Airline reward credit cards
Airline reward credit cards are specialized credit cards that allow users to earn miles or points with specific airlines when they make purchases. These cards are designed to benefit frequent flyers by offering them rewards that can be redeemed for flight tickets, seat upgrades, and other travel-related perks.
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The primary advantage of airline reward credit cards lies in their ability to accumulate points or miles for everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for various travel benefits. Many of these cards also offer sign-up bonuses, which can significantly boost your miles balance after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. Additionally, cardholders often receive exclusive benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges. However, it's important to consider the annual fees and interest rates associated with these cards, as they can be higher than those of regular credit cards. For travelers who frequently fly with a specific airline, the rewards and perks can easily outweigh the costs, making these cards a valuable addition to their wallets.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardView AllChase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Travel rewards card with premium benefits and flexible points.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®View AllChase Sapphire Reserve® - Premium travel rewards card with extensive benefits and perks.
American Express® Gold CardView AllAmerican Express® Gold Card - Rewards points, dining perks, and travel benefits.
American Express® Platinum CardView AllAmerican Express® Platinum Card - Luxury travel perks, premium rewards, high annual fee.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®View AllCiti® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® - Travel rewards card with American Airlines benefits.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express CardView AllDelta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card - Travel rewards card with Delta benefits and no foreign transaction fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardView AllDelta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card - Travel rewards card with miles, perks, and companion certificate.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardView AllDelta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Elite travel perks, lounge access, bonus miles, annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit CardView AllSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - Earn points on Southwest flights and everyday purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit CardView AllSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card - Earn points for Southwest travel, plus flight and hotel benefits.
Airline reward credit cards
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its versatile points system and valuable benefits. Cardholders earn 2X points on travel and dining and 1X point on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The card features a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and includes travel insurance and purchase protection. An annual fee applies, but the rewards and benefits often outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
Pros
High rewards- travel benefits
- no foreign fees
- flexible points.
Cons
High annual fee- limited travel partners
- no introductory 0% APR.
2.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers. It offers substantial benefits, including 3x points on travel and dining, a $300 annual travel credit, and access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select. Cardholders also enjoy comprehensive travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and 1:1 point transfers to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. The card comes with a substantial annual fee, but its extensive perks can significantly offset the cost for those who maximize its benefits.
Pros
- High rewards
- travel perks
- lounge access
- insurance
- flexible redemption.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited benefits for casual travelers
- complex rewards.
3.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a premium charge card designed for rewards enthusiasts. It offers 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1X on other purchases. Cardholders enjoy benefits like a $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees. The card has a $250 annual fee and provides extensive travel and purchase protections. Ideal for foodies and travelers, it combines luxury with high rewards potential.
Pros
- High rewards
- dining credits
- travel perks
- flexible payment options.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited international acceptance
- no intro APR.
4.
American Express® Platinum Card
The American Express® Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering extensive benefits and features tailored for frequent travelers. Cardholders enjoy access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel and purchase protections, and a $200 airline fee credit. Additional perks include 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and various elite status upgrades in hotel and rental car programs. The card's annual fee is substantial, but the luxury benefits can outweigh the cost for avid travelers.
Pros
- Luxury travel perks
- airport lounge access
- extensive rewards
- concierge service.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited acceptance
- complex reward structure.
5.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® is a travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent American Airlines flyers. Cardholders earn AAdvantage® miles on every purchase, with bonus miles for American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas stations. Benefits include a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Additionally, cardholders can earn a substantial sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement. There is an annual fee, but it's waived for the first year, making it a valuable choice for travelers seeking to maximize their rewards.
Pros
- Bonus miles
- free checked bag
- priority boarding
- no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited rewards flexibility
- airline-specific perks.
6.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a travel rewards card designed for frequent Delta Airlines flyers. It offers 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. Cardholders benefit from priority boarding, a free checked bag, and no foreign transaction fees. The card typically includes an introductory bonus if spending requirements are met within the first few months. While it has an annual fee, the travel perks and rewards can offset the cost for regular Delta travelers.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- free checked bag
- priority boarding
- miles earning.
Cons
- High annual fee after first year
- limited airport lounge access.
7.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers. It offers a generous welcome bonus, 3X miles on Delta purchases and hotels, 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1X miles on other eligible purchases. Benefits include a free checked bag, priority boarding, and an annual companion certificate. Cardholders also enjoy travel perks like no foreign transaction fees, access to Delta Sky Club® at a reduced rate, and the ability to earn Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward elite status.
Pros
- Generous miles rewards
- travel perks
- free checked bags
- and companion certificate.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited lounge access
- few non-Delta perks.
8.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers. It offers benefits such as complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges, free first checked bag, and priority boarding. Cardholders earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other spending. The card also includes an annual companion certificate for domestic flights, upgrade priority, and fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. However, it carries a high annual fee, making it ideal for those who can maximize its perks.
Pros
- Earns SkyMiles
- lounge access
- status boosts
- travel perks
- bonus miles.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited reward flexibility
- Delta-centric benefits.
9.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers benefits for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The card features 3,000 anniversary points each year and no foreign transaction fees. It has a modest annual fee and provides additional perks like travel and purchase protections, making it a valuable choice for loyal Southwest customers looking to maximize their travel rewards.
Pros
- Earn points quickly
- no blackout dates
- and travel perks.
Cons
- Limited international acceptance
- annual fee
- and fewer luxury perks.
10.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is a travel rewards card tailored for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers. It offers 3,000 bonus points annually on the cardmember anniversary, two EarlyBird Check-In® credits per year, and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders can earn points on Southwest purchases, local transit, and commuting, as well as on other everyday spending. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and more. The card also aids in achieving A-List status faster with tier-qualifying points and has an annual fee.
Pros
- Earn points
- no foreign fees
- anniversary bonus
- free checked bags.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited rewards flexibility
- no international lounges.