Airline credit cards are an excellent tool to have in your wallet if you’re a regular flier. They offer perks like fast tracks to elite status, free flights, and a range of premium perks, like airport lounge access and coveted companion passes. It’s even easier to get lured in by a valuable sign-up bonus or the promise of luxury treatment when flying.
But if you’re not an airline loyalist or a frequent flier, you have to make sure the card you open makes sense for your travel style. The specificity of airline cards makes them a little less valuable than general travel credit cards, so it’s worth analyzing your travel patterns, local airports, and spending habits to ensure you pick the right product.
To help you sift through the many options, we’ve listed the best airline credit cards currently available.
Let’s get to the points!
Best airline credit cards of 2023:
- Best card for airport lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best card for flexible points redemption: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Best all-around travel card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best card for Delta fliers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Best card for American Airlines fliers: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Best card for Southwest fliers: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card
- Best card for United fliers: United℠ Explorer Card
- Best card for JetBlue fliers: The JetBlue Plus Card
- Best card for Alaska Airlines fliers: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
- Best card for Luxury Airline Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Best card for airport lounge access:
The American Express Platinum Card
Who’s this for: The frequent traveler with an eye on flexible points and top-tier perks like airport lounge access. American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to over 15 hotel and airline partners, including Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
Details: The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with tons of perks and benefits and is a good card for points earning if you’re spending a lot on airfare and hotels. Amex points are transferrable to 20 different airline and hotel partners giving them incredible flexibility and value.
When spending with the card you’ll earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com and 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases.
The card’s biggest benefit is its unprecedented airport lounge access, giving you access to over 1,300 lounges around the world, including Delta Sky Clubs, Amex’s own Centurion lounges and a Priority Pass membership.
You’ll also earn a ton of credits by being a cardholder which helps offset the card’s large annual fee. Every year you’ll enjoy a number of travel credits, including an up to $200 airline fee statement credit to cover things like baggage and seat selection fees, an up to $189 CLEAR® Plus credit to help get through airport security quicker, an up to $200 hotel credit with Fine Hotels + Resorts® prepaid bookings or prepaid stays of two nights or more with The Hotel Collection when you book through Amex Travel.
To top it off, several lifestyle credits further help offset the annual fee, including an up to $240 digital entertainment credit which covers services like Hulu, Disney+, Audible, The New York Times and more, up to $155 Walmart+ credit, up to $200 Uber Cash for Uber rides and Uber Eats, up to $300 Equinox credit and up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit. Terms apply and enrollment required for select benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of card membership
The Amex Platinum was once the sole dominating force in the luxury credit card space. While it now faces some stiff competition, it still offers unbeatable perks like unprecedented airport lounge access, elite status at Hilton and Marriott, and some outstanding statement credits making the mammoth $695 worth it for some.
PROS
- The Amex Platinum’s typical intro bonus of 80,000 points is massive in itself. It’s worth $800 when spent directly through Amex’s travel portal on flights and hotels, which is already stellar. But when transferred to a partner, it’s very possible to squeeze over $1,600 or more in value.
- The Platinum has a slew of top-tier benefits, like Priority Pass, which gives the cardholder access to thousands of airport lounges and restaurants around the world, as well as Amex’s own Centurion lounges which are known for the high-quality (and free) food and cocktails. Other perks include up to $200 in Uber credits, up to $200 in airline fee credits (given in statement credits), up to $240 in digital streaming credits, up to $200 towards hotel bookings (given in statement credits) with Amex’s Fine Hotels and Resorts (2 night minimum stay required), and more. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
- A number of statement credits spanning multiple industries can build even more value into the card, including free stays when applied strategically.
- The Amex concierge is an underutilized benefit that can transform a trip by helping book hard-to-find dinner reservations or show tickets.
CONS
- The $695 annual fee is brutally high. Too high for many that can’t, or don’t want to take full advantage of its benefits.
- Points-earning rates are low unless spending directly on flights or with the Amex Portal.
- Some of the benefits, like travel credits, are more limited and are harder to use than competing cards’ offerings.
Annual Fee: $695 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best credit card for flexible points redemption:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Who’s this for: Any traveler seeking a premium travel card with maximum flexibility and some perks for good measure. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to over a dozen hotel and airline partners, including United Airlines and Marriott Bonvoy, making this a great card for those looking for flexibility in how to redeem their rewards.
Details: The Chase Sapphire Reserve can earn travelers and foodies a ton of points. With the card, you’ll earn 10X total points on hotels and car rentals and 5X total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after spending $300 on travel each year. Plus, you’ll earn 3X points on all other travel purchases worldwide, after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases.
Dining out is also highly rewarded as you can earn 10X total points on Chase Dining purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards when you make prepaid restaurant reservations, order takeout or join our virtual cooking events and 3X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Other valuable and useful perks help offset the card’s hefty annual fee, including a $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases made on your card each account anniversary year and a Priority Pass Membership which gives you access to 1,300+ airline lounges worldwide.
The card is also known for strong ancillary benefits like trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card that’s accessible to most travelers as it has a number of valuable and easy-to-use benefits. Its annual fee of $550, though still high, is quickly offset thanks to its $300 travel credit, large welcome bonus, strong spending categories, and premium perks like airport lounge access. It’s also great for those who don’t want to deal with transferring their points, as you’ll get big value when redeeming through Chase’s travel portal.
PROS
- Its 60,000-point intro bonus is worth much more than the annual fee of $550.
- The $300 travel credit covers anything travel related, whether thats an Airbnb, a taxi, a flight, or hotel, making it almost impossible not to lessen the dent the fee made.
- The points are worth 1.5 cents a piece when used directly on Chase’s Ultimate Rewards Portal, offering a simple but high value use for your points.
- Plenty of excellent transfer partners allow points to be maximized
- Some excellent partnerships with Doordash and Lyft add to its value.
- Priority Pass membership allows access to over 1,300+ airport lounges and restaurants.
CONS
- No complimentary elite hotel status, like that offered by the Amex Platinum.
- You won’t earn points on travel purchases until the $300 credit is used.
- It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
Annual Fee: $550 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for no annual fee:
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Who’s this for: The regular or occasional traveler who wants to keep points-earning simple and avoid paying an annual fee. Capital One miles can be transferred to over a dozen hotels and airlines.
Details: You won’t have to worry about tracking any bonus categories with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card as you’ll earn an unlimited 1.25X miles per dollar on all purchases. While that’s not as high of a rate as some other cards on this list, the card makes up for it as the miles you earn are transferrable to over 15 airline and hotel partners and the card has no annual fee.
Plus, you’ll earn an unlimited 5X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. When traveling abroad you don’t have to worry about paying any foreign transaction fees which is a rare feature for a no-annual-fee card.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne is an excellent card for those taking more deliberate steps into the world of travel rewards thanks to its lack of annual fee and flat-rate earning. Cardholders earn 1.25X miles per dollar spent on all purchases, plus 5X miles per dollar on travel purchased through Capital One. Its 20,000-mile welcome bonus is also solid for a no-annual-fee card.
PROS
- Its flat-rate earning system makes the VentureOne an easy option for earning miles on all types of spending. While not as high of a rate as its sister cards, it may be the right option for some lower-spending users.
- No annual fee makes it fairly risk-free for learning how to transfer points to travel partners and maximize the value of your rewards
- The 20,000-mile intro bonus is worth $200 when used directly on the Capital One Portal, and even more when transferred to an airline or hotel partner. With only $500 of spending required to receive the miles, that’s a wonderful 20% return.
- No foreign transaction fees. This is fairly uncommon for a no-annual-fee card.
CONS
- Earning rate isn’t huge
- Big and moderate spenders can earn more points elsewhere
- Cash-back cards may be more lucrative
Annual Fee: $0 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best all around travel credit card:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Who’s this for? The traveler who wants a travel credit card that offers flexibility, great potential for points-earning, premium travel perks but who still values simplicity. Capital One miles can be transferred to over a dozen hotels and airlines.
Details: The Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card is like the Venture card on steroids, allowing you to earn a whole lot more miles on travel and more widespread access to airport lounges.
You’ll earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2X miles on all other purchases. Plus, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees when swiping the card abroad.
Cardholders get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide—and authorized users get the same access!
You can easily offset the $395 annual fee with the card’s $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. To top it off, you’ll also get 10,000 bonus miles automatically each account anniversary.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
75,000 Bonus Miles
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
The Capital One Venture X is a direct competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and for many seeking a simpler earning scheme with premium perks, it could be the better option. But the Venture X truly shines with one benefit in particular: four free authorized users. Not only can they all use the card and earn miles, they all receive a Priority Pass membership which allows themselves and two guests access to airport lounges. In a highly improbable situation, that means you could technically bring 15 people into a lounge with you.
PROS
- Its solid intro bonus of 75,000 miles is worth well over $1,000 when transferred to partner airlines and hotels, or a flat rate $750 when redeemed on the Capital One Travel Portal.
- Cardholders get a bonus of 10,000 miles each year after their first account anniversary, which is nothing to shrug off, especially when a little bit short of that business class flight. It’s worth almost $200 depending on how you use it.
- The $300 annual credit for purchases made on the Capital One Travel Portal, combined with the yearly free miles, more than annul the $395 annual fee.
- Four authorized users can be added for free.
- The cardholder is entitled to a Priority Pass membership and entry to Capital One Lounges, even the authorized users.
- A generous offering of travel insurance, protections and reimbursements round out an excellent array of benefits.
CONS
- The $300 credit is a bit less flexible than the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s comparable benefit.
- Miles earning is the same as the Sapphire Reserve on portal-based purchases, but less on general travel spending.
- Capital one transfer partners are solid, but still don’t include any US-based airlines or hotels.
Annual Fee: $395 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for Delta fliers:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Who’s this for: The traveler with a preference for Delta or whose local airport has a strong Delta presence
Details: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a great option for frequent Delta flyers. The card has a $95 annual fee, but it is waived for the first year. One of the main benefits of this card is the free first-checked bag on Delta flights for everyone on the ticket, which can save you a significant amount of money on your next trip ($60 roundtrip per person). Additionally, cardholders receive 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases.
When it comes to earning miles, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 2X miles on Delta purchases, as well as 2X miles on groceries in the U.S. and on dining (including takeout and delivery) worldwide. Cardholders also earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Another great perk of this card is the $100 Delta flight credit you can earn after you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year, which shouldn’t be too hard to hit in a year, even for moderate spenders. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees with this card, making it a great option for those who travel internationally.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
40,000 Bonus Miles
after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card isn’t a showstopper, but it’s an excellent example of an airline card that’s easy to keep in your wallet. It’s annual fee is $0 for the first year and then $99 the years after, but if you and a partner fly one-round trip a year with Delta, its free checked bag benefit already makes up for that fee. Throw in a solid 40,000-point intro bonus and simple rewards-earning categories, and it’s almost a no-brainer for anyone with even a little domestic US travel on the horizon.
PROS
- The substantial 40,000-mile intro bonus is earned by spending an extremely achievable $2,000 in six months—well within a realistic budget for many.
- The free first-checked bag for everyone on the booking more than validates the $95 annual fee.
- A simple 2X miles on all dining (including US takeout and delivery), and US supermarket transactions make earning points simple.
- $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 annually is a nice reward that shouldn’t be too hard to meet
- Card members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. The discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
CONS
- SkyMiles award redemption rates on Delta’s partners can be pricey
- No premium perks beyond the free checked bag
- Its 2X miles on Delta purchases is lower than what its sister cards earn
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for American Airlines fliers:
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Who’s this for: The traveler who prefers to fly American Airlines or whose local airport has a strong American Airlines presence
Details: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a rewards card tailored for American Airlines frequent flyers. This card offers a range of benefits including free checked bags on domestic American Airlines flights for up to 4 passengers on the same booking, 25% back on American Airlines in-flight purchases and a $125 flight discount when you spend $20,000 in a year. For those who use even just a few of these perks, it can make the annual fee of $99, which is waived for the first year, easier to swallow.
