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Best Airline Credit Cards of June 2023

Review Updated
Lyle Daly
Elizabeth Aldrich
By: Lyle Daly and Elizabeth Aldrich

Our Credit Cards Experts

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or you're planning a big trip, you could save on airfare with one of the best airline credit cards. You'll earn miles on your purchases that you can use for free flights. That's not the only reason these cards are valuable, either. They usually include plenty of extra perks, which can include bonus miles for new cardholders, access to airport lounges, and free checked luggage. Get ready for your next vacation with our picks for the top airline cards.

Great for: Travel rewards bonus

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.

1x - 5x points

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$95

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

60,000 bonus points

  • With a big sign-up bonus, the sky’s the limit for this top-rated travel rewards card. Plus, the premium points program for travel and dining make it a no brainer for travel enthusiasts everywhere. Read Full Review

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Travel rewards
    • Dining rewards
    • Flexible travel points
    • Consumer and travel protections
    • Has an annual fee
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
    • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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, 2024.
    • Member FDIC

Great for: Travel card with no annual fee

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

17.99% - 27.99% (Variable)

Rewards

1.5 points per dollar

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

25,000 points

  • No-annual-fee travel cards typically skimp on the sign-up bonus, but this card delivers with its intro bonus offer, unlimited rewards on purchases, and a generous 0% intro offer on purchases and balance transfers. Read Full Review

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Competitive rewards rate on purchases
    • Great 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
    • No bonus categories
    • Limited ways to use points
    • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
    • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
    • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
    • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
    • 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
    • If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
    • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
    • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Great for: Luxury air travel benefits

Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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

1x - 10x points

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$550

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

60,000 bonus points

  • The sign-up bonus, premium rewards for travel & dining, and wide array of valuable travel credits make this a compelling offer that will offset the cost of the annual fee for many. The array of limited time offers make it even more compelling. Read Full Review

    • Sign-up bonus
    • Travel credits
    • Airport lounge access
    • Travel and dining rewards
    • Flexible travel point
    • Annual fee
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
    • $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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. 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 $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Great for: Travel and restaurants

Apply Now for American Express® Gold Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for American Express® Gold Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Intro APR

Purchases: n/a

Balance Transfers: n/a

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other eligible purchases.

1X - 4X points

Annual Fee

$250

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 bonus points

  • The welcome offer, lucrative rewards at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and on travel more than justify the annual fee for most who spend in these categories. Read Full Review

    • Impressive welcome offer
    • Restaurants rewards
    • U.S. supermarket rewards
    • Travel and dining credits
    • High-value rewards points
    • Annual fee
    • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
    • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
    • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
    • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
    • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
    • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
    • Annual Fee is $250.
    • Terms Apply.
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Great for: United benefits

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays booked with the hotel. Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

1x - 2x miles

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. $0,First Year

$95

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 50,000 bonus miles

  • With a big sign up bonus and rewards for United and dining purchases, the miles will accumulate quickly if you're a frequent traveler.

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • United, restaurant, and hotel rewards
    • Free first checked bags
    • Travel statement credits
    • Annual fee
    • No access to Polaris lounges
    • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
    • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
    • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
    • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
    • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
    • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
    • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that 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. Activate by 12/31/24.
The information related to United℠ Explorer Card has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
Apply Now for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Intro APR

Purchases: n/a

Balance Transfers: n/a

Regular APR

20.74%-29.74% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

1X - 2X miles

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

40,000

  • May be the best card for most Delta travelers, given the balance of a nice welcome offer, premium rewards program, and a low annual fee. Read Full Review

    • Welcome offer
    • Free checked bag
    • Priority boarding
    • Earn a Flight Credit
    • Annual fee
    • No premium travel benefits
    • Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
    • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
    • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
    • New: 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 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
    • $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
    • Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
    • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
    • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
    • Terms Apply.

