Imagine planning the ultimate dream trip to a beautiful destination like New Zealand without worrying about expenses for flights, hotels, or sightseeing tours. The good news is it’s entirely possible if you develop a credit card strategy that optimizes your everyday purchases.
When it comes to selecting the ideal airline credit card, there are two primary options available:
- Flexible Rewards Points: Opt for a travel credit card that allows you to earn flexible rewards points. These points can then be redeemed for free flights across various partner airlines.
- Cobranded Airline Cards: Choose a cobranded credit card that earns and redeems miles exclusively with a specific airline. This option is excellent for those aiming for status with a particular carrier or those residing near an airline’s hub.
Best Airline Credit Cards for 2024
In our exploration for the best airline credit cards, we evaluated several key factors: the welcome bonus offered, travel protections included, elite status perks, and annual benefits associated with each card. Importantly, all listed cards carry no foreign transaction fees.
While many of these cards have high annual fees (ranging from $95 to $695), utilizing the included credits and benefits can substantially offset these costs.
Recommended Travel Credit Cards
- Best travel credit card with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best premium travel credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best credit card for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best American Airlines credit card: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Best United Airlines credit card: United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Best Delta Air Lines credit card: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Best Southwest Airlines credit card: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a favored choice among travelers, primarily due to the multitude of opportunities for earning and redeeming points through Chase Travel. Cardholders can enjoy benefits such as:
- Annual $50 statement credit towards hotels booked via Chase Travel.
- 10% anniversary points bonus based on prior year’s earnings.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This premium card is ideal for travelers seeking higher-end benefits:
- A $300 annual travel credit.
- Priority Pass lounge membership for complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $550
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This card offers an array of premium travel benefits that include:
- Access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection.
- Up to $200 in airline fee credits.
Welcome Bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within six months.
Annual Fee: $695
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
This card is especially beneficial for loyal American Airlines travelers:
- Complimentary access to Admirals Club lounges.
- 25% discount on in-flight purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 within 3 months.
Annual Fee: $595
Who Should Get an Airline Credit Card?
Anyone looking to earn points for free flights, or those who are drawn to perks like free checked bags or lounge access can benefit significantly from airline credit cards.
Choosing the Right Airline Credit Card
If you’re loyal to a specific airline, a cobranded card may serve you better. Otherwise, a flexible travel rewards credit card might be more advantageous as it offers broader redemption options across different airlines and travel partners.
FAQ
Are airline credit cards worth it?
The value of an airline credit card largely depends on your personal travel goals. If your aim is to earn enough points for free flights or exclusive perks, a cobranded card makes sense. However, if flexibility is what you seek, a general travel rewards card might be the better choice.
Why consider a flexible travel rewards credit card?
Flexible travel rewards provide the opportunity to earn points across a wide array of partners, thus offering more options for your travel needs. This flexibility can often result in maximizing the value you receive from your points.
Do you need a credit card to book a flight?
A credit card simplifies purchasing flights online, but alternative payment methods like debit cards, prepaid gift cards, or payment services such as PayPal can also be used where accepted.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and not those of any financial institution, credit card issuer, or travel agency. Always review terms and conditions carefully.
