Airline Credit Cards
With dozens of airline credit cards on the market, it’s easier than ever to unlock top-tier travel perks and start earning miles for your next adventure. Many of the cards in this category offer free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, major miles, and more.
And with global airline prices only set to keep rising, now is a great time to stretch your dollar a little further with the right rewards card.
Ready to start earning? We’ve rounded up the top airline cards on the market to make things easy and help make sure you’re not leaving money (or miles!) on the table.
- Annual Fee $0
- APR 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
- Rewards Rate 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases.
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $0
- Est. Monthly Rewards $160
- Est. First Year Rewards $1,924
The Bottom Line
The Discover it® Miles credit card gives its cardholders more in terms of travel benefits that are coupled with an attractive introductory purchase APR and no annual fee. For those who are shopping for a good Miles rewards program, then this card is worth looking into.
Our Take
The Good
There is no annual fee, a nice intro purchase APR, and cardholders will earn unlimited Miles on all purchases.
The Not So Good
This card was created with the frequent traveler in mind so if you aren’t trying to earn Miles on your purchases, this isn’t the right card for you. This card also requires good credit to qualify.
Card Details
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Annual Fee $95
- APR 21.49%-28.49% Variable
- Rewards Rate Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Credit Needed Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $705
- Est. Monthly Rewards $109
- Est. First Year Rewards $2,017
The Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers those who have excellent credit a generous rewards program, plus a high level of customer service with additional perks and privileges.
Our Take
The Good
Reward accumulation is practically endless with this card. You can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. This card lets you earn points on all purchases, with additional bonus points rewarded for travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases.
The Not So Good
The annual fee is $95. Also, you need excellent credit to qualify for this card.
Card Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
- Annual Fee $95
- APR 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Rewards Rate 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $805
- Est. Monthly Rewards $114
- Est. First Year Rewards $2,168
The Bottom Line
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a really good travel rewards card for the frequent traveler. You can earn tons of miles and use them in many different ways with no expiration dates or hidden fees.
Our Take
The Good
There's no cap on how many miles you can earn, and you can redeem them for all sorts of travel products and services such as flights, hotels, and car rentals.
The Not So Good
Your credit has to be excellent/good and there is an annual fee of $95.
Card Details
- Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
- Annual Fee $0
- APR 20.49% - 29.24% Variable
- Rewards Rate Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $300
- Est. Monthly Rewards $119
- Est. First Year Rewards $1,723
The Bottom Line
This card earns consistent rewards on every purchases and it also come with no annual fee and a nice intro APR on purchases.
Our Take
The Good
The sign up bonus for this card can help you seriously boost your cash back rewards in the first year, and you'll also earn a better than average rewards rate on all purchases.
The Not So Good
The ongoing APR is a little higher than normal, so it's best to avoid carrying a balance with this credit card. Also, there is a foreign exchange fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars, so you may want to refrain from using this card overseas.
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- Annual Fee $69
- APR 21.49%-28.49% variable
- Rewards Rate Receive 3,000 anniversary points each year. Enjoy benefits including 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming, 2 Early Bird Check-In® each year, 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points boost each year, and more.
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $750
- Est. Monthly Rewards $100
- Est. First Year Rewards $1,950
The Bottom Line
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a great card for travelers who love flying Southwest or consumers simply looking for a solid travel rewards card. This card will help you rack up Southwest points very quickly and there are many extra perks that make traveling easy.
Our Take
The Good
The 3,000 bonus points after your cardmember anniversary helps offset the cost of the annual fee. When you add that to the big sign-up bonus and great rewards rate, this credit card earns a ton of points.
The Not So Good
The $69 annual fee is not waived the first year.
Card Details
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
- 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Member FDIC
- Annual Fee $0
- APR 7.99-15.49%
- Rewards Rate 2% Unlimited Cashback, 7% Hotels Cash Back
- Credit Needed Fair / Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $0
- Est. Monthly Rewards $107
- Est. First Year Rewards $1,283
The Bottom Line
We don't have a review for this card yet, but sit tight! There's one coming soon.
Our Take
The Good
We don't have a review for this card yet, but sit tight! There's one coming soon.
