air travel credit card

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance

Small business

• Small business guide
• View all taxes

Best Airline Credit Cards of May 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best travel credit cards || Best rewards credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

The best airline credit card is one you can actually use, so when considering your options, start with the airlines that serve your community, then focus on benefits and perks. Choosing between a branded airline card and a general-purpose travel card can come down to whether you're tied to a specific carrier by geography or you can consider multiple airlines.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Airline Credit Cards of May 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Flexible redemption + big bonus

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Best for Delta Air Lines

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : Best for Southwest Airlines

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for United Airlines + best domestic airline card

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® : Best for American Airlines

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Best for Premium airline card

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® : Best for No-annual-fee card

Aeroplan® Credit Card : Best for International airline card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card : Best for Small business

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for Booking with any airline 

JetBlue Plus Card : Best for JetBlue Airways

Best Airline Credit Cards

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Flexible redemption + big bonus

Delta air lines, southwest airlines, united airlines + best domestic airline card, american airlines, alaska airlines, premium airline card, no-annual-fee card, international airline card, booking with any airline , jetblue airways, full list of editorial picks: best airline credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Flexible redemption + big bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Our pick for: Booking with any airline

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Our pick for: Delta Air Lines

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card pays bonus rewards not only on Delta flights but also at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, making it the rare airline card that's great for everyday spending. A best-in-class checked-bag benefit (first bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation), priority boarding and the opportunity to earn a flight credit each year make this card a bargain for Delta stalwarts. Read our review.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Our pick for: American Airlines

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® delivers offers solid value if you frequently fly American Airlines. Enjoy bonus rewards at gas stations and restaurants, a fine sign-up bonus, a checked-bag benefit, priority boarding and more. Plus, each purchase with the card earns points toward elite status.  Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Our pick for: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines' priciest card is also its best. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card doesn't offer richer rewards or a significantly better sign-up bonus than the carrier's lower-fee cards, but it comes with an annual travel credit, a great anniversary bonus and other perks that justify (and offset) its annual fee. Read our review.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Our pick for: Alaska Airlines

If you're a committed Alaska Airlines flyer, or you travel enough on the West Coast that you could become one, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is very nearly a must-have. The annual Companion Fare benefit alone can more than make up for the reasonable annual fee.  Read our review.

JetBlue Plus Card

Our pick for: JetBlue Airways

Because of its relatively limited footprint, JetBlue isn't an option for everyone. If you do fly the airline, though, take a good, long look at the JetBlue Plus Card . This card gives you high-value miles — and a lot of them — plus a checked bag benefit, a generous anniversary bonus and other perks. Read our review.

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

Our pick for: No-annual-fee card

For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn not only miles but also credit toward elite frequent-flyer status.  Read our review.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Our pick for: Premium airline card

Every airline has a premium card that gets you into its airport lounges, but the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also gets you into American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, and it comes with an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. Read our review.

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Our pick for: International airline card

Terrific rewards rates, generous bonus opportunities, a leg up on elite status and a raft of other perks make the Aeroplan® Credit Card worth a look for those who travel regularly in Canada and/or on the Star Alliance network. Read our review.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Our pick for: Small business

If your business has you on the road a lot, you'll appreciate the airport lounge access on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card , which includes both Delta's own Sky Clubs and American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. The annual companion certificate — which is good even in first class — and the checked-bag benefit add considerable value, too. Terms apply. Learn more and apply .

OTHER RESOURCES

How much is an airline mile worth.

Airline credit cards earn frequent-flyer program miles every time you use the card, but the value of these miles depends both on the airline and how you redeem the miles.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results, along with the value of points in hotel programs:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a mile based on reasonable fare searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points and miles for the values listed, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

How to choose an airline credit card

The first step in choosing an airline credit card is determining whether an airline card even makes sense for you, especially compared with a general travel credit card whose rewards aren't tied to a specific carrier. An airline card can be a good choice if you regularly fly the same airline and do so often enough that the benefits you get from the card justify the annual fee.

The more you fly a particular airline, the more able you are to rack up enough miles for a free flight or seat upgrade and use those rewards for a flight you want. Checked bags are a big consideration because most major airline cards include a checked bag fee waiver, which can be valuable and quickly make up for the annual fee.

If you fly mostly one airline, choose a card from that carrier. If you regularly fly a couple of airlines, you might even consider getting cards for both. In choosing among a major airline’s credit cards, a primary differentiator is airport lounge access. If you think lounge access is worth it, get the premium card but be prepared to absorb a hefty annual fee. Beware that a lower-tier, no-annual-fee airline card might not include free checked bags.

For more, see our guide to choosing an airline credit card.

Should you consider a no-annual-fee airline card?

The three biggest domestic airlines all offer credit cards with no annual fee:

American: American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® .

Delta: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card .

United: United Gateway℠ Card .

No-annual-fee airline cards are best for people who don't travel regularly but still want to earn airline miles — those who get a psychological boost from "getting closer to a trip" with each purchase. NerdWallet doesn't recommend no-annual-fee airline cards for frequent flyers because while they earn miles (often at comparable rates to annual-fee cards) and sometimes entitle you to a discount on in-flight food and entertainment, they lack the most valuable benefits of carrying an airline card:

Annual-fee airline cards generally include a free checked bag for you and at least one other person traveling on your reservation. With $30 bag fees now standard, this perk alone can save a couple $120 on a single roundtrip, more than enough to make up for the typical $95 annual fee. As a rule, no-annual-fee cards do not include free bags.

Annual-fee airline cards usually give you preference in boarding. Some airlines call this "priority boarding," others call it "preferred boarding." It generally means that you're allowed to board the plane after the passengers with elite frequent-flyer status but before everyone else. No-annual-fee cards don't give you and head start on boarding.

Annual-fee airline cards offer richer bonuses. New cardholder bonus offers on cards with fees are typically hundreds of dollars more than on no-annual-fee cards.

For hardcore travelers, top-of-the-line cards with annual fees in the $450 range may offer all of the above plus VIP service, access to the airline's airport lounges and other luxury perks.

If you fly a single airline a couple of times a year and you regularly check bags, you'll easily save more money with an annual-fee card than with a no-annual-fee option. But if you're dead-set against paying annual fees in any case, consider skipping an airline card entirely. Consider a no-annual-fee general-purpose travel credit card whose rewards can be used on any airline (or any other travel expense), or get a good cash-back credit card and save your cash rewards for your next trip.

How to make the most of your airline credit card

Make sure to link your airline card with your frequent-flyer account — that’s how some airlines determine whether you qualify for free checked bags. And with some airlines, notably United Airlines and JetBlue Airways, you must use your airline card to pay for your tickets in order to qualify for free checked bags.

Many airline cards have no foreign transaction fees, so can be a good choice to use while traveling abroad. Because airline cards typically give you accelerated rewards for airline purchases — often 2 miles or more per dollar spent — use the card for airfare, in-flight purchases and other airline-related expenses. More generally, optimize your card by learning not only all its features but also details of the frequent-flyer program it’s linked to.

For more, see our guides to airline frequent flyer programs .

Other cards to consider

Travel enthusiasts have multiple options besides airline cards, notably general travel credit cards . These cards provide travel rewards without tying you to a single airline. Their rewards usually apply to a wide range of travel-related expenses. And general travel cards tend to be simpler than airline-specific credit cards. So if you spread your flying among several airlines or don’t fly that much, a general travel card may be a better choice than an airline card.

You might not need a travel card at all, if a different kind of rewards credit card is a better fit. Indeed, a 2016 NerdWallet study found that most people — including many travelers — would get more in rewards with a cash-back card than with any travel credit card.

Finally, if you fly different airlines but prefer a particular hotel chain — or if you would just prefer free nights to free flights — consider getting a hotel credit card .

NerdWallet's Gregory Karp and Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card , see this page .

Last updated on May 17 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best airline credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers and for flyers loyal to a specific airline. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, rewards earning rates, redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, free or discounted companion fares, in-flight privileges or discounts, and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Every time you use an airline-branded credit card to make a purchase, you earn rewards points, usually called "miles." Those miles get deposited into your account with the airline's loyalty program, where you can use them to book free flights. Many airline credit cards also come with perks, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts on in-flight purchases or access to the airline's airport lounges.

In most cases, there's no limit to the number of miles you can earn with an airline credit card. The more you spend, the more you earn:

With most airline cards, you earn at least 1 mile per dollar spent on the card.

Spending with the airline itself usually earns extra miles — 2 or more miles per dollar.

Some cards also give you extra miles for purchases in certain categories. For example, Southwest's cards give you extra points when you book with the airline's hotel and rental car partners, and the United℠ Explorer Card earns double miles at hotels and restaurants.

Additionally, most airline credit cards offer new cardholders a bonus as an incentive to use the card. Spend a certain amount of money — say, $2,000 — within the first few months, and you'll get tens of thousands of miles dropped into your account.

The miles you earn with an airline credit card come on top of the miles you earn from actually flying on the airline.

Most frequent flyer programs nowadays earn miles based on how much you pay for a ticket rather than how far you've flown. (The term "miles" is a holdover from the days when the miles you earned were literally based on the miles you flew.) For example, an airline might give basic members of their loyalty program 5 miles per dollar spent on a ticket. Buy a $1,000 ticket, and you earn 5,000 miles. You could get an additional 2 miles per dollar spent by buying the ticket with the airline's credit card. That would bump your total rewards for the flight to 7,000 miles.

There's no standard value for airline miles, although it's helpful to think of them as being worth about 1 cent apiece, on average. The actual value you get depends on how much money you save by redeeming them for a free flight. That, in turn, depends on the airline, the route you're flying, how far in advance you book your flight, and the fare class of the ticket (economy, business, first).

The two key factors here are the price of a ticket and the number of miles you need to redeem for the same ticket. For example, if you redeem 20,000 miles for a ticket that would have cost you $300, you're getting 1.5 cents per mile ($300 / 20,000 = $0.015).

NerdWallet has done extensive research to determine an average value per mile for the larger U.S. carriers. See our findings here.

Elite status in a frequent-flyer program entitles you to perks not typically available to casual travelers, such as free seat upgrades, priority boarding, higher rewards rates, fee waivers and other benefits. Airlines reserve this status for their best customers, so elite qualifying is mostly tied to how much business you actually do with the airline — how much money you spend on tickets and how many flights you take. Miles earned from spending on a credit card generally don't count toward elite status.

That said, some airline credit cards offer a boost toward elite status as an added incentive to use their cards. Take the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card . One way to gain Southwest's elite "A-List" status is to earn 35,000 "tier qualifying points" in a year. In general, you get qualifying points by buying tickets from Southwest; points earned from spending on the credit card don't count. However, for every $10,000 you spend on the card, the issuer throws in a bonus of 1,500 tier qualifying points (up to 15,000 a year).

Also, keep in mind that airline credit cards offer some of the perks of elite status, such as free checked bags and preferred boarding.

Many airline credit cards let you check a bag for free, which can save you about $30 on each flight you take. A couple round trips a year, and the money you save in bag fees can be enough to pay for a card with a $95 annual fee. In most cases:

• The bag-fee waiver typically applies to the cardholder and at least one other person traveling on the same reservation. See major airline cards' baggage perks.

• Some fine print applies. For example, you might not get a free bag if you don't book directly with the airline, or if you fail to provide a frequent-flyer number. See our tips to avoid bag-fee gotchas.

• Airline credit cards with no annual fee generally do not offer free checked bags.

American, Delta and United airlines each offer a premium credit card that gives you access the the carrier's airport lounges. Annual fees on "club" cards usually run several hundred dollars a year. Some less-expensive cards might offer limited access, such as a couple of one-time passes or the ability to buy a lounge pass at a discount.

About the author

Craig Joseph

Advertiser Disclosure

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval, also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers.

Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Best airline credit cards of May 2024

Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina.

• • Rewards credit cards
• • Travel credit cards

Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate,  focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs, point valuation and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more. Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.

• • Credit cards
• • Personal finance

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, self-employed humanitarian consultant and collector of credit card points. She shares savvy travel tips that she’s learned firsthand circling the globe for more than 25 years. She’s a backpacker, expect and premium traveler who’s visited more than 130 countries and all seven continents. Her life motto is “See the world, change the world, have fun doing it!” and her mission is to inspire others along the journey.

The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for how we make money.

How we make money

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

An airline credit card can be a useful traveling companion for the frequent flyer, offering discounted flights, upgrades, companion fares and more. You might be able to earn points without even booking a flight. Compare the best airline cards available from our partners and let us help you make your next business or leisure trip more rewarding (or affordable).

View card list

Table of contents

Why choose bankrate.

We helped put over 115,000 cards in people's wallets in 2023

Match to cards with approval odds and apply with confidence

Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions

The Bankrate Promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money  and  how we rate our cards  .

Best Airline Credit Cards for 2024:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flexible travel rewards
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best starter travel card
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for travel rewards on dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card :  Best flat-rate travel card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : Best for overall Southwest card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card : Best for Delta Air Lines perks
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Best Delta starter card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Best for Southwest starter card
• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card : Best companion discount
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express® Card : Best for Delta Sky Club fans

What to know about airline credit cards

Tips on choosing the best airline credit card for you, expert advice for airline credit cards, how we assess the best airline credit cards.

• Frequently asked questions

Credit range

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

0 ? 'Showing ' + filterMatchedProductTiles + ' results' : ' '">

Sorry, no cards match these filters

You can still get a personalized list of cards that fit your credit profile in just a few minutes.

You might also consider these cards

Card categories

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Regular APR

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: Capital One makes it easy for travelers to earn miles on eligible purchases and transfer reward miles to more than 15 Capital One transfer partners without being tied to a single airline or hotel chain. Plus, the ability to redeem miles for statement credits toward travel purchases from the past 90 days adds a unique dimension of flexibility compared to other flat-rate cards. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could provide better value if transfer partners are a hassle. Points are worth 1.25 cents when booking travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal — 25 percent more than the value of the Venture Rewards mile when redeemed through Capital One Travel. Plus, the Sapphire Preferred perks may make it easier to offset the annual fee compared to the Venture card’s perks.

• You can streamline travel with credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® applications and Lifestyle Collection hotel stays, plus complimentary Hertz® Five Star rental car status.
• This card carries one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses for a premium travel card in its class.
• Unlike a few rival rewards programs, rewards miles will lose value when redeemed for cash back.
• There are no annual travel credits or bonus rewards, which makes it harder to make up for the annual fee than with competing cards.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 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

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: The VentureOne is a practical option if you don’t travel enough to justify an annual fee (but still want the flexibility to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners). You can squeeze a flat 1.25X-mile rate from your non-travel purchases, and it’s one of the only major no-annual-fee travel cards that can transfer rewards for potentially more than a 1 cent value. Learn more: 7 reasons to get the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card Alternatives: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great alternative if you want to avoid annual fees but aren’t impressed by the VentureOne’s low rewards rate. It packs a stronger 3X points on a wide variety of purchases, including dining, fuel, travel, transit and more. Plus, you can redeem for cash rewards and travel without sacrificing point value, and the Autograph is one of the only other no-annual-fee cards that can use transfer partners.

• Its intro APR is on par with rival card offers, which can help you save money on upcoming purchases and an existing balance.
• The right transfer partner could boost your miles to about 1.7 cents on average according to Bankrate’s latest valuations — higher than than the 1-cent standard.
• Miles will lose up to half of their value if you redeem on statement credits or gift cards.
• There is no major U.S. airline included as a travel partner for this card.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: For those who make food a central part of their travel experience, the American Express Gold Card has a tasty menu of valuable rewards and food-related annual credits . You'll earn generous rewards rates at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, as well as on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel. Learn more: Why the Amex Gold is great for traveling foodies Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a better fit for foodies who love to travel and are more comfortable with a lower annual fee ($95). It also rewards dining and groceries (online purchases, excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), and its competitive rewards program can boost your points by 25 percent without the hassle of transfer partners when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

• There is no preset spending limit, so you’ll have extra purchasing power and can carry a balance with Pay Over Time if necessary.
• Even if you’re not traveling, you can nearly offset the annual fee with up to $120 in Uber Cash and an equal yearly value in dining credits toward partners like Grubhub and The Cheesecake Factory (upon enrollment, up to $10 per month).
• The $250 annual fee may be too pricey for modest spenders who can’t use all of the ongoing credits — especially since the rewards value drops on redemptions other than airfare and transfer partners.
• It may not be the best choice if you want a luxury experience since it doesn’t include many valuable airline or airport perks.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 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

2 Miles - 10 Miles

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 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: It’s packed with luxury travel benefits , such as Priority Pass Select lounge access, valuable annual credits and excellent travel benefits — all for a $395 annual fee. Other popular travel cards with similar features charge over $500 annually and feature an extensive list of benefits many cardholders may not use. The Venture X is ideal for people who want a more affordable luxury travel experience while keeping a simple, flat-rate rewards structure. Learn more: Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth it? Alternatives: Luxury-focused flyers may squeeze more value from elite cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee of $550, the Reserve card packs equal Priority Pass Select and annual travel purchase credit value, a higher rewards rate for a wider variety of travel-related categories and other deluxe perks .

• It’s a cost-effective middle-ground to other luxury travel cards that focuses on carrying key perks that are valuable enough to easily offset the annual fee — including 10,000 bonus miles and up to $300 of Capital One Travel credits each year.
• Includes complimentary Priority Pass and Capital One lounge access as well as credits for expedited security screening, making it especially valuable for frequent flyers.
• It doesn’t grant quite as many luxury hotel, airline or rideshare perks as some pricier cards.
• Occasional travelers may have a hard time justifying the card’s annual fee since the rewards rates on everyday spending and travel outside the issuer portal aren’t as lucrative as lower-priced cards’ may be.
• 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

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

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

Earn 3X 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. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

What we love: This could be the ideal card if you're a frequent flyer looking for the best Southwest travel experience possible. Its slew of impressive benefits give it the edge over lower-cost Southwest cards, including upgraded anniversary bonus points, annual travel credits and Southwest flight perks. Learn more: Frequent flyer guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card may be a more affordable fit for flyers who want the same rewards rate, sign-up bonus and path to a companion pass . On the other hand, the general-purpose Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card opens the door to booking reward flights with other airlines, including Southwest Airlines.

• It’s a stronger choice for international travelers than the base Southwest card since it doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.
• There are more than enough features to make up for the annual fee, including a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, upgraded boardings and Delta’s biggest annual point bonus.
• Its $149 annual fee could be steep for occasional travelers, as it offers several of the same features as lower-cost Southwest cards.
• You can’t transfer your points to any partner airlines and Southwest isn’t a member of any airline alliance, so you’ll have minimal flexibility when using points for airfare.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X 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.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: Delta regulars can get their money's worth when flying with this card thanks to features like its annual domestic companion certificate, free first checked bag and priority boarding. The annual fee is $350, but loyalty status seekers should have little trouble finding enough value, especially with solid rewards rates on Delta purchases and several other categories. Learn more: Frequent flyer miles to Delta SkyMiles Alternatives: The American Express® Gold Card can leverage its supersized rewards potential and dining credits to help compensate for its lack of Delta-specific perks. The Gold Card’s rewards program is more flexible and carries more everyday opportunities to earn rewards, including at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants.

