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Airline credit cards can be excellent options for travelers who are loyal to a particular airline. With a variety of airline-specific benefits, these cards can provide everything from free checked luggage to airport lounge memberships. But not all credit cards for airline miles are airline-branded. If you’re not a frequent flyer with one airline, the best airline credit card for you may be one that earns flexible points you can use toward flights on any airline.

Methodology

Our team of experts reviewed dozens of credit cards that either earn airline miles directly or earn points you can use to book flights. We looked at various factors including rewards, day-of-travel benefits and select fees. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the top 11 credit cards that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.

Show summary

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Key takeaways
2X
Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, every day
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.9/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best airline credit card
Learn More
On CardRatings’s ‘s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles + $250 credit
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good
Why we picked it

It may seem strange that our top pick doesn’t have any ties to a specific airline, but that’s exactly why we’ve chosen the Capital One Venture card. Card holders earn 2x miles on all purchases (except hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, which earn 5x miles). Even better, Capital One miles can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel partners or redeemed at a rate of 1 cent each toward travel purchases. The downside: You won’t receive day-of-travel benefits like a free first checked bag, airport lounge access or priority boarding from this card.

+ Pros
  • Welcome bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first card holder year
  • Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Miles transfer to airline and hotel partners
– Cons
  • Limited bonus rewards opportunities
  • Charges a $95 annual fee
  • Rewards are best suited for travel and are worth much less if you redeem for cash back
Highlights
  • 2x miles on most spending
  • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year
  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to $100 credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Ability to transfer your miles to more than a dozen travel loyalty programs

Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card

Key takeaways
5x
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel?
3x
Earn 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries
2x
Earn 2x points on all other travel purchases
1x
Earn 1x points on all other purchases, plus more
Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card
4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for airline transfer partners
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

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 Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good
Why we picked it

The Sapphire Preferred is another mid-tier card that earns flexible points. The Chase Travel??points you earn with your card can be transferred to more than 10 airline partners, including United, Southwest and JetBlue. But if you prefer simplicity, you can redeem your points for flights on most major airlines through the Chase travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents each. Again, you won’t get airline-specific perks with this card, but that might not matter if you’re not loyal to a particular carrier.

+ Pros
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for eligible travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Points can be transferred to loyalty program partners including JetBlue, Marriott and Hyatt
– Cons
  • $95?annual fee
  • No 0% introductory APR
  • Must book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards to earn 5 points per dollar
Highlights
  • 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 Travel℠.
  • Enjoy bene?ts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
  • Member FDIC

The Platinum Card? from American Express

Key takeaways
5X
Earn 5 Membership Rewards? Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500,000 in purchases per calendar year.
1X
Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Partner Offer
The Platinum Card? from American Express
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for flexible airline credits
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good
Why we picked it

While there are a few credit cards that’ll give you statement credits for airline purchases, the Amex Platinum (terms apply, see rates and fees) comes out on top with up to $200 each year in credits toward qualifying incidental fees on your selected airline. These fees can include seat selection, day passes to airport lounges or checked luggage.

Those credits and other perks make this card ideal for frequent travelers. You’ll get hundreds of dollars in other statement credits, access to a wide range of airport lounges (including upscale Amex Centurion lounges), up to $199 per year in CLEAR? Plus credit and 5x American Express Membership Rewards? points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x). Just be sure you’ll travel and spend enough to take advantage of all the benefits. Otherwise, the $695 annual fee might not be worth it.

+ Pros
  • Generous welcome bonus offer
  • Premium benefits including statement credits, hotel elite status and airport lounge access
  • Top-notch travel and purchase protections
– Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Base rewards rate is just 1 point per dollar on most purchases
  • Statement credits and perks can be hard to maximize
Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts? or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card?. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card? on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection? can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card? to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card?.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $199 CLEAR? Plus Credit: CLEAR? Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck? (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card?. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card?. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card? to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.

AAdvantage? Aviator? Red World Elite Mastercard?

