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10 Great Airline Cards With a Welcome Bonus of November 2026
October, 2026Airline cards often come with bonus miles for new cardholders, which can be enough for a flight. Compare bonuses alongside perks like free checked bags and lounge access.
Read MoreShow Less
How to compare airline cards with a welcome bonus
Start with the airline you fly most. Bonus miles are most valuable with an airline you'll actually use.
Look beyond the bonus. Free bags and priority boarding can be worth more over time.
Weigh the annual fee. Make sure the perks you'll use outweigh the yearly cost.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + Delta miles + free checked bag
Apply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$0 intro for the first year, then $150Rewards rate1x-2xMilesIntro offerAs High As 80K Miles + $250 Statement CreditAPR19.74%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended creditGood - ExcellentRewards breakdown
2xMiles on Delta purchases.2xMiles at U.S. Supermarkets.2xMiles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.1xMile on all other eligible purchases.Card details
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold 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.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- Send money, split purchases, and focus on the moments that matter – with Send & Split®. Powered by Venmo and PayPal. Enrollment Required. Terms apply.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card adds a free checked bag and award discounts for regular Delta flyers. The bonus miles can go a long way toward your next flight.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A welcome offer of bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement; offers vary and you may not be eligible.
Earns miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.
Your first checked bag is free on Delta flights.
A discount when you use miles to book Delta award travel.
ConsAnnual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
Most valuable for people who fly Delta often.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + Delta miles + companion certificate
Apply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$350Rewards rate1x-3xMilesIntro offerAs High As 90K Miles + $300 Statement CreditAPR19.74%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended creditGood - ExcellentRewards breakdown
3xMiles on Delta purchases.3xMiles on purchases made directly with hotels.2xMiles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S.2xMiles at U.S. supermarkets.1xMile on all other eligible purchases.Card details
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America 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: Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every 4 years, 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.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card adds a yearly companion certificate and a head start on Delta status. The bonus is a strong start, and the perks keep paying off if you fly this airline.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: A welcome offer of bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement; offers vary and you may not be eligible.
Earns miles on Delta purchases and hotels booked directly, plus at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
A Companion Certificate each year after renewal (terms apply).
Medallion Qualification Dollars to help you earn Delta status.
ConsAnnual fee: $350
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + United miles + two free checked bags
Annual fee$350Rewards rate1x-4xMilesIntro offerUp to 90,000 Miles + 500 PQPRegular APR19.99%-28.49% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
4xMiles on eligible United® purchases.2xMiles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel.1xMile on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities and 500 PQP after first purchase
- 10x total miles on eligible United flights and 4x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 8 weeks of February 1, starting in the calendar year following your account open date.
- Free first and second checked bags--a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
- Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The United Quest℠ Card is for frequent United flyers who'll use its travel credit and bag benefits. You get a head start on miles, plus ongoing perks.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirements.
Earns miles on United purchases, dining, select streaming services and other travel.
Free first and second checked bags (terms apply).
An annual United travel credit and award flight discount on each anniversary.
ConsAnnual fee: $350
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + no-annual-fee Delta miles
Apply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1x-2xMilesIntro offer10,000milesAPR19.74%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended creditGood - ExcellentRewards breakdown
2xMiles per dollar at restaurants.2xMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.1xMile on all other eligible purchases.Card details
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- 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.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card earns Delta miles without an annual fee. The bonus miles can go a long way toward your next flight.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement in the first 6 months.
Earns miles at restaurants worldwide and on Delta purchases.
Savings on Delta in-flight food and beverage purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsNo free checked bags.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + American Airlines miles + Admirals Club passes
Apply Nowon Citibank's applicationon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee$350Rewards rate1x-6xMilesIntro offer60,000milesRegular APR19.74%-29.74% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
6xAAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com.3xAAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.2xAAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.1xAAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
- American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles are not available if you have received AAdvantage® bonus miles for a new AAdvantage® Globe™ account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a AAdvantage® Globe™ account.
- Every calendar year, receive four Admirals Club® Globe™ Passes.
- Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
- Earn 6 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com.
- Earn 3 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® adds lounge passes and travel perks for regular American Airlines flyers. The bonus is a strong start, and the perks keep paying off if you fly this airline.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, at restaurants and on hotels booked through AAdvantage Hotels.
Four Admirals Club passes each calendar year.
A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
ConsAnnual fee: $350
Rewards are less flexible than general travel points.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + no-annual-fee American Airlines miles
Apply Nowon Citibank's applicationon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1x-2xMilesIntro offer15,000 Miles + $100 Statement CreditRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Balance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR19.74%-29.74% Variable APRCard details
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and a $100 statement credit after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening for balance transfers only. After that the variable APR will be 19.74% - 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater. Balance Transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card earns American Airlines miles without an annual fee. You get a head start on miles, plus ongoing perks.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles plus a statement credit when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns American Airlines AAdvantage miles, with extra at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
Savings on in-flight food and beverages on American Airlines flights.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsNo free checked bags.
Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + Southwest points + anniversary bonus
Apply Nowon Chase's websiteon Chase's websiteAnnual fee$99Rewards rate1x-2xPointsIntro offer80,000pointsRegular APR19.49%-27.99% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
2xPoints on Southwest Airlines® purchases.2xPoints at Gas stations and Grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined purchases per year.1xPoints on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
- Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an affordable way to earn Southwest points and save on bags. The bonus miles can go a long way toward your next flight.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus points when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns points on Southwest purchases, plus at gas stations and grocery stores up to an annual cap.
Anniversary points each year.
A first checked bag at no cost for you and up to 8 others on the same reservation.
ConsAnnual fee: $99
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + United miles + free checked bag
Annual fee$0 intro for the first year, then $150Rewards rate1x-3xMilesIntro offerUp to 80,000 MilesRegular APR19.99%-28.49% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
3xMiles on eligible United® purchases.2xMiles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.1xMile on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United® purchases.
- 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $200 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, Group 2 priority boarding on United® flights.
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
- Over $500 in partner credits each year
- Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The United℠ Explorer Card adds a free checked bag and lounge passes for regular United flyers. The bonus is a strong start, and the perks keep paying off if you fly this airline.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns miles on United purchases, dining and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel.
Free first checked bag and priority boarding on United flights.
United Club one-time passes each year.
ConsAnnual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + no-annual-fee United miles
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1x-2xMilesIntro offerUp to 50,000 MilesRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 12 monthsRegular APR19.99%-28.49% Variable APRRewards breakdown
2xMiles on eligible United® purchases.2xMiles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting.1xMile on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
- 5x total miles on eligible United flights and 2x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- Earn 2 first standard checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- Save 10% or more on flights booked with miles after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The United Gateway℠ Card earns United miles without an annual fee. You get a head start on miles, plus ongoing perks.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns miles on United purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting.
Savings on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsFree checked bags only after you meet an annual spending threshold.
Our pick for: Welcome bonus + Admirals Club membership
Apply Nowon Citibank's applicationon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee$695Rewards rate1xMilesIntro offer125,000milesRegular APR19.74%-29.74% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
1xPoint for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.Card details
- For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $15,000 in purchases in the first 5 months of account opening.
- The only card with Admirals Club® membership. Membership includes access for you and up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
- Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
- Earn a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 50,000, 90,000, 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® is a premium card for frequent American Airlines flyers who want lounge membership. The bonus miles can go a long way toward your next flight.
Read full reviewProsWelcome offer: Bonus miles when you meet the spending requirement in the first 3 months.
Earns miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and on everything else.
Admirals Club membership, with access for guests traveling with you.
First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and companions on the same reservation.
ConsHigh annual fee: $695
Compare the Best Airline Bonus Credit Cards
| Credit card | Rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Welcome bonus + Delta miles + free checked bag | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | 1x-2x | As High As 80K Miles + $250 Statement Credit | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Welcome bonus + Delta miles + companion certificate | $350 | 1x-3x | As High As 90K Miles + $300 Statement Credit | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
 United Quest℠ CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Welcome bonus + United miles + two free checked bags | $350 | 1x-4x | Up to 90,000 Miles + 500 PQP | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
| Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Welcome bonus + no-annual-fee Delta miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 10,000 miles | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Welcome bonus + American Airlines miles + Admirals Club passes | $350 | 1x-6x | 60,000 miles | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Welcome bonus + no-annual-fee American Airlines miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 15,000 Miles + $100 Statement Credit | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Welcome bonus + Southwest points + anniversary bonus | $99 | 1x-2x | 80,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 United℠ Explorer CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Welcome bonus + United miles + free checked bag | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | 1x-3x | Up to 80,000 Miles | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 United Gateway℠ CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Welcome bonus + no-annual-fee United miles | $0 | 1x-2x | Up to 50,000 Miles | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Welcome bonus + Admirals Club membership | $695 | 1x | 125,000 miles | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
