Unlock Travel Perks: Choosing the Best Airline Credit Card

A free checked bag on a round trip can save you $70 or more — and some airline credit cards include that perk even at no annual fee. I can't count the number of times celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner have asked me "What's in your wallet?" in Capital One credit card ads that pop up on my TV screen.

"What's in your wallet?" is much more than an advertising slogan, though. It's a critical question you should answer when you're considering which credit cards to choose, including airline credit cards.

The core decision every traveler faces is whether to get a co-branded airline card — which maximizes perks with one carrier — or a general travel card that earns transferable points across multiple airlines and hotels. Co-branded cards pay off when you fly the same airline regularly and value perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and companion passes. General travel cards pay off when you shop for the best fare regardless of airline, since transferable points give you flexibility that co-branded miles can't match.

Airline credit cards are usually co-branded with specific airlines and tie directly into that airline's loyalty program. You earn miles when you use the card — not just on flights, but on everyday spending too. If you're loyal to one airline and want to stack travel perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, these cards can deliver clear value, particularly through free checked bags which save $35 per bag per flight on most major carriers. If you usually go with the cheapest fare, a general travel card might make more sense.

Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of airline and travel cards. Some paid off. Some didn’t. So now I look for cards that actually work for the way I fly, whether it’s flexible points, travel credits, or perks like free checked bags or airport lounge access. The best way to track these perks and ensure you're getting value is to read your credit card statement carefully each month.

If you’re not sure what airline credit card to get, think about how you fly. Stick with a co-branded card if you're loyal to one carrier, or skip the limits and go for a travel card that earns transferable points, which is especially useful if you are planning travel on a budget and hoping to fly first class.

Each card above gives you different perks based on how you travel. Use the chart to match what matters to you, from 0% intro APR, to travel credits, to earning transferable points.

The best card for you depends on your travel frequency, airline loyalty, and what perks you'll actually use.

Hate paying annual fees and just want easy travel rewards?
Bank of America® Travel Rewards is a good pick. No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and you’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar on everything — no categories to think about, just solid flat-rate travel rewards.

Want to squeeze more out of your points?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® lets you rack up points and then move them to airline partners. You're not stuck with one airline, and if you use the portal strategically, your redemption options can increase your points value by 25–50% compared to direct airline redemptions when transferred to the right partner.

Fly a lot and want the perks to match?
If you're deciding between premium cards, our Chase vs. Amex comparison can help. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express are loaded with travel perks: airport lounge access, credit card travel insurance, travel credits, and upgrade opportunities. These aren’t budget cards, but if you’re always in the air, they justify their annual fees for travelers who use lounge access, travel credits, and insurance benefits regularly.

Prefer big earning rates without overthinking it?
Citi Strata Elite℠ is strong if you book through Citi Travel. The 12x points on hotels and attractions add up fast, and it feels more premium without being as intense as some other luxury cards.

Most airline and travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit — generally a FICO score of 670 or above for mid-tier cards and 740 or above for premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Before applying, consider:

• Your credit score: Check your score before applying to avoid unnecessary hard inquiries on cards you're unlikely to qualify for.
• Your credit utilization: Adding a new card increases your total available credit, which can lower your credit utilization ratio — a potential credit score benefit if managed responsibly.
• Your ability to pay in full: Travel cards typically carry high APRs. If you carry a balance, interest charges will quickly erase the value of any miles or perks earned.

The right card comes down to four questions — and your honest answers will narrow the field quickly.

Ask yourself:

• Do I mostly fly one airline, or do I shop around for the best fare?

• Do I want airport lounge access, or just to skip baggage fees?

• Can I use transferable points to maximize redemption value?

• Am I trying to build credit or hit a specific financial goal like a big trip?

Also consider your credit score, your credit limit and how it affects your utilization ratio, and your ability to make on-time payments — all of which affect both your approval odds and the long-term health of your credit profile.

Understanding the three card tiers — and what each costs versus what it delivers — is the most important step before choosing. According to Bankrate senior analyst Ted Rossman, card issuers generally offer three types of airline credit cards:

Which Airline Card Tier Is Right for You?

"The mid-tier option represents a sweet spot for many travelers. These high-end cards are geared toward frequent travelers because a cardholder needs to justify a higher fee by spending more time on planes, in airport lounges, at hotels, and so forth," explains Rossman.

Some cards offer a 0% intro APR for an introductory period, which can help if you need to book travel now and pay it off over time. Always check the variable rate after the promo ends and whether there's a balance transfer fee if you're consolidating existing debt. If you're not paying off your card in full each month, understanding how APR works is critical — interest charges could easily wipe out any travel rewards you earn.

Before choosing, Nelson and Rossman suggest asking yourself:

• How much are you willing to pay each year in fees and interest charges?

• Which perks matter most — priority boarding and a free checked bag, or premium benefits like lounge access or a companion pass?

• Can you afford to pay off each month's balance in full? Travel cards often carry high interest rates.

• Would you be better off with an airline-specific card, a hotel-specific card, a general-purpose travel card, or a cash-back card not connected to travel rewards at all?

Whatever you do, don't rush through the process of selecting an airline credit card. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option, comparing annual fees, APRs, and perks against how you actually travel. After all, the wrong card — as I learned with the United Club Card — is easy to second-guess once you're locked into the annual fee.

» Ready to find the right card? Compare top airline and travel credit cards to see which earns the most for how you fly.

Are airline credit cards worth it if you don't fly often?

Yes, in some cases. Even occasional travelers can benefit from airline cards through free checked bags — saving $35 or more per bag per flight — and priority boarding. For very infrequent travelers, a no-annual-fee airline card or a general cash-back card may deliver more value than a premium co-branded card with a high annual fee.

What's the difference between a co-branded airline card and a general travel card?

A co-branded airline card earns miles in a specific airline's loyalty program and offers carrier-specific perks like free bags or lounge access on that airline. A general travel card earns transferable points redeemable across multiple airlines and hotel programs, offering more flexibility but fewer carrier-specific perks.

What credit score do you need for an airline credit card?

Most mid-tier airline and travel cards require a FICO score of 670 or above. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve typically require 740 or above. Check your score before applying to avoid hard inquiries on cards you're unlikely to qualify for.

How do I know if an airline card's annual fee is worth it?

Calculate the dollar value of perks you'll realistically use — free checked bags ($35–$40 per bag per flight), lounge visits ($35–$50 per visit), and travel credits — then compare that total to the annual fee. If the perks value exceeds the fee, the card is worth carrying. If not, a no-annual-fee alternative may serve you better.

Disclosures:

This content is based on the independent analysis of the publisher and/or its authors and has not been provided by or endorsed by any card issuer.

The credit card offers and information presented on this page are current as of the published date. However, credit card terms, including APRs, fees, and promotional offers, are subject to change without notice. Some offers listed may no longer be available or may have expired. Please refer to the issuer's website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.