Choosing the right airline credit card can make your travel experience smoother, more enjoyable, and even more rewarding. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just enjoy the occasional getaway, having a card that aligns with your preferred airline and travel habits is essential. The key to finding the best airline card is knowing which airlines serve your community and which perks matter most to you—whether that’s free checked bags, airport lounge access, or flexible rewards.
Here’s a rundown of the best airline credit cards for 2024, designed to match various travel needs. From specific airline loyalty cards to general travel cards that offer flexibility, we’ve highlighted the top choices so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle.
How to choose the Best Airline Credit Card
Start by determining whether an airline-specific card makes sense for you. If you frequently fly with a particular airline, a branded card could offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access that make up for the annual fee. On the other hand, if you prefer to shop around for the best airfare deals or fly with multiple airlines, a general travel credit card with flexible rewards might be a better option.
- Consider your loyalty: If you always fly with the same airline, a branded card could save you money on checked bags and seat upgrades. However, if you prefer flexibility, opt for a card like Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠.
- Check for annual fees: Annual fees can be worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the perks. For instance, a card offering a free checked bag can save you hundreds on bag fees alone. But if you don’t fly often or don’t need these benefits, consider a no-annual-fee card instead.
Making the most of your Airline Credit Card
To maximize the benefits of your airline credit card:
- Link it to your frequent flyer account to ensure you’re getting free checked bags and other perks.
- Use your card for airline-related purchases like airfare and in-flight expenses, which often earn extra rewards.
- Explore all perks: Many cards offer perks like travel insurance or no foreign transaction fees, which can save you money when traveling abroad.
Top Airline Credit Cards for 2024
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
For someone like me who doesn’t stick to just one airline, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a perfect fit. I love that I can earn up to 5X points on travel and dining, and the fact that my points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase for travel really sweetens the deal. Plus, I can transfer points to a variety of airline and hotel partners, giving me ultimate flexibility. With a great sign-up bonus and a low annual fee, this card lets me travel how I want without being tied down to a single airline.
- Best for: Flexible redemption + big bonus
- With a low annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a favorite for travelers looking for flexibility. You’ll earn bonus rewards (up to 5X) on categories like travel, dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase for travel, or you can transfer them to several airline and hotel partners. Plus, its sign-up bonus is hard to beat.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
I’m not a fan of being restricted when I travel, which is why the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card works so well for me. I can book directly with airlines and hotels, without being forced to use a travel portal that might inflate prices. The flexibility of earning rewards without restrictions is exactly what I need when hopping between airlines to get the best deals. Plus, I get all the perks without worrying about third-party markups. It’s a great option when I want control over my bookings.
- Best for: Booking with any airline
- This card shines because it rewards you for booking directly with airlines and hotels, meaning you aren’t restricted to the issuer’s travel portal. Points are flexible, there’s a solid bonus offer, and you can enjoy perks without worrying about inflated prices from third-party booking sites.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
If Delta is your preferred airline, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex card offers a range of perks that enhance your travel experience. You’ll earn bonus miles on Delta flights, restaurants worldwide, and U.S. supermarkets, making it versatile for everyday spending. The free first checked bag for you and up to eight others, along with priority boarding and an annual flight credit, adds even more value, making it a top choice for frequent Delta flyers.
- Best for: Delta Air Lines
- If you’re loyal to Delta, this card offers more than just airline perks. You’ll earn bonus rewards on Delta flights, restaurants worldwide, and U.S. supermarkets, making it a great option for everyday spending. Perks like a free first checked bag for you and up to eight others, priority boarding, and an annual flight credit make it a standout choice for Delta flyers.
- Annaul fee amount: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
- Terms Apply. See rates and fees.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
As someone who often flies American Airlines a lot and have their top tier status, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® card allows you to earn airline status though loyalty points without flying. I love that I get a free checked bag, priority boarding, and bonus miles on gas and dining purchases. It makes my everyday spending work for me, and the sign-up bonus was an awesome way to kickstart my miles balance and launch me into the highest status chock full of benefits. Plus, it’s nice knowing that with every purchase, I’m earning elite status with American.
- Best for: American Airlines
- Ideal for frequent American Airlines travelers, this card offers rewards on gas and dining, plus a healthy sign-up bonus. You’ll enjoy perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and the ability to earn points toward elite status. It’s a solid choice for AA loyalists looking for everyday value.
United℠ Explorer Card
For those who frequently fly United, the United℠ Explorer Card offers great value. You get a free checked bag and priority boarding, making your trips smoother and more cost-effective. Plus, the two annual lounge passes give you a taste of premium travel without the need for a high-fee card. Earning rewards on dining and hotel stays adds even more value, making this card a strong choice for United travelers who want to make the most of every trip.
