Best airline credit cards of April 2024
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 4:41 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024
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The best airline credit cards offer benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding to improve your travel experience. Some even let you fast-track your way to elite status or help you earn enough miles for a first-class award flight. But you don’t have to be loyal to an airline or even a frequent traveler to benefit from an airline credit card.
We analyzed a broad swath of airline credit cards from various issuers to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections.
Best airline credit cards
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card *: Best airline card.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best airline card for earning miles.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best airline card for airline lounge access.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best airline card for airline transfer options.
- Aeroplan® Credit Card *: Best airline card for airline elite status.
- United Club℠ Infinite Card *: Best airline card for United flyers.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best airline card for Delta flyers.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 35+ cards analyzed.
- 8 data points considered.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Best airline card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best airline card for earning miles
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best airline card for airline lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best airline card for airline transfer options
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best airline card for airline elite status
Aeroplan® Credit Card
*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best airline card for United flyers
United Club℠ Infinite Card
*The information for the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best airline card for Delta flyers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Compare the best airline credit cards
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
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 Travel℠.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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℠.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. soars to the top for a sky-high list of perks including a lofty welcome bonus, an impressive array of recurring benefits and lengthy roster of loyalty transfer partners. Cardholders also get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary. The card also grants unlimited Capital One Lounge visits and Priority Pass membership with enrollment, plus an up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credit every four years. Plus, with this card, you can book a flight with any airline you like, unlike many cobranded airline cards that offer perks and elevated rewards within the brand only.
- Annual fee: $395.
- Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
- Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Why this card made the list
If you want to earn miles with multiple airlines on a single credit card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® deserves a spot in your wallet. Although it isn’t strictly an airline credit card, the card earns rewards on nearly every type of travel, and those earnings can be transferred 1:1 to nearly a dozen airline programs, including United MileagePlus, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, Flying Blue Air France KLM and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
If you want to book a flight with an airline that isn’t a transfer partner, you can do so via the Chase Travel℠ portal, where points are worth 1.5 cents each. Cardholders also qualify for up to $300 in annual travel credits and access to Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire airport lounges (enrollment required) and an up to $100 credit every four years towards the application fee for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS membership.
- Annual fee: $550.
- Rewards: 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Why this card made the list
The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) sets the standard when it comes to luxury travel perks. The card offers over $1,500 in potential travel and entertainment statement credits, elite status perks with several hotel and rental car partners, travel protections plus an unmatchable list of airport lounge partners. If you want the most widespread airport lounge access possible, this card delivers.
- Annual fee: $695.
- Rewards: 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Why this card made the list
If you want to earn miles with more than one airline without having multiple credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal low-cost option. The Chase Ultimate Rewards® program partners with nearly a dozen airlines and several hotel programs, giving you ultimate flexibility when redeeming points. Factor in generous rewards rates on everyday spending with an up to $50 hotel statement credit each account anniversary year (valid on Chase Travel bookings) and it’s easy to see why this card is consistently at the top of every “best of” list.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Rewards: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: $0.
The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
From the welcome bonus to generous rewards rates and elite benefits, the Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. gets it right. The card offers a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee statement credit every four years, automatic Aeroplan 25K status for the first year of card membership and the following full year (with the opportunity to retain or upgrade your status level), a free first checked bag, plus travel and purchase insurance benefits — all for a reasonable annual fee.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Rewards: 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: $0.
The information for the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
If you want to feel like a United MileagePlus elite member without all the flying, the United Club℠ Infinite Card * The information for the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is the card for you. The card offers a host of valuable benefits to enhance your travel experience, including a United Club membership (valued up to $650 per year), Premier Access travel services and free first and second checked bags for the cardholder and one companion. Cardholders can also earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) towards Premier status based on annual spending: 500 PQP for every $12,000 spent on purchases (up to 8,000 PQP per calendar year).
One of the most unique and valuable benefits of this card is that cardholders who have MileagePlus Premier status qualify for Premier upgrades on award tickets when flying on select United- or United Express-operated flights (subject to availability). While the odds of one of these upgrades clearing varies by route, it’s still an excellent perk from an airline credit card. There are also non-airline specific perks like IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and complimentary cardmember benefits when you book a stay within The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
- Annual fee: $525.
- Rewards: 4 miles per $1 at United, 2 miles per $1 on all other travel, dining including eligible delivery services and 1 mile on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 80,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Why this card made the list
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees) gets you elite treatment before you’ve even earned status. Not only do cardholders get valuable Delta perks like a first checked bag free and discounts on inflight purchases — they also get added to the Delta SkyMiles Complimentary Upgrade list, after Medallion Members (subject to availability). Rounding out the extensive benefits, the card also grants complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta. Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost for the cardholder. Cardholders will receive four Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes each year, after that, bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. 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.
- Annual fee: $650.
- Rewards: 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.
Factors we considered include:
- Annual fees.
- Rewards rates with the airline or general travel rewards that can be used on flights.
- Rewards rates in other travel categories.
- If there is a free checked bag perk.
- Any lounge access.
- Any travel protections like baggage insurance or trip delay coverage.
- Any other perks that can make flying more comfortable, like preferred boarding or a fast-track to elite status.
Should you get an airline credit card?
