Best Airline Credit Cards of 2023

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2x miles on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 13 valuable airline and hotel partners.

With a $395 annual fee, the card undercuts more expensive competitors in this space, but an annual fee is just a small part of the story. Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers.

The American Express® Gold Card wants a seat at your table, whether you’re dining out at restaurants or buying groceries at U.S. supermarkets. The card offers four points per dollar spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 a calendar year, then 1x). With a generous welcome offer, the Amex Gold card is looking better than ever.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25x miles on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 40,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more.

There’s a lot to love about this card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend at least $6,000 within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities.

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee.

If you’re not looking for premium perks such as lounge access or earning status with Delta through spending, this card is a good option. It allows you to earn SkyMiles toward award travel and to save money with perks such as your first checked bag free and discounts on inflight purchases. The card’s low annual fee won’t break the bank, either.