Are you a travel enthusiast looking for ways to save money on flights and earn valuable rewards? Look no further than airline credit cards! These co-branded credit cards offer benefits that go beyond any annual fees you may pay. In this article, we’ll explore the best airline credit cards for each major airline and share tips on when it makes sense to combine them with a general rewards card. So buckle up and get ready to take your travel experience to new heights!
Best Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards Compared
Before we dive into the best airline credit cards for each airline, let’s compare some of the top options. We’ll highlight the key features and benefits of each card to help you make an informed decision.
Our Recommendations for the Best Airline Credit Cards
We’ve reviewed numerous banks, credit unions, and other card issuers to bring you the best airline credit cards for a variety of travelers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a small-business owner, these credit cards offer valuable rewards and benefits for your next adventure.
Best for Air Canada: Aeroplan® Credit Card
The Aeroplan® Credit Card is the perfect choice for travelers flying with Air Canada. With this card, you’ll earn 3x points on groceries, dining, and Air Canada flights, plus 1x points everywhere else. The card also offers bonus points for every $2,000 you spend. Aeroplan points are highly regarded among seasoned travelers because they often avoid fuel surcharges when booking international flights with partner airlines.
New cardholders can enjoy several benefits and bonuses based on their spending. You’ll receive a generous welcome bonus and the coveted Aeroplan 25K elite status for the current year and the next. To maintain this elite status, simply spend $15,000 each calendar year. Additionally, spending $50,000 in a calendar year will level up your elite status and unlock even more perks.
Best for Alaska Airlines: Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®
If you’re a fan of Alaska Airlines, look no further than the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. This card offers a free checked bag for you and up to six travel companions, priority boarding, and a 20% discount on inflight purchases. Plus, you’ll enjoy the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare each card anniversary when you spend $6,000 each year.
With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, you’ll earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases and 2x miles on select categories like gas, electric-vehicle charging, and streaming services. All other purchases earn an unlimited 1x miles. And if you have an eligible Bank of America bank account, you’ll earn a bonus on the miles earned.
Best for American Airlines: Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
For loyal American Airlines travelers, the Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is a no-brainer. This card offers exclusive benefits like a free checked bag, 15% off award bookings, and a 20% discount on inflight purchases. Additionally, you can earn a $100 Delta flight credit when you spend $10,000 on your card in a calendar year.
With the Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, you’ll earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and 1x miles everywhere else. New cardholders can also enjoy a generous welcome bonus and take advantage of a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers for 15 months.
Best for British Airways: British Airways Visa Signature® Card
If you’re looking to earn airline miles, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card is the perfect choice. With this card, you’ll earn three Avios on every dollar spent with British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia, and two Avios per dollar at hotels. For new customers, there’s a generous welcome bonus to help you get started.
The British Airways Visa Signature® Card includes several promotions to help you save money on travel. Enjoy discounts on British Airways flights, statement credits for award flights to London, and even a Travel Together companion ticket based on your annual spending. Plus, you can redeem your Avios for award flights on American Airlines and other partners within the U.S. and abroad.
Best for Delta Air Lines: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
For Delta Air Lines enthusiasts, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the way to go. This card offers exclusive benefits like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a discount on inflight purchases. Plus, you can earn a $100 Delta flight credit when you spend $10,000 on your card in a calendar year.
With the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you’ll earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, U.S. restaurants, and supermarkets, and 1x miles everywhere else. New cardholders can also enjoy a welcome bonus and take advantage of a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers for 15 months. And with no foreign transaction fees, it’s the perfect companion for international travel.
Best for Southwest Airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
For Southwest Airlines lovers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a game-changer. This card offers a wide range of benefits that more than justify its annual fee. Enjoy a Southwest annual travel credit, Upgraded Boardings, bonus points every card anniversary, and a discount on inflight purchases. With this card, you’ll earn 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on Rapid Rewards partner purchases, and 1x points on everything else.
New cardholders can also take advantage of a generous welcome bonus. You can earn bonus points that count toward the Southwest Companion Pass, as well as A-List status for every $10,000 you spend each year.
Best for United Airlines: UnitedSM Explorer Card
If you frequently fly with United Airlines, the UnitedSM Explorer Card is a must-have. This card offers benefits like a free checked bag for you and a companion, priority boarding, and a discount on United Club and inflight purchases. Plus, you’ll receive complimentary United Club passes and complimentary upgrades on award tickets.