Great for: American Airlines benefits

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

20.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, telecom merchants, cable & satellite providers, car rental merchants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases, 1 mile per dollar on other purchases

1x - 2x miles

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. $0 intro annual fee for the first 12 months, $99 thereafter

$0 intro fee

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage®bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

65,000 miles

  • The rewards program makes this a compelling card to carry with OK earning opportunities beyond just American Airlines purchases.

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Free checked bag
    • Preferred boarding
    • Earn a flight discount certificate
    • Annual fee
    • Lackluster rewards rate
    • Designed for businesses
    • Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage®bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
    • First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
    • 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
    • Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
    • Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
    • Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
    • Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is unavailable on The Ascent. All information was collected independently from the issuer. Some items may be out of date.

Great for: Southwest travelers

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

1x - 3x points

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$149

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 50,000 points.

  • This feature-packed travel credit card for Southwest fans has a solid rewards program as well as Southwest credits and discounts.

    • Sign-up bonus
    • Southwest rewards
    • Yearly points bonus
    • Yearly travel credit
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • Annual fee
    • Limited airline benefits
    • 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
The information related to Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Great for: Alaska Airlines travelers

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

19.74% to 27.74% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 3 miles per $1 on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases

1x - 3x miles

Annual Fee

$75

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. For a limited time, get 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days after opening your account.

70,000 miles and a Famous Companion Fare

  • A long list of features for a reasonable fee make this card a favorite of frequent flyers. Just know that Alaska Airlines has a smaller footprint than some airlines.

    • Valuable sign-up bonus
    • Companion Fare offer
    • Earn miles with Alaska Airlines
    • Free checked luggage
    • Discount on in-flight purchases
    • Annual fee
    • Limited route selection
    • For a limited time, get 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
    • Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Every year on your credit card account anniversary you’ll receive a companion fare which allows you to book a companion flight from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
    • Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation – that's a savings of $60 per person roundtrip!
    • Priority boarding, $100 off a new Alaska Lounge membership when you pay with your new card, and a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
    • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned on card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
    • With oneworld® Alliance we’ve expanded our global reach to over 900 destinations worldwide, bringing you more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
    • Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
    • Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $75 annual fee.
    • This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card is unavailable on The Ascent. All information was collected independently from the issuer. Some items may be out of date.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Great for: Travel rewards bonus

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a lucrative welcome bonus offer and earns bonus points on travel and dining. Points are transferable to several domestic and international airlines.

Read the full Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Great for: No annual fee

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers travel points for no annual fee. It earns a competitive rate of 1.5 points per $1 on eligible purchases, and points are redeemable toward airfare as well as other travel purchases.

Read the full Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card review

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Great for: Luxury air travel benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides airport lounge access and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit to get travelers through security faster. This rewards card earns bonus points on travel and dining, and points are transferable to all Chase's airline partners.

Read the full Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

American Express® Gold Card

Great for: Restaurants and travel

The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies of all kinds, offering 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in eligible purchases), 4x points on dining purchases, and 3x points on travel booked with airlines. Users also get annual dining and Uber credits. Select enrollment required, terms apply.

Read the full American Express® Gold Card review

Related: See The Ascent's list of the Best American Express Credit Cards.

United℠ Explorer Card

Great for: United benefits

The United℠ Explorer Card is a great value for United flyers, as it offers a free checked bag, a big airline mile welcome bonus, and two free United Club℠ passes each card membership year.

Read the full United℠ Explorer Card review

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Great for: Delta benefits

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is an affordable option for the airline's frequent flyers. It offers a free checked bag on Delta flights, bonus miles on Delta purchases, and the opportunity to earn a $100 Delta Flight Credit every calendar year. Terms apply.

Read the full Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card review

Related: See The Ascent's list of the best Delta credit cards.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Great for: American Airlines benefits

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® delivers big savings for American Airlines flyers. Cardholders get a free checked bag, 25% back on American Airlines in-flight purchases, and the opportunity to earn a $125 flight discount every card membership year.

Read the full Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® review

Related: How to redeem American Airlines miles

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Great for: Southwest benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the most feature-packed card in Southwest's lineup. It includes a a nice annual Southwest travel credit, bonus points every year, and up to four free Upgraded Boardings per year.

