Best Airline Credit Cards for 2024: Maximize Your Travel Rewards and Perks
When it comes to maximizing travel rewards, airline credit cards can offer substantial benefits. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning a vacation, the right card can help you save on flights, earn miles, and enjoy perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. Here’s a comprehensive look at the best airline credit cards for 2024, curated by the experts at Be Rich Finance.
Top 10 Best Airline Credit Cards
Credit card
Annual fee
Intro offer
Apply now
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate: Earn 1x to 3x points on eligible purchases.
Bonus Offer: Receive a companion ticket (pay only taxes and fees, starting at $23) and earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Introductory APR: Not Available.
Ongoing APR: Variable APR ranging from 21.24% to 29.24%.
Cash Advance APR: Refer to the terms and conditions.
Penalty APR: 29.99%, variable.
Balance Transfer Fee: 4% of each transfer amount.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- Companion ticket benefit
- Complimentary checked bag
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Annual fee applies
- Limited flexibility with rewards
- Annual Fee: $95
- Rewards Rate: Earn between 1x and 5x points on qualifying purchases.
- Bonus Offer: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account. These points are worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
- Introductory APR: Not Available (N/A)
- Ongoing APR: Variable APR between 21.49% and 28.49%
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%, Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
Pros
- Generous bonus offer for new cardholders
- Earn extra rewards in bonus categories
- Includes primary rental car insurance
- Flexible options for redeeming rewards
- Access to transfer partners for more value
Cons
- Annual fee applies
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Rewards structure can be complex
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Receive 7,500 points annually on your account anniversary.
- Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshares.
- Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming subscriptions.
- Enjoy a $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Annual anniversary bonus
- No limits on earning rewards
Cons
- High annual fee
- Limited flexibility in redeeming rewards
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
$0 intro for the first year,
then $150
40,000 miles
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- The annual fee is waived for the first year, then $150 annually.
- Get a 15% discount on Award Travel bookings with miles on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app (excludes partner-operated flights, taxes, and fees).
- Earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases within a calendar year, which can be applied to future travel.
- Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants globally (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), and 1X miles on other eligible purchases.
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip ticket per person—up to $280 savings for a family of four per round-trip.
- Enjoy priority boarding in Zone 5 on Delta flights for early boarding and easy access to overhead storage.
- Receive up to $100 back annually as a statement credit when booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com with your Card.
- Save up to $50 off your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed through Pay with Miles on delta.com.
- Get 20% back as a statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases with Delta when using your Card.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Use Send & Split® to send money or split purchases with Venmo or PayPal users directly from the Amex App. Enrollment required.
Pros
- Complimentary checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Rewards never expire
Cons
- Annual fee applies
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Click “Apply Now” to take advantage of this offer and explore more about the product features, terms, and conditions.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months—equivalent to $600 toward your next trip.
- Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and dining, and 1X points on all other purchases.
- $95 annual fee.
- Enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver when you book travel with the Autograph Journey Card.
- Receive a $50 annual statement credit after a $50 minimum airline purchase.
- Get up to $1,000 in cell phone protection against damage or theft, subject to a $25 deductible.
- Access a 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge for booking sports and entertainment tickets, travel, dining reservations, and more.
Pros
- Extra rewards in bonus categories
- Annual credit for airfare
- Unlimited earning potential on rewards
- Protection for your cell phone
- Generous sign-up bonus for new cardholders
Cons
- Annual fee applies
- No complimentary checked bags
- No free night on your anniversary
- Lacks luxury benefits
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 annually.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases.
- Receive up to $100 in credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fees.
- Get 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases on United-operated flights, as well as on Club premium drinks when using your Explorer Card.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag, saving up to $160 per roundtrip (Terms Apply).
- Benefit from priority boarding and receive two United Club℠ one-time passes each year on your anniversary.
- Member FDIC.
Pros
- Bonus categories
- Luxury perks
- Welcome bonus for new cardholders
- Complimentary checked bag
Cons
- Annual fee
- Limited flexibility in rewards
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR of 18.74% – 29.74% will apply.
- Up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to a $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
- Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Extended Intro APR period
- Cell phone protection plan
Cons
- No rewards program
- Requires good to excellent credit
- No sign-up bonus
- Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of membership.
- Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Starting February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year. For unlimited visits each year beginning on February 1, 2025, spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 visits are used, additional visits can be purchased for $50 per person using the Card.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes annually when flying Delta, allowing you to share the experience with friends and family.
- Free access to The Centurion® Lounge when booking a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Jumpstart your Status with $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent on eligible purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, aiding in reaching higher Medallion Status for the next Medallion Year.
- Receive an annual Companion Certificate valid for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin roundtrip flights within the U.S., Caribbean, or Central America after renewing your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of taxes and fees, which will not exceed $80 for domestic flights or $250 for international flights with up to four segments. Additional baggage charges and restrictions apply. See terms for details.
- $240 Resy Credit: Earn up to $20 in statement credits each month for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants when using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month for eligible rideshare purchases in the U.S. with select providers when using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy 15% off Award Travel when booking Delta flights with miles through delta.com or the Fly Delta app. This discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.
- Receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members at the same Medallion level and fare class with your Card.
