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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Should you get an airline cobranded card to offset bag fees? We did the math
Gabrielle Bernardini is the senior points and miles editor at TPG. Joining the team in 2023, she focuses on helping people utilize their credit card rewards to travel for less.
April 15, 2026 • 11 min read
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Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Checked bag fees on major U.S. airlines have increased, now averaging about $100 round-trip per person for each checked bag.
Travelers booking basic economy fares may face both higher bag fees and restrictions on earning loyalty rewards.
Several airline-specific cards with modest annual fees offer free checked bag benefits for the cardholder and companions, potentially offsetting these rising costs.
These cards can be especially valuable for those flying with the same airline multiple times a year or traveling with companions.
What to consider
Free checked bag perks typically apply only to the cardholder and a set number of companions on the same reservation.
Some airlines restrict earning loyalty rewards on basic economy fares unless you hold a qualifying airline card.
Bag fee savings are most impactful if you fly at least once or twice a year with the same carrier and regularly check luggage.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of which airline cards offer the most generous checked bag policies and how to maximize savings for frequent travelers.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
As someone who doesn't have elite status from staying loyal to a specific airline and likes to book basic economy for the least expensive flight itineraries, I can say from experience that paying almost $100 in bag fees — if not more — can really dampen a traveler's cost-saving plans.
While I know you might be thinking, "Just don't check a bag," it's not a feasible solution for every getaway. Plus, as a points and miles enthusiast, I'm also now weighing the fact that some airlines have placed restrictions on earning rewards on basic economy flights.
Basically, I want to have my cake and eat it too — without paying a ton of extra cash.
That's why I've invested in several cobranded cards, and if you plan to travel at least twice a year — especially with one or two specific airlines that operate out of your hometown airport — it may make sense for you, too.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter
Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free for you and up to 4 travel companions; only on domestic flights
Basic economy fare earning rate: Earn 0 AAdvantage miles
Basic economy fare earning rate with the AAdvantage Platinum Select: 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American flights
Main cabin fare earning rate for non-elite members: 5 miles per $1 spent on American flights
Final thoughts: If you fly round-trip at least once per year, you will pay $100 per person to check your bag when you book a basic economy fare ($90 if prepaid online). This card has an annual fee of $99 (starting in your second cardholder year), which is less than the cost of checking your bag. Plus, you can enjoy additional travel perks, such as earning 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, Preferred boarding and more.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter
Checked bag perk with card: Primary cardmember plus one companion can each check a bag for free
Basic economy fare earning rate: Earn 0 United MileagePlus miles
Basic economy fare earning rate with the United Explorer card: 3 miles per $1 spent on United flights
Standard fare mileage earning for non-elite members: 3 miles per $1 spent
Final thoughts: If you plan to fly with United at least two times per year (round-trip) and check a bag, which would cost $200 or $180 if you prepay online, the United Explorer Card could be a good match for you. Plus, as a cardholder, you'll earn the same number of miles (3 miles per $1 spent on United flights) when booking basic economy with this card as travelers who are booking standard fares with no MileagePlus status. Additionally, you can enjoy other travel perks, such as two United Club lounge passes per year.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter (see )
Checked bags perk with card: First checked bag free for the cardmember (and up to eight companions) traveling on the same reservation, and a second checked bag free for the cardmember (and up to eight eligible Delta card-carrying companions) traveling on the same reservation for a domestic U.S. flight
Basic economy fare earning rate: 0 Delta SkyMiles
Basic economy fare earning rate with the Delta SkyMiles Gold card: 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights
Standard fare (Main Classic) mileage earning for non-elite members: 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights
Final thoughts: If you fly round-trip at least two times a year with Delta, this card will offset the $180 checked bag fees. Plus, you'll earn 2 miles per $1 spent on basic economy Delta flights as opposed to earning 0 Delta SkyMiles when booking this fare. Cardholders also receive other perks, such as 15% off award flights and up to $100 in statement credit every calendar year for Delta Stays (the airline's hotel travel portal; you must use your card to book).
Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free on Southwest flights for you and up to eight travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
Basic fare earning rate: 2 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest flights
Basic fare earning rate with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest flights
Final thoughts: Southwest's former "two checked bags fly free" policy is long gone. So, if you plan to take at least two round-trip flights per year with the airline, investing in the $99 annual fee card may be worth it. Aside from the free checked bag benefit (for up to eight travel companions), cardholders also get to select their seat up to 48 hours prior to departure. With selecting a seat now costing extra, a new-ish policy (and a hot topic for the airline), Southwest flyers may find value with this card.
Final thoughts: If you plan to check a bag with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines at least twice a year, this card will pay for itself. Aside from the free checked bag, cardholders will earn 3 Atmos Rewards points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights and can enjoy travel perks such as preferred boarding and 20% back on eligible inflight purchases.
Not even taking into account all of the cards' additional travel benefits and their welcome bonus offers, these low-annual-fee cobranded cards can save you money if you plan to fly with a carrier and check a bag at least once or twice a year. And, if you're always traveling with a companion, cobranded airline cards can save you significant money if you and your companion both plan to check bags.
Even if fuel surcharges do eventually go down, don't expect airlines to lower their checked bag prices. This, unfortunately, has become the new travel norm.
As a regular traveler, I personally have Southwest, American Airlines, Delta and Atmos credit cards (United is not a major operator at my hometown airport). Though I don't use each of these cards regularly, they stay tucked away in my wallet, mainly for when I have to book a flight and want to take advantage of the card perks, like a free checked bag for my partner and me.