• You can smooth out travel with decent travel protections, solid partner perks and plenty of loyalty status opportunities with Medallion Qualification Dollar Headstart and Boost.
• The up to $120 in rideshare credits each year can help you recoup the annual fee, along with nearly $300 more in specialized annual credits with Delta Stays and Resy hotel and restaurant bookings.
• The $350 annual fee could prove to be a bit steep if you don’t fly often.
• Competing general-purpose cards may provide more flexible rewards and stronger travel perks with wider appeal for a similar annual fee.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or up to $85 back for TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 1X Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: The benefits give it a big edge over its no-annual-fee counterpart for flyers looking for their first Delta card. It can quickly make up for its annual fee and stack on extra value with perks like 20 percent back in statement credits on select in-flight purchases, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding and a $200 annual flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. Learn more: Delta SkyMiles Gold benefits guide Alternatives: The SkyMiles Gold card’s rewards rates aren’t especially impressive for a premium travel card. The Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card’s perks can help you offset the annual fee more easily, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card may be better if you’re focused on general travel value over Delta-specific perks. It offers higher rewards rates on similar categories (plus a few extra), boasts more flexible redemption and several valuable Sapphire Preferred travel perks .

• You can save your hard-earned rewards with the up to $100 annual Delta Stays credit and 15 percent discount on award travel (through the Delta Fly App or delta.com).
• This card offers one free checked bag on Delta flights (usually $35 per flight), which can cover the annual fee by your third round-trip ticket (or after the first with two guests).
• The annual $200 Delta Flight credit could be hard to earn for some spenders due to the $10,000 yearly spending requirement.
• Despite being a premium card, it’s harder to earn Medallion Status without the Medallion Qualification Dollar Headstart its pricier Delta siblings offer.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $240 per round-trip flight.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.

What we love: Thanks to its relatively low annual fee, solid rewards rates, airline perks and anniversary bonus , even occasional Southwest travelers can get plenty of value out of this starter airline card. Although the card doesn’t offer an easier route to A-List Status or some of the annual perks available on higher-tier Southwest cards, budget-conscious domestic flyers will still enjoy a rewards rate and welcome offer on par with those pricier cards. Learn more: Why expert Tim Maxwell loves the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card Alternatives: Regular Southwest passengers may get more value from the upgraded perks and loyalty status shortcuts that the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offer. Plus, the annual anniversary loyalty bonus of 6,000 points — worth around $90 in Southwest travel based on Bankrate’s latest 1.5-cent point valuation — covers most of the card’s $99 annual fee.

• Southwest’s two free eligible checked bags, two free Southwest EarlyBird Check-Ins per year (a $30+ value) and 25 percent back on inflight purchases perks can save you more on airline incidental fees than the average starter travel card.
• The account anniversary could help you pay off a good portion of the card’s annual fee.
• You can’t transfer points to other airlines if you need to redeem for flights outside Southwest.
• This isn’t the best option for international travel since it’s the only Southwest card with a foreign transaction fee (3 percent).
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

1 mile - 3 miles

Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

• 3 miles Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
• 2 miles Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases.
• 1 mile Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: This co-branded airline card comes fully-loaded with a generous sign-up bonus, decent base rewards and lucrative ancillary perks for West Coast flyers who frequently travel with friends or family members. But its centerpiece is its annual Famous Companion Fare. Companion pass-style offers are rare but incredibly valuable if you often travel with friends or family, and Alaska Airlines’ discount is one of the easiest to earn each year. Learn more: Guide to Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan Alternatives: Alaska Airlines routes are limited, so the card may not be a good fit unless you’re based in the West Coast. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn unlimited miles on any eligible purchases — including other airlines — that can be redeemed for all sorts of additional travel expenses.

• In addition to its annual Companion Fare offer, the card makes it easy to justify its $95 annual fee with ancillary benefits like a free checked bag (worth up to $60 per person, per-round trip flight), 20 percent in-flight purchase discount and 50 percent discount on Alaska Lounge day passes.
• The 10 percent bonus on all purchases is a uniquely rewarding feature if you have an eligible Bank of America account.
• Alaska Airlines has a limited footprint: its routes are concentrated on the U.S. West Coast.
• The card’s bonus 3X rewards are restricted to eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, which may make it harder to offset the annual fee if you’re a solo traveler who doesn’t usually check luggage.
• Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($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. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.

What we love: Delta packs in plenty of premier features that justify the steep $650 annual fee for frequent flying fans of their airport lounge, including complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and an annual companion certificate. Just keep in mind that, effective Feb. 1, 2025, this card’s perks are changing : Cardholders will only receive 15 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits per year instead of unlimited access. Learn more: Why expert Holly D. Johnson loves the Delta Skymiles Reserve Alternatives: The Platinum Card® from American Express is the only general-purpose travel card that also provides complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges. It has a sky-high $695 annual fee, but the Amex Platinum’s perks (including access to other airport lounges) may help make up for that cost. Similar to the SkyMiles Reserve, the Amex Platinum card’s Sky Club access will also be limited (to six annual visits) in February 2025.

• This is one of the only cards that offers complimentary access to the valuable Delta Sky Club and The Centurion Lounge when traveling on Delta flights.
• It carries the best Delta perks available, including boosts toward elite loyalty status, a companion certificate and annual credits toward eligible rideshares, Delta Stays hotel bookings and Resy restaurant purchases — enough to potentially offset the annual fee.
• The $650 annual fee can be difficult to recoup if you can’t take advantage of its airport lounge, specialized annual credit and companion certificate perks.
• The rewards rates are weaker than competing flagship travel cards considering its only bonus category is its 3X miles on specific Delta purchases.
• Reserve your piece of history with the new limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card design.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Compare Bankrate’s top-ranked airline credit cards

An airline credit card is a type of rewards card, often co-branded with a major issuer like American Express or Citi , that offers rewards and perks for people loyal to a specific airline. Typically, these cards earn airline miles for purchases made directly with the airline, but they can sometimes earn rewards in other categories as well.

You can use airline credit cards just like any credit card. There are defined credit limits and interest rates that apply to your purchases. However, with airline credit cards, you earn travel rewards specific to an airline and can participate in that airline’s rewards program. For example, Delta SkyMiles cards earn miles you only can redeem for Delta flights, while Southwest card rewards can only be redeemed for flights with Southwest.

Most airline cards have higher rewards rates for purchases you make directly with the airline, but that doesn't mean you can't use them elsewhere. Many cards earn miles on everyday purchases, including groceries, gas, dining and other categories.

You might even think of an airline credit card as a sort of VIP airport pass. The best airline rewards cards routinely include perks such as access to airport lounges, priority boarding, free checked bags and more.

Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards typically reward you with points or miles. But there are a few key differences.

Airline credit cards

These co-branded cards are tied to a specific airline — like American Airlines, Delta, Southwest or United — and reward your loyalty with exclusive perks you won’t find with general travel cards. Typical benefits include free checked bags, priority boarding, companion tickets and even accelerated elite status. Unfortunately, airline card rewards aren’t as flexible since they can usually only be redeemed for plane tickets with that specific airline.

General-purpose travel credit cards

General-purpose credit cards are not tied to specific airlines. Although they don’t normally carry airline-specific perks, general travel cards are typically more versatile since they let you earn and redeem rewards with a variety of airlines and on general travel, including hotels, rentals and more. You might also be able to transfer your rewards to airline and hotel programs (sometimes at a higher value) or redeem your points or miles for cash back, gift cards and merchandise (though the value may not be as high as when you redeem for travel). Some premium travel cards also provide complimentary access to airline-branded airport lounges.

Comparing top credit card and airline rewards programs

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

As you can see, American Express Membership Rewards are some of the most valuable points out there. Although it’s not solely an airline rewards program, Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to many airline and hotel partners for a redemption value of over 1 cent per point (the base value you’d get by redeeming for travel with Amex).

If you want to look exclusively at the best airline rewards programs, Delta SkyMiles, Alaska Airlines AAdvantage points and Southwest Rapid Rewards points carry some of the best redemption value. These values bolster the rewards rates and perks offered on each airline’s co-branded credit cards.

According to Bankrate’s points and mile valuations , Southwest Rapid Rewards are about 36 percent more valuable than Alaska Airlines miles, but only 25 percent more valuable than Delta SkyMiles. However, comparing these programs can be difficult since Southwest and Alaska Airlines offer fewer routes.

To choose the right card or rewards program for you, consider which airlines you fly with most and how much flexibility you need with how you can use your rewards.

Pros and cons of airline credit cards

Before applying for a new airline credit card, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Earning rewards . You’ll earn miles or points that you can apply to travel expenses or redeem towards future trips.

Extra perks . The best airline credit cards usually come with benefits that make traveling easier, such as lounge access, priority boarding, free checked baggage and more.

Loyalty benefits. With a co-branded card, your loyalty to your favorite airline translates to actual monetary benefits.

No airline flexibility . If you have a bad experience with your airline of choice and decide to never fly with that carrier again, your co-branded airline card loses value. Likewise, your rewards usually won’t translate to other travel programs if your travel plans need to change.

Annual fees . Like travel cards in general, the annual fees for airline cards can range from less than $100 to more than $500.

Fewer intro offers . Not many airline credit cards offer 0 percent intro APR offers for purchases or balance transfers, making them unsuitable for managing debt.

