The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
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.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
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.
Kyle Olsen is the former points and miles reporter at TPG. He specializes in maximizing points and miles, elite status and credit cards so readers travel more comfortably and at a lower cost.
TPG's director of travel content Eric Rosen has used points and miles to visit some of the world's most remote corners, including swimming with whale sharks off Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast, exploring the wilds of Botswana's Okavango Delta and tasting the high-altitude wines of Argentina's Mendoza region.
also contributed to this story
July 11, 2025 • 10 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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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
Airline credit cards have evolved to offer a range of perks, including travel benefits and opportunities to earn miles at various merchants.
Comparing airline credit cards can be challenging due to frequent changes in bonuses, benefits and fees.
Evaluating welcome offers, annual fees and bonus categories is essential to determine a card's value for your travel needs.
Transferable rewards cards may provide greater flexibility and protection against loyalty program devaluations.
What to consider
Eligibility for welcome bonuses is subject to issuer-specific restrictions and recent account activity.
Award chart devaluations and dynamic pricing can impact the long-term value of miles earned through airline cards.
Companion ticket benefits and elite status-boosting features are available on select cards, often tied to higher fees or spending thresholds.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of airline card perks, application restrictions and guidance on when a transferable rewards card may be a better fit.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Airline credit cards have evolved alongside frequent flyer programs for several decades. Initially, they offered simple bonuses for free flights, but now more options are available to consumers, including transferable rewards and fixed-value points programs.
The increasing number of airline credit cards has made it difficult for consumers to compare their value. Additionally, these cards are subject to constant changes in benefits, bonuses and fees.
However, there are still excellent airline credit cards with tailored perks for different types of travelers. So, consider these factors before deciding if an airline card is right for you.
Compare welcome offers
When evaluating an airline card, you’ll want to ensure you find an advantageous welcome offer. Take note of the spending requirements and assess if they are feasible.
For instance, the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) currently offers up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP: Earn 500 PQP after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
It’s important to research and compare the value of different welcome offers, as they often change. This is a great welcome offer, so those looking for a mid-tier United card should not pass it up.
Lastly, it’s crucial to have a clear plan for how you intend to use the miles you earn. While earning tons of points or miles can be significant in itself, make sure the rewards you’re earning align with your travel and redemption goals.
Consider your card’s annual fee. Some airline credit cards don’t have annual fees. However, these are exceptions rather than the norm. These cards can be suitable for occasional travelers who want to accumulate miles inexpensively without prioritizing day-of-travel perks.
KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
On the higher end, you’ll find cards with annual fees of over $600. These fees may be worthwhile for frequent flyers who can take advantage of additional benefits like lounge access and earning elite-qualifying miles or points based on spending.
Some cards also offer anniversary bonuses to soften the blow of their annual fee.
When your annual fee is due, think about whether your card’s perks offset the cost of keeping it for another year. Consider asking for a retention offer before canceling or downgrading your card.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red, JetBlue Plus and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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.
In the past, airline cards tended to earn double miles on purchases with their associated airline. However, to compete with non-airline travel rewards cards, many airline credit cards now offer multiple miles per dollar at various merchants, such as restaurants and grocery stores.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
When considering a new airline credit card or evaluating one you already have, check the bonus miles categories and see if they align with your spending habits. For example, it’s probably not worth having a card that earns 2 miles per dollar on dining if you primarily spend on groceries.
Some top earners include the United Explorer Card, which earns 2 miles per dollar on hotels (when booked direct) and dining.
Priority boarding at Alaska Airlines. KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Even if you save just a few hundred dollars a year, it can still be worthwhile. These benefits are valuable based on how much you use them, and while some potential savings may seem substantial, they may not apply to everyone’s lifestyle.
Many travelers value airline elite status, and using a cobranded airline card can help bridge the gap if you’re close to falling short. However, only a few airline credit cards offer elite-boosting opportunities, usually with high annual fees. But if you’re a frequent flyer aiming for the next status tier, it could be worth carrying an airline card.
KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
For example, the United Explorer Card earns 1 PQP for every $20 you spend on purchases made with the card, up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year. This can help you achieve Premier status.
Meanwhile, the higher annual fee United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) earns 1 PQP for every $15 spent on purchases with the United Club card, up to 28,000 PQP in a calendar year, plus 1,500 bonus PQP each program year.
If you’re unsure about this benefit or have already achieved your desired elite status independently, consider exploring another airline to enjoy elite-style perks when not flying your primary carrier.
Carrying an airline credit card can provide significant value through companion ticket benefits. These benefits vary among airlines and cards, so reviewing the details is crucial.
The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card offers an annual companion fare starting from $122 ($99 fare, plus taxes and fees from $23) for economy class, each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more the prior anniversary year. This benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 taxis at Washington's Dulles International Airport (IAD). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
If you frequently travel with a partner, family member or colleague, it’s worth considering a card with companion benefits for significant savings.
We recommend evaluating the airlines’ frequent flyer programs to ensure their long-term value. Many programs, including Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, have undergone significant devaluations in recent years.
Many programs have eliminated their award charts and now offer dynamically priced tickets. Before committing to a new frequent flyer program and applying for a credit card, research how the program has evolved in recent years. This will help determine if the miles you earn from welcome offers and everyday spending will provide your desired travel rewards.
Application restrictions to keep in mind
Major credit card issuers have implemented restrictions to prevent excessive card churning, which may impact your ability to open new cards and earn welcome bonuses. Knowing these rules is important to avoid being denied or ineligible for bonuses.
Amex has become stricter with eligibility rules, especially for popular cards like the Delta lineup; for example, it limits bonus eligibility to once per lifetime on each product. However, they have a welcome bonus qualification tool to check eligibility before applying.
Citi has specific limitations for its AAdvantage cards. If you’ve opened or closed another Citi / AAdvantage card within the past 48 months, you won’t receive the bonus on a new card. If you have one open for over 24 months, it’s advisable to apply for another before closing it to avoid disqualifying your application.
To quickly accumulate frequent flyer miles without relying on specific travel benefits, consider applying for a card that earns transferable rewards instead of an airline card.
United Airlines Polaris business class on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Furthermore, credit cards associated with these programs offer bonus-earning opportunities across multiple categories like gas, groceries, dining and general travel purchases — not just airfare. This makes them superior earners compared to many airline credit cards.
Bottom line
Deciding whether to carry an airline credit card depends on a few important factors.
First, evaluate whether the welcome offer provides compelling value. Then, consider if the ongoing benefits, such as day-of-travel perks and discounts, are valuable enough to outweigh the annual fee. Lastly, evaluate if a rewards card earning transferable rewards aligns better with your spending habits and travel preferences.
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.
