15 Best Airline Credit Cards of October 2026
The best airline credit card varies for each traveler, depending on where you live and how often you fly. Whether you're an airline loyalist or a casual traveler, any of the cards on our list below could help make your flights more rewarding and enjoyable.
Check out our curated selection and comprehensive guide on some of the best airline cards from our partners below.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple rewards earning
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines lounge access
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for beginner travelers
- Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card: Best for frequent Alaska and Hawaiian flyers
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for occasional Delta flyers
- United℠ Explorer Card: Best for occasional United flyers
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best for Premium travel perks and digital entertainment
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Sky Club access
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®: Best for mid-tier American Airlines rewards
- Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card: Best for A premium card with flexible perks for frequent Oneworld flyers
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Best for casual Southwest flyers on a budget
- United Quest℠ Card: Best for frequent United flyers
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Best for frequent Southwest flyers
- Capital One Venture X Business: Best for businesses with high-spending
Browse by card categories
Comparing the best airline credit cards
Best for simple rewards earning
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
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 2x miles on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
- Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
Cons
- A couple of partners' transfer ratios are mediocre at a less than 1:1 ratio
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $300 to use on hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s more than $1,000 in travel value
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
Best for American Airlines lounge access
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
| 1X | 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on other purchases |
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard is the only credit card that includes an American Airlines Admirals Club membership, making it a compelling option for frequent AA flyers. Beyond lounge access, the primary cardmember can receive up to $500 in annual American Airlines Vacations credits, complimentary Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion Status and up to $100 in annual credits for eligible inflight and Admirals Club purchases. The card also offers priority airport benefits, a first checked bag free on eligible domestic itineraries and other travel perks. (Partner offer)
Pros
- Admirals Club membership
- Annual American Airlines Vacations credit
- Complimentary Avis President’s Club Status and Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion Status
- Earn bonus Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage elite status
- Free checked bag and priority airport benefits on eligible American Airlines itineraries
- Annual credits for eligible inflight and Admirals Club purchases
Cons
- Has a large annual fee
- Statement credits may be difficult to maximize if you don't regularly use the eligible services
- Authorized user fee
- For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $15,000 in purchases in the first 5 months of account opening.
- The only card with Admirals Club® membership. Membership includes access for you and up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
- Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
- Earn a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 50,000, 90,000, 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, vacation homes, gas & EV charging, top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs). |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 1x on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
Pros
- Earn elevated rewards in popular categories, including travel, dining, gas, EV charging and vacation home stays
- Premium travel protection benefits include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
- Versatile airline and hotel transfer partners
- Features up to $100 in annual hotel credits through Chase Travel℠
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- No airport lounge access
- Transfers to Hyatt at a lower rate than other Sapphire cards
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation and more.
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for 12 months when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Member FDIC
Best for frequent Alaska and Hawaiian flyers
at Bank of America's secure site
| 3 points | Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases. |
| 2 points | Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. |
| 1 point | Earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is a solid choice for budget-conscious Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flyers who want to minimize the cost of holding a cobranded airline card.
Pros
- Free checked bag on Alaska and Hawaiian flights
- Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines (for main cardholder and up to 6 guests on the same reservation when you pay for flights with this card)
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Has a $95 annual fee
- Limited-time online offer – 50,000 bonus points.
- Get 50,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, spend $1,500 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America booked on AlaskaAir.com.
- Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Points don’t expire on active accounts.
- Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Save up to $90 per person round-trip with a free checked bag and preferred boarding for you and up to six guests on the same reservation when you pay for your flight with your card.
- Earn and redeem across 1,000+ destinations worldwide with oneworld® Alliance member airlines and 30+ global air partners.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Best for occasional Delta flyers
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X | Earn 2X miles on Delta Purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. |
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for causal Delta flyers including a first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide, a second checked bag free on U.S. domestic Delta flights and priority boarding. It can easily justify getting and keeping this card. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
Pros
- First checked bag free on flights worldwide and second checked bag free on U.S. domestic flights.
- Priority boarding.
- 20% back in the form of a statement credit on in-flight purchases (not including Wi-Fi).
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta.
- There are better Delta cards if you want lounge access or a boost to earn elite status.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold 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.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- Send money, split purchases, and focus on the moments that matter – with Send & Split®. Powered by Venmo and PayPal. Enrollment Required. Terms apply.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Comparing the best airline credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limited Time: Earn 75k bonus miles + $300 stays credit at Capital One's secure site | simple rewards earning | Earn more than $1,000 in Travel Bonuses Open Intro bonus Earn more than $1,000 in Travel Bonuses with a limited-time $300 Capital One Travel stays credit, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening—that's more than $1,000 in travel value | 2 - 5X miles Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||
Limited-Time Offer at Citi's secure site | American Airlines lounge access | For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $15,000 in purchases in the first 5 months of account opening. | 1 - 4X miles Open Rewards rates
| $695 | ||||||||
at Chase's secure site | beginner travelers | 75,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||
Limited-Time Offer at Bank of America's secure site | frequent Alaska and Hawaiian flyers | Limited-time online offer – 50,000 bonus points + $99 Companion Fare Open Intro bonus Get 50,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, spend $1,500 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. | 1 - 3X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||
Limited-Time Offer at American Express's secure site | occasional Delta flyers | As High As 80K Miles + $250 Statement Credit Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles and a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply to find out your offer. Terms Apply. Offer ends 11/04/2026. | 1 - 2X miles Open Rewards rates
| $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. |
How we rate cards
Ask our experts
What's your favorite airline credit card — and why?
“I often use a travel rewards card that offers bonus points when buying flights. But, I also hold and use several cobranded airline cards due to their checked baggage benefits, statement credits for onboard purchases and ability to earn toward my desired elite status tier.”
Best US Airlines of 2024 by Rank
TPG’s annual, data-driven report on the best airlines in the U.S. is out, and for the sixth year in a row, Delta Air Lines secured the top spot. Alaska Airlines was nipping at its heels in second, with United, American and Southwest rounding out the top five. The lowest performer? Frontier Airlines, which had the highest rate of delayed and canceled flights, received the most complaints from consumers, and imposed more fees (per passenger) than any other carrier.
Check out the full breakdown of scores below.
Credit pointers with Brian Kelly
How to choose the best airline credit card
- Consider how much traveling you plan to do in the future and opt for a card that features a generous sign-up bonus. This way, you can bank those points or miles and use them when you need them. Just remember to check whether your earned rewards expire or not.1Welcome bonus
- Typically, airline credit cards with higher annual fees offer more travel perks and upgrade options.2Annual fee
- Choose an airline credit card based on your travel needs and spending habits — this means looking at which bonus categories a card offers before applying.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of airline credit cards
Pros
- Using airline credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score
- Airline credit cards can earn points or miles on every dollar you spend
- Airline credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
- Airline credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, shortcuts to elite status and more
Cons
- Airline credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance and using your airline card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
- The cost of borrowing on airline credit cards is higher than traditional loans
- Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
- You may not travel enough to make an airline credit card worthwhile
Frequently asked questions
Are you utilizing benefits such as free checked baggage, companion tickets, priority boarding and lounge access? Does your airline credit card help you earn elite status faster? Do the card’s bonus categories allow you to earn additional miles on purchases?
If you’re getting more value out of your airline credit card than it’s costing you each year for the annual fee, it makes sense to renew the card so you can continue reaping those rewards.
However, even if you’re convinced you’re not getting the full value out of the card, consider how long you’ve had the card before you cancel it. The longer you’ve had a credit card card, the more harm canceling it could do to your credit score, since age of accounts is one of the factors that go into determining your credit score.
You can also try calling your issuer to explain that you’re considering canceling your card. By doing so, you might be offered a retention offer such as earning bonus points for hitting a spending threshold, or have your annual fee waived, which will make the idea of renewing all the more enticing.
Just about every type of traveler can take advantage of an airline card, whether you’re a beginner to the points and miles game or a seasoned frequent flyer.
Most airline credit cards include benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on inflight purchases — and even casual travelers can get a lot out of those perks.
Airline credit cards of a more premium nature may also earn elite qualifying miles for those pursuing airline status and even offer lounge access in some cases. Those who need a little help achieving elite status, or want to enjoy elite status-like benefits while they work to hit a tier can benefit from an airline card and its perks.
When deciding if an airline card is right for you, it’s important to consider whether you’ll use the card and its benefits enough to offset the cost of its annual fee. Infrequent travelers may benefit most from a card with a low annual fee and fewer benefits, whereas those who are on the road more often might decide a premium card that costs more annually but offers luxury benefits is the right fit.
Unfortunately, your hard-earned airline miles can expire. Whether your miles will expire varies by airline, though.
The good news is that many of the top U.S. airlines (including Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United) don’t have mileage or points expiration dates, which means you won’t lose any miles even after a stint of account inactivity.
American Airlines miles expire after 24 months of inactivity, and Alaska Airlines will lock your account after 24 months of inactivity (though you can call customer service to reactivate your Alaska account).
As a general rule, make sure you’re earning or redeeming miles with the airlines that do have expiration dates semiregularly, and you won’t have to worry about losing out on any miles or points earned. Pro tip: Cobranded airline spending counts as account activity for airlines like American Airlines with miles that do expire, so carrying an airline credit card can actually help you avoid the expiration of your airline miles.
You can check out TPG’s full guide to airline and hotel loyalty program expiration policies for an in-depth look at how to keep your airline accounts active.
How many miles you earn with an airline credit card varies on the credit card. Typically, cards with higher annual fees offer higher earn rates but you should choose a card that best suits your budget and travel habits. Having an airline credit card can help you earn miles towards your next trip on spending you are already doing.