An airline credit card is a good idea for…

Not everyone can benefit from an airline credit card, but those who can are likely to make it the most valuable addition to their wallet. Here are some types of cardholders who would be a great fit for airline cards:

• Airline loyalists: If you’re already a fan of a particular airline, it makes sense to get a co-branded card that earns rewards you can redeem for flights with that airline. Not only can you boost the number of miles you earn for your spending, but most airlines offer valuable perks and benefits with their cards that make flying easier.
• Frequent flyers: Air travel is expensive, but that cost creates opportunity. By rewarding every dollar spent on tickets and other eligible purchases, an airline credit card can help your travel dollar go further. Airline cards also provide perks to make your travel smoother, comfier or even less expensive — such as priority boarding, in-flight discounts, reduced baggage costs or credits for expedited screening.
• Business travelers: Some of the top airline and travel cards are designed with business travel in mind. They have features and perks similar to those of consumer cards, but the rewards categories are more tailored to business-related expenses.
• Luxury travelers: Top-tier airline credit cards help travelers upgrade their travel experience by offering airport lounge access , elite hotel status and other perks. While these cards typically carry higher annual fees, travelers with a taste for luxury might find the expense worthwhile.
• Travel beginners: If you're new to the travel rewards game, a travel card for beginners could be a valuable teaching tool. You can use it to learn the ins and outs of rewards programs, airline perks, redemption values and more. See related: How to start traveling with points, miles and credit cards.

An airline credit card is not ideal for…

• Credit-builders: If you’re building credit, rewards and point values should be the last things you’re concerned about when it comes to your credit card. Focus your efforts on establishing a good credit score before thinking about the rewards you can gain from using credit.
• People new to credit: Like credit-builders, people new to credit should focus on building strong credit habits to increase their score. Points, miles and reward valuations may distract you from the important routines you should be establishing, like paying on time and in full.
• People who rarely travel: If you don’t travel frequently, you can’t make the most of an airline credit card. These cards reward generously for purchases with the airlines they’re branded with. Unless you’re spending thousands of dollars each year on a specific airline, you may be better off with a cash back credit card or another rewards card.

What people are saying about airline rewards cards

As people gear up for peak travel season, potential travel card applicants are taking to the internet for advice to prepare, resurfacing the question: Is an airline-branded credit card worth it for me?

This is the big question users on Reddit, YouTube and other forums are focusing on. One Reddit user sums up airline rewards cards up nicely: co-branded airline cards’ main value comes from the perks that save you time, money and sanity when you travel with that airline, and general-purpose cards are better for racking up more flexible rewards and broad travel credits.

Other users in the thread agree, and the airline perks that are the most useful in their experience are airport lounge access, baggage delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement and — most popularly, like this Reddit user reports — free checked baggage.

“If you have two kids and a [significant other], and you all have to check bags for the family vacation, then the [discounted] baggage fees alone make the card worth it.”

Like users in this myFICO forum attest, determining which of these two cards is the best fit for you depends on factors like where you travel, how often and where you travel, as well as what perks you value (like savings, airport lounge access, priority boarding and etc.).

For general-purpose travel, the Chase Ultimate Rewards cards (mainly the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve) are often recommended by users, but the Capital One Venture X and the Wells Fargo Autograph are also popular recommendations. On the flip side, the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority and United Club℠ Infinite Card were popular co-branded airline choices.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate. Please see the issuer’s website for updated terms and conditions.

Getting an airline credit card can be exciting, but it’s important to make sure you can make the most of it. Here are some tips:

Check your credit score

Any type of travel card typically requires a good-to-excellent credit score (a FICO score of 670 to 850, or a VantageScore of 661 to 850). If your credit score isn’t quite there yet, work on building your credit before you begin your search for an airline credit card.

Consider your preferred airline

If you’re already a member of an airline loyalty program or you have a preferred airline, choosing a co-branded card is a good move. You can earn free or discounted flights with your preferred airline when you choose a co-branded airline credit card.

Evaluate perks you’d use

Many airline credit cards offer great perks like free lounge access or discounted in-flight purchases. However, airline credit cards tend to come with higher annual fees, so these perks come at a cost. An elevated travel experience might be worth it if you travel often, but be sure you’re willing to spend the extra money for the benefits.

Calculate potential rewards

If you’re not a frequent traveler but still looking to save money on the occasions that you do travel, look for an airline credit card that allows you to earn points on everyday purchases. This makes it possible to earn points and free or discounted airfare, even if you’re not regularly spending on flights or hotels. Conversely, if you do spend a lot on travel, you might be best served by a card that offers a lucrative return on travel-related expenses, including airfare.

Keep these factors in mind when searching for the best airline credit card to add to your financial arsenal. You can also use comparison tools like CardMatch™ to shop for cards you may qualify for and review issuer offers to find one that works for you.

Here’s how one Bankrate expert chose their airline card

Senior Bankrate editor and credit card reviewer Nouri Zarrugh initially chose a lower-tier Southwest card, but he compared the value to the annual fee and eventually upgraded to a higher-tier airline rewards card for its stronger features.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card was one of the first cards I got after I’d built credit history. At the time, I wasn’t thinking much about long-term value and I couldn’t have told you the difference between a general travel card and a co-branded airline card. I just wanted to get a big sign-up bonus and earn rewards on my Southwest flights. And the card got the job done there. I’d use it for most purchases, and every so often I’d find I’d earned enough points for a free ticket. But as the years passed and I learned more about credit card rewards, I started to wonder if the card was the best fit for me. I’d added a few everyday rewards cards to my wallet and so was only using the Rapid Rewards Plus for Southwest purchases, limiting my earnings. I also wasn’t flying enough to be sure I could offset the annual fee with rewards, so I considered closing the account altogether. But then I compared the Rapid Rewards Plus card’s features and annual fee with those of the higher-tier Southwest cards. I was surprised to find that the higher-fee cards could actually be more lucrative for me. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card stood out. It offered a pair of annual bonuses that were valuable enough to offset its annual fee entirely: 7,500 bonus points each year on your account anniversary and a $75 annual Southwest travel credit. Assuming a 1.5-cent-per-point valuation, 7,500 points would be worth around $112; combined with the $75 credit, that’s a total annual value of around $187. So as I saw it, as long as I took one Southwest flight a year, I’d at least break even. I couldn’t say the same for the Rapid Rewards Plus card. It charged a $69 annual fee but only offered 3,000 anniversary bonus points, with no travel credit. Even if I assumed a 1.5-cent-per-point value, that bonus would only be worth around $45. I ended up switching to the Rapid Rewards Priority card and I’ve been happy with it since. While the $149 annual fee sounds intimidating, I know that it can essentially be made up for by those annual perks. It’s just on me to take one trip a year via Southwest – and I could use the nudge! — Nouri Zarrugh, Senior Credit Card Editor at Bankrate

Airline cards provide the most value when used strategically with other cards and are especially useful for the travel-specific perks they offer, such as priority boarding, seating upgrades and companion fares. Owning an airline credit card while being a member of the airline's frequent flyer program can also help you get maximum value. But you can’t set and forget your rewards with these cards, like you can with some automatic redemption cash back cards. You’ll need to develop a strategy to make the most of your airline card.

Maximizing airline rewards

Along with your card’s ongoing rewards rate in its highest-earning categories, a sign-up bonus or welcome offer from a new airline card could be worth several hundred dollars or more in travel costs. Keep track of your progress toward the spending requirement and start thinking about how you might use those bonus miles once you’ve earned them.

Make sure you use your card to book flights with your preferred airline and follow through making the most of those points by taking a look at Bankrate’s points and miles valuations .

Pair travel and airline cards

Let’s say you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Because Southwest is a Chase travel partner , you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio. This way, you can rack up points to use for Southwest flights between both cards, but you aren’t stuck redeeming with Southwest if you find a better award price for your Ultimate Rewards points elsewhere.

Travel off-peak

Some airlines restrict when you can use miles to book flights during busy traveling periods. On the other hand, they also may heavily discount award flight costs during off-peak travel periods. Keep track of these fluctuations in cost to maximize the value of your miles.

When evaluating the best airline cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best airline cards.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2021 was $66,928 per consumer. From here, we determine a “chargeable” spend (which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards). After subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases, education and healthcare, we get a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $22,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,200
• Dining out: $3,000
• Entertainment: $2,500
• Gas: $2,100
• Apparel and services: $1,700

Using this data, we are able to assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 23 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries. 

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners. 

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

Frequently asked questions about airline credit cards

Are airline credit cards worth it, what are the best airline credit cards with no annual fee.

Airline cards that don’t charge an annual fee have limited features. But if you are more interested in earning miles and welcome offers and don’t care about perks like free checked bags, priority boarding or free lounge visits, a no-annual-fee airline card may be the answer. Top picks for no-annual-fee airline cards include:

• American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
• United Gateway Card (not currently available through Bankrate)
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• JetBlue Card

J.D. Power’s most recent credit card customer satisfaction study also included a survey that names the best co-branded airline cards. Of the winners, the American Airlines MileUp card is the only no-annual-fee card that won a spot on the list, ranking above the average in third place.

As you can see, there aren’t many co-branded airline cards with no annual fee. A general-purpose travel card — like the Capital One VentureOne ( See Rates & Fees ) or Discover it® Miles — could also be plenty rewarding for air travel if you’re avoiding annual fees.

How many miles would I need for a free flight?

Airline reward programs differ greatly in the number of miles required to earn reward flights. Some programs have fixed prices in miles, while others determine prices based on the cash value of tickets. To further complicate matters, not every program has a published chart that explains the number of miles you need for an award flight. However, you can generally expect award flights to set you back several thousand miles.

Fortunately, an airline credit card with a lucrative sign-up bonus and generous rewards program could make it much easier to earn the miles you need.

Are airline miles and credit card miles the same thing?

Article sources.

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

“ Credit Card Issuers Must Confront Consumers’ Mounting Debt, J.D. Power Finds ” 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Accessed May 13, 2024

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

Find your odds with no impact to your credit score

Apply for a credit card with confidence.

Apply for a credit card with confidence. When you find your odds, you get:

A personalized list of cards ranked by likelihood of approval

Special card offers from top issuers in our network

No credit hits. Enjoy a safe and seamless experience that won’t affect your credit score

Tell us your name to get started

This lets us verify your credit profile

Your personal information and data are protected with 256-bit encryption.

Your personal information is secure

We use your info to run a soft credit pull which won’t impact your credit score

Here’s how we protect your safety and privacy. That means:

We only use your info to run a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score

We’ll never send mail to your home

All of your personal information is protected with 256-bit encryption

What’s your mailing address?

This helps us verify your credit profile.

Why we're asking

Your financial information, like annual income and employment status, helps us better understand your credit profile and provide more accurate approval odds.

Your financial information, like annual income and employment status, helps us better understand your credit profile.

Having a clearer picture of your credit profile will help us ensure that your approval odds are as accurate as possible.

What’s your employment status?

What's your estimated annual income?

Your answer should account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want to have it considerd as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxbile income or benefits included by 25%.

Knowing your rent or mortgage payments helps us calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) which is your monthly debt payments divided by your pre-tax monthly income.

Why does DTI matter? Your DTI gives us a clearer picture of your credit profile, which allows us to evaluate which cards you’re likely to get approved for more accurately.

Monthly rent or mortgage payment

Put $0 if you currently don’t have a rent or mortgage payment.

Almost done!

We need the last four digits of your social security number to run a soft credit pull.

We need the last four digits of your Social Security number to run a soft credit pull. This helps us locate your profile and identify cards that you may qualify for. Your information is protected by 256-bit encryption.

A soft credit pull will not affect your credit score.

Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number

Last step! Once you enter your email and agree to terms:

Your approval odds will be calculated

A personalized list of cards ranked by order of approval will appear

Your odds will display on each card tile

Enter your email address

Enter your email address to activate your approval odds and get updates about future card offers.

By clicking “Agree and See Results” you acknowledge receipt of our Privacy Notice , Privacy Policy and agree to our Terms of Use . By agreeing, you are giving your written instruction to Bankrate and our lending partners (together, “Us”) to obtain a soft pull of your credit report to determine whether you may be eligible ...show more for certain targeted offers, including pre-qualified and pre-approved offers (your "CardMatch offers"), as well as display what we estimate your approval odds to be for participating offers (“Approval Odds”). You instruct Us to do this each time you return to our sites to view product offerings and up to once per month so you can be provided up-to-date results.

You understand that this is not an application for credit and CardMatch offers and Approval Odds do not guarantee you will be approved for a partner offer. To apply for a product you will need to submit an application directly with that provider. Seeing your results won't hurt your credit score. Applying for a product may impact your score. See partner for complete product terms. Show less

We’re sending you to the issuer’s site to complete your application.

Just a second... We’re matching you with personalized offers

Hold tight, we’re loading your personalized results page, sorry, we couldn't access your approval odds..

This often happens when the information that's provided is incorrect. Please try entering your full information again to view your approval odds.

Check your approval odds before you apply

Answer a few questions and see if you’re likely to be approved in less than a minute—with no impact to your credit score.

Check your approval odds on similar cards before you apply

Before you apply...

See which cards you’re likely to be approved for

In less than 60 seconds, answer some questions and we’ll estimate your odds of approval on eligible cards. You get:

A personalized list of cards ranked by likelihood of approval.

Access to special card offers from top issuers in our network.

No credit hits. Enjoy a safe and seamless experience that won’t affect your credit score.

But don’t worry! You can check out other cards that are a better fit.

• Best Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer
• No Annual Fee

On this page

• Our top picks
• Airline credit card details
• How do airline cards work?
• Pros and cons

Most popular airline rewards programs

How to choose an airline credit card.

• Maximizing an airline credit card
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

Best Airline Credit Cards of May 2024

May 16, 2024

How we Choose

There are plenty of factors to consider when deciding which airline card is best for you. First things first, you want to choose a card that is co-branded or at least partners with an airline that offers frequent service to your nearest (or preferred) airport. You should also have a sense of what you’re looking for in terms of card perks and realistically assess whether those perks align with both your spending and travel habits.

Best Airline Credit Cards of 2024

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best general airline credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury travel perks
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for unlimited miles on purchases
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for no annual fee
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for rewards value
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Best for Southwest Airlines
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for less frequent travelers
• American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® : Best for American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines
• Discover it® Miles : Best for airline miles flexibility

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

The Capital One Venture card is one of the most flexible travel cards on the market. Not only do you earn a simple 2 miles per dollar on every purchase (no need to keep track of bonus categories), but the miles you earn are also extremely versatile.

Whether you prefer to book your trips through Capital One or any third-party provider, you can use your miles to cover the cost – and they’ll have the same value either way. Looking for even more options? You can also transfer miles to 15+ travel partner programs.

• Get a statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
• Use your miles to cover any eligible travel purchase from the recent past.
• The card’s $95 annual fee is not waived in the first year.
• The list of travel partners does not include most major domestic airlines.

Bottom Line

The Capital One Venture makes it extremely easy to earn and spend miles – and enjoy some travel perks along the way.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 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

Rates & Fees

The platinum card® from american express.

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent choice for experienced travelers thanks to its earning potential and wealth of updated premium travel perks. While the issuer recently upped the annual fee to $695, the card now comes with a host of ways to recoup that value at home or around the globe. In addition, cardholders can receive 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of membership. The Platinum Card offers up to $400 in travel credits annually (up to $200 in statement credits on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel – two night minimum stay required, and up to $200 in statement credits for airline fees at one qualifying airline – enrollment required), Uber cash credits, and credits for CLEAR® Plus, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Also attractive are status benefits for hotels, car rental, cruises, airport lounges and more, adding up to over $1,400 in potential value.

• This card comes with an extensive list of travel credits and premium perks.
• You can transfer points to a host of airline partners, including Delta Airlines.
• There is a limited amount of bonus categories.
• The $695 annual fee is steep for many.

For experienced travelers or those looking to make their dream vacation a reality, the Amex Platinum checks every box and provides generous travel credits and premium perks to help offset its high annual fee.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Frequent travelers who want to experience premium travel perks will find it hard to pass up this travel rewards credit card. You’ll get unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights – all when you book through Capital One Travel. All other purchases earn an unlimited 2X miles. Plus, cardholders will earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The $395 annual fee is a bargain compared to other premium credit cards. And that price can be offset by the $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel, as well as the generous 10,000 bonus miles you’ll get every year, starting on your first anniversary.

• Earn unlimited miles in all purchase categories
• No blackout dates, and miles won’t expire as long as your account stays open
• You’ll need to spend $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening to earn the 75,000 bonus miles
• Requires excellent credit

Frequent travelers will be drawn to the big sign-up bonus, premium travel rewards, and travel credits packed in this travel rewards credit card.

• 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

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card doesn’t charge an annual fee, but it still offers a competitive rewards rate in spite of that. The card offers 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, and they’re super flexible.

You can book your travel on any website – whether Bank of America or a third-party – and then redeem your points as a statement credit to cover the cost. Eligible purchases include travel and dining bought in the last 12 months, which is a particularly long period for this kind of offer.

• There is no annual fee and no bonus categories to track, so this card is easy to manage.
• You can redeem points for any travel purchase made in the last 12 months on any site.
• Your points are worth less when you redeem for non-travel options like cash back.
• You can’t transfer points to any partner travel programs.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is super flexible for bargain-hunters, allowing you to book travel on any site of your choosing and still cover the cost with points.

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A classic pick for first-time travel cardholders, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers outstanding opportunities to rack up points. Most notably, the card currently has an 75,000-point sign-up bonus after you spend $4,000 in your first three months of card ownership.

Even better, your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel in the Chase Travel℠  portal. That means your introductory bonus alone is worth a little over $900 in travel purchases. Add that to a solid rewards rate on travel and dining, and you’ll be globetrotting on rewards alone in no time.

• When you redeem your points for travel in the Chase Travel℠ portal, your sign-up bonus is worth a little over $900 towards travel.
• You can transfer points to a variety of travel partners at a 1:1 rate.
• This card does not offer some of the perks you get with other travel cards like a statement credit towards TSA PreCheck/Global Entry.

Frequent travelers will love the potential value of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Its lucrative sign-up bonus and points boost on travel redemptions make it a top choice.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 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

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

If you’re loyal to flying Southwest, you can’t go wrong with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card. Its lucrative sign up bonus lets you earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

At $69, the Plus card also has the lowest annual fee of Southwest’s credit card offerings, accelerating your Rapid Rewards earning without breaking the bank.

• Each account anniversary, you’ll earn a nice 3,000-point bonus.
• All points earned with your card count toward Southwest Companion Pass qualifications.
• The earning rate is low compared to other airline cards.
• Southwest doesn’t fly to many international destinations.

Any Rapid Rewards member chasing the Southwest Companion Pass should definitely add a Southwest credit card to their wallet – and the Plus card is a great choice.

• 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.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

While the rewards rate on the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is not the most eye-catching, the card makes up for it by charging no annual fee and keeping rewards earning and spending simple.

You’ll only earn 1.25 miles per dollar on each purchase, but that means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of bonus categories or juggling which card to use for which purchase. And, you can redeem miles for any travel purchase on any site without sacrificing value.

• You can earn 20,000 miles (worth $200 in travel) after you spend $500 in the first three months – a really easy spend requirement to meet.
• Miles can be redeemed for any eligible travel purchase made in the last 90 days on any website.
• Other cards with no annual fee offer a higher flat rate of rewards on all purchases.
• Travel partners are limited, and there are no major U.S. airlines on the list.

