Best Airline Credit Cards for October 2024

Maximize your travel rewards with our top picks for the best airline credit cards for this month. Get started with United Explorer Card or Delta SkyMiles Gold.

Airline credit cards offer various perks for frequent travelers, including bonus miles, accelerated rewards on airline purchases, complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. They also provide travel insurance and protections, enhancing the overall travel experience and providing peace of mind.

The best airline credit card depends on personal travel habits and preferences. It is important to consider some factors, such as the airlines available at your local airport, your preferred airlines, flight availability, and the rewards and benefits offered by each card. To help you narrow down your options, Benzinga reviewed some of the best airline credit cards for this month.

Quick Look at the Best Airline Credit Cards:

• 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

Best Airline Credit Cards to Earn Miles

Here are our top picks for the best airline cards for this month 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 two 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 one 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. It also offers travel and purchase coverage such as baggage delay insurance, extended warranty protection, trip delay and lost luggage reimbursement.

Enjoy a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles when you charge $3,000 to the card within the first three months of account opening. The credit card offers $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 after.

Why We Picked It: With its generous sign-up bonus, additional miles on travel-related purchases, and valuable travel perks, including priority boarding and free checked baggage, the United Explorer 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 from Bank of America is a great credit card option 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. The limited time welcome offer also earns you one airline ticket ($0 airfare plus taxes and fees) if you buy one. 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 Picked 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 airfare. 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 airline credit card is a great option. With high rewards based on spending categories, you’ll acquire points quickly. With the introductory offer, you can get up to 100,000 bonus points if you meet the spending requirement. 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. The credit card has an annual fee of $95.

Why We Picked It: Aeroplan Card offers a lucrative rewards system, including three times rewards on grocery stores, which is rare on travel credit 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 one point on all other purchases.

Why We Picked 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 credit card offers exclusive perks and a generous rewards and loyalty 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 credit card. Plus, you can earn a free companion ticket. Annual fees are modest at $95 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 Picked 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 SkyMiles offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus miles when you spend at least $3,000 in the first 6 months of card membership. You'll need good to excellent credit score to qualify.

Why We Picked It: 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 American Express card is worth considering especially for those who fly frequently with Delta Airlines and want to earn credit card 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 cash back on common purchases despite the card not having any 3-mile per dollar categories. Annual percentage rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness.

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 three months of account opening.

Why We Picked It: With no annual fee, 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 credit 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 airfare and hotels. But in years with less travel, you can use your credit card 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 travel card that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions