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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.
Guides
The 5 best airline credit cards with annual fees of $150 or less
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
May 4, 2026 • 12 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.
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Quick summary
Several airline cards are available with annual fees of $150 or less, offering a balance of perks and affordability.
These mid-tier options typically include benefits like free checked bags, inflight discounts and priority boarding, making them appealing for semifrequent travelers.
Some cards provide companion fare opportunities, statement credits and anniversary bonuses, adding further value.
These products are suitable for those seeking airline-specific benefits without committing to higher annual fees.
What to consider
Eligibility for certain perks may require meeting specific spending thresholds or booking directly with the airline.
Introductory annual fee waivers are available on some cards, but standard fees apply after the first year.
Perks such as free checked bags or statement credits often extend to companions on the same reservation, but terms vary by card.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of each card's unique benefits, including which perks best match different travel habits and airline preferences.
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.
Are you looking for an airline credit card, but not ready to pay a high annual fee? Lucky for you, there are some good options on the market for $150 or less each year.
Many airlines offer a range of cobranded credit cards. These offerings often start with baseline, no-annual-fee cards with very few benefits and low earning potential.
They expand to cards packed with perks such as lounge access, inflight discounts, free checked bags and priority boarding — for exceptionally high annual fees.
The options in this guide will land more in the middle.
If you're an occasional flyer or someone not particularly interested in paying more than $150 to hold a credit card, consider applying for one of our picks for the five best airline cards with $150 or less in annual fees.
The best airline credit cards with annual fees of $150 or less
The information for the JetBlue Plus 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.
Comparing the best airline credit cards with annual fees of $150 or less
Earn 50,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
Earn 3 points per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian purchases
Earn 2 points per dollar spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging stations, cable and streaming services and local transit (including ride-hailing) purchases
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines inflight discount
Alaska Lounge+ membership discount
Earn a companion fare after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year
Free checked bag and preferred boarding on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount.
Atmos Rewards Ascent
The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card offers one of the best companion fare perks on the market, making it a great option for those looking to get a solid deal when traveling with someone else.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
According to TPG's September 2026 valuations, these points are worth $775.
Why it’s worth it: The Atmos Rewards Ascent is most famous for its annual Companion Fare. This benefit allows the cardholder to book a paid round-trip economy airfare on the airline and add a companion for only $99 (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
Best of all, the primary ticket can be purchased for someone else, too. Both the first passenger and the companion earn miles and are eligible for upgrades, just like with a paid ticket.
The card provides one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation. With checked bag fees of $45 each way for your first bag, that’s a savings of $90 per person on every round-trip flight.
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is a great option for American Airlines loyalists who don't want to pay more than $150 in annual fees. It comes with bonus categories to earn more miles for your spending and a solid welcome bonus.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee, then $99 after the first year
Welcome bonus: For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
According to TPG's October 2026 valuations, these miles are worth $1,160.
Why it’s worth it: The AAdvantage Platinum Select is a solid option for American Airlines devotees.
When it comes to cardholder benefits, you'll receive your first checked bag free for you and up to four companions, preferred boarding and an inflight discount on food and beverage purchases.
With the AAdvantage Platinum Select, you'll also earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants, gas stations and on eligible American Airlines purchases, plus 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is an excellent mid-tier card option for travelers who fly Delta at least once a year.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter
Welcome bonus: Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount.
According to TPG's August 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,210, including the statement credit.
Why it’s worth it: If you have the Delta Gold Amex, you can enjoy Zone 5 priority boarding and two free checked bags: 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 Delta card-carrying companions) traveling on the same reservation for a domestic U.S. flight. You don't have to pay for the flights with your Delta card to receive free checked bags, and you'll get this perk for the cardmember flying and up to eight eligible companions on the same reservation.
People with Delta cards also receive 15% off award redemptions, which is an excellent perk if you're hoping to maximize SkyMiles.
The JetBlue Plus card is a solid option for earning JetBlue miles, which could be advantageous for frequent domestic travelers in the U.S. near the airline's hubs.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $99
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full in the first 90 days from account opening.
According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, these points are worth $945.
Why it’s worth it: The JetBlue Plus is a solid airline card, offering strong bonus categories such as restaurants and eligible grocery stores, free checked bags, inflight savings and a JetBlue Vacations statement credit.
Since JetBlue's network focuses heavily on domestic routes to popular destinations, this card could be a great option for those looking to bolster their experience when flying within the U.S.
If you're a JetBlue fan, the JetBlue Plus is likely the best option all around — regardless of your annual fee tolerance.
The United Explorer Card is ideal for United flyers who want an airline card with a modest annual fee.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user to your account within the first three months from account opening.
According to TPG's October 2026 valuations, these miles are worth up to $960.
Why it’s worth it: For a lower annual fee, the United Explorer is packed with perks. First of all, cardholders and one travel companion on the same reservation receive one checked bag free.
The card also offers excellent perks to make travel days smoother, such as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus, and two one-time United Club passes each cardholder anniversary year.
An airline card with an annual fee of $150 or less can be a great option for a semifrequent traveler looking for some perks when flying with their preferred carrier.
The benefits of these cards, such as free checked bags and inflight discounts, can be easy to use and especially helpful for those looking for value and comfort on their travels.
Plus, if you're not experienced with earning points and miles, a card with an annual fee of $150 or less can be a great place to start.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click .
Updated 09/16/2026
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta, on dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets
Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Up to $100 Delta Stays annual statement credit
Two free checked bags: 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
No foreign transaction fees (see )
Priority boarding when flying Delta
Savings on award redemptions for Delta flights
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter (see )
JetBlue Plus Card
Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within the first 90 days from account opening.
Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases
Earn 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Bonus points each account anniversary
Earn toward Mosaic elite status with every purchase
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user to your account within the first three months from account opening.
Earn at least 9 miles per dollar spent on United flights (you may earn more depending on your level of United MileagePlus elite status)
Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays booked direct and dining
Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
Award mileage discount
First checked bag free
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus credit
Inflight discount
Pair of one-time United Club passes each cardholder anniversary year
Statement credits for United Hotels, ride-hailing purchases (yearly opt-in required), Instacart (through Dec. 31, 2027) and JSX
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter
