Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards help you earn free flights, and they can also give perks like free checked bags, seat upgrades, and access to exclusive airport lounges.

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Read our reviews of the top airline credit cards

Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get

4.8

NerdWallet rating 
You'll earn decent rewards, and free checked bags can add value — but the card is more expensive than its competitors and lacks some perks you'd expect to find at this level.

Alaska Airlines Credit Card Review: Well Worth $95 a Year

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
The Companion Fare benefit and bag-fee waivers can save you hundreds — if Alaska Airlines is (or can be) your go-to airline. For some, that won't be possible.

AAdvantage Aviator Red Review: Rich and Easy-to-Snag Sign-Up Bonus

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Earn the bonus after making one purchase and paying the annual fee. Other perks include free checked bags and a companion pass.

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
This card earns double miles on American Airlines purchases and at gas stations and restaurants, and it makes flying less of a hassle with a free checked bag benefit and other perks.

United Explorer: Richer Rewards, Perks You’ll Actually Use

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
This card gets you solid ongoing rewards, free checked bags, two airport lounge passes per year, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees and primary car rental coverage.

Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
The annual fee is steep, but it's more than worth it for those who want to travel in comfort and also bring a friend along.

Aeroplan Credit Card Review: Big Incentives for Big Spenders

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
The card offers a generous bonus and valuable Air Canada-specific perks, and is rewarding in many spending categories

Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More

4.2

NerdWallet rating 
Southwest's most expensive consumer credit card offers the same rewards and sign-up bonus as its lower-fee siblings. But it comes with an array of perks that can easily make up for the difference in cost.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee

4.8

NerdWallet rating 
Every year you continue as a cardholder, you get a certificate good for a companion's round-trip fare. Checked-bag benefits and priority boarding deliver additional value.

JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Annual Fee

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
Its ongoing rewards are generous compared with many other airline credit cards, and benefits like free checked bags and a yearly points bonus can easily make up for the card's $99 annual fee.

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