- Cardholders with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Advantages
- High rewards potential
- Free checked baggage
- Priority boarding
- Companion ticket benefit
Disadvantages
- Annual fee applies
- Requires good to excellent credit
Earn a $200 Statement Credit
Receive a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on your new Card within the first 6 months.No Annual Fee
There’s no annual fee for this card.Balance Transfer Offer
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99% applies.Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets
Earn 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% after that.Cash Back on U.S. Online Retail Purchases
Earn 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, up to $6,000 annually, then 1% thereafter.Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations
Earn 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.Cash Back Redemption
Cash Back is received as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at checkout on Amazon.com.Disney Bundle Offer
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Get $7 back each month as a statement credit when you spend $9.99 or more monthly on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) using your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.Home Chef Offer
Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.Terms and Conditions
Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous rewards rate
- Introductory APR period
- Multiple bonus categories
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Spending limits on bonus rewards
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $500 within the first 3 months of opening your account.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for each $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
- Save 25% on in-flight food and beverage purchases when using your card on American Airlines flights.
Advantages
- No annual fee
- Bonus rewards on specific spending categories
Disadvantages
- No free checked baggage
- Limited flexibility with rewards
- Foreign transaction fees apply
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: Best Airline Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Flexible redemption + big bonus
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a powerhouse for those who value flexibility. With a generous sign-up bonus and the ability to redeem points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, you can book with almost any airline. Additionally, points transfer to several airline partners, making this card ideal for travelers who want options.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Our pick for: Booking with any airline
For travelers who prefer to book directly with airlines without restrictions, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a solid choice. This card allows you to earn points that can be redeemed for travel purchases with any airline, giving you the freedom to choose based on your needs.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Our pick for: Delta Air Lines
Delta loyalists will appreciate the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. This card offers a solid earning rate on Delta purchases, as well as perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag. If you frequently fly with Delta, this card can enhance your travel experience.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Our pick for: American Airlines
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for American Airlines enthusiasts. It provides a competitive earning rate on American Airlines purchases and offers perks like a free checked bag and preferred boarding, making it a valuable companion for your travels.
United℠ Explorer Card
Our pick for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card
For those who frequently fly with United, the United℠ Explorer Card is a must-have. It offers a suite of benefits, including priority boarding, free checked bags, and even two United Club passes annually. It’s also one of the best cards for domestic travel, providing excellent value within the U.S.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Our pick for: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines fans will love the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. With this card, you can quickly rack up Rapid Rewards points and enjoy perks like a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who love Southwest’s no-frills approach.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Our pick for: Alaska Airlines
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is ideal for those who fly with Alaska Airlines. It offers a unique Companion Fare™ that allows you to book a companion flight at a discount. Additionally, you’ll earn miles on Alaska Airlines and partner flights, making it a strong choice for West Coast travelers.
JetBlue Plus Card
Our pick for: JetBlue Airways
JetBlue’s loyal customers will benefit from the JetBlue Plus Card, which offers a high earning rate on JetBlue purchases and bonus points each year on your card anniversary. The card also includes free checked bags and 50% savings on in-flight purchases, making it a great option for JetBlue regulars.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Our pick for: No-annual-fee card
If you’re looking for an airline card without an annual fee, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is a fantastic option. It allows you to earn AAdvantage® miles on everyday purchases and American Airlines flights, providing value without the cost of an annual fee.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Our pick for: Premium airline card
For travelers seeking luxury, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the premium choice. It offers top-tier perks like complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs®, priority upgrades, and an annual companion certificate, making it worth the hefty annual fee for frequent Delta flyers.
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Our pick for: International airline card
The Aeroplan® Credit Card is excellent for international travelers, especially those who frequently fly with Air Canada. It offers robust earning potential on Air Canada purchases and points that can be redeemed across a vast network of partner airlines. The card also provides travel benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Our pick for: Small business
Small business owners who travel often will find great value in the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. It combines the premium perks of the Reserve card with additional features tailored for business spending, such as bonus points on business purchases and employee card options.
How Much Is an Airline Mile Worth?
The value of an airline mile can vary depending on how you redeem it. On average, a mile is worth about 1 to 1.5 cents when redeemed for flights. However, with strategic redemptions, such as booking international flights or upgrading to business class, you can maximize the value of your miles.
How to Choose an Airline Credit Card
When choosing an airline credit card, consider your travel habits, preferred airlines, and the perks that matter most to you. If you fly frequently with a specific airline, a co-branded card can offer significant value. For those who want flexibility, general travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are ideal.
Should You Consider a No-Annual-Fee Airline Card?
No-annual-fee airline cards can be a great choice for occasional travelers or those who want to earn miles without a recurring cost. While they may offer fewer perks than premium cards, they still provide valuable rewards on everyday spending and travel.
How to Make the Most of Your Airline Credit Card
To maximize the benefits of your airline credit card, use it for all travel-related purchases, including flights, hotels, and rental cars. Additionally, take advantage of any sign-up bonuses, anniversary rewards, and perks like free checked bags or priority boarding to get the most value from your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best card depends on your preferred airline. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is excellent for Delta flyers, while the United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for United Airlines customers.
Yes, some airline miles can be used for things like hotel stays, car rentals, or even shopping, but you usually get the best value when redeeming them for flights.
If you frequently fly with a particular airline, the perks like free checked bags and priority boarding can easily outweigh the annual fee. However, if you travel infrequently, a no-annual-fee card might be more suitable.
Choose a co-branded card if you are loyal to one airline and want to maximize specific perks. Opt for a general travel card if you want more flexibility in redeeming rewards with different airlines.
Methodology
Our editorial team at Be Rich Finance evaluates airline credit cards based on factors like rewards structure, fees, and travel perks. We consider a variety of user needs and travel habits to recommend the best cards for different types of travelers.