Best Airline Credit Cards for June 2024

Maximize your travel rewards with a top-rated airline credit card. Find out which card offers the best perks, rewards and benefits for frequent flyers like you.

The best airline credit card will vary depending on the individual's travel habits and preferences. It is important to consider some factors, such as the airlines available at your local airport and which companies you enjoy flying with. You might be locked into flying only with that airline. You want to make sure you enjoy it and it is widely available for you to book.

To help you narrow down your options, here’s a listing of the best airline credit cards with valuable information about who they are good for and their unique features.

Quick Look: The Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles

• Best for Bonus Rewards on Travel: United Explorer Card
• Best for Low-Priced Companion Fares: Alaska Airlines Visa
• Best for International Flights: Aeroplan Credit Card
• Best for Frequent Flyers: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
• Best for Frequent Travel Abroad: British Airways Visa Signature Card
• Best for Added Annual Flight Credits: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
• Best for No Annual Fee: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

The 7 Best Airline Credit Cards to Earn Miles

Here are our top picks for the best credit cards to earn airline miles so you can start traveling more and seeing the places you’ve always wanted to.

1. Best for Bonus Rewards on Travel: United Explorer Card

Start earning 2 miles for every dollar you spend at restaurants, hotels and when you book flights with United using your United Explorer Card. All other expenses earn you 1 mile per dollar. Plus, you’ll get travel perks like priority boarding, one free checked bag for both you and one other person you’re traveling with and $100 toward getting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Enjoy a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles when you charge $3,000 to the card within the first three months of opening. The card has an annual fee of $95 after the first year.

Why We Love It: We love United Explorer Card because of the various benefits and bonus rewards on travel it offers. With its generous sign-up bonus, additional miles on travel-related purchases, and valuable travel perks, including priority boarding and free checked baggage, this United credit card can help you make the most of your travel experiences while saving money in the process.

2. Best for Low-priced Companion Fares: Alaska Airlines Visa

For those who frequently travel with others, the Alaska Airlines Visa card is great because you can get low-priced companion tickets annually. You will need to spend $6,000 in the prior year to qualify, but it’s a nice perk so you don’t have to travel alone. You’ll get priority boarding and a free checked bag for you and up to six travel companions on your reservation. Enjoy a sign up bonus of 50,000 miles after you spend at least $3,000 within the first 90 days of your account opening. If you have an eligible Bank of America® account, you can earn an additional 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from your card purchases.

Why We Love It: We love Alaska Airlines Visa because of its companion fare feature. This allows cardholders to bring along a companion on a flight for a significantly reduced fare. For those who frequently travel with a partner or friend, this can result in huge savings and make the overall travel experience much more enjoyable.

3. Best for International Flights: Aeroplan Credit Card

When you fly Air Canada frequently, this card is a great option. With high rewards based on spending categories, you’ll acquire points quickly. With the introductory offer, you can get 70,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months of having the card. Use your points toward domestic and international flights. You’ll get three times the points at grocery stores, dining out and for Air Canada purchases. All other purchases receive the standard rewards. Big spenders will enjoy an added 500 bonus points on every $2,000 per calendar month, up to 1,500 bonus points in a month.

Why We Love It: We love Aeroplan Credit Card because of its lucrative rewards system, including three times rewards on grocery stores, which is rare on travel cards. This allows cardholders to accumulate points quickly and easily, making it easier to save up for that dream vacation.

4. Best for Frequent Flyers: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Southwest Airlines offers many credit cards but this one stands out because of its many perks despite a higher annual fee of $149. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card is designed for the frequent flyer to get the most from its higher upfront expense. While that won’t make sense for casual travelers, those who travel frequently will enjoy the added perks that come with this card, including $75 Southwest annual travel credit each year, 4 Upgraded Boardings, 25% back on inflight purchases, and more! Plus, earn unlimited points on all your purchases, such as three points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, two points on internet, cable and phone services, and 1 point on all other purchases.

Why We Love It: We love Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority because of the variety of benefits and perks it offers, that cater to the needs of frequent travelers. From free upgraded boardings (up to four annually) to discounted prices for in-flight purchases, this card offers exclusive perks and a generous rewards program.

5. Best for Frequent Travel Abroad: British Airways Visa Signature Card

When you travel British Airways frequently, you’ll maximize your benefits from this card. Plus, you can earn a free companion ticket. Annual fees are modest with this card but perks on distance travel are extensive. Those who frequently travel abroad will see the best perks from this card. Enjoy a welcome offer of 85,000 bonus points when you spend at least $5,000  within the first 3 months of account opening.

Why We Love It: We love British Airways Visa Signature Card because of its generous sign up bonus. If you're in the market for a new rewards credit card and love to travel, this card may be worth considering for your wallet.

