How to choose an airline credit card

Airline credit cards can be cobranded with a specific airline or offer transferable travel rewards that can be used with various carriers.

The right card for you will depend on several factors, such as your preferred airline, loyalty program, credit score and spending level — plus the benefits you value the most.

With that in mind, here's what you need to consider when choosing an airline credit card.

Comparing the best airline credit cards

Here are our top picks for the best airline credit cards.

How to choose the right airline credit card

To find the airline card that best fits your travel lifestyle, start by asking yourself the following questions.

Do you have a preferred airline?

Airline credit cards offer the best earning rates and benefits for specific airlines and sometimes their partners. However, not everyone can stick to one particular airline when booking their flights.

Look at your flights over the past year to see which airline you fly with most often, or narrow it down to your top three. If the airlines vary and you're more concerned with getting the cheapest fare regardless of the airline, you may want to bypass the airline card and consider a travel credit card with more flexible rewards options instead.

Some of our favorite options here include the Venture Rewards, the Amex Platinum and Citi Strata Premier.

However, if you always fly with the same airline because you live in a hub city or are working toward elite status (or you just like the airline), then you will benefit from an airline credit card. You just need to find the right card for that airline.

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What's your credit score?

Airline credit cards fall within the travel credit card category. Travel credit cards require a good to excellent credit score — generally, anywhere from 690 or higher. You may be approved for an airline credit card with a lower score, but know that your options may be more limited.

Do you check bags?

One of the best perks airline credit cards offer is the ability to check one or two bags for free, depending on the airline credit card. This benefit applies to the cardholder flying and sometimes their companions booked under the same reservation.

U.S. carriers charge for checked bags when you fly economy on domestic and select international flights. In fact, several major U.S. airlines have increased their checked bag fees since 2023. So, having an airline credit card that can save you up to $40 per bag, per flight is a major win for frequent flyers who check bags often.

Related: These 26 credit cards can get you free checked bags

How much will you spend on the card?

Understanding your spending habits can help you choose the right airline credit card. All airline credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for their frequent flyer program.

For instance, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex rewards those with high spending. You'll earn a boost of 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 you spend in a calendar year, which will help you achieve Delta elite status faster.

What are the card benefits?

You should consider the other benefits a card offers in addition to points or miles. If you're satisfied with basic benefits such as a free checked bag and priority boarding, aim for an airline card with a low annual fee.

However, if you want to earn bonus points or miles toward elite status, statement credits, airport lounge access and complimentary upgrades, then go for the airline credit card with higher annual fees. They tend to offer those additional perks.

Should I use an airline card for everyday spending?

If you're loyal to an airline, striving for elite status or looking to boost your points or miles balance with a specific airline, it makes sense to use an airline card for everyday spending. However, many airline credit cards lack the benefits that are geared toward everyday spending.

For example, not all airline credit cards offer purchase protections or an extended warranty. So, although you are earning airline points or miles on your purchases, you may be out of luck if you've purchased a big-ticket item (like a TV or laptop) and need to file a claim.

You also may want to avoid using an airline credit card for everyday spending if the earning rates are low.

The United Business Card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (worth 1.35 cents per mile, according to TPG's June 2025 valuations), whereas the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining (worth 2.05 cents per point, per the same valuations).

In this scenario, putting dining purchases on the Sapphire Preferred would benefit you as you earn more per dollar spent than with the United Business. Plus, you earn transferable points, which can provide value far beyond Chase's and TPG's valuation if you transfer points to partner airlines.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points

Bottom line

Airline credit cards are your best bet for earning points or miles with a specific airline, not to mention the additional perks you can enjoy every time you fly. Picking the right airline credit card comes down to your ability to stick to one airline, your travel needs and your spending habits.

It's always worth the extra time to research which airline and its credit card will benefit you, as well as how you can leverage the points or miles, perks and benefits to enhance your travel experience.

Related: Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards: Which are best?

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.

Updated 10/29/2025