*

The information for the AAdvantage? Aviator? Red World Elite Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Key takeaways
2X
Earn 2X miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
1X
Earn 1X mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
AAdvantage? Aviator? Red World Elite Mastercard?
4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for American Airlines
Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening

60,000 miles
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
21.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good/Excellent
Why we picked it

Thanks to excellent day-of travel perks such as a free first checked bag on American Airlines domestic itineraries, preferred boarding and 25% back on in-flight purchases, the AAdvantage Aviator Red is a money- and time-saving choice for American Airlines flyers.

The card beats out similarly priced American Airlines credit cards because it also offers travel insurance, up to $25 per year in credits toward in-flight Wi-Fi and the opportunity to earn an anniversary companion certificate each year after you spend $20,000 in purchases and renew the card. Its welcome bonus is super easy to earn, too: 60,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening.

+ Pros
  • Free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same eligible reservation
  • Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
  • Up to $25 per year in credits toward American Airlines in-flight Wi-Fi purchases
– Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • No access to airport lounges
  • Free checked bags only available on domestic American Airlines itineraries
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening
  • Earn a companion certificate for one guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees) after spending $20,000 on purchases and your account remains open for 45 days after your anniversary date
  • Up to $25 back as statement credits on inflight Wi-Fi purchases on American Airlines operated flights every anniversary year
  • 25% discount as statement credits on food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines operated flights
  • Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases

United Club? Infinite Card

Key takeaways
4X
Earn 4 miles per dollar on United purchases
2X
Earn 2 miles per dollar on all other travel and on dining, including eligible delivery services
1X
Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
United Club? Infinite Card
4.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for United Airlines
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$525
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent
Why we picked it

The most luxurious co-branded United credit card is also the airline’s best. With an annual fee of $525 per year, the United Club Infinite card includes United Club airport lounge membership. Since this normally costs up to $650 per year, a complimentary membership already helps the card pay for itself. On United flights, card holders can expect perks including two free checked bags and 25% back on in-flight purchases. Plus, by meeting spending thresholds on the card, you can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) toward elite status qualification in United MileagePlus.

+ Pros
  • United Club airport lounge membership
  • Free first and second checked bags for cardholder and a companion on United
  • Up to a $100 credit toward TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS application fee
– Cons
  • $525 annual fee
  • Must pay for your flight with the card to get free checked bags
  • Access to United Club lounges requires a same-day boarding pass for a United, Star Alliance or contracted partner operated flight
Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United®?purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC

Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card

Key takeaways
3X
Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta flights and Delta Vacations?
1X
Earn 1 mile per dollar for all other eligible purchases
Partner Offer
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for Delta Air Lines
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 60,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good
Why we picked it

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve (terms apply, see rates and fees) may be expensive at $650 per year, but there’s a good reason for the cost. Along with access to Delta Sky Club airport lounges, the card offers free flight upgrades (when available), a free first checked bag and a 15% discount on Delta award redemptions. This Delta credit card recently got a makeover, adding up to $610 per year in statement credits toward rideshares, Resy and Delta stays.

+ Pros
  • Cardholders receive complimentary Delta Sky Club access when they fly Delta
  • Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
  • Annual companion certificate
– Cons
  • $650 annual fee
  • Must be flying Delta to access Delta Sky Clubs
  • Non-Delta purchases only earn 1 mile per dollar
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club? One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion? Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion? Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion? Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+?, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express 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.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Southwest Rapid Rewards? Priority Credit Card

Key takeaways
3X
Earn 3X points on Southwest? purchases
2X
Earn 2X on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
2X
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming
1X
Earn 1X points on other purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards? Priority Credit Card
4.2/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for Southwest Airlines
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000 points
Annual fee
$149
Regular APR
21.49%-28.49% variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good
Why we picked it

Chase issues five Southwest credit cards at various price points, but for frequent flyers, the more expensive Southwest Priority Credit Card justifies its $149 annual fee. It comes with benefits such as 7,500 Rapid Rewards points each card anniversary, up to $75 in annual Southwest travel credits and four upgraded boardings per year (when available). Beyond this, card holders can earn tier-qualifying points for meeting spending thresholds, which can get them to Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred elite status a lot faster.

