Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

Airline credit cards can be specific to one carrier or offer flexible rewards usable with multiple airlines.
Choosing the best card depends on your preferred airline, loyalty program participation, travel habits and the benefits you value most.
Frequent flyers who check bags or seek elite status may benefit more from airline-specific cards, while those seeking flexibility might prefer general travel cards.
Comparing benefits such as free checked bags, lounge access and statement credits is essential to finding the right fit.

What to consider

Eligibility for many travel cards generally requires a good to excellent credit score, though some options exist for lower scores.
Airline cards often provide perks like free checked bags, but may lack everyday purchase protections such as extended warranty or purchase protection.
Point and mile values can differ across cards and loyalty programs, so comparing redemption options and valuations is important (e.g., TPG's October 2026 valuations).

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed comparison of earning rates, benefit structures and how to match card features to your travel and spending patterns.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

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
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Simple rewards earning	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.	Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases	$95
American Express Platinum Card®	Luxury benefits	Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards 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.	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar Earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel Earn 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases	$895 (see )
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see )	Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points	Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 10 points per dollar on eligible Peloton purchases over $150 (through 12/31/27) Earn 8 points per dollar on flights, hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Travel℠ Earn 5 points per dollar on eligible Lyft rides (through 9/30/27) Earn 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly Earn 3 points per dollar on dining purchases Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases	$795
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see )	Beginner travelers	Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3 points per dollar spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout) as well as select streaming services, gas and electric vehicle charging, vacation homes at top brands* and online groceries (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases *Top brands are: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.	$95
United℠ Business Card (see )	United business travelers	Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases	$150
Citi Strata Premier® Card (see )	Starter travel	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com Earn 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and electric vehicle charging stations Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases	$95
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	Sky Club access	Earn two domestic round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates (valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. A 21+ day advance purchase is required; up to $80 per person in taxes and fees apply. Other restrictions apply.	Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases	$650 (see )
American Express® Gold Card	Dining	Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus 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.	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ Earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter Earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter Earn 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App Earn 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App Earn 2 points per dollar spent on cruises and other eligible purchases booked on amextravel.com Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases	$325 (see )
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Premium travel	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases	$395
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see )	Loyal Southwest business travelers	Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	Earn 4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases Earn 2 points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants Earn 2 points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing services 2 points per dollar on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases	$299
Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card	Frequent flyers of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines	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 eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases Earn 2 points per dollar spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride-hailing service) purchases Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases	$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 a single airline when booking 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.

Delta airlines flight attendant on board — DELTA AIR LINES

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 690 or higher. You may be approved for an airline credit card with a lower score, but keep in mind 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.

travelers walking through airport — DAVID PAPAZIAN/GETTY IMAGES

U.S. carriers charge for checked bags when you fly economy on domestic and select international flights. 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.

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 let you earn points or miles for the airline's 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 benefits geared toward everyday purchases.

For example, not all airline credit cards offer purchase protection 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.

Further, 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 2.4 cents per mile, according to TPG’s October 2026 valuations), whereas the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining (worth 2.05 cents per point, per October 2026 valuations).

Woman paying by card at a restaurant — ANDRESR/GETTY IMAGES

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.

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.

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

Updated 09/16/2026

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.