Read the full Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card review

Alaska Airlines Visa® Card

Great for: Alaska Airlines benefits

The Alaska Airlines Visa® Card delivers big savings with Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ every year, an introductory bonus miles offer, and a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation.

Read the full Alaska Airlines Visa® Card review

How does an airline credit card work?

An airline credit card earns miles that are redeemable for airfare. Traditional airline credit cards are tied to a specific airline and earn miles in that airline's frequent flyer program. Most of them also offer airline benefits, such as a free checked bag, companion pass, and airport lounge access. Their perks make them one of the best types of credit cards for frequent flyers.

There are also airline cards that are part of a credit card company's rewards program instead of an airline program. These cards earn airline rewards that you can use to book flights with multiple airlines.

How do credit card miles work?

Credit card miles are earned on eligible purchases made with airline cards. These miles are redeemable for air travel through the card issuer's loyalty program.

With a traditional airline credit card that's tied to a specific airline, miles are added to your frequent flyer account. You can redeem airline credit card miles through the frequent flyer program to purchase award tickets. For example, if a ticket is available for 25,000 miles and you have that many miles available, you could purchase it with your airline rewards instead of cash.

For airline cards that are part of a credit card company's rewards program, redemption options vary. Some of them offer transferable rewards you can send to any of the card issuer's airline partners. Others offer rewards you can redeem toward airfare and other travel at a fixed cash rate. There are also cards that offer both those options.

How to choose the best airline credit card

Here are the steps to follow so you can choose the best airline rewards credit card:

  • Decide on a type of airline credit card: If you typically fly with the same airline, then one of its credit cards is the way to go. If you fly with a variety of different airlines, check out cards with credit card rewards programs that offer more redemption options.
  • Pick out a few airline credit cards you like: Based on the type of card you chose, you can start looking at potential options. If you're going with a traditional airline credit card, then it makes sense to check out all the cards available with the airline you like. For more all-purpose airline cards, the most popular choices are cards in the American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards programs.
  • See which card is the best fit: Evaluate all the cards you liked to choose the new card you'll apply for. The Ascent's tool for comparing credit card offers can help with this, as it provides a side-by-side comparison of multiple cards. Consider each card's annual fee, rewards, and benefits to find a winner.

What is the best credit card for airline miles?

The best credit card for airline miles is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It offers a big sign-up bonus and is affordable with a $95 annual fee. This card also earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can either transfer points to Chase's various airline partners or redeem them towards any type of travel at a rate of $0.0125 per point. With its combination of value and flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one that just about any traveler can use.

While that's the best airline rewards credit card overall, the best card for each specific person depends on their travel habits. If you fly all the time, you may prefer a travel credit card with more benefits for a larger annual fee. If you're a loyal customer to a certain airline, then the best airline card for you is likely one of that airline's cards.

Learn more: A Guide to Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

What credit score do you need for an airline credit card?

A FICO® Score of 670 or higher is recommended before applying for an airline credit card. Airline credit cards are aimed at consumers who have good or excellent credit. The good credit range starts at a credit score of 670 under the widely used FICO scoring system.

Note that there are many factors that come into play during a credit card application. Your credit score is among the most important, but it's not the only factor. It's possible to get denied for an airline credit card even though you have good credit. You could also be approved without good credit. However, good credit greatly improves your chances of success.

Pros and cons of the best airline credit cards

The table below breaks down the biggest airline credit card pros and cons:

Pros

  • Airline benefits
  • Miles on purchases
  • Valuable sign-up bonuses
  • No foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • Benefits may be restricted to one airline
  • Most airline cards charge an annual fee
  • High interest rates
  • Need good credit to qualify

Here are more details on the advantages of airline cards:

  • Airline benefits: There are all kinds of airline benefits that these cards offer, especially with high-end cards that have bigger annual fees. Examples include free checked luggage for you and your travel companions, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and a statement credit towards air travel purchases.
  • Miles on purchases: It's easy to collect miles when you have an airline credit card. When you use your travel card for an eligible purchase, you'll earn miles. Most airline cards also have bonus categories, such as purchases with the airline, dining, or hotels, where you get extra miles.
  • Valuable sign-up bonuses: Just about every airline credit card has a sign-up bonus you get after spending enough within a set timeframe. Sign-up bonuses are often enough for one or more free flights, so they add quite a bit of value.
  • No foreign transaction fee: Besides the rare exception, airline cards typically don't charge a foreign transaction fee. This makes them great credit cards for international travel.

