If you fly frequently on a specific airline, chances are high that you’ve considered that airline’s branded credit card. After all, there are many compelling reasons to hold an airline credit card associated with your most frequented airline.
Airline credit cards offer benefits such as the ability to earn more frequent flyer miles, get free checked bags and priority boarding, save on inflight purchases, and even enjoy complimentary lounge access.
However, as simple as it is to narrow your credit card preference to your airline of choice, that’s just the first step in the process. One airline alone could have several different credit cards from which you’d then have to select.
To help narrow down your choices, here’s a snapshot of the best cards for each popular airline, along with explanations of how you’ll earn rewards and the flight benefits that come with each card.
The purpose of this article is to give you all the information you need to select the right airline credit card for your wallet, spending profile, and frequented airline — plus provide links to further articles so you can learn even more about the cards and how to earn and redeem their miles for maximum value.
American Airlines Credit Cards
Miles earned on your American Airlines credit card can be used to enjoy American’s 777-300ER first class. Image Credit: James LarounisAmerican Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program is the largest frequent flyer program and one of the longest-standing programs still around. With so many members, card issuers Barclays and Citi designed several co-branded credit cards to meet the needs of a variety of American flyers.
You’ll find cards that offer lounge access, free checked bags for you and your traveling companions, discounts on inflight purchases, and even the ability to earn elite qualifying miles for a faster path to elite status.
Here’s a look at some of the best credit cards American offers and each card’s related benefits.
Best American Airlines Credit Cards for Earning Miles and Flight Benefits
One of the most important aspects of an airline credit card is the ability to earn frequent flyer miles that can be redeemed for award flights.
All American Airlines cards listed below earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on American. A few cards also have bonus spending categories.
| American Airlines Credit Card | Earnings and Benefits |
| - 2x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases
- A free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions (CitiBusiness Platinum Select card excludes companion baggage benefit)
- Preferred boarding (boards after priority boarding)
- 25% statement credit for inflight food and beverage purchases
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| AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®* | - 3x miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases
- 2x miles per dollar on car rentals and hotel purchases
- Receive a free checked bag for the cardholder plus 8 traveling companions
- Preferred boarding (boards after priority boarding)
- $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Up to $50 in statement credits annually for inflight Wi-Fi purchases
- $25 per day back as a statement credit for inflight food and beverage purchases made with the card
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| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® | - 2x miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases
- $125 American Airlines flight discount after spending $20,000 per card anniversary year
- A free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions
- Preferred boarding (boards after priority boarding)
- 25% statement credit for inflight food and beverage purchases
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| Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | - 2x miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases
- Access to Admirals Club for the cardholder, 2 guests or immediate family, and authorized users
- Dedicated check-in areas, expedited airport screening, and priority boarding
- Receive a free checked bag for the cardholder plus 8 traveling companions
- $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- 25% statement credit for inflight food and beverage purchases
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* The AAdvantage Aviator Silver card is not available for new applications. However, the card is available as an upgrade to cardholders who have an eligible AAdvantage Aviator Red card.
Best American Airlines Credit Cards for a Faster Path to Elite Status
| American Airlines Credit Card | Loyalty Points |
| AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®* | 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points after spending $20,000 on the card, 5,000 additional bonus Loyalty Points after spending $40,000, and another 5,000 Loyalty Points after spending $50,000, for a total bonus of 15,000 Loyalty Points, by February 28, 2023 |
| Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points after spending $40,000 on the card by February 28, 2023 |
*The AAdvantage Aviator Silver card is not available for new applications. However, the card is available as an upgrade to cardholders who have an eligible AAdvantage Aviator Red card.
As of January 1, 2022, cardmembers also earn 1 AAdvantage Loyalty Point for every dollar spent (plus bonus earnings) on select Citi or Barclays American-branded credit cards.
Additional Benefits and Perks of American Airlines-Branded Cards
American Airlines-branded cards issued by Barclays come with several useful shopping and travel protections including, but not limited to, car rental insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
The AAdvantage Aviator Red card and AAdvantage Aviator Silver card offer a $99 companion ticket benefit (plus taxes and fees) that is good for 1 companion after spending $20,000 each card anniversary year. The CitiBusiness Platinum Select card and AAdvantage Aviator Business card offer a $99 companion ticket benefit after spending $30,000 each card anniversary year.
Based on the number of miles earned when using their card, cardholders of the AAdvantage Aviator Business card can also earn a 5% AAdvantage mileage bonus each year after their account anniversary date.
We have a lot more information to share with you regarding American Airlines’ credit cards. To learn more about all the benefits and to compare, explore our best travel rewards cards for American Airlines flyers.
Delta Air Lines
Use Delta SkyMiles to book Delta One Suites on the A350. Image Credit: Stephen AuBest Delta Credit Cards for Earning Miles and Flight Benefits
Each Delta Air Lines credit card featured below earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on the airline, at varying rates. Depending on the card, some cards offer bonus earnings on everyday spending.
