Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Why I Have Credit Cards From All 3 Major U.S. Airlines

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Updated: 
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Stella Shon
Why I Have Credit Cards From All 3 Major U.S. Airlines
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

There’s no debate that having an airline-branded card elevates your overall experience with the airline. Whether it’s free checked bags, priority boarding, or faster miles-earning potential, you’re likely to find value in holding its credit card.

If you’re an avid, frequent flyer with loyalty to more than 1 carrier, chances are you’ll have several airline-branded cards, as I do. Here are the cards I strategically carry and how they add personal value.

Advertisement

1. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Of my 3 airline-branded cards, the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card is easily the one I use the most to earn 2x American Airlines miles on AA purchases, restaurants, and gas stations, and fast-track to elite status by earning 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar spent.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.
Eligible new Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® cardmembers can earn 80,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.
80,000 miles
$1,120
$0 intro annual fee, $99 after the first year
19.49% to 29.49% Variable
Why We Like This Card

The AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card is a great option for American Airlines frequent flyers who want to earn more miles on their daily purchases and score perks such as free checked bags, preferred boarding, and savings on inflight food and beverage purchases.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x miles at restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases
  • 1x miles on all other purchases
  • 1x Loyalty Point per $1 spent on all purchases
Cons
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Charges an annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Eligible new Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® cardmembers can earn 80,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening
  • Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
  • Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
  • Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
  • Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% to 29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Program

But those aren’t the only reasons to hold the card. Here are the other perks I take advantage of:

  • Free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions on the same reservation
  • Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
  • 25% savings on inflight food and beverages

If you fly on American Airlines even occasionally, having the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card is a smart idea. You can save more than the modest annual fee ($0 intro annual fee, then $99 after the first year) with free checked bags alone.

For me, earning top AAdvantage elite status is a priority to earn systemwide upgrades, which allow me to book Main Cabin fares and upgrade to business class. I love that I can continue earning elite status without having a premium AA credit card.

AA Systemwide Upgrades 1
When space is available, I can use systemwide upgrades on main cabin fares. Image Credit: American Airlines

Flying on American Airlines and Oneworld partners earns me plenty of redeemable miles and Loyalty Points toward elite status. However, spending on the card accelerates the process:

  • Earn redeemable miles and 1 Loyalty Point toward elite status for each $1 spent on the card.
  • Earn bonus miles and extra Loyalty Points when using the card to shop through SimplyMiles.
  • Earn bonus miles and extra Loyalty Points when using the card to book hotels with AAdvantage Hotels.

2. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

I don’t particularly enjoy paying the higher annual fee ($350 (rates & fees) on my Delta Platinum card. Once I remember how much value it provides in valuable lifestyle and travel statement credits, I feel much better.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
Up to 100,000 miles
Up to $1,200
$350
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
  • 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets
Cons
  • $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $350 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

I receive many of these card benefits already with lifetime elite status, and I have plenty of Delta SkyMiles. However, I keep the Delta Platinum card to get 15% off select award flights. When I book Delta-operated flights using SkyMiles, I receive 15% off the normal price. I spend significantly fewer miles over the period of a year.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum 15% Off
The award travel discount helps my miles go further. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

The credits, though, are where I find tremendous value every year. I earn up to $120 in annual Resy credits (enrollment required) by using the $10 monthly credit to buy gift certificates for my favorite local restaurants and save them up for a special meal. The up to $120 in annual ride-sharing credits (enrollment required) come in handy for Lyft and Uber. I can use the $10 monthly credit for eligible U.S. rides.

In addition, I enjoy up to $150 in Delta hotel stay credit when I book a prepaid stay through Delta Stays each calendar year.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Hotel Credit
The Delta Stay hotel credit came in handy for my overnight in Martinique. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

Assuming I use all those credits, I’m already coming out ahead. However, I also love the companion certificate: I can take my sister on a birthday trip each year by just paying the taxes on her flight when I purchase my own.

Advertisement

3. United℠ Explorer Card

The United Explorer card is very popular with frequent United Airlines flyers. It has a ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150), a generous welcome offer, flight benefits, and statement credits for some spending, making the card a good overall value.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
United℠ Explorer CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
United℠ Explorer Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
United℠ Explorer Card
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn 70,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account, plus $0 annual fee for the first year.
50,000 70,000 bonus miles
$840
$150
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x total miles per $1 on hotel stays through United Hotels
  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
  • 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Priority boarding on United® flights
  • 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
  • Over $500 in partner credits each year
  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

I have Silver Premier elite status with United through my reciprocal Marriott Bonvoy Titanium elite status, so my reasons for keeping my United Explorer card include:

  • 2 United Club passes each year: These come in handy for those long connections and flight delays and are easily worth $50 each.
  • Up to $100 in United Hotels credits: When I book a prepaid hotel, I receive a $50 statement credit for my first and second booking each year.
  • Expanded availability and discounted award flights: There’s a noticeable difference in the award flight availability and exclusive cardmember pricing.
  • Spending bonuses that earn more miles: United cardholders enjoy frequent, stackable offers, so any spending I do on the card can count toward multiple offers.
Bottom Line:

I hold co-branded credit cards from all 3 major airlines, which unlock extra perks, savings, and statement credits — so I have maximum flexibility when booking domestic trips.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best airline-branded card is a very personal decision. The best card for me may be the worst card for you.

If I fly frequently with a particular airline, its branded card is a good place to start. I select a card that best rewards my purchases, offers benefits I will actually use, and has an annual fee I’m comfortable paying given the value it provides. Those are the basic rules I follow.

Finally, you’ll notice a significant gap in my airline-branded card collection. I don’t yet have any Alaska Airlines-branded cards. Although I seldom fly the airline, Atmos Rewards points are incredibly valuable for securing Oneworld alliance partner flights, and the card is high on my list.

Featured Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton
Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2026 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Disclaimer: 

Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: 

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: 

The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.