Next, we'll look at the disadvantages:

  • Benefits may be restricted to one airline: If you get a traditional airline card, miles are only redeemable with that airline. Other card perks will likely be with that airline as well. This could be an issue if you find yourself traveling with other airlines or if you want to use travel rewards for hotel bookings. In either case, you'd need to look for the best travel credit cards that aren't tied to one airline.
  • Most airline credit cards charge an annual fee: Airline cards, and travel cards in general, usually have an annual fee. If you want to avoid this, you'll need to look specifically for travel cards with no annual fee. However, many airline cards cost less than $100, and the benefits they offer can easily make up for that.
  • High interest rates: The interest rates on airline credit cards, and on all rewards credit cards, are typically higher than non-rewards cards. That's the tradeoff for the rewards and benefits these cards offer. It's important to pay your full statement balance with an airline card so you don't get hit with interest charges.
  • Need good credit to qualify: If you don't have good credit, it's difficult to get an airline credit card. For consumers in this situation, building credit is recommended first. Once you've done that, you can think about applying for the best credit cards.

Is an airline credit card right for you?

An airline credit card is right for you if you fly at least two or three times per year. In that case, you'll have plenty of opportunities to redeem credit card miles for free flights. You'll also be able to take advantage of any airline benefits your travel card offers to save money and improve your travel experience. Ready to get started? Here's how to apply for a credit card (and get approved).

Want the biggest sign-up bonus? Check out The Ascent's guide to the best sign-up bonus credit cards.

The Picks
Card Rating Great For
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Travel rewards bonus

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4.50 stars
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Travel card with no annual fee

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4.50 stars
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Luxury air travel benefits

Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
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Travel and restaurants

Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
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4.00 stars
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United benefits

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Delta benefits

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American Airlines benefits

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Southwest travelers

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4.00 stars
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Alaska Airlines travelers

FAQs

  • An airline credit card earns miles on purchases that are redeemable for air travel. Most of these cards also have airline benefits, which can include free checked baggage, priority boarding, access to airport lounges, and complimentary upgrades.

  • Credit card miles are the rewards earned by airline credit cards. They're redeemable for air travel through the credit card's loyalty program. The type of loyalty program determines the redemption options.

    A traditional airline credit card is connected to an airline and earns miles in its frequent flyer program. Miles are redeemable through the frequent flyer program for award tickets.

    A general airline credit card isn't connected to a single airline and is instead part of a credit card company's rewards program. Miles are redeemable through that rewards program. Redemption options may include transferring miles to the credit card company's airline partners, using miles as cash towards airfare purchases, or both.

  • Here's how to choose the best airline credit card:

    • Decide whether you want an airline credit card with one airline or a more all-purpose card that's part of a credit card company's rewards program.
    • Pick out top airline credit card options that fit the type of card you want.
    • Compare the cards you chose to see which has the combination of features that fits you most.
  • The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best credit card for airline miles. It's part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which has domestic and international airline partners where you can transfer your points. Points are also redeemable for cash travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a fixed rate of $0.0125 per point. With multiple redemption options, a great sign-up bonus, and a justifiable annual fee, it can work well for most travelers.

    Keep in mind that there's no single airline card that's the best for every traveler. Some can get more value from other credit cards, such as a travel credit card tied to one airline.

  • You need a FICO® Score of 670 or higher to maximize your chances of qualifying for an airline credit card. Your credit score isn't the only factor that matters, so it doesn't guarantee an approval or a denial. That being said, airline credit cards are designed for consumers who have good credit or excellent credit.

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