All of these featured Delta credit cards come with a free checked bag benefit and priority boarding that directly follows SkyPriority boarding.
Bottom Line: Having a Delta-branded credit card can add value by saving you money with a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 traveling companions. Priority boarding and discounted or complimentary lounge access can make your trip more comfortable. Add in the ability to use frequent flyer miles to offset the cost of your ticket and you’ll find plenty of flight-related benefits that make a Delta credit card worthwhile.
Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards for a Faster Path to Elite Status
Delta Medallion Elite status requires flying a specific number of miles or flight segments each calendar year, spending Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD) on Delta flights, and/or spending on a Delta credit card to waive the MQD requirement.
All of the Delta credit cards featured in this article allow you to waive the MQD requirement for elite levels up to Platinum by spending $25,000 each calendar year. You can waive the Diamond MQD requirement by spending $250,000 in a calendar year.
Additional Benefits and Perks of Delta-Branded Cards
The Delta Reserve card, the Delta Platinum card, and the business versions of each of these cards offer a buy-1-get-1 companion ticket benefit each year for travel within the lower 48 U.S. The cardholder pays only for the taxes and fees on the companion ticket.
The Pay with Miles benefit allows you to use SkyMiles to offset the cost of your paid ticket. Each 5,000 miles equals $50 in credit towards the cost of your flight.
For a complete breakdown, explore our best credit cards for Delta flyers, including our flexible travel rewards card recommendations for Delta flyers.
United Airlines
Use your United miles to book United Polaris where your 787-9 Dreamliner business class seat has lie-flat comfort and aisle access. Image Credit: Chris HassanBest United Credit Cards for Earning Miles and Flight Benefits
All of the United-branded credit cards featured here earn at least 2 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, and some cards have bonus earning categories that result in elevated earnings on specific purchases. Cards, unless otherwise specified, earn 1 mile for every dollar purchased.
Bottom Line: Having a United-branded credit card adds comfort and cost savings to your trip. You’ll receive free checked bags, priority boarding, and passes to the United Club airport lounge. Having access to enhanced award ticket availability means you’ll also use fewer miles to secure a United award ticket.
Best United Airlines Credit Cards for a Faster Path to Elite Status
Like American Airlines (EQD) and Delta Air Lines (MQD), United has a requirement that you must spend a certain amount of money each year on airline tickets to qualify for United elite status. United’s revenue requirement is referred to as Premier Qualifying Points (PQP).
However, each United card offers a way for you to spend your way to additional PQPs for the program year. Cardholders of the United Explorer card, United Business card, and the United Club Business card can earn 500 PQPs for every $12,000 in card spend, up to 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year. United Quest card and United Club Infinite cardholders can earn 500 PQPs for every $12,000 in card spend, up to 3,000 PQPs in a calendar year.
For a comprehensive overview of all United Airlines’ credit cards, you’ll want to check out our best credit cards for United flyers guide.
Alaska Airlines
Use your miles to upgrade and enjoy Alaska Airlines Premium Class. Image Credit: Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines loyalists are passionate about flying their favorite airline. If you’re a frequent Alaska Airlines traveler, having a branded credit card can help you earn miles faster, plus save you money with a free checked bag and the famous $99 companion certificate. Our recommended Alaska-branded credit card is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card.
The Alaska Signature card is issued by Bank of America and is a great card for frequent Alaska Airlines travelers.
| CARD | BENEFITS & INFO |
|---|
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
Learn More (at Bank of America's secure site) | - Get 60,000 bonus miles after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from just $22) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Every year on your credit card account anniversary you'll receive a companion fare which allows you to book a companion flight from just $121($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
- Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation – that's a savings of $60 per person roundtrip!
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don't expire on active accounts.
- Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and 50% off day passes at the Alaska Lounge when you pay with your new card.
- Annual Fee: $75
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Earnings
You’ll receive 3 miles per dollar spent on the card for Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Flight Benefits
- A free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 traveling companions
- $99 companion certificate (cardholder just pays taxes and fees not to exceed $22)
Learn more about the Alaska Airline Mileage Plan loyalty program and the best ways to redeem your Mileage Plan miles for maximum value.
Southwest Airlines
Spending on any Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card can help you earn tier qualifying points for all elite levels, including Companion Pass. Image Credit: SouthwestSouthwest Airlines has several branded rewards credit cards. However, our recommended Southwest-branded card is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.
| Southwest Card | Information |
|---|
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Learn More (at Chase's secure site) | - Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, now enjoy more benefits and more ways to earn.
- 7,500 anniversary points each year.
- NEW! Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
- NEW! Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- NEW! Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.
