Airline credit cards benefit frequent travelers by helping them save on flights, hotel bookings, and other expenses. Users can enjoy free flight tickets, air miles, discounts with well-known travel brands, complimentary lounge access, travel insurance, and more. Options range from cards co-branded with major airlines or travel portals to cards that generate significant savings through air miles and rewards.
Airline credit cards provide substantial rewards and benefits for frequent flyers, though they often have high annual fees. Choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits ensures that the benefits received are worth more than the cost of the card.
Here is a list of the top 10 travel credit cards to assist you in making an informed decision.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Pros
- Earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining, which includes eligible delivery services and takeout.
- The card offers a substantial sign-up bonus, currently valued at $1,230.
- Includes premium travel protection benefits, such as trip cancellation, primary car rental, and lost luggage insurance.
Cons
- Does not offer an introductory APR.
- Bookings must be made through the Chase Travel℠ portal to receive the best rates on travel points.
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a favored option for those seeking a travel credit card without a high annual cost. With an annual fee of $95, it is considered one of the best credit cards with annual fees under $100 and an excellent choice for those new to travel rewards.
New Chase Sapphire Preferred card customers can earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within the first three months after opening their account. When these points are redeemed via Chase Travel℠, their value increases by 25%, amounting to $750.
The card also allows the transfer of points to more than twelve travel partners, including Hyatt and United, potentially raising the value of the points even further. Moreover, it provides extensive travel protections and insurance. Another feature is the Pay Yourself Back program, which enables cardholders to apply their rewards as statement credits in designated categories, further maximizing the potential value of their points.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a variable regular APR that ranges from 21.49% to 28.49%. It does not offer an introductory APR. An introductory offer of 60,000 points is available for new cardholders. This card is best suited for individuals with a recommended credit score between 690 and 850.
You earn 5X points on travel purchases made through Chase Travel, though this excludes hotel purchases eligible for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. Dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, earns you 3X points. Any travel purchases not booked through Chase accrue 2X points, and all other purchases earn 1X points.
Additionally, Lyft rides earn 5X points through March 31, 2025, which includes an extra 3X points on top of the usual 2X points for travel.
A $50 annual hotel credit, interruption insurance, trip cancellation, a vehicle rental collision damage exemption, and free memberships to Doordash and Instacart+ with quarterly Instacart+ credits are just a few of the extra benefits of the card. There is no foreign transaction fee associated with this card.
2. United℠ Explorer
Pros
- The card is particularly beneficial for frequent flyers of United Airlines, offering 50,000 bonus miles.
- It provides two miles for every dollar spent on dining, hotel accommodations, and United purchases, plus one mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- Travel perks include up to a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck fees25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights, and a free first-checked bag—benefits that can easily outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
Cons
- The annual fee could be a drawback if you do not fly frequently or fully utilize the card’s rewards and perks.
- As with any brand-specific card, the benefits are maximized when the brand aligns with your preferences.
- If you do not often fly with United Airlines, you may not gain much from the card’s numerous perks.
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The United℠ Explorer Card offers a range of benefits tailored for frequent travelers using United Airlines. This mid-level card includes priority boarding, one free checked bag, and up to a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fees. Additionally, cardholders enjoy a 25% discount on United’s inflight and Club premium drink purchases. The card has an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, followed by a fee of $95 in subsequent years, and offers several travel benefits not typically available with other airline and travel cards.
With an affordable annual fee, cardholders experience enhanced travel comfort. Annually, cardholders receive two one-time United Club passes, and premier members may receive complimentary upgrades on award flights. The card also provides travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay reimbursement, and baggage delay or lost luggage reimbursement.
The card also promotes travel rewards accumulation with a substantial initial bonus. New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles in the first three months after spending a set amount. Adding an authorized user within this period yields an additional 5,000-mile bonus. Further, spending can help cardholders advance their elite status, earning 25 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $500 spent, up to 1,000 PQP per year.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months of opening an account. The card has a variable regular APR that ranges from 21.99% to 28.99% and does not offer an introductory APR. It is suitable for individuals with a credit score between 690 and 850.
With the card, you earn two miles for each dollar spent on United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), and hotel accommodations when booked directly with the hotel. All other purchases earn one mile per dollar spent. Cardholders can enjoy several United-specific perks, such as receiving 25% back on in-flight purchases, a checked bag benefit, and expanded availability for Saver award tickets. Travel perks include up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fees, trip cancellation, and interruption protection. There are no foreign transaction fees associated with this card.
3. Delta SkyMiles® Gold
Pros
- Save on travel costs through benefits like complimentary first-checked bags and Zone 5 priority boarding.
- Make purchases overseas without foreign transaction fees.
- Receive a 20% statement credit back on in-flight purchases (excluding Wi-Fi).
Cons
- For regular Delta flyers, other Delta credit cards may be more rewarding for Delta purchases and provide additional travel benefits despite higher annual fees.
Cons
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The Delta SkyMiles® Gold AmEx Card, part of a range of airline credit cards co-branded with Delta SkyMiles and AmEx, targets occasional Delta travelers. It offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, which then rises to $150. While it provides basic benefits such as a free first-checked bag and priority boarding, these may be superfluous if you already hold elite status with Delta.
The card excels in its rewards program, offering two miles for each dollar spent on Delta purchases, US supermarket expenses, and global restaurant charges, including takeout and delivery. This rewards rate is competitive compared to other mid-tier airline cards and can help even infrequent flyers accumulate miles quickly.
Although the Delta Gold card may not be the most advantageous for everyday spending, it becomes particularly valuable for those who spend $10,000 annually on the card, as it rewards them with a $200 Delta flight credit for future travel.
The card also offers a $100 Delta Stays Credit annually for bookings made through Delta Stays, and up to $50 off flight costs for every 5,000 miles redeemed with the Pay with Miles program. Cardholders receive a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases and benefit from zero foreign transaction charges. Lastly, with the Send & Split® feature, users can send money and split purchases with any Venmo or PayPal user directly from the Amex App.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold AmEx Card is designed for those with credit scores ranging from 670 to 850, offering an excellent to good credit requirement. New cardholders can earn an introductory bonus of 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of membership. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, which then increases to $150 and features a variable APR of 20.99% to 29.99%.
Card members enjoy several benefits, including a 15% discount on miles used for Award Travel on Delta flights when booked through delta.com or the Fly Delta app. This discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or applicable taxes and fees.
Earnings include 2X miles on Delta purchases, US supermarket expenses, and dining worldwide—including takeout and delivery in the US—and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Travel benefits include a free first checked bag on Delta flights, which can save up to $70 on a round-trip per person, and for a family of four, this can mean savings of up to $280. Additional perks include Zone 5 Priority Boarding, allowing early boarding and more time to stow carry-on luggage.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
Pros
- The card offers valuable travel benefits such as complimentary checked bags, lounge access, priority boarding, and a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases credited back to the cardholder.
- Additionally, upon renewal each year, cardholders receive a companion certificate that covers a free domestic main cabin round-trip flight.
- Access to Delta Sky Club when flying with Delta, the provision of an annual companion ticket for Delta travel, and the opportunity to earn elite status through spending further enhance the card’s appeal.
Cons
- The card comes with a high annual fee, which could be a deterrent for some potential cardholders.
- Other Delta co-branded cards may offer better earning categories, providing more value on everyday spending than this card.
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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve AmEx Card offers several premium benefits, including complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when presenting a same-day Delta boarding pass, excluding basic economy. The card’s annual fee is $650, which is offset by the value of the membership, generally priced at $695. Additionally, cardholders receive four one-time guest passes each year for lounge access.
One of the standout features of this card is the annual Companion Certificate, applicable to First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin tickets, potentially offering value well beyond the cost of the annual fee. Other notable perks include credits for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry enrollment, up to $240 in annual Resy credits delivered in $20 monthly increments, up to $120 annually in rideshare credits in $10 monthly increments, and up to $200 in annual Delta Stays credits.
These benefits also encompass other Delta advantages, like free checked bags and in-flight credits, though enrollment is necessary for certain benefits.
Starting February 1, 2025, Reserve cardholders will be limited to 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year unless they spend $75,000 on the card within the calendar year. After using the allotted 15 visits, additional visits can be purchased for $50 each. Beyond Delta Sky Clubs, the card also grants access to AmEx Centurion Lounges for those flying on a same-day Delta ticket paid with the Reserve card. While there is no complimentary guest access, up to two guests holding Delta-issued tickets may accompany the primary cardholder for an additional $50.
Card members also receive a 15% discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights via delta.com and the Fly Delta app, although this discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees. Cardholders also enjoy upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class. They are automatically added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members with an eligible ticket.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve AmEx Card offers an appealing welcome bonus of 60,000 miles when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. The card has a variable regular APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99% and is best suited for individuals with a credit score between 700 and 749, categorized as good to excellent.
As a cardholder, you will receive four one-time guest passes to Delta Sky Club® each year, allowing you to enjoy lounge access with family and friends when flying Delta. The card also facilitates earning Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs); you receive $2,500 MQDs each qualification year to help you advance towards achieving higher Medallion Status. Furthermore, for every $10 spent on the card, you earn $1 MQD, boosting your progress toward next year’s Medallion Status.
Each year, upon renewal, cardholders are entitled to a Companion Certificate valid for a roundtrip in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American flights. This certificate covers government-imposed taxes and fees up to $80 for domestic and up to $250 for international roundtrips, subject to baggage charges and other restrictions. Regarding rewards, the card offers 3X miles on Delta purchases and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases, making it a rewarding option for frequent Delta flyers.
5. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®
Pros
- Cardholders can redeem miles with a network of over 30 global airline partners.
- Additional perks include a free checked bag when flying with Alaska Airlines and an Annual Companion Fare, available after spending $6,000 or more in the previous anniversary year.
- The card does not charge any fees on foreign transactions.
Cons
- Due to limited flight options, flight availability may be restricted on the East Coast and in the Midwest.
- Also, the companion ticket benefit applies only to Alaska Airlines flights, limiting its use to this carrier alone.
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Due to its extensive benefits, Alaska Airlines frequent flyers highly favor the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. Cardholders enjoy comforts such as free checked bags and priority boarding alongside earning unlimited miles on various purchases – three miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, two miles per dollar on gas, cable, streaming services, EV charging, and local transit, including rideshares, and one mile per dollar on all other purchases.
By spending at least $6,000 within a cardmember year, cardholders can also secure a companion fare certificate that substantially reduces the cost of a second ticket on the same Alaska Airlines itinerary, available annually as Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ for $99 plus taxes and fees starting from $23.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is well-regarded even beyond the West Coast, offering global redemption opportunities through its network of over 30 airline partners, including those in the Oneworld Alliance. Mile redemption is typically straightforward and can be conducted online for most partners. The card’s current promotion includes an opportunity to buy one ticket and receive another for the fees and taxes (starting from $23) and 50,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Additionally, miles do not expire as long as the account remains active.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card offers an attractive introductory offer: You can buy one ticket and get another just for the taxes and fees, plus an additional 50,000 bonus miles. The card has an annual fee of $95 and a variable APR ranging from 21.24% to 29.24% on purchases and balance transfers. It is recommended for individuals with a credit score between 670 and 850.
Regarding rewards, you can accrue miles on every purchase made with the card: three miles for each $1 spent on qualifying Alaska Airlines purchases, two miles for each $1 spent on qualifying gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services, and local transit, including ridesharing, and one mile for each $1 spent on all other purchases. Because these benefits are limitless, cardholders have a large earning potential.
Cardholders benefit from a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned through card purchases if they hold an eligible Bank of America® account. Other perks include a free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to six guests on that same reservation, applicable to authorized users. The card’s association with oneworld® Alliance and Alaska’s Global Partners extends its reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, enhancing the ability to earn and redeem miles. The card features no foreign transaction fees and maintains a low annual fee of $95, reinforcing its value for frequent travelers.
6. Capital One Venture
Pros
- The card comes with a generous sign-up bonus and a rewarding miles program. It offers two miles per dollar spent on all purchases daily and an impressive five miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars when booked through Capital One Travel.
- Additionally, cardholders benefit from a credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, enhancing travel convenience.
- Transferring miles to partner travel loyalty programs increases its versatility and value.
Cons
- However, the card does not feature an introductory APR promotion for purchases or balance transfers, which could be a drawback for those looking to save on interest.
- Also, it cannot maximize bonus rewards in specific spending categories, as it maintains a flat rewards rate across all purchases outside of the enhanced travel bookings through Capital One.
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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out for its simplicity and robust rewards, making it an excellent option for travelers. It offers a strong, flat-rate reward structure, allowing cardholders to earn five miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and on Capital One Entertainment purchases through December 31, 2025. Additionally, it provides an unlimited two miles per dollar on all other purchases. This straightforward approach eliminates the need to activate bonus categories or navigate complex rewards schemes, simplifying the accumulation of significant miles.
Redeeming miles with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is just as straightforward, particularly when used for travel-related expenses. Miles can be used to book trips directly through the Capital One portal, transferred to various travel partners, or applied as a statement credit against travel purchases made with the card. Although miles can also be redeemed for cash back or for purchases through Paypal or Amazon, the value per mile is typically less than 1 cent, making them less advantageous compared to travel redemptions.
The card carries a $95 annual fee, which could be a deterrent if travel rewards are not prioritized. In such cases, a no-annual-fee card offering 2% cash back on all purchases might be more beneficial, providing greater flexibility in how rewards are used.
Additional benefits of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card include no expiration on miles as long as the account remains active, no cap on the number of miles you can earn, up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, a $50 experience credit for each hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection, and the option to transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs. These features make the card particularly appealing for frequent travelers looking to maximize their spending benefits.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The card features an introductory offer with a substantial bonus of 75,000 miles and an additional $250 in travel credit when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This bonus equates to approximately $1,000 in travel value. The card has a $95 annual fee and a variable APR ranging from 19.99% to 29.99%, suitable for individuals with credit scores between 670 and 850.
In your first year as a cardholder, you will also enjoy a $250 credit to use on Capital One Travel. The robust rewards program offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase daily. Additionally, bookings made through Capital One Travel for hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars earn 5X miles, ensuring cardholders receive the best prices on a wide range of travel options.
7. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠
Pros
- This card offers some of the highest rewards rates for travel purchases, particularly for airlines and hotels, without the requirement to book through an issuer’s travel portal.
- A notable benefit is the $50 annual airline purchase credit on a minimum purchase of $50, effectively reducing the annual fee’s impact by more than half.
- Additionally, the card comes with comprehensive travel insurance, including top-tier cell phone protection and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
Cons
- It features only six travel transfer partners, significantly fewer than the usual fifteen or more found with other cards, and needs more popular options for US-based travel.
- For some spenders, the card’s no-annual-fee counterpart may provide a better value by offering more diverse rewards on various purchases without the drawback of an annual fee reducing the points’ value.
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The Autograph Journey℠ card is Wells Fargo’s latest offering in the credit card market. It coincides with the introduction of transfer partners for this card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. This development introduces a new transferrable currency, significantly adding to the credit card landscape.
With an annual fee of $95, this card competes directly with leading cards from issuers like Chase and Capital One, offering similar benefits and points accumulation. While many mid-tier travel credit cards require bookings through the issuer’s travel portal to gain higher rewards on hotels and flights, this card stands out by offering more versatile options. However, for those who spend less on travel, other cards might present better opportunities to earn bonus rewards on everyday purchases.
Using the Autograph Journey Card for travel bookings includes advantages such as Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. Cardholders can also benefit from a $50 annual statement credit on airline purchases of at least $50 and up to $1,000 in cell phone protection against damage or theft, with a $25 deductible. The complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge service is also available to help cardholders secure tickets to premier entertainment and sports events, make travel arrangements, and reserve dining experiences.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The card offers an enticing introductory offer of 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening, equivalent to $600 towards your next trip. It features a recommended credit score range of 690 to 850 and carries an annual fee of $95. Depending on creditworthiness, the variable APR for this card can be 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99%.