The Capital One VentureOne is a solid no-fuss travel card, thanks to its straightforward flat earning rate and flexible redemption options.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

While the base rewards are good, it’s the ancillary perks that make this co-branded Bank of America card a standout airline credit card – most notably, the free checked bag for you and up to six guests on the same Alaska Airlines reservation and the Alaska Airlines companion fare from $122 ($99 companion fare, plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.

• The card touts a generous sign-up bonus offer.
• Alaska Airlines has a wide network of domestic and international partners.
• There is a $95 annual fee to hold this card, not waived the first year.
• You’ll need to at least semi-frequently fly Alaska Airlines to reap the benefits associated with this card.

There are a few easy ways to help recoup this card’s annual fee, namely, cashing in on the Alaska Airlines companion fare certificate anniversary offer (after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year) or taking advantage of multiple baggage fee waivers, so frequent Alaska Airlines flyers might find it’s a worthy addition to their wallet.

• Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($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. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Discover it® Miles

The Discover it ® Miles offers a decent rewards rate for a travel card with no annual fee, but its biggest draw is a unique introductory offer that teases incredible value for heavy spenders. At the end of your first year of card ownership, Discover will match all the miles you earned on the card.

After that, you’ll earn a more modest 1.5X miles on all purchases. But there’s no annual fee to eat into your rewards, and you don’t have to keep track of any bonus categories to maximize earnings.

• You earn the same 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase you make.
• All rewards you earn will be matched by Discover at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your earnings.
• Discover does not have any hotel or airline program partners you can transfer miles to.
• You might not earn as much in rewards without any bonus categories.

The Discover it ® Miles can be a lucrative no-annual-fee card, especially in the first year. But after the intro offer ends, it’s harder to take as much value from the card.

• 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 17.24% - 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.

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.

Comparing the best airline miles credit cards

Editor’s picks: airline rewards credit card details, best general airline credit card: capital one venture rewards credit card.

• Best features : You can really rack up travel rewards with this popular travel credit card from Capital One . The Venture Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and 5X miles on hotel stays and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal (miles are currently valued at 2 cents per mile*). That means you can earn rewards from everyday purchases that you can use toward flights with a wide range of airlines, including over 15 partners that allow you to transfer points 1:1. You can also use your rewards for statement credits for other travel purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : The current list of airline travel partners doesn’t include other large U.S. carriers. There’s a $95 annual fee not waived the first year ( See Rates and Fees ).
• Alternatives : The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card   offers a higher rewards rate in several spending categories, including restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets, at 3X points. Plus, you can earn a total of 10X points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal. While general purchases only earn 1X points, those who spend more in higher-rate rewards categories could do well.
• Bottom line : If you travel frequently but don’t always fly the same carrier, this general-purpose travel credit card might give you the most bang for your buck. That said, airline loyalists may prefer to go with a co-branded airline card.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features : The popular premium card from American Express comes fully loaded with luxury travel benefits, including top-tier travel insurance, perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available and elite hotel perks like complimentary hotel loyalty status with Marriott and Hilton. However, the Amex Platinum card’s features stand out because they include one of the most valuable lists of annual statement credits on the market.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $695 annual fee is a big commitment, so carefully consider whether you travel enough to justify the price. You must redeem travel rewards through American Express Travel – and, unlike with many Chase credit cards, you won’t get a bonus for doing so. Some of the travel credits come with caveats that make them a bit tricky to track or maximize. For instance, the Platinum comes with up to a $200 Airline Fee Credit per calendar year but the credit can only be used at one select qualifying airline.
• Alternatives : The American Express® Gold Card comes with similar perks but at a lower annual fee.
• Bottom line : This card ticks off all the boxes for big spenders and frequent travelers looking for luxury travel perks, particularly complimentary airport lounge access. But the sky-high annual fee is tough to justify if you only fly a handful of times a year, rarely dine out and hardly ever stay at hotels.

Read our The Platinum Card® from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for unlimited miles on purchases: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : This premium rewards card offers the best way to earn unlimited travel miles from Capital One, including an impressive 10X miles on hotel stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on Capital One Travel flights and a flat-rate 2X miles on all other purchases. Beyond rewards, the Venture X adds extra value to your wallet with high-end benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge access and a credit worth up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $395 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ) is a bargain compared to other premium credit cards, but it might still be too much for some.
• Alternatives : While the Chase Sapphire Reserve® does have a higher annual fee than the Venture X, it also offers more in terms of redemption value. You’ll get 50% more value from your points when you redeem for travel with Chase (1.5 cents per point).
• Bottom line : This card is a great fit for travel enthusiasts with excellent credit who plan to take advantage of enough premium benefits to make the annual fee worth it but prefer streamlined travel miles.

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Best features : There’s a lot going for this travel card, including considerable rewards and few restrictions – and that’s with no annual fee. For example, earn 1.5X points on all purchases. No annual fee means that you don’t have to track your earnings to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
• Biggest drawbacks : You won’t get a boost by redeeming points for travel through the Bank of America Travel center. If you redeem points for cash, your points are only worth 0.6 cents each.
• Alternatives : The Discover it® Miles card carries a similar 1.5X miles rewards rate on all purchases for no annual fee. However, less frequent travelers will also be able to redeem their miles for cash back without losing rewards value.
• Bottom line : If you’re committed to avoiding an annual fee, this general-purpose travel card is one of your best options so long as you’re all right forgoing fancy travel perks.

Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for rewards value: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Best features : Frequent fliers can rack up rewards pretty quickly with this solid general-purpose travel credit card from Chase. It offers 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 2X points on other travel purchases and 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs). Plus, you’ll receive 10% of your total purchases last year back as annual bonus points. All of these points can then be redeemed for 25% more value toward Chase Travel℠, or they could even be worth 2 cents apiece on average* with the right Chase transfer partner .
• Biggest drawbacks : The card’s $95 annual fee might price this card out of a frugal flier’s budget.
• Alternatives : If you have a tendency to spend heavily on travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a higher-end version of the Sapphire Preferred. Cardmembers receive a $300 travel credit that can be applied to airfares, baggage fees, and more. Yes, its $550 annual fee is steep but the perks could be worth it for some.
• Bottom line : If you travel frequently but don’t often fly with a specific carrier, this general-purpose travel rewards credit card will net you a nice return on flights  – and then some! But despite its broad appeal, travelers on tighter budgets may still prefer a no-annual-fee card. Everyday spenders may want to consider pairing no-annual-fee Chase cards with the Sapphire Preferred to squeeze more value from their rewards.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Southwest airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Best features : It not only earns 2X points on Southwest purchases (plus partner hotel and rental car bookings), but it also offers the same rewards rates for a few popular everyday purchases, including local transit (including rideshares), select streaming services and cable, phone and internet services. Luckily, yearly perks such as 3,000 bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-Ins can more than make up for the card’s $69 annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : Southwest doesn’t have airline partners, so the only rewards flights you can book are with Southwest.
• Alternatives : The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a similar rewards value, and Delta’s expansive flight network may be a more attractive option to some travelers.
• Bottom line : The Rapid Rewards Plus is an excellent starter Southwest card if you’re not sure you’ll be able to take advantage of the higher-tier Southwest credit cards . But if you don’t fly Southwest often, don’t live near a Southwest hub, or mostly travel internationally, this card isn’t a match for you.

Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for less frequent travelers: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : This straightforward travel rewards credit card lets you earn 1.25X miles on general purchases without paying an annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ). Cardholders also earn 20,000 miles if they spend $500 in your first three months, which is equal to $200 in travel rewards. There’s no minimum to start redeeming rewards.
• Biggest drawbacks : Capital One is thin on major U.S. airline partners. You could conceivably earn more with the Venture Rewards Credit Card, even though it charges a $95 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ). (Learn how to decide between the Capital One Venture cards .)
• Alternatives : Big spenders may find the Discover it® Miles to be a better short-term value. It matches miles earned at the end of your first year, and there’s no cap on how much you can potentially earn. When it comes to long-term value, you can redeem Discover miles for cash back at an equal 1 cent per mile if you don’t travel often.
• Bottom line : If you like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, but can’t stomach its annual fee or aren’t quite sure if you’ll travel enough to justify the charge, consider this card a solid alternative. That said, frequent travelers may be better off with a higher flat-rate rewards card or one with bonus categories that allows them to maximize earnings.

Read our Capital One VentureOne review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for American Airlines: American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

• Best features : For no annual fee, you can earn 2X miles on both American Airlines and grocery store purchases. Plus, American Airlines offers one of the largest travel networks in the world, and AAdvantage miles (valued at 1 cent*) can be transferred to dozens of airline, hotel and car rental partners.
• Biggest drawbacks : Redeeming AAdvantage miles can be complicated; you’ll have to navigate blackout dates and award seats are limited.
• Alternatives : The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card also has no annual fee and doesn’t limit you to just one airline. Cardmembers earn 1.5X points on all purchases, which can add up quickly.
• Bottom line : While this is a great starter airline credit card for people who fly American Airlines, those who do not fly American or even live near an American hub may want to keep looking.

Read our American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

• Best features : There’s a rewarding limited-time online bonus that lets you earn 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days. You’ll also receive a companion fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each year on your account anniversary, (after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year).
• Biggest drawbacks : The card carries a $95 annual fee, so be sure you fly Alaska Airlines enough for the long haul to justify adding it to your wallet.
• Alternatives : With a slightly lower annual fee ($69 versus $95), the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card can help you earn a Companion Pass if you aren’t able to fly with Alaska Airlines often. However, it’ll take much more work since you’ll need to earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights with Southwest per calendar year to be eligible for the airline’s Companion Pass offer (beginning Jan. 1, 2023). You’ll earn a 10,000 qualifying point head start each year as a Southwest cardholder.
• Bottom line : If you fly Alaska Airlines with a companion even once or twice a year, you’re likely to appreciate this card’s benefits.

