Best Airline Credit Cards

Here are the best airline credit card offers:

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Unlock Premier Travel Perks with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card from Chase

75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in your first 3 months
3X points on groceries, dining and Air Canada purchases; 1X point on all other spend
Up to 1,500 bonus points per month (500 points for every $2,000 spent)
No foreign transaction fees
$95 annual fee
Automatic Aeroplan 25K status plus a one‑level status boost at $50,000 annual spend
First checked bag free on Air Canada flights for you and up to 8 companions
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years
Pay Yourself Back^®: redeem points at 1.25¢ each for travel statement credits
Comprehensive travel protections: trip cancellation, baggage delay and more

Perfect for frequent flyers, this card combines generous Everyday 3X earnings with exclusive airline benefits that elevate every trip. Track rewards and access perks seamlessly in the Chase app for a truly upgraded travel experience.

Terms apply. See issuer’s website for complete details and eligibility.

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

Accelerate Your Flying Blue Rewards with the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard^®

70,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases within 90 days
60 Experience Points upon approval toward Flying Blue status
3× miles per $1 on Air France, KLM and SkyTeam flights
1.5× miles per $1 on all other purchases
5,000 anniversary bonus miles each year after $50 in spend
$89 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Whether you’re jetting to Paris, Amsterdam or beyond, this card helps you grow your Flying Blue balance faster. Take advantage of monthly promo awards to save up to 50% on select routes, climb toward elite status with Experience Points and manage your rewards seamlessly in the Bank of America app. From airfare to in‑flight meals, earn and redeem miles across the SkyTeam network with ease.

Terms apply. Annual fee not waived first year. APR 20.24%–28.24% variable. No free checked bags. See issuer for full details.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Experience Transatlantic Perks with the British Airways Visa Signature^® Card

75,000 Avios bonus after you spend $5,000 in the first three months
3 Avios per $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia & LEVEL purchases
2 Avios per $1 on hotel stays booked directly with the property
10% off British Airways flights when you book through your card’s portal
Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 in annual spend—valid for two years
Up to $600 in statement credits each year toward taxes, fees & carrier surcharges
No foreign transaction fees
$95 annual fee

Ideal for frequent flyers, this card lets you earn Avios faster on flights and hotels while enjoying companion benefits and annual credits to offset award‑ticket costs. Tap to pay with contactless security and manage your rewards seamlessly in the Chase mobile app.

Terms apply. Companion ticket covers one guest’s fare only; taxes and fees not included. Statement credits capped at $200 per booking. See issuer’s site for full details.

The New United Quest℠ Card

Experience Ultimate United Rewards with the United Quest℠ Card

100,000 bonus miles + 3,000 PQPs after $4,000 in purchases within 3 months
3X miles on United purchases
2X miles on other travel, dining & select streaming services
1X mile on all other spending
$200 annual United flight credit
10,000-mile award flight discount each year (plus another 10K after $20K spend)
Up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck^® credit every four years
Free first & second checked bags for you and a companion
Primary rental car coverage
$350 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees

Designed for frequent United flyers, the United Quest℠ Card unlocks premium perks that more than offset its fee. Earn elevated miles on United flights and everyday essentials, enjoy automatic credits to trim costs, and accelerate toward elite status with PQPs. All managed seamlessly in the United mobile app.

Terms apply. PQP earnings cap applies; credits and perks subject to terms. See Chase for details.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Unlock Premier American Airlines Benefits with the Citi^® AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,500 in the first 4 months
2X AAdvantage^® miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases, dining and gas
1X mile per $1 on all other spending
First checked bag free for you and up to four companions on domestic AA flights
Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
25% savings on in‑flight food and beverages
No foreign transaction fees
$99 annual fee (waived first year)

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning occasional getaways, this card accelerates your AAdvantage^® earnings on every swipe and trims travel costs with free bags and priority boarding. Enjoy a generous sign‑up bonus to boost your mileage balance, plus ongoing benefits that make every American Airlines trip smoother. Manage your miles and perks seamlessly in the Citi Mobile^® app and start unlocking premium AA advantages today.

Annual fee $99 (waived first year). Foreign transaction fee: 3%. See issuer for full terms and details.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Elevate Your Delta Experience with the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

60,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months
Annual Companion Certificate for a main cabin round‑trip companion fare (taxes & fees apply)
2,500 MQD Headstart plus 1 MQD per $20 spent toward Medallion status
3X miles on Delta purchases and direct hotel stays
2X miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets
1X mile on all other purchases
$120 Resy credit and $120 rideshare credit annually (enrollment required)
No foreign transaction fees
$350 annual fee

Perfect for frequent flyers who demand premium perks, this card combines accelerated earning on everyday and travel spend with Delta’s most valuable benefits—from free checked bags and priority boarding to Medallion Qualifying Dollar boosts and companion certificates that can cover a travel companion’s ticket. Manage it all seamlessly in the AmEx app and get closer to elite status with every dollar.

Terms apply. Companion Certificate taxes & fees $22–$250. Credits require enrollment. See issuer for full details.

Alaska Airlines Visa®

Elevate Your Alaska MileagePlan^® Rewards with the Alaska Airlines Visa^® Credit Card

40,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days
3X miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines purchases
2X miles per $1 on dining and eligible delivery
2X miles per $1 on eligible gas station and EV charging purchases
1X mile per $1 on all other purchases
Annual Companion Fare starting at $121 ($99 fare + taxes and fees) after $6,000 in annual spend
Free first checked bag for you and up to six companions on the same reservation
No foreign transaction fees
$75 annual fee

Whether you’re exploring Alaska’s wild frontiers or jetting coast‑to‑coast, this card accelerates your MileagePlan^® earnings where it counts and delivers valuable travel perks. Enjoy generous bonus miles to kickstart your balance, plus flexible redemptions on award flights and upgrades. With a companion fare each year and free checked bags, you’ll save on fees every time you travel. Manage your account and track your miles seamlessly in the Bank of America mobile app or online.

Terms apply. Companion Fare requires $6,000 annual spend and purchase of a round‑trip paid ticket. Free bag applies only on Alaska‑operated flights. See issuer for complete details.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Enjoy Premium Perks with the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card

50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months
3X points on Southwest^® flights
2X points on Rapid Rewards^® hotel and car rental partner purchases
2X points on local transit, rideshare, internet, cable & phone services
1X point on all other purchases
7,500 anniversary points each year
4 upgraded boardings per year when available
$75 annual travel credit for Southwest^® purchases
No foreign transaction fees
$149 annual fee

With elevated earning on flights and everyday services, the Priority card delivers both flexibility and value. Use your annual travel credit to offset fees, enjoy priority boarding upgrades, and boost your balance with anniversary points. Redeem for any Southwest^® flight with no blackout dates and track everything effortlessly in the Southwest^® app or online portal.

Terms apply. Bonus points and anniversary credits require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See full terms for details.

FAQs About Airline Credit Cards

Is it worth keeping an airline credit card after the first year?

Renewing your airline credit card can make sense if you’re regularly using its benefits — like free checked bags, lounge access, or bonus miles. If the value you get outweighs the annual fee, it’s likely worth keeping. Before canceling, consider calling your issuer for a retention offer or reward boost.

Who benefits most from airline credit cards?

Frequent flyers, loyalty program members, and even casual travelers can benefit from airline cards. These cards often include perks like priority boarding and in-flight discounts. Premium cards add elite status boosts or lounge access, making them ideal for travelers who fly often with the same airline.

Do airline miles ever expire?

It depends on the airline. Some programs, like Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, offer miles that never expire. Others, like American Airlines AAdvantage, require account activity every 24 months. Using a cobranded airline credit card can count as activity and help keep your miles active automatically.

How many miles can I earn with an airline credit card?

Mileage earnings depend on the card and its structure. Most airline cards offer 2x miles on purchases with the airline and 1x on everything else. Premium cards may offer more miles per dollar and include welcome bonuses that can jumpstart your next trip.