Click on “Apply Now” to explore this offer and understand the product features, terms, and conditions in detail. The rewards program allows you to earn unlimited 5X points on hotel bookings, 4X on airline tickets, 3X on other travel expenses and dining, and 1X on all other purchases.
Additionally, the card provides up to $1,000 in cell phone protection against damage, theft, and involuntary or accidental loss, provided the phone bill is paid through the card. There is a $25 deductible per claim, with a limit of two claims and a maximum coverage of $2,000 per 12-month period.
The card also offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, offering up to $15,000 per covered traveler for nonrefundable trip expenses if a trip is canceled or cut short under a covered reason such as injury, death, or illness of a covered traveler or family member. The maximum benefit is $20,000 per 12-month period. Other benefits include travel accident insurance, cancellation and delay insurance, and lost baggage reimbursement. No foreign transaction fees exist on purchases made outside the United States.
8. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Pros
- The card has a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles by spending $500 within the first three months after opening the account.
- Additionally, the card offers a 25% discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights, providing some savings while traveling.
Cons
- One limitation of this card is that rewards can only be redeemed through American Airlines and its partner airlines, which may restrict options for some travelers.
- There is also a 3% fee on foreign transactions, which could add up for those who travel abroad frequently.
- Beyond the in-flight discount, the card does not offer additional airline-specific perks commonly found with other travel credit cards.
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The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® credit card is ideal for new or occasional American Airlines travelers who want to accumulate AAdvantage miles without incurring an annual fee. This card is a good fit if you’re seeking to earn rewards on American Airlines without a yearly cost and if you mainly use your card within the US, given its 3% foreign transaction fee. It doesn’t offer typical airline benefits like priority boarding or free checked bags but does include a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases. Note that this discount doesn’t apply to inflight Wi-Fi, which a third party manages.
The AAdvantage® MileUp® card does not cap mileage. You can redeem miles for flights, upgrades, car rentals, and hotel stays, with flights often providing the best value. Owning this card involves minimal risk as there is no annual fee, although applying for the card might slightly impact your credit score.
To truly benefit from the card’s features, you should ideally fly with American Airlines or its partners several times a year. AAdvantage miles are redeemable with American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, including Iberia Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and other affiliates like Fiji Airways. Miles can also be used for flight upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and even charitable donations, although flights typically offer the most value.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
This credit card offers a competitive rewards structure, ideal for those with a credit score ranging from 690 to 850. It features no annual fee and allows you to earn substantial miles for your spending. Cardholders can earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per dollar on grocery store purchases, including grocery delivery services and eligible American Airlines purchases. All other purchases earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per dollar spent. Additionally, for every AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases, you accumulate 1 Loyalty Point, enhancing your potential for reaching higher loyalty tiers.
The card comes with a welcome bonus of 15,000 AAdvantage® miles after you spend $500 within the first three months of account opening. The variable APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.99%, depending on creditworthiness. This card is particularly appealing for those who frequently fly with American Airlines or who regularly shop at grocery stores. It provides a simple yet effective way to accumulate miles for future travel while managing everyday expenses.
9. Aeroplan® Credit Card
Pros
- The credit card offers several benefits, including redeeming points with over 50 partner airlines, which can significantly broaden your travel options.
- It also provides complimentary elite status for two calendar years, enhancing your travel experience with perks and services.
- Additionally, the card covers the cost of the first checked bag for you and up to eight companions, a valuable feature for group travel.
- It comes with travel protections to give you peace of mind while on the move.
Cons
- This card offers a different level of flexibility from general travel cards, which might restrict how you use your rewards.
- Maximizing the value of your rewards may require additional effort and planning.
- The card is also subject to the Chase 5/24 rule, which could limit your eligibility if you recently opened too many new accounts.
- Furthermore, achieving higher status with this card necessitates significant spending, which may only be feasible for some cardholders.
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If you frequently travel to Canada, the Aeroplan® Credit Card, a co-branded Air Canada card issued by Chase, could be a valuable asset for making your trips more manageable.
This card rewards users for airline-related purchases and everyday spending categories. It features a generous sign-up bonus and appealing benefits such as automatic elite status, the option to redeem points for statement credits on travel-related purchases (including those not involving the airline), and discounts on rewards. This makes the Aeroplan® Credit Card advantageous even for those who don’t regularly fly with Air Canada, as it facilitates earning flights within the United States or internationally.
With its combination of rewards, perks, and a substantial introductory offer, the Aeroplan® Credit Card is something every savvy traveler should consider. It’s particularly beneficial for those dedicated to accumulating Aeroplan points. The card also offers comprehensive travel protection benefits, which include a rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation or interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and roadside assistance, enhancing its value for frequent travelers.
Rewards and Additional Card Details
The card carries an annual fee of $95 and is ideal for those with a credit score between 700 and 749, classified as good to excellent. It offers a reward system where cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining, takeout, eligible delivery services, grocery stores, and direct purchases with Air Canada. Additionally, all other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. There is also an opportunity to earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent within a month, up to a maximum of 1,500 points per month.
A welcome offer includes 70,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account. The card has a variable APR ranging from 21.74% to 28.74% on purchases and balance transfers, with a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater. There are no foreign transaction fees associated with this card.
Additional perks and benefits include Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year and the following year, which can be maintained with an annual spending of $15,000. Cardholders with existing status can upgrade to 35K by spending $50,000 in a calendar year. Other benefits include a free first checked bag for the card member and up to eight traveling companions, a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS application fees every four years, preferred pricing on award flights, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage. This includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase protection.
What Is a Travel Credit Card?
Travel-specific credit cards function like other rewards credit cards: you accumulate currency through your spending, which can then be redeemed for various rewards. The currency earned—commonly referred to as “points” or “miles”—differs depending on the card. Airline-specific cards typically reward you with miles within the airline’s loyalty program, whereas hotel credit cards and general travel cards provide points. These points or miles can be exchanged for travel benefits and other types of rewards.
Typically, travel credit cards offer enhanced earning rates for spending on travel-related purchases. For instance, one card might award 2 points or miles for every dollar spent on airline purchases, while another might provide 3 points or miles per dollar. Depending on your spending habits, these rates can significantly impact how quickly you can accumulate rewards.
How Does Travel Credit Cards Work?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn rewards, typically points or miles, through everyday purchases like a standard credit card. Accumulating these rewards enables you to redeem them for travel-related expenses. These cards often provide various other opportunities to earn and redeem rewards.
Recognizing that each travel credit card has a unique rewards program is crucial. While some cards might offer rewards exclusively on specific categories such as fuel, groceries, or dining, others allow you to earn miles on every purchase. The rate you earn rewards can also differ: some cards provide a uniform rate across all purchases, whereas others might offer enhanced rates for spending on travel-related items.
Redemption methods also vary; cards tied to specific airlines or hotels usually deposit rewards directly into your corresponding loyalty account, where you can use them within that specific program. Travel expenditures, including airline tickets, car rentals, and hotel stays, often yield bonus points, and some airline credit cards may offer better value when points are redeemed for flights.
Additionally, many airline credit cards feature options to use cash rewards back, bookings directly through travel portals, or transfers to travel partners, including those within airline alliances. Sign-up bonuses are another perk, frequently starting at $100 and potentially exceeding $500. While most airline credit cards charge an annual fee, some waive this fee for the first year.
Interest rates on these cards typically range from 15% to around 30%. Beyond earning flights, airline credit cards can enhance travel with benefits like complimentary checked baggage, priority boarding, seat upgrades, concierge services, and exclusive access to airport lounges.
Is an Airline Rewards Credit Card Right for You? Here’s What to Consider
Whether an airline rewards credit card is right for you involves examining your travel patterns, spending habits, and financial health. Here’s a checklist to help determine if an airline credit card is worth it:
- You Frequently Fly with a Specific Airline:
These cards are most beneficial if you consistently fly with the same airline. They are designed to reward loyalty to a specific carrier with free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
These benefits apply when you travel with the airline or its partners. If your travel tends to be with whatever airline offers the cheapest fare, you might find a general travel rewards card more beneficial due to its flexibility.
- You Have Good or Excellent Credit:
Airline credit cards usually demand a good to excellent credit score, typically 670 or above. If your score falls below this, consider improving your credit before applying for an airline rewards card.
- You Can Pay Off Your Balance Monthly:
The higher interest rates on these cards can negate the benefits if you carry a balance. Paying off your monthly balance is financially prudent to avoid costly interest charges. If this isn’t feasible, the interest might surpass the rewards gained.
- You Can Maximize the Card’s Perks:
Many airline cards offer additional benefits such as free checked luggage, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Frequent flyers who maximize these perks can often justify the annual fee.
For example, the savings from not paying for checked bags can cover the card’s cost, especially for those who travel regularly.
- You Are Comfortable Paying Annual Fees:
Airline cards come with a range of annual fees, some as high as $650 (as seen above), which can be steep if you only fly occasionally.
The fee can be worthwhile if you’re a frequent traveler who regularly uses the card’s perks, such as lounge access or companion tickets. Conversely, a lower-fee or no-fee card might be more appropriate for infrequent flyers.
How Do You Compare and Select the Right Airline Credit Card for Yourself?
When selecting an airline credit card, the primary consideration should be how well it aligns with your travel habits. If you frequently fly with the same airline, an airline-specific card could be highly advantageous, offering free checked bags and priority boarding that can outweigh the annual fee. For instance, a free checked bag can save you around $60 on a round-trip flight, a substantial saving for regular travelers.
A card affiliated with that carrier is ideal for those loyal to a particular airline. It maximizes your rewards and enhances your travel experience with benefits such as elite status credits or priority services. On the other hand, if your travel involves multiple airlines or if you’re typically searching for the best fares, a general travel credit card might be more appropriate. These cards offer the flexibility to earn and redeem points on various travel expenses, including different airlines and hotels.
When evaluating airline-specific cards, consider the value of perks like airport lounge access and assess if the higher annual fee for such benefits is justifiable for your travel needs. Premium cards offering extensive lounge access might charge fees exceeding $600 but can be worth the cost for travelers who value comfort and amenities at the airport. Conversely, if you do not need extensive perks, opting for a basic card with lower fees might be more suitable, though it may lack benefits like free luggage.
The right airline card depends on your travel frequency, your value on specific perks, and your willingness to pay higher fees for enhanced benefits. Carefully weigh these aspects to ensure you choose a card that offers the best value for your travel patterns.
Conclusion
Choosing the best airline credit card in September 2024 depends on your travel habits, loyalty to specific airlines, and spending patterns. Each card offers unique benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access, which can significantly enhance your travel experience. However, these perks often come with varying annual fees, and the card’s value largely hinges on how often you fly and how effectively you use the rewards.
An airline-specific card like the United℠ Explorer or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve may provide the most value for frequent flyers. Those prioritizing flexibility might prefer a general travel card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture, which offers broader reward redemption options across multiple airlines. Ultimately, selecting the right card requires evaluating how well the rewards align with your travel needs and whether the benefits justify the associated fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when selecting an airline credit card?
Consider your travel habits, preferred airlines, and spending patterns. Co-branded cards offer perks like free checked bags and lounge access, while general travel cards offer more flexibility with rewards. Check annual fees, reward structures, and travel protections.
Are the annual fees on airline credit cards worth the cost?
Annual fees vary, but frequent travelers can easily offset costs with free checked bags and lounge access. For less frequent flyers, a card with a lower or no fee might be a better choice.
Can I transfer points from general travel cards to frequent flyer programs?
Yes, cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture Rewards let you transfer points to airline partners. This flexibility can increase the value of your points and provide more travel options.
What is the difference between general travel rewards and airline-specific credit cards?
Airline-specific cards offer perks tied to one airline, like bonus miles and priority boarding. General travel cards provide flexibility across multiple airlines and offer higher rewards on broader spending categories.