+ Pros
  • $75 Southwest annual travel credit
  • Annual points bonus
  • Four upgraded boardings per year when available
– Cons
  • $149 annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility
  • Low base rewards rates
Highlights
  • 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

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card

*

The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Key takeaways
3X
Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
2X
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services and local transit including ride share purchases
1X
Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card
4.1/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for Alaska Airlines
Welcome bonus

Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

50,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
21.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good, Excellent
Why we picked it

Alaska miles can be difficult to earn since the airline doesn’t partner with any major flexible point currencies. This is one reason the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? is so valuable — on top of perks such as priority boarding and a free checked bag on Alaska flights, a 10% bonus on miles earned if you also have an eligible Bank of America account, and a $99 companion fare (plus taxes and fees from $22) every year you spend at least $6,000 on the card.

+ Pros
  • Free checked bag and priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights
  • 10% rewards bonus with an eligible Bank of America account
  • Annual Companion Fare (after meeting spending requirement)
– Cons
  • Charges a $95 annual fee
  • Flight benefits are only valid on Alaska Airlines
  • No 0% introductory APR and may charge an above-average APR
Highlights
  • LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER—Buy One, Get One + 50,000 Bonus Miles!
  • Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
  • Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare? ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
  • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
  • Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America? account.
  • Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
  • With oneworld? Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
  • Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 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

JetBlue Plus Card

*

The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Key takeaways
6X
Earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases
2X
Earn 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
1X
Earn 1X points on all other purchases
JetBlue Plus Card
4.3/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for JetBlue
Welcome bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.

50,000 points
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
21.24% – 29.99% variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good/Excellent
Why we picked it

The JetBlue Plus has a manageable $99 annual fee, and the benefits it provides certainly pack a punch. These include a free checked bag on JetBlue flights for yourself and three travel companions, a 10% rebate on all points redeemed for JetBlue award flights, and the ability to use up to $1,000 worth of points for statement credits each year. And if you’re working toward JetBlue Mosaic elite status, this card can get you on the fast track, with 1 Mosaic tile earned for every $1,000 spent.

+ Pros
  • Free first checked bag for cardholder and up to three companions on JetBlue flights
  • 5,000 bonus points each year after your card anniversary
  • 50% savings on eligible JetBlue in-flight purchases when you pay with your card
– Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Must pay for ticket with the card to get a free first checked bag
  • Low base rewards rate
Highlights
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days
  • Earn 6 points per $1 on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • No blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights
  • Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don’t expire
  • Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
  • 50% inflight savings on eligible food and drink purchases
  • Enjoy Mosaic benefits for one year after you spend $50,000 or more on purchases each calendar year with your card
  • Enjoy an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more with your JetBlue Plus Card

Aeroplan? Credit Card

Key takeaways
3X
Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Air Canada directly
1X
Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases
Aeroplan? Credit Card
5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for international airline card
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus

Earn 70,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 70,000 points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
21.74% – 28.74% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good, Excellent
Why we picked it

You don’t have to be Canadian to take advantage of the Aeroplan Credit Card. Issued by Chase, this card offers significant benefits even to those who never step foot on Air Canada, because you can redeem Aeroplan points for award flights with dozens of Star Alliance member airlines and other airline partners. You’ll also receive Aeroplan 25K elite status in your first year with the card, 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to 1,500 points monthly) and the ability to pay yourself back for travel purchases using your points at a rate of 1.25 cents each.

+ Pros
  • Earns bonus points each month you spend at least $2,000 on purchases
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Multiple point redemption options
– Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Low base rewards rate
  • Free first checked bag only available when travel originates on an Air Canada flight
Highlights
  • Earn 70,000 bonus points
  • Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $95 Annual Fee
  • Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.
  • Member FDIC

Southwest? Rapid Rewards? Premier Business Credit Card

Key takeaways
3x
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest? purchases
2x
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards? hotel and car partners
2x
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
1x
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Southwest? Rapid Rewards? Premier Business Credit Card
4.6/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best small-business card
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Welcome bonus

Earn up to 120,000 points. Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 60,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.

Earn up to 120,000 points
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good, Excellent
Why we picked it

Whether you fly Southwest often or not, the Southwest Premier Business provides strong perks for a small business credit card. This includes a bonus of 6,000 points each year for your card holder anniversary, 25% back on in-flight purchases and up to $500 to cover fees charged when you transfer points to other Rapid Rewards members. Big spenders can also earn elite status solely via spending with 1,500 tier-qualifying points towards A-List and A-List Preferred status for every $10,000 spent.

+ Pros
  • Benefits on Southwest flights
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Offers bonus points each year for your account anniversary
– Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Some business cards with similar annual fees may offer higher annual rewards value
  • Low base rewards rate
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 60,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.
  • 6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
  • Earn 3X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
  • Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
  • Earn 2X points on rideshare.
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
  • Member FDIC

Our picks at a glance

Annual feeWelcome bonusBest forNotable feature
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
$95
75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first card holder year
Airlines
Flexibility to transfer miles to partners or redeem them directly for travel (including flights)
Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card
$95
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel?
Airline transfer partners
Wide range of airline transfer partners including United and Southwest
The Platinum Card? from American Express
$695
80,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
Flexible airline credits
Valuable credits and airport lounge access
AAdvantage? Aviator? Red World Elite Mastercard? * The information for the AAdvantage? Aviator? Red World Elite Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
$99
60,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening
American Airlines
Earn an anniversary companion certificate after spending $20,000 in a calendar year
United Club? Infinite Card
$525
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
United Airlines
Complimentary United Club membership
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card
$650
60,000 miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership
Delta Air Lines
Complimentary Delta Sky Club membership
Southwest Rapid Rewards? Priority Credit Card
$149
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Southwest Airlines
7,500 points on each card anniversary
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card * The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
$95
buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account
Alaska Airlines
Annual companion certificate when you spend $6,000
JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
$99
50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days
JetBlue
10% rebate on points redeemed for JetBlue flights
Aeroplan? Credit Card
$95
70,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
International airline
Redeem points for 1.25 cents each to cover travel purchases
Southwest? Rapid Rewards? Premier Business Credit Card
$99
up to 120,000 points: 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 points when you spend $15,000 in nine months
Small businesses
Earns unlimited tier-qualifying points toward elite status

How do airline credit cards work?

Airline cards work much like other types of credit cards. You can also expect to:

  • Earn miles for purchases: Every time you make a purchase with your airline credit card, you’ll earn miles or points. How many points or miles you earn will depend on what you’re buying, but you tend to earn at the card’s maximum rate with eligible travel purchases.
  • Receive airline-specific benefits: Airline co-branded credit cards may offer card holders benefits such as free checked baggage, companion travel certificates, priority boarding, airport lounge access and discounts on in-flight purchases.
  • Redeem miles in many ways: You can always redeem the miles that you earn for flight tickets, but other redemption options may include flight upgrades, hotel bookings, checked luggage and flight seat selection.

