Best Airline Credit Cards
Flyer's Perks: Select from cards that tie in with airlines to offer frequent flyer miles, priority boarding, and lounge access.
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $95, justifying its premium offerings.
- APR: Variable 21.74%-28.74%, aligning with its premium status.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Generous 60,000 points after $3,000 spent within the first 3 months, rewarding early spending.
- Earning Potential: Exceptional 3X points on groceries, dining, and Air Canada direct purchases; 1X on everything else. Bonus points for monthly spending milestones enhance earning capacity.
Aeroplan Credit Card Review: A Gateway to Sky-High Rewards
Elevate travel with Aeroplan: Elite perks & flexible rewards.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $95, justified by premium perks.
- APR: Variable 20.24%-28.24%, standard for a rewards card.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Limited-time offer of 70,000 bonus miles, elevating the card's value from the start.
- Earning Rates: Exceptional 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles on gas, local transit, and streaming services; 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card Review: Soar with Exclusive Benefits
Unlock savings & perks with Alaska Airlines Card.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Features
- Annual Fee: $0, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- APR: 21.24%-29.99% Variable APR, typical for rewards cards.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 15,000 AAdvantage miles for $500 spent within the first 3 months, a good start for occasional travelers.
- Earning Potential: 2 miles per dollar on grocery and American Airlines purchases; 1 mile per dollar on everything else, optimizing everyday spending.
Citi AAdvantage MileUp Review: Essential for Casual Flyers
Earn AAdvantage miles effortlessly, with no annual fee.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $95, striking a balance between affordability and value.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Rewards Rate: Earn between 1x and 5x points per dollar spent, with enhanced earnings on travel and dining.
- Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent), ensuring accessibility for many consumers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: A Traveler’s Guide to Rewards
Sapphire Preferred: Big bonuses & flexible rewards for $95
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Features
- Annual Fee: $0, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- APR: 21.24%-29.99% Variable APR, typical for rewards cards.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 15,000 AAdvantage miles for $500 spent within the first 3 months, a good start for occasional travelers.
- Earning Potential: 2 miles per dollar on grocery and American Airlines purchases; 1 mile per dollar on everything else, optimizing everyday spending.
Citi AAdvantage MileUp Review: Essential for Casual Flyers
Earn AAdvantage miles effortlessly, with no annual fee.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPHDelta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150, positioned at a higher range for airline cards.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 Bonus Miles after $3,000 purchases within the first 6 months, a strong incentive for new cardholders.
- Earning Rates: 2X miles on Delta, U.S. supermarkets, and worldwide dining, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.; 1X mile on all other eligible purchases, catering to travelers and everyday spenders.
Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: High Cost, Specific Benefits
Delta Gold: Valuable for loyalists, costly for casual flyers.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $650, a premium cost reflecting the card's high-end benefits.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months, offering significant value for new cardholders.
- Rewards: 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on all eligible purchases, tailored for frequent Delta travelers.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve AmEx Review: A Premium Choice for Delta Flyers
Luxury Delta travel with lounge access & companion flights.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $650, reflecting its premium offerings.
- Welcome Offer: 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning Rate: 3X miles on direct Delta purchases; 1X miles on all other purchases.
- Access: Complimentary Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access.
- Companion Certificate: Annually, for first class, Delta Comfort+, or main cabin.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review: Premier Flying Redefined
Sky-high luxury & savings for Delta loyalists.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $149, positioned for dedicated Southwest Airlines flyers.
- Sign-up Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 spent within the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 3X points on Southwest® purchases; 2X on local transit/commuting and select services.
- Travel Credit: $75 Southwest® travel credit annually.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Review: Your Gateway to Southwest Perks
Maximize Southwest travel with premium perks & points.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH
United℠ Explorer Card
Features
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95, balancing cost with benefits.
- APR: Variable APR of 21.99%-28.99%, standard for rewards cards.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on United, dining, and hotel stays; 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None, ideal for international travelers.
United Explorer Card Review: Maximize Your Miles and More
United Explorer: Valuable perks, miles on purchases, lounge access.
Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH