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.
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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.
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
June 8, 2026 • 13 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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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
Selecting the optimal card for booking flights involves weighing travel protections, direct airline booking flexibility and potential rewards from travel portals.
Travel portals often advertise higher earning rates, but may come with higher prices and added complexity for changes or cancellations.
Booking directly with airlines typically offers stronger travel protections and easier resolution of issues, which frequent flyers may prioritize.
The best card or booking method depends on individual travel habits, priorities and willingness to compare portal versus direct pricing.
What to consider
Travel portal prices can be higher than booking directly with airlines, with markups varying by portal.
Booking through a portal may complicate changes or cancellations, as these often need to be handled through the portal rather than the airline.
Most bookings through portals still allow you to earn airline miles or elite status credits if your frequent flyer number is attached.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of leading cards for airfare purchases, including trade-offs between travel protections, lounge access and portal-specific benefits.
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.
As someone who flies almost weekly, choosing the right card for airfare purchases matters to me. The card that earns the most points isn't always the one I reach for. I tend to prioritize travel protections and the ability to deal directly with an airline when something goes wrong.
That's especially true now that credit card issuers are investing heavily in their travel portals. These portals can offer eye-catching earning rates, but booking through one can also come with trade-offs.
Here are the best credit cards for booking flights and how I think about choosing between booking directly with an airline or through a credit card travel portal.
The information for the American Express Classic Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Should you book flights through a credit card travel portal?
Credit card issuers have invested heavily in travel portals to encourage cardholders to keep more of their travel spending within their ecosystems. That's why portal earning rates have become so generous.
However, more points don't always mean better value.
TPG's analysis of online travel agency pricing found that portal prices can be higher than booking directly with an airline. Capital One Travel had the smallest average markup at less than 1%, followed by Chase Travel at roughly 6%, American Express Travel at just over 10% and Citi Travel at nearly 15%.
Booking through a portal can also make changes and cancellations more complicated since you'll often need to work through the portal rather than directly with the airline.
BRANDON BELL/GETTY IMAGES
Personally, I've decided the extra points usually aren't worth the added complexity. I typically book directly with airlines and use a card with strong travel protections. However, the right choice depends on your itinerary, number of travelers and potential rewards.
Booking through a portal generally won't prevent you from earning airline miles or elite status credits, provided your frequent flyer number is attached to the reservation. And if you're booking an award ticket and only paying taxes and fees, I'd prioritize travel protections over earning rates.
One exception is airline credit cards. If you're loyal to a specific carrier, benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding and elite-status boosts may outweigh earning additional transferable points.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airfare earning rate: Earn 8 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel and 4 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.
The Sapphire Reserve is one of the best cards for travel protections, including for baggage damage. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY
Why I like it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is my top overall pick for booking flights. It earns the highest portal rate on this list, but what really sets it apart is its travel protections.
I fly frequently, and things occasionally go wrong. Last year, the Sapphire Reserve helped cover the cost of a damaged checked bag after an airline mishandled it. That's one reason I continue to use this card for many flight purchases, even when another card might earn slightly more points.
You'll also receive up to $300 in annual travel credits that can be used on flights booked directly with airlines or through Chase Travel.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Airfare earning rate: Earn 6 points per dollar on flights booked through Citi Travel and 1.5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Why I like it: The Citi Strata Elite is one of the strongest cards for travelers who are comfortable booking through a travel portal. Earning 6 points per dollar on flights through Citi Travel can add up quickly.
However, the card's earning rate drops significantly when booking directly with airlines, so it's best suited to travelers who regularly use Citi Travel and are willing to compare prices before booking.
Welcome offer: New cardmembers can find out their offer and may be eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Airfare earning rate: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Why I like it: The Amex Platinum remains one of the strongest cards for airfare purchases thanks to its combination of rewards and airport benefits.
The card offers the broadest lounge access of any card on this list, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required) and Delta Sky Clubs (limited to 10 annual visits; unlimited visits can be unlocked by spending $75,000 or more on your card in a calendar year).
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airfare earning rate: Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.
Capital One Travel won Best Credit Card Travel Portal at the 2026 TPG Awards. CAPITAL ONE
Why I like it: The Venture X is one of the most compelling cards for travelers who don't mind booking through a travel portal.
What makes the Venture X particularly appealing is that Capital One Travel had the smallest average markup in TPG's portal pricing analysis. If you're looking to maximize rewards through a portal while minimizing the risk of paying more than you would directly with an airline, this is one of the best options available.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Airfare earning rate: Earn 4 points per dollar on airlines.
FILADENDRON/GETTY IMAGES
Why I like it: The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey earns a strong return on airfare purchases without requiring you to book through the issuer's travel portal.
That's an attractive proposition for travelers who prefer booking directly with airlines while still earning an elevated return.
The main drawback is that Wells Fargo has fewer transfer partners than the other rewards programs on this list. For some travelers, that won't matter; for points enthusiasts seeking maximum flexibility, it may.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Airfare earning rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on air travel.
Etihad A350 business class. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Why I like it: The Citi Strata Premier is one of the best all-around rewards cards available.
In addition to earning 3 points per dollar on airfare, it also earns bonus points on several popular spending categories, including hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.
Unlike several other cards on this list, the Citi Strata Premier does not include airport lounge access. However, if you're looking for a relatively low annual fee card that earns well across both travel and everyday spending, it's an excellent option.
Welcome offer: New cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Airfare earning rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App.
The Amex Gold is best suited to foodies. PEOPLEIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Why I like it: The Amex Gold isn't primarily known as an airfare card, but it still earns a respectable return on flights.
This card makes the most sense for travelers who already use it for dining and supermarket purchases and want to continue earning Membership Rewards points when booking airfare.
Welcome offer: The card is no longer accepting applications, therefore it does not have a welcome offer.
Airfare earning rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
Oakland Airport Clear+ screening lanes. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Why I like it: The Amex Classic Green is one of the most underrated travel cards on the market.
It earns 3 points per dollar on a broad range of travel purchases — not just airfare — and includes up to $219 in annual Clear+ statement credits (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal).
If you want a lower-fee way to earn Membership Rewards points on travel purchases, it's worth a look.
The best card for booking flights depends on your priorities:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is my top pick thanks to its combination of travel protections and rewards.
If airport lounge access is your main goal, the Amex Platinum stands out.
If you're comfortable booking through a portal, the Capital One Venture X offers strong earning rates and historically low markups compared with competing portals.
Chasing every last point isn't always the smartest move. For me, strong travel protections and the ability to deal directly with an airline often outweigh a higher earning rate — but the right choice ultimately depends on how you travel.