Whether you should get an airline credit card depends on your travel habits and preferences. Airline credit cards offer benefits that can improve your flying experience, like free checked bags, priority boarding, in-flight purchase discounts and airport lounge access. If you can use these benefits and save enough money to justify the annual fee, then getting an airline credit card can be a great addition to your wallet.
However, it’s important to consider the annual fees and rewards associated with these cards. Many airline cards carry annual fees of $95 or higher in exchange for the above-mentioned perks. Moreover, these cards typically earn frequent flyer miles, which are best redeemed towards flight bookings.
Some frequent flyer programs have blackout dates and dynamic pricing, which can make redeeming points difficult (and expensive). So if you’re concerned about being able to redeem your miles for flights, a flexible rewards card like the Capital One Venture X or Chase Sapphire Preferred might be a better choice.
How airline credit cards work
Airline credit cards work by offering cardholders a way to earn rewards in the form of miles or points for their purchases. These rewards accumulate based on spending, with bonus miles offered in select categories like travel, dining and grocery spending. The miles can then be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades and more.
In addition to earning miles, airline credit cards often include travel-related perks and privileges. They include free checked bags, priority boarding, access to airport lounges, travel insurance, companion tickets and more. It’s important to note that many airline credit cards carry annual fees, so the value of these rewards and benefits should be weighed against the cost to determine if the card is worth getting.
How much are airline miles worth?
The value of airline miles can vary greatly depending on the airline and how you redeem them. Most airline miles are worth between one to two cents each, though you can get much more value by redeeming them for business and first-class seats on international flights.
Additionally, the value can be affected by dynamic pricing. If you have transferable rewards from a program like American Express Membership Rewards® or Citi ThankYou® points, you might want to compare the different airline transfer partner award charts to determine which has the lowest pricing on award tickets.
How to maximize your airline credit card
To maximize the benefits of your airline credit card, start by understanding the full scope of its features, rewards structure and benefits. Take advantage of the card’s welcome bonus by completing the required spending within the specified timeframe.
By channeling as much of your daily spending as possible to your airline card, you can earn significantly more rewards on an ongoing basis. You’ll want to be strategic about maximizing bonus categories, like dining, travel and grocery spending.
Many airline credit cards carry annual fees you can offset by taking full advantage of the card’s travel perks. These may include annual statement credits, free checked bags, lounge access and more. These benefits can enhance your travel experience and save you money, so don’t let them go to waste.
Lastly, be strategic about redeeming your rewards. The points you earn on your airline credit card can go a long way in meeting your travel goals. Whether booking awards during a promotional period or taking advantage of partner flights in premium cabins, knowing how to stretch your points further and maximize their value is crucial. More importantly, make sure you pay your credit card balance in full every month so you don’t pay interest and negate the value of your rewards.
What is airline elite status?
Airline elite status rewards frequent travelers for being loyal to a single airline. There are multiple elite status levels across every airline’s frequent flyer program. Each airline has different requirements for reaching elite status, but they typically require flying a certain number of miles or segments. Some airlines even require a specific amount of flight spending every year, while others let you earn elite status entirely through credit card spending.
Airline elite status comes with valuable benefits like seat upgrades, bonus miles, priority boarding, free checked baggage allowance and more. Having status can improve your travel experience and help you save money on flights.
Are airline credit cards worth it?
Whether airline credit cards are worth it depends on your travel habits and preferences. Airline cards can offer tremendous value for frequent flyers loyal to a particular airline. The benefits often include perks like checked bags, priority boarding and airport lounge access. Moreover, the miles or points earned can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades and other travel-related expenses.
However, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks such as annual fees and the risk of a devaluation. Airlines can devalue their miles at any moment, meaning you could be stuck with a stash of rewards that suddenly aren’t enough to cover that trip you’ve been saving for. Many airlines utilize dynamic pricing, meaning the mileage cost of a flight changes depending on demand. This type of unpredictability can make redeeming airline miles frustrating during peak travel times.
Credit cards that earn transferable rewards can be worthy alternatives since they offer flexible points that can be converted into various rewards. Examples include the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The most worthwhile airline credit card depends on your travel habits and preferences. The Capital One Venture X card is a great choice for travelers who want to earn rewards and benefits with multiple airlines, but it does carry a hefty annual fee. If you’re loyal to a specific airline, then a cobranded card with that airline credit card could be worthwhile for your needs.
The pros of airline credit cards include valuable travel perks that can improve your travel experience, including free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access and bonus miles on travel spending. The cons of airline credit cards include high annual fees and high credit score requirements for approval.
Nearly every major airline has its own credit cards, including popular airlines like Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta and United.
Yes, you can have multiple airline credit cards. Some people get multiple airline cards to combine the benefits and better optimize their reward earnings. However, it’s important to note that banks have rules in place that can restrict eligibility for rewards cards. These include the Amex once-per-lifetime rule and Chase 5/24.
There is no limit to the number of miles you can earn with an airline credit card. However, some airline credit cards might limit how many miles you can earn in a specific spending category.
Some airline miles expire, while others don’t. Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United miles do not expire, while American Airlines AAdvantage® miles expire after 24 months of inactivity. Mileage expiration policies vary by airline, so it’s important to review the specific terms of your program.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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