10 Best Airline Credit Cards
The best airline credit card is one you can realistically use, which means choosing cards tied to airlines that serve your local airport and offer valuable rewards and travel perks. Choosing between a branded airline card and a general-purpose travel card often comes down to whether you are loyal to a specific carrier or prefer flexibility across multiple airlines. For many American travelers, the right airline credit card can unlock free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and thousands of bonus miles that reduce the real cost of flying.
In this in-depth guide, we break down the best airline credit cards available to U.S. consumers, explaining why each card earned a place on this list, who it is best for, and what kind of value it can deliver. Whether you fly occasionally or every month, there is an airline credit card that fits your travel style.
Why Airline Credit Cards Matter for U.S. Travelers
Airline credit cards are designed to reward spending with airline-specific miles and travel benefits. Unlike general cash-back cards, these cards can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket travel costs by offering:
- Free checked bags on domestic flights
- Priority boarding and seat upgrades
- Accelerated mileage earning on airline purchases
- Large introductory bonus offers
- Elite status boosts or shortcuts
For American travelers facing rising airfare costs, these benefits can easily outweigh the annual fee when used correctly.
Quick Comparison: Best Airline Credit Cards at a Glance
| Credit Card | Rating | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Intro Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $0 | Miles on AA purchases, grocery stores | Welcome miles after spending |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $95 | Points on travel & dining | Large points bonus |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $99 (waived first year) | Miles on Delta & dining | Bonus miles |
| Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $95 | Travel & everyday spending | Intro rewards bonus |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $95 | Travel, transit & dining | Points bonus |
| United℠ Explorer Card | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $95 (waived first year) | Miles on United purchases | Bonus miles |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $550 | Premium Delta rewards | High-value miles bonus |
| Aeroplan® Credit Card | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $95 | Air Canada & Star Alliance | Welcome points |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $149 | Rapid Rewards on Southwest | Bonus points |
| JetBlue Plus Card | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $99 | TrueBlue points | Intro points bonus |
1. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Why It Made the List
This card is ideal for travelers who want to earn airline miles without paying an annual fee. It lowers the barrier to entry for American Airlines loyalty.
Key Benefits
- No annual fee
- Earn miles on everyday purchases
- Miles do not expire with active account
Best For
Occasional American Airlines flyers and beginners building airline loyalty.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why It Made the List
While not airline-branded, this card offers unmatched flexibility by allowing point transfers to multiple airline partners.
Key Benefits
- Transfer points to major airline programs
- Excellent travel protections
- Strong earning on dining and travel
Best For
Travelers who want airline flexibility rather than loyalty to one carrier.
3. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Why It Made the List
It offers essential Delta perks at a relatively low cost.
Key Benefits
- Free checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
- No foreign transaction fees
Best For
Delta flyers who want solid perks without a premium annual fee.
4. Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card
Why It Made the List
Atmos rewards travelers for sustainable spending while offering airline-friendly benefits.
Key Benefits
- Travel-focused rewards
- Visa Signature travel protections
- Modern rewards structure
Best For
Environment-conscious travelers and frequent flyers.
5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Why It Made the List
It blends airline-style rewards with flexible redemption options.
Key Benefits
- Broad travel category bonuses
- No foreign transaction fees
- Easy redemption
Best For
Domestic travelers who want simple airline-style rewards.
6. United℠ Explorer Card
Why It Made the List
This card consistently delivers strong value for United flyers.
Key Benefits
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Two United Club passes annually
Best For
United Airlines loyalists.
7. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Why It Made the List
It is one of the most premium airline cards available.
Key Benefits
- Delta Sky Club access
- Companion certificate
- Elite status boost
Best For
Frequent Delta flyers and business travelers.
8. Aeroplan® Credit Card
Why It Made the List
Excellent for international travel and global airline partners.
Key Benefits
- Global airline access
- Free checked bag
- Flexible redemptions
Best For
International travelers and Star Alliance flyers.
9. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Why It Made the List
Southwest’s benefits are simple and extremely valuable.
Key Benefits
- Annual travel credit
- Up to four upgraded boardings
- No change or cancellation fees
Best For
Frequent Southwest travelers.
10. JetBlue Plus Card
Why It Made the List
Strong value for JetBlue’s domestic and Caribbean routes.
Key Benefits
- Free checked bag
- Bonus points on JetBlue purchases
- Points pooling with family
Best For
JetBlue loyalists and family travelers.
How to Choose the Best Airline Credit Card
When selecting an airline credit card, U.S. consumers should consider:
- Which airlines fly from your local airport
- How often you travel
- Whether free checked bags outweigh annual fees
- Your ability to use bonus categories
- Flexibility vs. airline loyalty
Top 10 FAQs About Airline Credit Cards
Final Thoughts
The best airline credit cards can transform how Americans travel, turning everyday spending into free flights, upgrades, and premium airport experiences. Whether you prefer flexibility or brand loyalty, the right card can easily pay for itself in benefits. Choose based on your travel habits, home airport, and long-term goals—and you will get far more value out of every mile.