With the UnitedSM Explorer Card, you’ll earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel reservations. All other purchases earn 1x miles. New cardholders can also enjoy a welcome bonus and take advantage of complimentary travel and purchase protections.
More Credit Cards for Maximizing Airline Rewards
While the above credit cards are our top recommendations, there are many more options available to maximize your airline rewards. We’ve compiled a list of additional credit cards that can help you earn even more rewards on your travels.
Methodology
When selecting the best airline credit cards, we considered factors such as welcome bonuses, earning power, annual fees, airline-specific benefits, generic travel benefits, airport lounge access, intro APR offers, and standard purchase APR. Based on these criteria, we’ve chosen the best rewards credit cards for a variety of travel styles and spending habits. However, keep in mind that individual circumstances may vary, and other cards may be a better fit for your specific needs.
Who Should Get an Airline Credit Card?
Airline credit cards are a great choice for anyone planning to travel within the next two years. These cards offer ample time to earn welcome bonuses and additional rewards through everyday purchases before booking your trip. However, if you’re not planning to travel right away, credit cards that earn flexible rewards may be a better option. These cards allow you to redeem rewards for cash, statement credits, gift cards, and more, offering greater flexibility.
If you have poor credit, it’s advisable to work on building up your credit score before applying for an airline credit card. Make all payments on time, pay down balances, and avoid unnecessary credit inquiries. Over time, these positive credit behaviors will boost your score, making you eligible for the best travel credit cards.
How to Choose the Best Airline Credit Card for Your Needs
Choosing the best airline credit card can be challenging with numerous options available. Here are some factors to consider to help you make an informed decision:
- Airline Miles vs. Flexible Points: Decide whether you want to earn airline miles or flexible points that can be used for various redemption options.
- Welcome Bonus: Look for generous welcome bonuses that align with your spending habits.
- Bonus Categories: Choose a card that offers bonus rewards on the categories you spend the most on.
- Airline Benefits: Consider the specific benefits offered by each airline, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and inflight discounts.
- Travel Protection: Check if the card offers travel protections like trip cancellation, lost baggage coverage, and rental car insurance.
- Airport Lounge Access: If you value lounge access, look for cards that provide complimentary entry to airport lounges.
- Annual Fees: Evaluate whether the benefits and rewards outweigh the annual fee for each card.
Alternatives to the Best Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards
While airline credit cards offer numerous benefits, they may not be the best choice if you prioritize finding the best deals, routing, or departure times. Consider getting a cash back card or a flexible points card that allows you to book flights with any airline without blackout dates.
How to Choose Between an Airline Credit Card and a General Rewards Card
Choosing between an airline credit card and a general rewards card depends on your travel preferences and loyalty to a specific airline. If you’re loyal to one airline, a co-branded airline credit card is usually the best choice. However, if you prefer flexibility and want to book flights with any airline, a general rewards card might be more suitable. Some travelers opt for a combination of both to maximize benefits and rewards.
TIME Stamp: Earn Free Flights with Airline Credit Cards
With so many airline credit cards available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. The best airline credit cards offer a generous welcome bonus, valuable rewards on everyday purchases, and exclusive perks at no extra cost. By choosing the right airline credit card, you can earn free flights and elevate your travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about airline credit cards:
- What are the pros and cons of airline credit cards? Pros include generous welcome bonuses, earning potential, and exclusive airline-specific benefits. The main con is that rewards and perks are limited to a specific airline.
- How do you apply for an airline credit card? Applying for an airline credit card is simple. Choose the card that suits your needs, click “apply,” and provide the required personal information. Most banks offer instant application decisions.
- How much are airline miles worth? The value of airline miles varies depending on the airline and how you use them. On average, they are worth between 1.2 and 1.7 cents per mile.
- How do you maximize your airline credit cards? To get the most value from your airline credit cards, use them for all purchases to earn valuable miles. Familiarize yourself with the card’s benefits and use them to save money and enhance your travel experience.
- What are popular airline rewards programs? Major domestic airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have popular rewards programs. However, smaller domestic airlines and foreign airlines also offer valuable rewards and may have more favorable award charts.
So there you have it- the best airline credit cards for your travel needs. Remember, choosing the right credit card depends on your travel preferences and spending habits. Consider your options, weigh the benefits and rewards, and get ready to earn free flights and enjoy amazing travel experiences. Happy travels with your new airline credit card from Personal Finances Blog!