7 Best Airline Credit Cards in 2024

Please fasten your seatbelts. It’s time to jet-set to the land of financial wisdom. If you’re tired of staring at your dwindling airline miles while watching reruns of that travel show, we’ve got the ticket to upgrade your life (literally). 

Here’s your ultimate guide to snagging the best airline credit cards that’ll have you racking up miles faster than you can say, “Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama.”

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MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of airline credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.

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7 Best Airline Credit Cards

So, you’re ready to pick a credit card that makes you feel like you’ve got your private jet. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the best of the best, covering every flier from the business traveler to the vacation dreamer.

1. Best for Lounge Access: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For the frequent flyer who values preflight pampering, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is your golden ticket. Imagine sipping on a chilled drink in a swanky airport lounge while the world bustles by. This card could turn that dream into reality.

Credit score needed: Excellent (750+)	Purchases intro APR :N/A
Intro bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $550	Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 22.49% — 29.49%	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Generous travel credits
• Extensive lounge access
• High reward rate on travel and dining

Cons

• High annual fee
• Requires excellent credit
• Complex rewards structure

2. Best for Bonus Miles: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a gem for those aiming to amass miles quickly. It showers you with points for things like everyday spending, turning your grocery runs and dinners out into future flights.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (700+)	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: $250	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 21.24% to 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High points on dining and supermarkets
• Flexible point redemption
• Valuable travel perks

Cons

• Annual fee
• No intro APR
• Limited airline partners

3. Best for Travel Perks: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

If you’re a globetrotter who loves extra perks, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is your match. With this card, your miles aren’t just miles; they’re your ticket to a world of luxury.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (700+)	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $95	Balance transfer fee: $0 at the regular APR
Regular APR: 19.99% — 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Easy to earn and redeem miles
• No foreign transaction fees
• Flexible travel benefits

Cons

• Annual fee
• Higher APR
• No bonus categories for earning miles

4. Best for No Annual Fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Don’t want to fork out a hefty annual fee? The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card offers great rewards without the added cost, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (700+)	Intro balance transfer APR: 0% Introductory for 15 months
Intro bonus: 25,000 online bonus points and a $250 travel or dining statement credit value after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days	Balance transfer fee: Introductory Fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction, 4% after that
Annual fee: None	Cash advance fee: 4%
Regular APR: 19.24% — 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee:N one

Pros

• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR for purchases
• Easy point redemption

Cons

• Lower intro bonus
• Limited travel perks
• Higher balance transfer fee

5. Best for Premium Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

For those who want nothing but the best, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium perks that’ll make you feel like royalty at 30,000 feet.

Credit score needed: Excellent (750+)	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: 125,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $695	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 21.24% to 29.24 variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Extensive airport lounge access
• High reward rate on flights and hotels
• Premium travel benefits

Cons

• Very high annual fee
• Requires excellent credit
• No intro APR

6. Best for Frequent Flyers: United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card is a fantastic option for frequent United Airlines travelers, offering benefits that enhance your flying experience and help you rack up miles quickly.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (700+)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 12 months
Intro bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $95 (waived for the first year)	Balance transfer fee: 5%
Regular APR: 21.99% to 28.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Free checked bag
• Priority boarding
• Complimentary United Club passes

Cons

• Annual fee after first year
• High APR
• Limited to United Airlines

7. Best for Earning Miles: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is tailored for those who frequently fly Delta and want to maximize their miles and enjoy exclusive travel perks.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (700+)	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: 65,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first six months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $99	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Free checked bag
• Priority boarding
• Earns miles on everyday purchases

Cons

• Annual fee after first year
• Limited to Delta Airlines
• No intro APR

How do airline credit cards work?

Airline credit cards are like your magic carpet ride

 into the world of travel rewards. They work by letting you earn miles or points for every dollar you spend. Generally, the more you use the card, the more miles you accumulate. 

Miles can typically be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and sometimes even for hotels or rental cars. Unlike travel credit cards, which offer more general travel perks, airline credit cards are tied to specific airlines, providing exclusive benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to airline lounges.

Recommended: 8 Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance Coverage in 2024

Are airline credit cards worth it?

If you have a passport with more stamps than a post office, an airline credit card may very well be worth every penny. These cards are designed for frequent flyers who can take full advantage of the rewards and perks. 

Airline credit cards are also ideal if you’re okay with sticking with one major airline. For example, if a specific airline dominates in your region or regularly travels to destinations you often frequent. 

However, the annual fees and specific airline limitations might not be as beneficial if you’re more of an occasional traveler. For the casual traveler, a general travel card might offer more flexibility. 

How to choose the best airline credit card 

Choosing the right card can feel like picking the perfect travel destination. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Consider your travel habits: Opt for a card affiliated with an airline you frequently fly or one with a hub at your home airport.
2. Evaluate the sign-up bonus: Look for cards offering substantial welcome bonuses, often miles or points, to boost your rewards quickly.
3. Assess ongoing earning potential: Compare earn rates for airline purchases and other spending categories that align with your usual expenses.
4. Review travel perks: Check for benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or airport lounge access, which can add significant value.
5. Analyze the annual fee: Weigh the card’s benefits against its annual fee to ensure the value outweighs the cost.

Pros and cons of owning an airline credit card

Owning an airline credit card is like having a VIP pass to a world of travel perks and rewards, but it’s not all first-class upgrades and lounge access. Let’s breakdown the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right travel companion.

Pros • Earn miles for flights and other rewards. • Enjoy exclusive travel perks like lounge access. • Free checked bags and priority boarding.

Cons • Annual fees can be high. • Rewards are often limited to specific airlines. • Requires good to excellent credit.

Fly high with the right card

Finding the best airline credit card can turn your everyday spending into exciting adventures. By considering your travel habits and evaluating the perks and fees, you can choose a card that fits your lifestyle and helps you make the most of your journeys. 

What’s the best way to help find the right flight credit card? Consider comparing different offers! By weighing the pros and cons, you’ll be on your way to optimizing your travel experience. 

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