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.
What Are Airline Credit Cards?
Airline credit cards are usually co-branded with specific airlines, and they 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 be a no-brainer. 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.
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, works with partner airlines, and gives you more redemption options.
The Best Airline and Travel Cards for Frequent Flyers
Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | Flexible points and great transfer partners, perfect for travelers who want max value without a high fee. | |
Citi Strata Elite℠ | $595 | Big earn rates + luxury perks with less crowding than Amex lounges, great for frequent travelers who want a premium card that flies under the radar. | |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | Ideal if you want airport lounge access, travel insurance, and flexible points, all in one card. | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card | $0 | Great starter travel card no annual fee, solid, flat-rate rewards, and no foreign transaction fees. |
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.
Still not sure which one fits? Here's how I’d match each card to how you actually travel.
Use Case: Who These Cards Are Great For
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. I like it because you’re not stuck with one airline, and if you use the portal the right way, your redemption options can go a lot further.
Fly a lot and want the perks to match?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express are loaded with travel perks: airport lounge access, travel credits, upgrades. These aren’t budget cards, but if you’re always in the air, they earn their keep.
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.
How to Choose the Right Airline Credit Card
Ask yourself:
Do I mostly fly one airline or shop around for the best fare?
Do I want airport lounge access or just skip baggage fees?
Can I use transferable points to maximize redemption value?
Am I trying to build credit or hit financial goals like a big trip?
Also consider your:
Credit score (most travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit)
Credit limit and how it affects your credit utilization
Ability to make minimum payments on time (helps your payment history and overall financial health)
What About APR and Fees?
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. But always check:
The variable rate after the promo ends
Whether there’s a balance transfer fee if you’re consolidating
If you’re not paying off your card in full each month, the APR could wipe out your travel rewards.
Tips for choosing an airline credit card
“Airline credit cards can be worthwhile even if you don’t travel frequently as they enable you to save money on checked bags, boarding fees, and other travel perks,” says Chris Nelson, credit card writer for The Points Guy.
“Whether you’re looking to save on baggage costs or earn miles for your next trip, these cards can offer solid long-term value,” he elaborates.
“The best airline credit card depends on your flying activity,” says Bankrate senior analyst, Ted Rossman. “For instance, if you’re loyal to a certain airline, one of its co-branded cards might make the most sense.”
Card issuers generally offer three types of airline credit cards, Rossman explains:
No-annual-fee cards that supply basic benefits.
Cards with annual fees around $95 that offer nicer benefits, often including free checked bags. “The mid-tier option represents a sweet spot for many travelers,” says Rossman.
Premium cards with annual fees that usually are in the hundreds of dollars. “These high-end cards are geared toward frequent travelers,” Rossman says, “because a cardholder needs to justify a higher fee by spending more time on planes, in airport lounges, at hotels, and so forth.”
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before picking an airline credit card, courtesy of Nelson and Rossman:
How much are you willing to pay each year in fees and interest charges?
Which perks matter to me? Do you just want to board earlier and get a free checked bag? Or do you want premium benefits like lounge access or a companion pass?
Can you afford to pay off each month’s balance in full to avoid interest charges and squeeze the most value from an airline credit card?
Would you be better off with an airline-specific card, a hotel-specific card, or a general-purpose travel card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards)? Or would a cash-back card not connected to travel rewards be more appropriate?
“General-purpose cards keep your options open,” Rossman says, “while airline-specific cards let you double down on loyalty.”
“If you live in a hub city and fly the same airline a lot, an airline card can be a great choice,” Rossman adds. “If you’re an occasional traveler who plays the field and picks whichever airline is cheaper or has the schedule that best aligns with a specific trip, you’re better off keeping your options open with a general-purpose travel card.”
Prepare for takeoff
Whatever you do, don’t fly through the process of selecting an airline credit card. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each card, and compare annual fees, APRs, and other key items. After all, you don’t want to second-guess your decision, as I’ve done with the United Club Card.
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.