An airline credit card can offer many benefits tailored to your travel habits. You’ll earn airline-specific miles for future travel, enjoy generous welcome offers, elite status perks, companion tickets, and more. Each card offers unique perks, so choose wisely to find the one that fits you best. Our ranked list covers top options to help you decide on the ideal card, whether you’re after travel rewards, added comfort, or frequent flier benefits. Start comparing to discover which airline card brings the most value to your trips.
🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card
🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card
Annual Fee: $69
🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists
🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists
Annual Fee: $149
🏆 Best for frequent United flyers
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95
🏆 Best for luxury benefits
🏆 Best for luxury benefits
Annual Fee: $695
🏆 Best for premium travel perks
🏆 Best for premium travel perks
Annual Fee: $395
Annual Fee: $95
Annual Fee: $595
Annual Fee: $250
🏆 Best $0 intro offer
🏆 Best $0 intro offer
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150
🏆 Best for Delta loyalists
🏆 Best for Delta loyalists
Annual Fee: $650
🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers
🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers
Annual Fee: $350
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.
An airline credit card can offer many benefits tailored to your travel habits. You’ll earn airline-specific miles for future travel, enjoy generous welcome offers, elite status perks, companion tickets, and more. Each card offers unique perks, so choose wisely to find the one that fits you best. Our ranked list covers top options to help you decide on the ideal card, whether you’re after travel rewards, added comfort, or frequent flier benefits. Start comparing to discover which airline card brings the most value to your trips.
🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card
🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card
Annual Fee: $69
🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists
🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists
Annual Fee: $149
🏆 Best for frequent United flyers
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95
🏆 Best for luxury benefits
🏆 Best for luxury benefits
Annual Fee: $695
🏆 Best for premium travel perks
🏆 Best for premium travel perks
Annual Fee: $395
Annual Fee: $95
Annual Fee: $595
Annual Fee: $250
🏆 Best $0 intro offer
🏆 Best $0 intro offer
$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150
🏆 Best for Delta loyalists
🏆 Best for Delta loyalists
Annual Fee: $650
🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers
🏆 Best for frequent Delta flyers
Annual Fee: $350
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.
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.
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.
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.
When choosing an airline card, think about which airline you fly most often and the perks you’ll use. Some cards offer free checked bags and lounge access, while others focus on earning miles faster through everyday spending. Look for a card that matches your travel habits and gives you value on the perks that matter most to 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.
[.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]
[.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]