Read our full Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for airline miles flexibility: Discover it® Miles

• Best features : You’ll enjoy a wide range of travel redemption options, including airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel packages, taxis and public transportation – and can even redeem miles for cash back (Discover it® Miles are worth 1 cent each*).
• Biggest drawbacks : On the flip side, you can’t transfer your miles to airline partners. This means the card’s value drops significantly after the first-year match compared to cards with transfer partners.
• Alternatives : Those who travel less frequently may prefer the no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne card ( See Rates and Fees ) which earns 1.25X miles on general purchases and can redeem rewards through Capital One transfer partners .
• Bottom line : Anyone on the hunt for a straightforward, general-purpose travel rewards credit card should enjoy the Discover it® Miles card. But frequent travelers may get less mileage since miles cannot be transferred to airline frequent flier programs.

Read our Discover it ® Miles review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

What are airline credit cards and how do they work?

Airline credit cards are typically aligned with airlines to bring you rewards specific to that brand, although there has been a movement in the last year to offer boosted general rewards as well. Called co-branded cards, these products reward you for loyalty to that brand through in-flight purchases and tickets, as well as brand-specific benefits.

Keep in mind that you’ll want to pick a card partnering with an airline you’ll actually use, or there’s no point in earning all those miles. For example, American Airlines has a hub in Charlotte, while United has a hub in Houston, and Delta is based out of Atlanta. Where you live and go should factor into your decision.

“Airline cards are especially valuable when you’re loyal to a particular carrier,” says Ted Rossman, CreditCards.com’s industry analyst. “The miles you earn through a sign-up bonus and your ongoing spending can quickly earn you a free trip. Plus, airline cards often offer additional perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding. Many of them charge annual fees, but they can be recouped quickly. For example, a $95 annual fee equals roughly three checked bags. A family could come out ahead after just one flight.”

In addition to co-branded cards, there are general-purpose travel credit cards that partner with airlines for redeeming points or miles, such as Capital One Venture Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

What is the difference between an airline credit card and a general travel credit card?

Though they are both handy for travelers, there are clear differences between an airline card and a general-purpose travel card. For starters, an airline card offers rewards for loyalty to one specific carrier or alliance whereas a general-purpose travel card partners with multiple airline brands. If your closest airport happens to be a designated hub for a particular airline, you might find that airline’s branded credit card to be the most convenient.

With an airline credit card, you can often earn boosted rewards on travel and in-flight purchases. A general-purpose travel credit card tends to reward for a variety of categories, sometimes even offering rewards for all purchases. More recently, airline credit cards have begun to reward for everyday spending in categories such as groceries, although it isn’t nearly as common as with general-purpose cards. General travel cards also offer benefits such as Global Entry or TSA Precheck credits, while airline cards might offer complimentary checked baggage, seating upgrades and lounge access.

Pros and cons of an airline credit card

• Travel value. The points and miles you earn can be put towards future travel, and they’re especially valuable when used to book business class seats. However, you’ll still be on the hook for applicable taxes and fees.
• Travel perks. Airline credit cards come loaded with valuable perks such as complimentary checked baggage, lounge access and priority boarding, as well as coverage for lost luggage and trip cancellation.
• Rewards are easy to earn. Depending on your spending habits, it’s relatively easy to rack up rewards. Plus, generous welcome bonuses give cardmembers a leg up on accumulating miles and earning status.
• Points can be difficult to redeem. Airlines sometimes restrict the number of seats available per flight for those booking with rewards. Blackout dates also restrict exactly when travelers can redeem points for travel, particularly during peak travel periods.
• Loyalty can be limiting. If you have an airline-branded card, you’re limited to that particular carrier and its network of partner airlines. That’s why it’s so important to choose an airline that is convenient for you to fly.
• Perks often include caveats. While benefits like trip protection and lounge access can be helpful when plans go awry, some of these benefits come with a lot of fine print you need to be familiar with in case there’s a hitch in your travel plans.

Delta SkyMiles

While the SkyMiles program is forever moving the finish line with fluctuating point values and rules, its range of redemption options and lack of blackout dates make it a crowd-pleaser. The average point value is 1.2 cents, according to Bankrate*, and rewards don’t expire. There are more than 20 airline partners, so you can go pretty much anywhere in the world on Delta and its SkyTeam partners. Loyal Delta flyers and international travelers will certainly find a lot to love about this program.

United MileagePlus

The United program award tickets are one-way, which opens up your options in terms of how you choose to redeem. You can select seats in a different class in each direction; or you can travel out with a lesser Saver ticket when your plans are flexible, and with an Everyday ticket on the return with firmed-up plans.

You can use miles to request upgrades to a premium cabin, which allows you to benefit from free alcoholic beverages, as well as priority check-in, security line access, boarding, and baggage handling. The average point value is 1.1 cents each*.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

With this loyalty program of Southwest Airlines , flight options are primarily limited to domestic destinations which now include service to Hawaii. It’s also worth noting that its short-haul international service is rapidly expanding. Families with a tendency towards overpacking will appreciate the complimentary additional checked baggage.

Booking is flexible and there aren’t a ton of hidden fees. Southwest Rapid Rewards are, on average, worth 1.5 cents a piece*. While there are no blackout dates and one-way trips are permitted, it’s not the largest of airlines. Southwest currently serves about 120 destinations, and only 11 countries.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

OneWorld member Alaska Airlines offers travelers excellent value across the board, particularly in terms of earning potential, average airfares, and general service. Alaska is the fifth largest airline in the U.S. with a focus on West Coast service, underserved markets in the Pacific Northwest, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Central America.

By Alaska’s math, Mileage Plan members earn 30% more miles than with other domestic loyalty programs. While Alaska’s fees are on par with other domestic carriers, its flexibility around ticket changes and rebookings makes it a favorite among flyers. The average point value is 1.1 cents each*.

American Airlines AAdvantage

With about 350 destinations to more than 50 countries, American Airlines , with regional carrier American Eagle, is one of the largest airlines in the world. Its network of OneWorld partners makes it a strong choice for world travelers. The airline partners with OneWorld Alliance carriers as well as other partners.

While there’s the MileSAAver awards, which means you can book award flights at a low number of miles, there are downsides, such as some quirky rules and the need for flexibility when booking. American Advantage points are worth 1 cent each* on average.

British Airways Executive Club

OneWorld partner British Airways can eat up your miles, called Avios, but the experience is superior. There is a feature called Reward Flight Savers, advertised as the best value reward flights, which is available on return flights in Europe and southern Africa. Like other loyalty programs, you can use Avios to upgrade, for a hotel stay or getting a rental car. Avios points are worth 0.7 cents each* on average.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Flying to roughly a dozen countries, Virgin Atlantic is a 35-year-old British airline with a number of stops in the U.S. Flying Club, Virgin Atlantic’s loyalty program, offers dozens of partners, including Delta. You can redeem as few as 7,500 Virgin Points for a one-way flight through Delta. Other partners include KLM, Air France and other international airlines, as well as hotels such as Hilton and IHG.

The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Virgin Points are worth a whopping 2.6 cents on average*. You can also convert rewards into Virgin Points through some of the top card issuer programs, such as Citi ThankYou and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Do airline miles expire?

When it comes to airline rewards, few things are more frustrating than seeing your hard-earned points and miles expire before you’ve had a chance to use them. Unfortunately, only a few airline rewards programs offer miles that never expire, with the vast majority requiring you to either earn or redeem miles within one or two years or risk forfeiting the miles in your account. In some cases, you can have expired miles restored to your account, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay a reinstatement fee.

Here’s how airline point and mile expiration breaks down with some of the most popular airline rewards programs:

Who should get an airline credit card

• Airline loyalists . If you often use a specific airline, an airline card can deliver boosted rewards and superior redemptions.
• Frequent flyers . Want to earn lots of points or miles? You’ll earn more if you’re often traveling with your favorite airline.
• Big shoppers . Many airline cards have an annual fee, so you’ll need to plan on using your card enough to recoup the cost of that fee.
• Fine print readers . The rules of an airline rewards program can be tough to navigate, so make sure you are prepared to follow them.

Who should skip an airline credit card

• Last-minute travelers . Airline rewards programs often have blackout dates and seating restrictions, so airline cards may not suit the procrastinator.
• Balance carriers . If you carry a balance to the next month, you will incur interest charges, negating the benefits of rewards. If you are prone to carrying a balance, consider a top low interest credit card instead.
• Those who live far from an airline hub . If you live in a midsize city, the airline of your choice may not fly there, making it more difficult to earn rewards.
• Infrequent travelers. If there are only airline reward offered, it may be difficult to earn enough rewards to make the card worth your while.

How to make the most of an airline credit card

Consider how frequently you fly.

Simply put, if you don’t fly more than a couple of times a year, you probably don’t need an airline credit card. While some airline credit cards let you earn miles on everyday purchases, like gas or groceries, you generally get the most bang for your buck by redeeming for free flights. And while many cards have moved away from blackout or expiration dates on miles, you’re not likely to recoup the annual fee associated with most of these cards if you’re not cashing in your rewards each year or taking advantage of the ancillary perks a card entitles you to.

If your spending tends to vary, consider a general rewards credit card or a cash back credit card instead.

Identify your carrier of choice

If you do fly frequently, consider next whether you tend to do so on the same carrier. (That’s generally dictated by whether you live near an airline hub or a major airport serviced by carriers with a large flight network.) If so, that brand’s airline credit card could help you earn award flights more quickly, qualify for elite status and receive perks that let you travel in style.

If you’re more likely to fly on a variety of carriers throughout the year or you like to comparison-shop for deals across travel providers, consider a general-purpose travel credit card. We’re partial to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which offers 2X miles on general purchases and lets you redeem rewards as statement credits for a wide variety of travel expenses.

