Ranked: Best Airline Credit Cards October 2024

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, enjoy benefits like an annual bonus, and provides a convenient way to save on Southwest Airlines flights, making it a solid choice for those who frequently travel with this airline.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Annual Fee: $149

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, an annual travel credit, and elevated loyalty status benefits, making it a top choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Southwest Premier card is for individuals who love to travel with Southwest Airlines. Cardholders can earn Rapid Rewards points for their spending and enjoy benefits such as an annual bonus and in-flight savings, making it a suitable choice for frequent Southwest flyers. *The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

United℠ Explorer Card

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

50,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

50,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

The United Explorer Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for individuals who frequently travel with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, a free checked bag, and other travel benefits, making it a suitable choice for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy perks when flying with United.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

Annual Fee: $695

80,000

Bonus Points

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.

80,000

Bonus Points

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.

The Amex Platinum is a premium card offering a range of exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to luxury airport lounges, annual travel credits, and Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. With a high annual fee, this card is designed for individuals who value premium perks and are frequent travelers looking to enjoy a heightened level of luxury and convenience.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Annual Fee: $395

75,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

75,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

The Venture X (one of our favorites!) is a premium travel rewards card that offers generous earning rates on travel and dining purchases, along with a wide range of travel perks and benefits. Cardholders can enjoy flexible redemption options for their rewards, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95

Up to 100,000

Bonus Points

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

Up to 100,000

Bonus Points

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent flyers and Air Canada enthusiasts. Cardholders can earn Aeroplan points for their purchases, enjoy travel benefits like free checked bags, and access exclusive Air Canada perks, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently travel with this airline.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Annual Fee: $595

70,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

70,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a premium airline credit card designed for American Airlines enthusiasts. Cardholders can enjoy perks like Admirals Club membership, priority boarding, free checked bags, and the opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles for their everyday spending, making it a strong choice for those who frequently travel with American Airlines.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

United Quest℠ Card

Annual Fee: $250

60,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

60,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

The United Quest Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, various travel perks like free checked bags, and premium benefits such as priority boarding and travel credits, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their United Airlines experience.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best $0 intro offer

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

🏆 Best $0 intro offer

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150

80,000

Bonus Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta travelers, offering benefits like a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and opportunities to earn and redeem SkyMiles for flights. With a reasonable annual fee, this card provides a valuable combination of travel perks and rewards for those who prefer Delta.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Delta loyalists

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

🏆 Best for Delta loyalists

Annual Fee: $650

100,000

Bonus Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

100,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers, offering luxurious benefits like access to Delta Sky Club, priority boarding, and an annual companion certificate, along with the ability to earn and redeem SkyMiles for flights. With a higher annual fee, this card is designed for travelers who value exclusive airport experiences and are committed to maximizing their Delta loyalty.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers

Annual Fee: $350

90,000

Bonus Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

90,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers, offering benefits such as priority boarding, a free first checked bag, and opportunities to earn and redeem SkyMiles for flights, making it an ideal choice for Delta loyalists. While it does come with a moderate annual fee, the card provides valuable perks and rewards for those who regularly fly with Delta.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Read our ultimate guide to

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Ranked: Best Airline Credit Card October 2024

Find current Transfer Partners for

here

here

What's on this page

Best credit cards for business

Best credit cards for personal

Cards That Transfer to

Which Card is Right For You?

Other Ways to Earn

Pros & Cons

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Annual Fee: $69

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Annual Fee: $149

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000

Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

United℠ Explorer Card

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

50,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

50,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

🏆 Best for luxury benefits

Annual Fee: $695

80,000

Bonus Points

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.

80,000

Bonus Points

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

🏆 Best for premium travel perks

Annual Fee: $395

75,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

75,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95

Up to 100,000

Bonus Points

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

Up to 100,000

Bonus Points

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Annual Fee: $595

70,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

70,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

United Quest℠ Card

Annual Fee: $250

60,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

60,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best $0 intro offer

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

🏆 Best $0 intro offer

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150

80,000

Bonus Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Delta loyalists

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

🏆 Best for Delta loyalists

Annual Fee: $650

100,000

Bonus Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

100,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers

Annual Fee: $350

90,000

Bonus Miles

ELEVATED OFFER

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

90,000

Bonus Miles

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Personal Cards

No items found.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Business Cards

No items found.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

No items found.

Which Card is Right for You?

Most airline credit cards offer more than just miles on airfare. You’ll often find bonus categories for dining, gas, groceries, and even ride shares. Some cards also let you transfer points from other programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, to maximize your earning.

‍

Other Ways to Earn

‍

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] Free checked bags and priority boarding [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Access to airline lounges with certain cards [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Bonus miles on everyday purchases [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Companion certificates or discounts [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Opportunity to earn elite status [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Potential to earn transferable points with some cards for flexibility in redeeming with multiple airlines [.pro]

Cons

[.con] Airline-specific cards limit flexibility if you don't fly that airline often [.con]

‍

[.con] Lounge access may only apply to certain cards or airlines [.con]

‍

[.con] Some cards have limited international partner redemption options [.con]

FAQs

What’s the best airline credit card for someone who travels frequently?

The best card depends on the airline you fly most often and the perks you want. If you’re a frequent flyer with one airline, picking their co-branded card can get you benefits like free checked bags and lounge access. If you prefer flexibility, consider a card that offers transferable points.

‍

Can I use miles earned on one airline card to fly with other airlines?

Yes, if your airline belongs to an alliance or has partners, you can often redeem miles for flights with those airlines. For example, American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance, and Delta belongs to SkyTeam, so their miles are redeemable with partner airlines.

‍

What’s the difference between transferable points and airline miles?

Airline miles are tied to a specific airline, while transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards) can be transferred to several airlines, giving you more flexibility in booking.

‍

Is it better to get an airline-specific credit card or a general travel card?

It depends on your travel habits. If you fly with one airline regularly and value perks like free bags and priority boarding, an airline-specific card is a great choice. If you prefer flexibility and want to earn points that you can transfer to multiple airlines, a general travel card might be better for you.

‍

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

‍

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor

‍

Learn more

What's on this page