- $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
- 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
- Annual fee: $149
$520 |
Earnings
Cardholders earn 3x points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases. You’ll also earn 2 points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, plus 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card also gives you 7,500 bonus anniversary points each year.
Flight Benefits
Cardmembers can take advantage of the $75 Southwest annual travel credit, 4 Upgraded Boardings per year, and 25% back on inflight purchases.
A Faster Path to Elite Status
Southwest has 3 tier levels of status: A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass. You can reach A-List by flying 25,000 miles per year or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points by spending on Southwest. A-List Preferred can be achieved by flying 50,000 miles annually or by earning 70,000 tier qualifying points. You will need 110,000 points in a calendar year to earn a Southwest Companion Pass.
You can earn tier qualifying points for all elite levels, including Companion Pass, by also spending on any Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
British Airways
British Airways Avios frequent flyer miles offer great value on short flight redemptions. Image Credit: British AirwaysIf you fly on British Airways or its partner Oneworld alliance airlines, such as American Airlines, Qantas, Japan Airlines, or Cathay Pacific, you’re sure to have use for its Avios frequent flyer points. While redeeming Avios for long-haul premium flights is a solid option, the redemption sweet spot can be realized on short flight redemptions. Flights of 650 miles or less start at just 4,000 Avios for an off-peak one-way flight.
Our recommended British Airways-branded card is the British Airways Visa Signature® Card. The British Airways Visa card doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but it does allow you to earn Avios, receive discounts on British Airways flights, and earn a valuable Travel Together ticket potentially worth thousands of dollars.
Earnings
Chase issues the British Airways Visa card that earns 3 Avios (miles) per dollar spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL. You can also earn 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations, then all other purchases earn 1 Avios per dollar spent.
Flight Benefits
- 10% discount on British Airways flights from the U.S. to London when purchased with a code at a special URL with the card
- Travel Together companion ticket after spending $30,000 per calendar year
If you travel on British Airways, its partner airlines, have use for a premium companion ticket, or want to have a stash of Avios on hand for booking short-haul flights, the card will bring you value.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Mint. Image Credit: Stephen AuIf you’re a JetBlue fan, you may find value and earn lots of rewards with a JetBlue-branded credit card. Barclays issues 3 JetBlue-branded cards including The JetBlue Card, The JetBlue Plus Card, and The JetBlue Business Card.
We especially like The JetBlue Plus card for its elevated earnings and its benefits.
Earnings
- 6x points per dollar spent on JetBlue
- 2x points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores
Flight Benefits
- 50% discount on inflight food and beverages purchases
- Free checked bag for the cardholder
Air Canada
Tickets bought directly for Air Canada Signature Class earn 3x points per dollar spent. Image Credit: Air CanadaThose who are fans of the flagship carrier of Canada will love that it now has a U.S. credit card option via Chase, the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
| CARD | BENEFITS & INFO |
|---|
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Learn More | - Earn 2 Welcome Flight Rewards (worth up to 100,000 total points) after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free first checked bags.
- 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month.
- Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, or Nexus Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
- Annual Fee: $95
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Earnings
- 3x points per dollar spent directly with Air Canada
- 3x points per dollar spent at grocery stores
- 3x points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
Plus, you’ll earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 points per calendar month).
Flight Benefits
- Automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status for the first year you have the card (you can renew it by spending $15,000 on your card in a calendar year)
- Receive a 1-level bump in elite status when you spend $50,000 on the card in a calendar year
- Free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 traveling companions on Air Canada flights
- Pay Yourself Back at 1.25 cents per point towards Air Canada flights
Everything Else You Need To Know
In addition to earning miles, flight benefits, a faster path to elite status, and discounts, airline credit cards can offer travel and shopping protections and associated benefits.
The level of benefits varies by card, but you can expect to see some of these complimentary protections and benefits:
- Car rental insurance
- Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay coverage
- Lost, damaged, and delayed baggage insurance
- Roadside assistance or dispatch service
- Travel accident insurance
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
Our credit card reviews highlight these coverages and more, but the best source of determining the level of benefits offered for a specific airline credit card is the card’s guide to benefits.
Final Thoughts
One benefit of airline credit cards is that they usually come with a generous welcome bonus you can earn when you initially secure the card and complete the minimum spending requirement within a designated amount of time. Welcome bonuses can be as much as 100,000 miles and provide enough capital to book at least a business class flight.
Welcome bonus aside, however, the best airline credit card for you may not be an airline-branded credit card but a travel rewards-earning credit card. Or you may find that a combination of an airline-branded card and a travel rewards card will work for even greater earnings and elevated travel benefits.
The right card combination can give you the highest earnings on every airline you fly (including your preferred airline), flexible redemption options beyond your frequented airline, luxury travel benefits, and travel and shopping protections that add value.
The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Business Mastercard®, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, The JetBlue Card, The JetBlue Plus Card, and The JetBlue Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