- Best for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card
- This card not only rewards United purchases but also spending at restaurants and hotels. You get a free checked bag, priority boarding, and even two lounge passes annually—making it a perfect companion for United frequent flyers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
For anyone who regularly flies Southwest, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers an excellent combination of value and rewards. The annual travel credit and anniversary bonuses help justify the card’s higher fee, while the generous rewards program ensures you keep earning on every flight. It’s perfect for those who love Southwest’s friendly service and want to maximize the benefits of flying with them without any added stress.
- Best for: Southwest Airlines
- Southwest’s priciest card also delivers the most value. With an annual travel credit, anniversary bonuses, and Southwest’s generous rewards program, it’s worth the higher annual fee for regular Southwest flyers.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
If you frequently fly Alaska Airlines, especially on the West Coast, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card offers exceptional value. The annual Companion Fare can easily cover the card’s fee, making it feel like the card pays for itself. Whether you’re booking personal or business trips, this card’s rewards and perks make it an excellent choice for regular Alaska Airlines travelers looking for cost-effective travel benefits.
- Best for: Alaska Airlines
- The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card is a must-have for those flying frequently on the West Coast or with Alaska Airlines. Its annual Companion Fare benefit can easily offset the card’s fee, making it a top pick for committed Alaska flyers.
JetBlue Plus Card
JetBlue might not have the largest network, but for me, the JetBlue Plus Card delivers huge value when I fly with them. The free checked bag saves me money every time I travel, and the anniversary bonus is a nice touch that keeps me engaged with the card year after year. If you’re a JetBlue fan like me, this card offers rewards that really stack up, making each trip feel even more rewarding.
- Best for: JetBlue Airways
- If JetBlue is your airline of choice, this card offers significant value with high-value miles, a free checked bag, and a generous anniversary bonus. JetBlue’s footprint may be smaller, but this card packs big rewards for those who fly with them.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
For those who fly American Airlines occasionally, the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is a great no-annual-fee option. It allows you to earn miles on everyday purchases, making it easy to accumulate rewards without the commitment of a higher-fee card. Whether you’re looking to build up miles slowly or stay connected to the AAdvantage program, this card offers a simple and cost-effective way to earn rewards while still enjoying some of the benefits associated with American Airlines travel.
- Best for: No-annual-fee airline card
- For casual American Airlines flyers, this no-annual-fee card is a simple way to earn miles and even credit toward elite status, without the cost of a yearly fee. It’s a budget-friendly way to stay connected to the AAdvantage program.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Whenever I fly Delta, I want to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex card helps me do just that. The access to both Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges is a huge perk when I’m on the go, and the companion certificate—even in first class—is a great bonus. If you fly Delta as often as I do and love premium perks, this card is definitely worth it.
- Best for: Premium airline card
- If you want premium perks, this card offers access to both Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, plus an annual companion certificate that’s even valid in first class. It’s ideal for frequent Delta travelers who value comfort and convenience.
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Since I travel internationally often, especially to Canada, the Aeroplan® Credit Card is a fantastic companion. It offers great rewards rates across the Star Alliance network, making my travel planning more flexible. I also appreciate the generous bonus and international perks, which make long-haul trips smoother. If you’re like me and travel abroad frequently, this card provides all the rewards and perks needed for a hassle-free journey.
- Best for: International travel
- Perfect for those flying to or within Canada and across the Star Alliance network, the Aeroplan® Credit Card offers terrific rewards rates, a generous bonus, and perks that make international travel smoother.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
For business travelers who frequently fly Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Amex card offers a range of valuable perks. With benefits like complimentary lounge access, free checked bags, and an annual companion certificate, it significantly enhances your business trips. Plus, the miles you earn on business expenses help you accumulate rewards faster. This card is perfect for those looking to make their Delta flights more comfortable and rewarding, while maximizing their business travel experience.
- Best for: Small business
- Business travelers who fly Delta frequently will appreciate this card’s lounge access, companion certificate, and checked-bag benefits, all of which can significantly improve your business trips.
Kurt’s key takeaway
Ultimately, the best airline credit card is the one that fits your travel habits, whether you’re loyal to a single carrier or enjoy the flexibility of flying with multiple airlines. The credit card I appreciate most allows me unlimited access into my airline’s lounge system. You will spend more on the annual fee, but never need to buy a separate lounge membership. You want to think about which airlines offer the most service from your most frequently used home airport My strategy is to build points and status using two separate credit cards. That gives me twice as many options when cashing in points for travel. Choose wisely and start earning rewards that can take your travel experience to new heights!
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