Airline credit card benefits

As a card holder, you can expect a variety of benefits from your airline credit card. Not all cards offer the same benefits; here are some of the most common:

  • Welcome offers that provide a lump sum of miles after meeting a minimum spend threshold
  • Miles on purchases with the airline and on everyday spend
  • Travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay insurance
  • Airline-specific benefits with airline co-branded cards, such as:
    • Free checked luggage
    • Priority check-in
    • Priority boarding
    • In-flight discounts
    • Airline-branded airport lounge membership
    • Ability to earn elite status either automatically or by meeting spend requirements
  • Benefits of travel credit cards that earn flexible points, such as:
    • Statement credits for airline incidental fees or airfare
    • Airport lounge membership (such as Priority Pass)
    • Ability to use points toward travel bookings through the issuer’s travel portal
    • Ability to transfer points to select airline and hotel loyalty programs

Co-branded airline credit cards vs. general travel rewards credit cards

Co-branded airline credit cards earn airline-specific miles with every purchase you make. These cards may be a good fit if you tend to travel with a single airline.

But if you want more choices, look for cards that earn flexible point currencies. These options come from issuers such as American Express and Chase, which have a variety of airline and hotel partners when it comes time to redeem your points.

The value of a transferable point currency comes from its flexibility. For example, if you’re earning American Express Membership Rewards points, you can convert them into Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Avios, JetBlue TrueBlue points and even Hilton Honors points, among other options.

The downside to general travel rewards credit cards is that you won’t be getting the same airline-specific perks as you would with an airline co-branded credit card. This means that if you regularly need to check luggage or use a club lounge with one airline, for example, a co-branded airline credit card might be a better option for you.

Also, airline miles aren’t completely restricted. Many airlines belong to an airline alliance, such as Star Alliance, which means you can book award flights on any member airline using miles from another airline in the same alliance.

How to choose the right airline credit card for you

If you’re looking to get a credit card that’s good for using with airlines, consider a few questions.

  • How often do you travel? Many of the best airline credit cards charge annual fees. If you don’t travel much, you’ll want to be extra sure this cost is worth it. Beyond an annual fee, the value of perks such as free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases will vary depending on how often you travel.
  • Where are you located? Each airline has its own hubs — think Atlanta for Delta Air Lines, Dallas for American Airlines and Chicago for United Airlines. If you opt for an airline co-branded card, you’ll want to make sure your home airport is serviced by that airline.
  • How much time do you spend at the airport? Do you arrive early and spend a lot of time at the gate? In this case, getting a credit card that offers airport lounge access may be worthwhile for you.
  • What does your credit score look like? Many high-end travel rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit. Review your credit score and take steps, if necessary, to improve it.
  • Where are you looking to travel? Not all airline miles are equal. You’ll want to do the research to investigate about how many miles it’ll take to get where you’d like to go. Then, compare options to find a card that matches your needs.
  • Do you buy travel insurance? If you’re a repeat purchaser of travel insurance, getting a card that offers it for free can help save you a bundle over time.

How to avoid common mistakes with airline credit cards

With all the choices available to you, it’s easy to make a mistake with a credit card. It might be tempting to apply for a card that advertises a big sign-up bonus or fancy benefits, but if it’s hard to use your miles or you don’t travel enough to justify paying an annual fee, it won’t be worth it. Avoid common credit card mistakes by doing your research and only opening a card once you’ve investigated all its features, benefits and how much use you’ll be able to get from them.

Common issues that can crop up with co-branded airline cards include getting a card for an airline that doesn’t serve your home airport, opening a premium credit card without a way to use its perks or accruing miles for a single airline when earning flexible points would have made more sense.

You’ll also want to look closely at the fine print on your card’s benefits. For example, you’ll only get a free checked bag from eligible Chase United credit cards if you use the card to pay for your ticket. And to access Sky Club lounges with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, you’ll need to be flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or operated flight, and not on a basic economy fare.

How to maximize airline credit card rewards

Maximizing your airline miles can take some effort, especially if you’re not familiar with how travel rewards programs work. Before making any redemptions with your miles, you’ll want to do some research on your airline’s loyalty program. Each airline has its own rules and sweet spots for rewards, so it’s important not to skip this step. Learning how many miles a reward typically costs will give you a solid idea of where your miles will get you.

