline credit card if you're a frequent flyer who prefers flying with a specific airline. You could earn rewards through your favorite airline's frequent flyer program and redeem them for award flights. Plus, you can get perks that could improve your travel experience, like free checked bag perks -- a benefit that could help you keep more money in the bank.

A travel credit card may work well for…

If you spend money on various travel expenses and want to have more flexibility with how you redeem your travel rewards, a general travel credit card may be the best option. Many of these cards include useful travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and lost baggage reimbursement and benefits like yearly statement credits and free airport lounge access.

This card is a solid option for everyday travelers

If you want a credit card that rewards you for various travel purchases and aren't loyal to one airline, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The $95 annual fee is affordable. This card also has a generous welcome offer for new cardholders who meet the minimum spend.

You can earn 5X points per $1 on eligible travel purchases made through the Chase Travel portal and 2X points per $1 on other travel purchases made with your card. A 10% anniversary point bonus is also available to cardholders. The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is flexible, allowing multiple ways to redeem your rewards.

This card is ideal for Delta loyalists

If you want an airline credit card and are a frequent Delta flyer, you may want to add one of the best Delta credit cards to your wallet. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is one option. You'll pay an annual fee of $350 to have this card in your wallet (see rates and fees).

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has a generous welcome offer for new cardholders who meet the minimum spend requirements. Terms apply. You can earn 3X miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels. Terms apply.

This card also offers rewards on other spending categories, like dining, and includes free checked bag perks, a savings of $30 per one-way flight. Terms apply. Want to explore other card options? Check out our best credit cards list.