Best Airline Credit Cards for Rewards & Perks
- Credit Cards
- October 22, 2024
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Did you know that points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase? This fact shows how valuable the best airline credit cards can be. They can make your travel better and save you money. Whether you fly often or just sometimes, the right card can change your trips with great rewards and perks.
These cards offer bonus points for travel bookings and access to airport lounges. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you a first bag free for you and up to eight others1. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card also offers a big annual travel credit and a nice anniversary bonus1.
These cards have great sign-up bonuses, rewards rates, and perks. Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer a big intro bonus of 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 in 3 months2. Others, like the United℠ Explorer Card, give bonus points for spending with United, restaurants, and hotels1.
Before picking the best card, think about how you spend and travel. There are many cards with different fees, rewards, and perks. Even high fees might be worth it for the bonuses and travel benefits if you fly a lot.
Key Takeaways
- Points redeemed for travel through Chase are worth 25% more1.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides a first bag free benefit for you and up to eight others1.
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers an annual travel credit and an attractive anniversary bonus1.
- The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months23.
- The United℠ Explorer Card rewards you with bonus points on spending at United Airlines, restaurants, and eligible hotels1.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Flexibility
When looking at airline credit cards, two top picks stand out. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offer great travel flexibility. They cater to different travel needs, making your trips better.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is known for its flexibility and rewards. It gives up to 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ and a big sign-up bonus. This makes it a top choice for travel rewards4.
Points from this card are more valuable for travel, helping you get the most from your rewards5. It also offers travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and primary rental car insurance5. Plus, you can transfer points to many airline and hotel partners, giving you more travel options5.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is great for those who like simple rewards. It gives 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel4. You also earn 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases, making rewards easy to get6.
This card has a big sign-up bonus, adding value right away6. Although it has an annual fee, the travel perks like travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage are worth it5.
| Card | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Up to 5X points on travel purchases | $95 | Significant sign-up bonus | Transferable points, travel insurance, primary rental car insurance |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 5 miles per dollar on certain travel; 2 miles on all other purchases | $95 | Significant sign-up bonus | Travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver |
Top Picks for Airline-Specific Rewards
Loyal flyers of major airlines often look for credit cards that offer outstanding rewards within specific airline ecosystems. Among the top choices for airline-specific rewards, two cards stand out: the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the United℠ Explorer Card.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is great for those who fly Delta often. It rewards you for Delta purchases and also for spending at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. You get perks like a first free checked bag for yourself and up to eight companions, priority boarding, and a chance to earn a flight credit each year7.
There’s also a welcome offer: earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months8. The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, making it even more appealing7.
United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card is perfect for United Airlines fans. It rewards you with 2x miles on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays booked directly through the hotel7. You also get priority boarding and two United Club one-time passes each year, enhancing your travel experience7.
The welcome offer is 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months7. Plus, its $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, attracting new cardholders7
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 (waived first year)7 | $95 (waived first year)7 |
| Welcome Offer | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months8 | 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months7 |
| Rewards Rate | 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets8 | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays7 |
| Additional Benefits | First free checked bag, priority boarding, flight credit each year7 | Priority boarding, United Club passes, in-flight purchase discount7 |
Evaluating the Best Airline Credit Cards
When looking for the best airline credit cards, it’s important to consider a few key factors. This ensures you make a smart choice for your next card. Knowing these points helps you get the most out of airline credit cards and find the best deals.
Understanding Key Features & Rewards
First, look at the rewards rates. This tells you how many miles you earn per dollar spent. For example, the United℠ Explorer Card gives 2 miles per $1 on United and dining, and 1 mile on all else9. This shows how fast you can earn miles.
Also, consider the value of miles. This can vary between airlines. Don’t forget about sign-up bonuses, which can greatly increase your rewards. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in 90 days, worth $250 in travel10.
Redemption flexibility is another key factor. Check if the card lets you use your miles in various ways. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, for instance, offers 5x on travel through Chase Travel℠ and 3x on dining and streaming9. This makes your points more valuable.
Analyzing Fees & Premium Benefits
Match the annual fees to the perks you get. For frequent flyers, benefits like lounge access and free checked bags can make up for higher fees. The United Club℠ Infinite Card, for example, offers 4 miles per $1 on United purchases, great for United frequent flyers9.
Your spending habits should match the card’s earning structure. Business travelers might prefer cards like the United℠ Business Card, which gives 2 miles per $1 on travel, dining, and gas9. Always link your frequent-flyer account and check for foreign transaction fees if you travel abroad.
Here’s a detailed table to help you evaluate and compare:
| Credit Card | Rewards Rates | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x on travel, 3x on dining and select services, 2x on other travel | $95 | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | 20.99% – 27.99% Variable10 |
| United℠ Explorer Card | 2 miles per $1 on United purchases and dining, 1 mile on all others | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | 50,000 miles after $3,000 in the first 3 months | 17.74% – 24.74% Variable9 |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards | 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases | $0 | 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles10 |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | 4 miles per $1 on United, 2 miles on other travel and dining | $525 | 75,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months | 16.99% – 23.99% Variable9 |
The Benefits of Airline Credit Cards
Unlock Premium Travel: Miles, Perks & Elite Benefits
Airline credit cards offer many perks to make your travel better and cheaper. You can earn miles on every purchase, which can be used for flights and upgrades11. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card lets you earn up to 2X miles on Delta purchases and more11.
Many cards also give big welcome bonuses. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months11. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card gives 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months12.
These cards offer more than just miles. Frequent travelers get free checked bags and preferred boarding, saving money and time13. For example, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card holders get free access to Delta Sky Club lounges and a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a year12.
Beyond Miles: Additional Travel Perks & Rewards
They also offer travel rewards like no foreign transaction fees and in-flight discounts, making them more affordable13.
Travel rewards aren’t just for flights; many cards offer high reward rates for dining, groceries, and travel portal purchases11. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card gives unlimited 2X miles on all purchases and up to 10 miles per dollar on hotel bookings through Capital One Travel12. Cardholders also get elite status benefits and exclusive airport lounge access13.
Choosing the right airline credit card can greatly improve your travel experience. Many cards offer fast elite status with spending thresholds, giving you perks like priority boarding and lounge access sooner13. For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card can get you Zone 5 priority boarding and a 15% discount on Award Travel bookings via delta.com11. So, instead of seeing the annual fees as a drawback, frequent travelers often find the benefits are worth it13.
Conclusion
Looking for the best airline credit cards? Think about your travel habits first. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card are great for those who love to travel freely. They offer a wide range of rewards.
For those who stick to one airline, cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and United℠ Explorer Card are perfect. They give you rewards specific to your favorite airline.
Many airline miles credit cards have different fees and benefits. For example, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card gives 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in three months. It’s great for business travelers14.
BONUS: Read our Credit Card Points for Beginners Guide and start maximizing your rewards points today!