Methodology

Our money and data analytics teams reviewed over 70 airline credit cards — from co-branded cards with major airlines such as United and Delta to cards that earn transferable, flexible points. We narrowed down our list to pick the best airline credit cards in different categories by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:

Sign-up bonus value (25%)

Earning a big credit card sign-up bonus offer can get you enough miles or points to start traveling right away. We assigned a dollar value to each bonus based on points valuations from travel website The Points Guy, and gave higher scores to cards with higher potential returns.

Rewards value (25%)

We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards offer the most rewards value. A good airline credit card doesn’t just offer a bonus on airfare or travel purchases, so cards that offer higher rewards in other everyday spending categories, such as gas and dining, got ranked higher here.

Benefits (25%)

One of the big reasons to consider an airline credit card is the travel benefits you’ll get. We gave significant weight to day-of-travel benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access and in-flight discounts. Added perks and protections such as the ability to earn elite status, travel insurance and purchase protections were included in this category as well.

Select fees (20%)

You’ll see that all of the cards on our list charge an annual fee, which is typical for top credit cards that offer substantial travel perks. Paying an annual fee is worth it if the benefits you receive outweigh the yearly cost, so we looked at the potential value you can get from each card — for example, if you’d otherwise pay for checked luggage, a credit card that offers free checked bags can pay for itself in just a couple of trips. Cards with the best overall value for the money got a leg up in this category, as did cards with no annual fee. Cards that charge foreign transaction fees scored lower here.

Statement credits and bonuses (5%)

Some cards offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases or airline fees, while others reward you for meeting spending thresholds or making certain purchases. These cards got a boost in this category.

What didn’t make the cut

We evaluated co-branded cards from all of the major airlines, and flexible points cards from the major issuer programs. While the cards below all offer solid rewards and benefits, they fell a bit short compared to our top picks:

Please note: The Southwest Rapid Rewards? Premier Credit Card is currently unavailable through this site.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards? Premier Credit Card * The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards? Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : Although this card works for occasional flyers, the benefits of the higher-end Southwest Priority Credit Card more than outweigh its increased annual fee.
  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® * The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : While it features some similar AA benefits as our pick, this card lacks travel insurance and the ability to earn a companion certificate.
  • Delta SkyMiles? Gold American Express Card: Again, the higher-end Delta SkyMiles Reserve’s benefits outweigh the increased cost of our card pick.
  • United? Explorer Card: This option may save you money on checked bag fees, but it misses the mark with perks like lounge access.
  • British Airways Visa Signature? Card: This is a great option for collecting Avios but US travelers may not want a card for a non-North American airline.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

While you can’t transfer miles you’ve earned with one airline to another, using them for some bookings is possible, thanks to airline partnerships. For example, if you earn United Airlines miles with your credit card, you can redeem them for flights with United as well as all of its partners. This includes other members of the Star Alliance, such as ANA and Lufthansa. It also includes some non-alliance partners, such as Aer Lingus.

The value of an airline mile varies based on each airline. Some airlines have more variable mile values than others. For example, according to travel website The Points Guy, you can expect to get an average value of 1.2 cents per Delta mile, and 1.55 cents per American Airlines mile.

It’s possible to use airline miles for hotel stays, but this often isn’t a good value for your miles compared to flight redemptions.

There are co-branded airline credit cards that also provide travel insurance coverage. For example, the United Explorer Card offers reimbursement for trip delay, trip cancellation, lost luggage, rental car damage and more. What you’re entitled to will vary based on which card you hold and what part of your trip (partial or whole, for example) you pay for with your card, so you’ll want to check your guide to benefits to be sure.

Yes, it’s possible to earn airline elite status just by spending on a credit card. But, ultimately, it depends on whether your credit card offers this feature. For example, cards that earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles also earn elite-qualifying Loyalty Points for every dollar spent. Earning enough Loyalty Points in a given year will entitle you to American Airlines elite status.

All information about AAdvantage? Aviator? Red World Elite Mastercard?, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, JetBlue Plus Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards? Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.

Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.

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