Account for a card’s transfer partners

Many general-purpose travel credit cards let you transfer your points to partnering airlines. Review their list of current partners to see if they’re in line with your travel habits. Transferring points is often a great way to get a bit more bang for your buck. Learn other ways to maximize credit card rewards .

Ask yourself if you check a bag

Most airline’s charge $30 for a first checked bag and $40 for a second, so if you frequently travel with a suitcase, an airline credit card that lets you skip that charge can save you money or, at least, cover a card’s annual fee before you factor in the rewards.

Decide if you’re looking for lounge access

Some premium travel rewards credit cards offer access to a large number of airport lounges, irrespective of brand. The Platinum Card from American Express, for example, grants cardholders access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which includes more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, meanwhile, comes with complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges in more than 1,300 locations around the world.

Are airline credit cards worth it in 2024?

If you travel frequently and tend to fly the same carrier each time, a good airline credit card could help you earn loyalty points (and, by extension, award flights) faster. They could also entitle you to benefits that make flying more enjoyable or cost-effective, like priority boarding, a free checked bag, elite status and upgrades, when available.

Although travel restrictions have relaxed compared to the past few years, it’s important to carefully consider how often you plan to fly in the future before deciding on whether to get an airline credit card.

Of course, if the card has no annual fee , we say it’s a no-brainer. While you’re waiting around for your next trip to roll around, you may as well be accumulating points or miles to fund future getaways. If the card has an annual fee, you should make sure that your estimated yearly rewards and perk value makes up for the annual fee .

When assessing whether or not an airline credit card is a good option for you, here are five things to consider:

• You plan to regularly fly with the same airline – If you live near a hub of the airline partnering with the card you are eyeing, that might be a good card for you. Also, if you find yourself often turning to a specific airline for your travel needs, this card might be the right choice.
• You will use the card’s perks – You’ll want to look at the travel features beyond just the miles offered. TSA PreCheck, free first checked bags, lounge access, cancellation insurance: These are a few of the features strong airline cards may offer.
• The perks outweigh the annual fee – There’s often an annual fee with airline cards, so you’ll need to assess whether the rewards and the perks make the card worthwhile once the annual fee has been charged.
• You have the credit score for the card – Airline cards typically require good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670). There’s no point in applying for a card if you don’t have the required credit score, because applying will temporarily impact your score even if you don’t get the card.
• You can pay the full balance each month – If you get any type of rewards card, airline cards included, it’s important to make sure you can pay your balance in full each month. Otherwise, any earned points or miles are basically eaten by the interest you’d owe.

How we picked the best airline credit cards

Research methodology : We analyzed 148 airline credit cards to identify the best ones currently on the market. The major factors we considered in making our Editor’s picks include:

• Rewards rates : The best airline credit cards offer at least 2X points on purchases with their specific carrier. General-purpose travel credit cards might offer between 1.25X to 2X miles on all purchases.
• Rewards value : Not all miles are created equal. We looked at how much each mile was worth when redeemed for airfare. We also considered how much each mile was worth across additional redemption options, when available.
• Ancillary airline perks : The best airline credit cards offer extra benefits, like a free checked bag, priority boarding, automatic elite status, airport lounge access or more. Many offer travel credits for items like Global Entry or TSA Precheck . We weighted cards more heavily if they offered these types of benefits.
• Rates and fees : Many airline credit cards charge annual fees and, as a rewards credit card, they tend to carry higher APRs than low-interest counterparts. However, we still considered if these costs were reasonable relative to the category and the benefits each card carried.

Full criteria used : Rewards rates, rewards categories, airline alliance partners, other transfer partners, sign-up bonus, point values, redemption options, redemption flexibility, elite status, annual fee, travel credits, airport lounge access, miscellaneous travel benefits, rates and fees, customer service, credit needed, upgrade and downgrade options. For more detail on our review scores, see our ratings process for airline cards.

More information on airline credit cards

For more information on all things travel cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• How do airline credit cards work?
• How to earn frequent flyer miles without flying
• How to get reimbursed from a canceled trip
• How to change travel plans booked with rewards
• Best credit cards for travel insurance
• Guide to airline companion passes
• Guide to airport lounges
• A guide to flying for people with disabilities
• Airline credit card reviews

* All values are based on Bankrate’s latest point and mile valuations .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get an airline credit card with bad credit + –.

Typically a travel card requires good to excellent credit, and that includes airline and hotel credit cards.

If you have your eye on an airline card, but don’t have the needed credit score, look into getting a card that’s designed for your credit level and build your score. Although it’s hard to find an airline card available for a low credit score, there are several secured rewards cards that you can use until your score improves. At that point, you may qualify for a general-purpose travel card for fair credit, such as the Capital One VentureOne or the Credit One Bank Wander® Card .

How long does it take to receive my miles? + –

Once you’ve earned your miles, you would think you could access them quickly, but that isn’t always the case. The length of time for rewards to post to your account varies depending on the issuer:

• American Express. Within 72 hours of receiving the payment (or, up to eight to 12 weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
• Bank of America.  Rewards post right away, but may take until after the billing statement closes to be redeemable (or, up to eight to 12 weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
• Capital One. Rewards post within 10 days, but may take up to two billing cycles to be redeemable (or, within one to two billing cycles after qualifying for the welcome offer)
• Chase. Rewards quickly appear as “pending,” but may take until after the billing statement closes to be redeemable (or, within six to eight weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
• Citi. Rewards post within a few days (or, within eight to ten billing weeks after qualifying for the welcome offer)
• Discover. Rewards post within two billing cycles, but may take up to two billing cycles to be redeemable (or, within two billing cycles after qualifying for the first-year offer)

How do you earn airline miles? + –

Like other rewards cards, you can earn airline points or miles through airline credit card spending. You’ll typically earn rewards through airline or other travel purchases, although many airline cards also offer everyday categories so you can earn miles without flying . Some airlines also allow you to earn additional miles through airline loyalty and partner merchant programs connected to your account.

Check out our guides for the following airlines:

• Earning American Airlines miles
• Earning Delta Airlines miles
• Earning Southwest Airlines points
• Earning United Airlines miles

How do you redeem airline miles? + –

Airline miles can be redeemed through your credit card issuer or directly through an airline. When logged in to the airline’s website with your loyalty account, you’ll find that flights are generally listed both by their dollar amount and by amount in miles, or sometimes you may have to toggle between the two.

Miles redeemed through your issuer’s rewards portal can be booked for flights or hotels as well as other rewards such as cash back, gift cards, statement credits, or donations.

Can you transfer miles between airlines? + –

You can’t transfer points between frequent flyer programs in most cases, even if the airlines are partners. Partnerships such as OneWorld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam typically allow you to earn miles when you fly on one airline, and redeem those miles you earn for flights on a carrier within the same network. However, most of those airlines won’t allow you to transfer miles directly from one carrier to another, because there is no financial benefit to them for doing so.

But there are some exceptions to the rule. British Airways and Iberia share the Avios frequent flyer program. So while your points in each program remain separate and distinct, you can transfer them freely between the two.

Just because you can’t transfer points back and forth, however, doesn’t mean that you are stuck with a single carrier for life. Most airlines within the major alliances will allow you to use your mileage stash with that brand to book award flights on partner airlines. For example, an American Airlines frequent flyer can use AAdvantage miles to book a flight on British Airways, and the cost of that ticket will be based on the American Airlines mileage award chart.

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Stephanie Zito

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, humanitarian and credit card points collector sharing savvy travel tips she has learned firsthand from more than 20 years of circling the globe as a backpacker, expat and premium traveler in more than 125 countries and all seven continents.

Remove a card to add another to compare

Add at least 2 cards to compare

CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe.

Let’s face it — there’s a lot of jargon and high-level talk in the credit card industry. Our experts have learned the ins and outs of credit card applications and policies so you don’t have to. With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.

Our top goal is simple: We want to help you narrow down your search so you don’t have to stress about finding your next credit card. Every day, we strive to bring you peace-of-mind as you work toward your financial goals.

A dedicated team of CreditCards.com editors oversees the automated content production process — from ideation to publication. These editors thoroughly edit and fact-check the content, ensuring that the information is accurate, authoritative and helpful to our audience.

Editorial integrity is central to every article we publish. Accuracy, independence and authority remain as key principles of our editorial guidelines. For further information about automated content on CreditCards.com , email Lance Davis, VP of Content, at [email protected] .

Know your odds before you apply

• Enter your information
• We’ll run a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score
• You’ll see your estimated approval odds near cards to help you narrow down your options

Your personal information and data are protected with 256-bit encryption.

Tell us your name to get started

We’ll use this information to to verify your credit profile.

What’s your mailing address?

What's your employment status?

Your answer should account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want to have it considered as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxable income or benefits included by 25%.

Put $0 if you currently don't have a rent or mortgage payment.

Last four digits of your Social Security number

We’ll use the last four digits of your Social Security number to get your approval odds. This won’t impact your credit score.

What’s your email address?

Your email address unlocks your approval odds. Don’t worry, we won’t spam your inbox.

By clicking "See my odds" you agree to our Terms of Use (including our Prequalification Terms ) and Privacy Policy . These terms allow CreditCards.com to use your consumer report information, including credit score, for internal business purposes, such as improving the website experience and to market other products and services to you. I understand that this is not an application for credit and that, if I wish to apply for a credit card with any participating credit card issuer, I will need to click through to complete and submit an application directly with that issuer.

Calculating your approval odds

Oops something went wrong..

We’re sorry, but something went wrong and we couldn’t find your approval odds. Instead, you'll see recommended credit ranges from the issuers listed next to cards on our site.