The Best Airline Credit Cards

Have you been looking for an airline credit card but aren’t sure which one to get?  We have compiled a list of best airline credit card offers currently available so you have everything in one place.  Before you get started, take a look at which airlines you fly most frequently, then see which of the following cards will provide you with the most benefits that are most useful to you.

Airline credit cards are some of the best travel cards you can have in your wallet.  In fact, I always carry the co-banded card for the airline I always fly most frequently.  Having their card has saved me a lot of money on checked bag fees and I get other great benefits like discounts on in-flight purchases and lounge access.  They also offer some great welcome bonuses that will help you get a lot closer to your next vacation.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card isn’t co-branded with a specific airline, you can transfer the points earned with this card to several airlines.  With the flexibility this card provides, it’s my top choice for the best airline credit card.  You can read why this is the card I recommend most often here.

Welcome Bonus – Right now, new card members will earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of their account being opened.

Highlights – The 60,0000 point welcome bonus is worth a whopping $750 worth of travel if you book through the Chase travel portal.  You can also transfer the points to one of several airlines and take advantage of some of the redemption sweet spots like this for flying to Hawaii.  This card also offers great travel insurance that covers a lot of those unexpected events that come up while traveling.

Annual Fee – $95 (not waived during the first year)

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance business card is a new card on the market that is a great option if you fly Southwest Airlines frequently.

Bonus – New card holders will receive an 70,000 point welcome bonus after spending $5,000 within 3 months of opening your account.  This welcome bonus is a great way to jump start your way to earning the coveted Companion Pass.

Highlights – Earn 3 points for every dollar spent with Southwest Airlines as well as 2 points per dollar on select business categories.  Each year you’ll receive 4 upgraded boarding passes to positions A1-A15 that can be used on any available flight.  Plus, you can receive up to 365 $8 in-flight WiFi credits (an all day pass costs $8) when you use the card to pay for WiFi on your flight annually.  Each card anniversary year you will receive 9,000 additional Rapid Rewards points.  Every 4 years you can receive up to a $100 statement credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.

Annual Fee – $199 (not waived during the first year)

Chase United Explorer

Bonus – New Explorer card holders can earn a welcome bonus of up to 65,000 United MileagePlus miles.  You’ll receive 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account.  You can earn an additional 25,000 bonus miles if you spend a total of $10,000 within the first 6 months of your account being opened.

Highlights – You’ll receive a $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit every 4 years.  Your first checked bag is free on all United flights that you use your card to pay for the ticket.  Every anniversary year you will receive 2 one-time United Club passes which is a great way to relax before a long flight.

Annual Fee – $0 intro annual fee and then $95 each year after that.

United Explorer Business Card

The United Business Explorer card is a great option if you own your own business and fly frequently with United.  If you don’t have a small business, there is also a United Explorer Card for consumers.

Welcome Bonus – This card is an increased welcome bonus that’s available only for a limited time.  New card holders will earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months of opening their account. Earn an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending at least $25,000 within the first 6 months of your account being opened.  This is the highest bonus that’s ever been available for this card.

Highlights – One of the perks I love about United credit cards is that you get access to additional award space on United flights just for having the card.  You’ll earn 2x miles on all United purchases, as well as purchases made at office supply stores, gas stations and restaurants.  You get your first checked bag for free and priority boarding on United flights.  After each card anniversary, you will be given 2 United Club one-time lounge passes.  There are no foreign transaction fees on purchases made with this card.

Annual Fee – $95 (not waived during the first year)

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card

Welcome Bonus – New card members can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening an account.  You can learn how to apply for this card here.

Highlights – These points can be redeemed for $500 worth of travel.  Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, these points can also be transferred to one of several transfer partner airlines.  No foreign transaction fees are incurred on purchases made with this card.  You will receive up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck frees every 4 years.

Annual Fee – $0 introductory annual fee during the first year and then $95 each year after that.

Final Thoughts

These offers are constantly changing, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly as new offers become available.  If you’re looking for other types of cards, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best overall credit card offers as well as the best business credit card offers.

If you still have questions after reviewing our list, you can always reach out to us and we’d be happy to help.