The best credit cards with airline fee credits
Editor's Note
Call it a la carte pricing or just nickel-and-diming. By any name, air travelers get pummeled by an array of fees for all sorts of services.
Many of the best airline credit cards have perks that mirror basic elite status benefits — such as free checked bags — that can help you avoid some of these fees. Other travel credit cards offer credits to help cardholders offset or eliminate incidental airline expenses like paying to choose seats or connecting to inflight Wi-Fi.
However, the credits you can receive on these cards function in various ways — and sometimes, they're not the easiest to utilize.
Here's a closer look at the best credit cards with airline fee credits and how to use them.
Comparison of the top cards with airline fee credits
| Card name | Airline credits | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
Up to $200 in statement credits every calendar year with your preferred airline (enrollment is required) | $895 (see rates and fees) | |
Up to $200 in statement credits every calendar year with your preferred airline (enrollment is required) | $895 (see rates and fees) | |
Up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter) | $550 (see rates and fees) | |
Up to $100 annually | $95 | |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card* | Up to $300 annually | $550 |
Up to $300 annually | $450 |
*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All of these cards allow you to earn statement credits toward airline fees and incidentals. Credits for Amex cards are only valid for a specific airline that you choose ahead of time.
All of the welcome bonus valuations below are based on TPG's August 2024 valuations.
Details on the best cards with airline fee credits
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee definitely raises some eyebrows, but if you utilize the card's benefits, you can easily justify its annual fee.
Current welcome bonus: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Welcome bonus value: Up to $3,500
Annual fee: $895
Earning rates: 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with American Express Travel® and flights booked directly with the airline (up to 500,000 points per calendar year, then 1 point) and 1 point per dollar on other purchases
How the airline fee credit works: Every calendar year, Amex Platinum cardmembers get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline fees, though only with one airline — and you must select this airline in advance from the following list:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue
- Spirit Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
After you make your initial airline selection, you can change it once per year in January — though Amex tends to permit changes later in the year if you haven't used any credits yet. You can make your selection or annual adjustment on Amex's website.
Below are the types of airline fees that should trigger the credit:
- Checked baggage fees
- Overweight/oversize baggage fees
- Change/cancellation fees
- Phone reservation fees
- Pet fees
- Airport lounge day passes and memberships
- Seat assignment fees
- Inflight amenities (beverages, food, pillows/blankets, etc.)
- Inflight entertainment (excluding wireless internet)
According to the card's terms, the airline fee credit is not valid for airfare, upgrades, miles or points purchases, miles or points transfer fees, gift cards, duty-free purchases or award tickets. Also, bundling a fee into a single transaction with your airfare purchase may not trigger the credit. Enrollment is also required for this credit.
Other key perks: The Amex Platinum card also has other credits, including up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (Add your Amex Platinum Card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card), an up to $209 Clear Plus membership statement credit (subject to auto-renewal) and up to $600 in hotel credits per year ($300 biannually), as well as access to a wide range of airport lounges. Enrollment is required in advance for some benefits, and terms apply. A minimum two-night stay is required for The Hotel Collection benefits.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum card.
Apply here: The Amex Platinum Card
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
If you own a business and can hit this card's spending requirement, the Amex Business Platinum offers some great benefits.
Current welcome bonus: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
Welcome bonus value: $4,000
Annual fee: $895
Earning rates: 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com, 2 points per dollar on purchases in select business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million of these purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar) and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
How the airline fee credit works: The Amex Business Platinum's airline incidentals credit works like the Amex Platinum credit mentioned above. Each calendar year, you'll get up to $200 in statement credits for eligible spending with your preferred airline, selected in advance.
Remember that you must enroll and select an airline, or you won't receive the statement credits. Terms apply.
Other key perks: The Business Platinum card also has up to $150 in statement credits on U.S. purchases made directly at Dell and an additional up to $1,000 statement credit after spending $5,000 or more per calendar year, up to $120 in wireless service credits each calendar year and a Clear Plus membership statement credit of up to $209 every calendar year (subject to auto-renewal).
The card also offers exceptional airport lounge access and hotel elite status benefits. For some benefits, enrollment is required in advance; terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum Card.
Apply here: The Amex Business Platinum Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton loyalists will enjoy the excellent travel benefits the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire offers.
Current welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Welcome bonus value: $750
Annual fee: $550 (see rates and fees)
Earning rates: 14 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and resorts, 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, 7 points per dollar with select rental car companies and at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and 3 points per dollar on other purchases
How the airline fee credit works: The Hilton Honors Aspire provides up to $200 in annual statement credits every calendar year (up to $50 each quarter). The statement credits work on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com.
Other key perks: With the Hilton Honors Aspire card, you'll receive several other benefits, including top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status, a free night reward on each account anniversary, up to $400 in annual statement credits at Hilton resorts every calendar year (up to $200 semi-annually) and up to $100 in on-property credits with Hilton on minimum-two-night stays at Waldorf Astoria and Concord properties each calendar year.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
If high annual fees aren't for you, the Bank of America Premium Rewards card is right up your alley.