The card offers 2X miles on American Airlines purchases, 2X miles on restaurants and gas stations, and 1X miles on all other purchases. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travelers.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a strong airline-centric card to have in your travel toolbox if your main airport is an American Airlines hub like Boston, Chicago, Dallas, or Charlotte, or if you just have a preference for the airline. Regular business travelers may want to upgrade for luxury perks like lounge access, but for everyone else, the low annual fee, 50,000 point intro bonus, solid miles-earning categories, and free checked bag perks are more than enough to validate the space in your wallet.
PROS
- The strong 50,000-point intro bonus is worth as much as $750, earned after spending $2,500 in three months.
- Cardholders and up to four companions can enjoy a free first checked bag on any domestic American Airlines flight, comfortably justifying the $99 fee when used.
- The card earns 2X miles for gas and dining purchases
- Each eligible mile earned with the card also earns a loyalty point towards American Airlines elite status
- A generous 25% discount on in-flight purchases when using the card round out the benefits
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
CONS
- American Airlines miles can’t be transferred to other airlines or hotels (although they can be used to book AA partner flights)
- Premium perks are reserved for pricier cards
Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for Southwest Fliers:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card
Who’s this for: Both casual and loyal Southwest passengers who want to enjoy a few premium perks at a low cost
Details: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card is a worthwhile card for those who often find themselves aboard a Southwest Airlines flight. The card offers a range of benefits that can help you save money on your next trip, including two easy-to-redeem perks that quickly cover the $149 annual fee: a 7,500 annual point bonus and a $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
When it comes to earning points, the Southwest Priority Card offers 3X points on Southwest® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming, plus 1X points on all other purchases. This rewards structure allows cardholders to earn points quickly and easily on everyday purchases.
Finally, you’ll get a 25% discount on Southwest in-flight purchases and will pay no foreign transaction fees when using the card abroad.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card
60,000 Bonus Points
plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the popular airline’s premium card offering and represents a solid piece of value for those who fly with the carrier at least once or twice a year. While premium, in this case, doesn’t stretch to the same lounge-based perks as some of its competitors, the card offers four upgraded boardings a year, a generous annual points bonus, and a neat $75 travel credit, making it well worth the fee.
PROS
- Earn 60,000 bonus points, plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Cardholders enjoy four upgraded boardings a year when available.
- The $75 travel credit is for any Southwest expense, including ticket cots and not just incidentals.
- The 7,500 annual bonus points are worth around $100 towards travel on Southwest.
- 25% discount on in-flight purchases when paying with the card
- The intro bonus can be used when collecting points for the Companion Pass benefit.
- Elite status can be earned with day-to-day spending, and not just flights.
CONS
- The $149 annual fee can be steep if the card isn’t used to its full value.
- No lounge access included
- Southwest points cannot be transferred or used with any airline partners.
Annual Fee: $149 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for United Fliers:
United℠ Explorer Card
Who’s this for: Travelers who prefer to fly United or whose local airport has a strong United presence – but even less frequent fliers could find it valuable.
Details: The United Explorer credit card is a great choice for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. This card offers a range of perks including free first checked bag when paying for your United flight with the card, two free visits to the United Club per year, priority boarding and access to expanded award availability.
The United Explorer credit card earns 2X miles on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges. Additionally, you’ll earn 2X miles on dining in restaurants, including eligible delivery services, and on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. You’ll also earn 1X on all other purchases.
The card has an annual fee of $95 that’s waived for the first year and no foreign transaction fees when swiping abroad.
United℠ Explorer Credit Card
60,000 Bonus Miles
after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
The United℠ Explorer Card is a strong card for its price point. No other comparably priced card includes lounge access along with the more typical free checked bags, a solid 60,000-point intro bonus, and priority boarding. Considering the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, if any United or Star Alliance flights are on the horizon, it could be worth giving a test drive.
PROS
- The 60,000 point intro bonus is worth around $700—and United has some excellent options when booking award flights
- Cardholders enjoy two one-time passes to the United Club a year, usually worth $59 each
- Access to expanded award availability makes booking United flights with miles easier and cheaper
- Free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion can justify the annual fee with one round-trip
- The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year year
- Any in-flight purchases, including Wi-Fi, will generate a 25% cash back in the form of a statement credit
- A year’s membership to DoorDash’s DashPass are nice additions for those who use the food-delivery service
- The $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck® pass is great for regular travelers
CONS
- The DashPass and Global Entry/TSA perks are great, but only helpful for some and overlap with other cards
- Without using the perks available, the fee can become harder to justify unless you’re a regular United flyer
Annual Fee: $95 (First Year Waived) | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for JetBlue:
JetBlue Plus Card
Who’s this for? JetBlue loyalists who want to get the most out of their time spent on the airline – but less frequent fliers can also reap the benefits
Details: This is a great pick if you like to fly JetBlue as you’ll get a few valuable perks by being a cardholder, including a free first checked bag and a 5,000 point bonus on your account anniversary just for holding the card. You’ll also make your JetBlue points more valuable since the card gives you 10% of your points back when you redeem them for a JetBlue flight.
The card earns 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases. Finally, it comes with a 50% savings on JetBlue inflight purchases for food and drink purchases and has no foreign transaction fees.
The JetBlue Plus Card
80,000 Bonus Points
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
The JetBlue Plus card is a stellar option for those partial to JetBlue. Its $99 annual fee is partially wiped away by the annual 5,000-point bonus and an excellent return on JetBlue purchases, helping make it a powerful little card. With an 80,000-point intro bonus to top it off, you’re laughing all the way to the departure hall.
PROS
- The 80,000-point bonus is worth over $1,000 and earned by spending $1,000 in three months
- Cardholders and three companions can enjoy a free first checked bag
- Certain in-flight purchases, including alcoholic beverages, trigger a 50% discount when paid for with the card
- The automatic annual 5,000 bonus points virtually wipe out the $99 annual fee
- You’ll get 10% of your points back after booking and completing an award flight on JetBlue
- Cardholders earn a whopping 6X points on JetBlue purchases, as well as 2X points on dining and grocery stores
- Any vacation packages booked with JetBlue receive a $100 discount
CONS
- JetBlue only has one partner that you can redeem its points on, Hawaiian Airlines, so its points are even less flexible than other airlines
Annual Fee: $95 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for Alaska Airlines:
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Who’s this for? West coasters who can readily use the stellar perks Alaska offers or travelers looking to bolster their supply of the uber-valuable rewards currency
Details: The Alaska card is a great choice for those who fly Alaska with a decent frequency or enjoy earning its miles, which are very valuable for flights on its partners like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, British Airways and more.
You’ll earn Alaska miles at the following rate when spending on the card: 3X miles on Alaska purchases, 2X miles on gas, cable, streaming services and local transit including ride share purchases, and 1X miles spent on all other purchases. Plus, you’ll now earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
The card comes with a number of Alaska-specific perks, including a free checked bag if you purchase your flight with the card, priority boarding on Alaska flights and 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
However, the card may be best known for Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ which allows you to add a companion on your flight from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
70,000 Bonus Miles
plus Alaska’s Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. Must spend $3,000 in purchases withing the first 90 days of opening your account.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is powerful in the hands of someone who can use it well. The Seattle-based airline’s routes are overwhelmingly located on the West coast, but thanks to its valuable miles, the card doesn’t pigeonhole anyone because of Alaska’s airline partners like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, British Airways and more. Its sign-up bonus is worth around $1200, and the card gives the holder access to its coveted Companion Pass.
PROS
- The 50,000-mile intro bonus is worth around $900 and earned by spending $3000 in three months.
- Alaska Airline miles are extremely valuable and can be used on a number of different airlines around the world.
- Cardholders are entitled to the Alaska Airlines Companion Pass, which allows you to bring a companion on an Alaska flight for 122 ($99, plus taxes and fees from $23)— this can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars if maximized.
- A free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six travelers on the same booking, comfortably validating the $75 annual fee.
- 20% back on any Alaska Airlines in-flight purchases
CONS
- A $95 annual fee
- Those on the East Coast may not be able to take advantage of some of the best perks the card offers
- Earning categories are extremely limited, making it harder to accrue points after the bonus
Annual Fee: $95 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Best card for luxury airline travel:
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Who’s this for? Delta loyalists with an eye on Medallion elite status or those who fly with the carrier regularly enough to enjoy the benefits, like lounge access, to the fullest
Details: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has a large annual fee but comes with some luxury perks. The biggest benefit is the lounge access you’ll enjoy: Delta Sky Club® access at no cost, with the option to bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit.
Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members receive 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. Earning unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25 can be achieved when the total eligible purchases on the card equals $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
You’ll also receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Both of these lounges are known as the cream of the crop when it comes to spaces to hang before your flight.
You’ll also enjoy a domestic first class, Delta Comfort+® or main cabin roundtrip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card.
The card earns 3X miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you’re chasing Delta elite status, you can earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your card through 12/31/23—up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
60,000 Bonus Miles
after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is built for frequent Delta fliers who want the most return from their loyalty. Regular business travelers will make the most from the card.
Enjoy Delta Sky Club® access at no cost, with the option to bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit.
Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members receive 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. Earning unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25 can be achieved when the total eligible purchases on the card equals $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
You’ll also receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
PROS
- The card comes with Delta Sky Club® access at no cost, with the option to bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. (Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members receive 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. Earning unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25 can be achieved when the total eligible purchases on the card equals $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.)
- You’ll receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive a domestic first class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic main cabin roundtrip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card.
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- 3X miles on Delta purchases
- 1X mile on all other eligible purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS
- The high $550 annual fee is only worth it for very frequent Delta travelers or high spenders
- Its miles-earning potential is relatively low for a high-end card, the only bonus spend category is 3X miles per dollar on Delta purchases
Annual Fee: $550 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
FAQs
Should I open an airline card?
Opening an airline credit card requires a little more analysis than a traditional travel credit card. This is because airline cards offer less flexibility than their more generalized counterparts. For example, the Amex Platinum has multiple transfer partners, allowing the cardholder to move points to the airline or hotel that makes the most sense and will enable them to maximize the value of their points.
On the other hand, airline cards are tied to the carrier with which the card is branded, making the miles you earn less flexible than earning cash-back or transferrable points. A carrier like Alaska Airlines has miles that offer more flexibility thanks to its wide array of partner airlines like American Airlines or British Airways. JetBlue points are far less flexible, and, likely, you’ll only find a use for them if you fly JetBlue regularly.
Airline cards achieve their best value from people who can use their benefits the most. Those who live near major hubs for airlines, business travelers, and even those loyal to one carrier can enjoy far more value with an airline credit card than the standard traveler. However, the free checked bag benefit alone that many cards offer can make it worth holding onto if you just fly the carrier once or twice a year.
For everyone else, airline cards might prove beneficial in fewer instances, but general travel cards may be a better fit.
Do I need a premium airline card?
It’s easy to be drawn in by one of the premium credit cards. They often promise access to the best lounges, premium upgrades, and other top-end perks, but is it really worth it? Most premium cards come with a hefty annual fee, often over $500. If you travel a lot for work and are likely to purchase a lounge membership, it could help you save real money. Plus, some of the other perks can help those who are loyal to one airline by offering boosts towards elite status.
Mid-tier cards bridge the gap for everyone else flying occasionally or for those who don’t prefer one airline over another. General premium travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X offer lounge access regardless of the airline being flown. Combine this with a mid-tier card like the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, and you’ll still enjoy free checked bags, hefty intro bonuses, and priority boarding.
Why are airline miles worth less than flexible travel credit card points?
Several factors dictate the value of a travel points currency, the most important being how much it takes to earn a mile and how far it can take you compared to a real dollar.
With an airline mile, you’re bound to a single carrier’s booking platform. In most cases, this narrows your redemption options drastically, as well as the value of the points, even if an airline has plenty of partners.
Flexible credit card points get most of their value by offering a wide array of transfer partners as well as a portal where you can book a flight or hotel without blackout dates. With multiple options to choose from, travelers have far more scope for increasing the value of their award flight or hotel stay.
Bottom line
Airline cards are an excellent tool for many travelers because of the rewards they offer for your everyday spending, plus their perks that make flying less expensive and stressful.
Before opening any co-branded airline card, consider the likelihood that you’re going to use that airline enough to validate the card’s annual fee. If not, try out a travel credit card that offers flexible points which will gift you access to wider array of airlines and perks.
*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
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