The Not So Good
We don't have a review for this card yet, but sit tight! There's one coming soon.
Card Details
- Up to $250,000 Limit, 2% Unlimited Cashback, 7% Hotels Cashback
- APR as low as 7.99 - 15.49%. Directly deposit cash from your Aven card to your bank account at the same low rate.
- No Annual Fee
- For Homeowners Only - 4.9/5 Stars on 3,535 Trustpilot Reviews
- Annual Fee $395
- APR 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Rewards Rate 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Credit Needed Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $455
- Est. Monthly Rewards $156
- Est. First Year Rewards $2,323
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a premier travel card experience, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is certainly worthy of your attention. Plus, it’s liable to only get more attractive to potential cardholders as time goes on and more features are added.
Our Take
The Good
This card’s amazing rewards program and solid welcome offer show Capital One means business when it comes to staying competitive in the travel space.
The Not So Good
$395 is a lot to ask for an annual fee even with all the benefits on offer here, and this card is missing some of the additional features we see from more mature premium travel cards.
Card Details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
- Annual Fee $99, waived for first 12 months
- APR 21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Rewards Rate Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $751
- Est. Monthly Rewards $123
- Est. First Year Rewards $2,229
The Bottom Line
For those who want to accumulate credit card rewards that can be used to fly on American Airlines, this a pretty decent card with an annual fee that is waived for the first year.
Our Take
The Good
You can earn a big up front bonus and AAdvantage miles with every purchase.
The Not So Good
There is an annual fee starting the second year, and almost all of the benefits of this card are built around American Airlines travel, so if you don’t fly with that carrier it won’t do you much good.
Card Details
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- Annual Fee $99, waived for first 12 months
- APR 21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Rewards Rate Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations. Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- Credit Needed Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $1,176
- Est. Monthly Rewards $172
- Est. First Year Rewards $3,241
The Bottom Line
We don't have a review for this card yet, but sit tight! There's one coming soon.
Our Take
The Good
We don't have a review for this card yet, but sit tight! There's one coming soon.
The Not So Good
We don't have a review for this card yet, but sit tight! There's one coming soon.
Card Details
- Designed for businesses
- Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
- 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Annual Fee $95
- APR 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
- Rewards Rate Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $605
- Est. Monthly Rewards $83
- Est. First Year Rewards $1,596
The Bottom Line
With $0 foreign transaction fees and the potential to earn a huge amount of miles, this is a fantastic credit card for anyone looking for travel rewards.
Our Take
The Good
The rewards you earn can easily make the United℠ Explorer Card worth paying the yearly fee and your miles don't expire.
The Not So Good
If you're not interested in earning rewards with United's MileagePlus program, this won't be the best card for you.
Card Details
- Limited-time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Member FDIC
- Annual Fee $0
- APR 21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Rewards Rate Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $255
- Est. Monthly Rewards $103
- Est. First Year Rewards $1,488
The Bottom Line
If you're a frequent traveler with American Airlines, this card can help you boost your mileage account with every purchase and you won't have to pay an annual fee.
Our Take
The Good
The bonus miles on groceries can be a nice way to earn rewards faster. Plus, the 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases can go a long way if you're a frequent flyer.
The Not So Good
The sign up bonus is relatively small compared to other airlines credit cards, but that's not unusual considering there is no annual fee.
Card Details
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
- Annual Fee $595
- APR 21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Rewards Rate Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- Credit Needed Good / Excellent
OFFER VALUATION
Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.
Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.
- Est. Intro Rewards $595
- Est. Monthly Rewards $132
- Est. First Year Rewards $2,182
The Bottom Line
If you are a frequent flier on American Airlines, then this could be a very beneficial card to carry. You will need to take advantage of the numerous perks like lounge access and the Elite Qualifying Miles to really justify the annual fee.
Our Take
The Good
You can get a big jump-start and earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Cardholders will receive excellent travel perks such as complimentary membership to Admirals Club, free checked bag on domestic American Airline itineraries, and in-flight savings.
The Not So Good
This card won't be worth paying the annual fee unless you frequently fly with American Airlines. You need excellent-good credit to qualify.
Card Details
- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.