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.

Find the best airline credit card for you

Find the best credit card for you

Best airline credit cards

Best United Airlines cards

Best American airlines cards

Best Southwest airlines cards

Best Delta airlines cards

Airline credit cards FAQs

Should I get an airline credit card?

It depends how frequently you travel with the airline offering the card. If you only fly that airline occasionally, a general travel rewards credit card offers more flexibility. If the airline is your first choice and you’re a frequent flyer with them, an airline card will earn you rewards for your loyalty.

Is an airline card or a travel rewards card better for me?

The one that's right for you depends on your goals and habits. Airline credit cards are great if you fly a lot on one airline and will take advantage of the card's perks. Travel rewards cards are good for those who want something more flexible, with more general value.

Do any airline cards let me check bags for free?

Yes. If you aren’t able to limit yourself to a carry-on, you can still avoid hefty bag fees with the right card. These are usually airline-specific cards. Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United all have cards that offer a free checked bag perk.

Choose the best airline card for you

Guides

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 [nw_marketplace_field product_type="credit_cards" entity_type="offers" entity_id="adc50723-4153-4ed5-a7c4-062df000c281" field="details.annual_fee_details" card_id="10106" /] annual fee.