Current welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Welcome bonus value: Points are worth a fixed value of 1 cent apiece, making this bonus worth $600.
Annual fee: $95
Earning rates: 2 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on other purchases. These earnings rates can be even higher if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program.
How the airline fee credit works: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card offers up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits each calendar year. While you don't need to choose just one airline, the benefit works only with U.S. airlines and only on flights originating in the U.S. According to the card terms, eligible purchases include:
- Preferred seating upgrades
- Ticket change/cancellation fees
- Checked baggage fees
- Inflight entertainment
- Onboard food and beverage charges
- Airport lounge fees affiliated with eligible airlines
Unfortunately, you can't use this credit with Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines or Sun Country Airlines.
The terms also state that these purchases won't count toward the credit:
- Airline ticket purchases
- Miles and point purchases
- Miles and point transfer fees
- Gift cards
- Duty-free purchases
- Award tickets
- Fees incurred with airline alliance partners
Other key perks: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card also provides reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee and travel insurance protections.
To learn more, read our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.
Apply here: Bank of America Premium Rewards card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card
If transfer partners aren't a necessity for you and you're in the market for a premium-tier card, consider the Bank of American Premium Rewards Elite.
Current welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Welcome bonus value: Since Bank of America points can only be redeemed for 1 cent per point, this welcome bonus is worth $750.
Annual fee: $550
Earning rates: Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per dollar on other purchases. Plus, you could earn up to 75% extra points on each purchase if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.
How the airline fee credit works: Receive up to $300 annually in airline fee credits, subject to the same terms as the Premium Rewards card above. That means your credits likely won't work with airlines based outside the U.S. or flights not originating in the U.S.
Other key perks: On top of the airline fee credits, you'll receive up to $150 annually in lifestyle credits for streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and ride-hailing services; you'll also receive credit for your application fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Other benefits include up to four Priority Pass lounge visits per year and a 20% discount on flights when paying with points.
The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
If you qualify to product change to the Ritz-Carlton card from another Chase Marriott cobranded card, it's definitely worth considering.
Current welcome bonus: None. This card is not available to new applicants, but it is possible to convert to this credit card from another card.
Annual fee: $450
Earning rates: Earn 6 points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy properties, 3 points per dollar on dining, car rentals and airline purchases and 2 points per dollar on other purchases.
How the airline fee credit works: You can receive up to $300 in airline fee credits per year. Unlike other cards, where the credits are applied to your account automatically, you'll need to request the credit for eligible purchases.
Eligible fees include checked bags, inflight purchases (including Wi-Fi) and seat upgrades. We've seen mixed results with using these credits for airfare or taxes and fees on award tickets when the amounts are low.
Other key perks: You'll enjoy a Priority Pass membership with unlimited guest privileges, authorized user cards at no additional fee (who also receive their own Priority Pass membership) and a free night award worth up to 85,000 points, given on each account anniversary.
Other benefits include 15 elite night credits in your Marriott Bonvoy account each year, automatic Marriott Gold Elite status and reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
To learn more, read about how to get the discontinued Ritz-Carlton card.
Cards with general travel credits
If some of the restrictions detailed above put you off, you're not alone. Thankfully, many of the top travel rewards credit cards come with travel credits that apply to broad categories and will be much easier to use for most people. Here's an overview of these cards and how to use their travel credits.
Related: The best credit cards with annual travel statement credits
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) comes with $300 in travel credits every year. These credits apply to more than airline fees. They will apply to airfare, hotels, public transit, Uber and even Disney World tickets (depending on where you purchase them). The card's annual fee is $795.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi Prestige Card
The Citi Prestige card is no longer available to new applicants, but it remains valuable to those who have it in their wallets. In addition to a "fourth-night free" perk, you'll enjoy up to $250 in travel credits each year, covering not just airline fees but also hotel stays, ticket purchases and more.
The card's annual fee is $495.
Learn more: Citi Prestige
The information for the Citi Prestige card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
With the Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you'll receive a $300 travel credit each calendar year. The caveat is that the credit only applies to bookings made with Capital One Travel, but you can use the credits for flights, hotels and rental cars.
The card's annual fee is $395.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X card.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards
Capital One Venture X Business
The Capital One Venture X Business offers many of the same features as the Venture X card, sharing its anniversary bonus miles (10,000), earning rates and also the $300 in annual credits on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
The card's annual fee is $395.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X Business card.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
The Altitude Reserve card offers up to $325 in annual credits every cardmember anniversary year. Interestingly, these credits can be used for travel and at restaurants and bars. Credits should apply automatically to your account within a few days.
The card's annual fee is $400.
Learn more: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
The information for the Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
Holding a credit card with an airline fee credit is a great way to avoid paying for things like checked bags, flight changes and inflight purchases. The credits offered on Amex cards work similarly and require you to select a specific airline in advance, while other cards have credits that apply more generally.
Of course, these airline fee credits aren't as valuable as broader travel credits you get from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige or Venture X. We'd love to see airline travel credits become easier to use with fewer restrictions in the future.
Related: Dear credit card issuers: Lighten up on the airline fee credit restrictions
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $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 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees