How to choose an airline credit card
Editor's Note
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.
| Credit card | Best for | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Simple rewards earning | Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
| $95 | |
Luxury benefits | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
| $895 (see rates and fees) | |
Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points | Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $795 (see rates and fees | |
Beginner travelers | Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $95 (see rates and fees) | |
United business travelers | Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees | |
Starter travel | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $95 (see rates and fees) | |
Sky Club access | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. |
| $650 (see rates and fees) | |
Dining | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
|
| $325 (see rates and fees) | |
Premium travel | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. |
| $395 | |
Loyal Southwest business travelers | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $299 (see rates and fees) | |
Frequent flyers of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines | Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, plus receive a 30% global flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account. |
| $95 |
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.
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
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.