6. Best for Added Annual Flight Credits: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express offers outstanding perks for travelers for an annual fee of $150 after the introductory period. You’ll get two times the points back on purchases from grocery stores and restaurants, which can help you maximize the card’s benefits. Plus, you’ll get priority boarding to make your travels more relaxed and enjoyable. While the points don’t transfer to other airlines, Delta is widely available, even for international travel. Delta offers a welcome bonus of 65,000 bonus points when you spend at least $3,000 in the first 6 months of card membership.

Why We Love It: We love Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express because of the added perks you will receive. From annual flight credits, free first checked bag, priority boarding, miles earned on purchases to travel accident insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, this card is worth considering especially for those who fly frequently with Delta Airlines and want to earn rewards at the same time.

7. Best for No Annual Fee: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

The most unique thing about the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card is that it has no annual fee. That’s rare to find in airline credit cards. You’ll still get lucrative rewards and cashback on common purchases despite the card not having any 3-mile per dollar categories. New cardmembers can take advantage of their welcome offer of 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Why We Love It: We love American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp because it comes with no annual fee. This means that cardholders can enjoy all of the benefits and rewards that come with the card without having to worry about paying an additional fee each year.

How Do Airline Credit Cards Work?

Airline credit cards are specifically designed to offer perks for those who want to travel. You’ll earn points or miles on every purchase depending on the card you select. Some cards use point systems while others rely on miles.

Airline miles are currency in the airline industry. You can redeem them for flights. How many miles or points you’ll need to book a specific flight will vary based on demand and how your credit card chooses to reward its customers. You’ll use a special portal to view fights based on points instead of price but you can also toggle the view to see the price so you can weigh whether you use your miles or pay out of pocket for the flight.

Before signing up for a card, spend some time learning the value of a point or mile for that card so you can decide whether it’s the right move for you.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Airline Miles

Selecting the best credit card with flight perks requires careful consideration and evaluation of your travel preferences and style. Some considerations you’ll want to keep in mind include:

1. Evaluate whether an airline card or travel rewards card is right based on your purchases and upcoming travel needs.
2. Review your earning potential to see whether it’s better to use regular rewards toward airline gift cards or statement credits instead of getting a dedicated travel/airline card.
3. Consider sign-up bonuses and welcome offers when evaluating card value but don’t let it sway you into signing up for an additional credit card you don’t need.
4. Check how points or miles translate to flights to common destinations to evaluate the redemption value.
5. Factor in annual fees to see what your true reward would be for the card.
6. Look at the added travel benefits, such as travel insurance for trip delay or cancellation, no foreign transaction fees and more to see the card’s full value.

How to Make the Most of Your Airline Credit Card

Learn how to maximize the benefits of an airline credit card by following these tips.

• Close accounts with annual fees you aren’t using the benefits for: If you have multiple credit cards with annual fees but aren’t maximizing the benefits of each, you should close out accounts that are costing you more than you’re getting.
• Reduce the number of cards in your wallet: Having many cards that you have to manage and try to decipher which to use for various expenses is challenging. Plus, many travel cards have additional perks when you meet annual spending limits, such as free or reduced companion tickets or statement credits. If you have too many cards where you’re splitting your spending, you won’t earn those bonuses.
• Maximize bonuses: Ensure you are maximizing on bonus categories as they arise and track your qualifying purchases closely to get the most from your card. Try to book your flights exclusively with the airline you have your card through to get the most points.

What Are the Benefits of Owning an Airline Credit Card?

• Added travel perks, such as free checked baggage or airport lounge access
• Lucrative welcome bonuses can help you prepare for a large travel experience
• For those who travel frequently, paying the annual fee generally pays off
• Possibility to earn companion credits/tickets

What Are the Drawbacks of Owning an Airline Credit Card?

• Higher annual fees compared to other reward credit cards
• You might struggle to maximize the card’s value
• Applicants need a high credit score for approval
• Reward values might fluctuate based on flight demand and availability
• The cards come with high interest rates if you fail to pay them off in full each month
• Some cards lock you into using your points only with certain airlines

Alternatives to Airline Credit Cards

Instead of airline credit cards, you might consider a travel card or a lucrative standard reward card. It all depends on your common spending categories, lifestyle and travel frequency.

• Travel credit card: These cards offer benefits and rewards on various forms of travel — not just airlines. That way, you can use your rewards on hotel stays for trips you drive to, which can be nice when you participate in a variety of travel types.
• Reward credit card: A standard reward credit card with high-paying categories can be better than an airline credit card for people who travel sporadically. In years when you travel more, you can use your points toward airlines and hotels. But in years with less travel, you can use your rewards toward other categories, such as groceries or dining.
• Cash-back cards: Instead of using reward points, these cards translate that into cash so you know the value you’ll get from your spending.

Enjoy Discounted Flights and In-flight Purchases with Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards offer great perks for those who travel frequently, including free checked luggage, companion tickets, TSA PreCheck and more. These credit cards are ideal for jetsetters who enjoy seeing various parts of the world. Review the options listed above to find the best airline card that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions