SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
Airline baggage fees are climbing quickly. So far in 2026, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways have raised their bag fees due to rising operational costs.
Generally, active duty military members and travelers with airline elite status get at least one complimentary checked bag. Premium cabin tickets often include free checked bags, too, though this can vary by airline and fare type. But for most people, carrying the right credit card is the easiest way to skip those fees when you travel with more stuff than fits in a carry-on.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
The fees below apply to most domestic travel within the U.S. Airlines may have different fees and rules for international travel and select domestic routes, so be sure to check the costs for your route. Additionally, fees for overweight and oversized bags presented below are typically in addition to the standard checked bag fee. » Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
Alaska Airlines
First checked bag: $35 if you prepay online; $40 at the airport.
Second checked bag: $45.
Overweight bag: $100 for bags between 51 and 70 lbs, $200 for 71 to 100 lbs.
Oversized bag: $200.
The easiest way to avoid those bag fees is with one of these Atmos Rewards credit cards.
Annual fee
- $95
- $395
Checked bag perk
Get a free checked bag for you and up to six guests traveling on the same reservation when you purchase Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines airfare with your card.
Get a free checked bag for you and up to six guests traveling on the same reservation when you purchase Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines airfare with your card.
Still not sure?
» Learn more: Should I get an airline credit card?
American Airlines
First checked bag fee: $45 if you pay online; $50 at the airport.
Second checked bag fee: $55 if you pay online; $60 at the airport.
Overweight bag fee: Between $30 and $450, depending on the bag's weight and final destination.
Oversized bag fee: Between $30 and $200, depending on the bag's size and final destination.
Unless you have elite status with American Airlines or the OneWorld Alliance, holding one of these cards is the easiest way to get a free checked bag.
American Airlines cards
Annual fee
- $350
- $595
Checked bag perk
Free first checked bag on qualifying domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to eight travelers on the same reservation.
Free first checked bag on qualifying domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to eight travelers on the same reservation.
Still not sure?
Delta Air Lines
First checked bag fee: $45.
Second checked bag fee: $55.
Overweight bag fee: $100 for bags between 51 and 70 lbs, $200 for 71 to <100 lbs.
Oversized bag fee: $200.
If you don't have Delta Medallion status, grab one of these cards to get a free checked bag.
Delta Air Lines cards
Annual fee
- $0 intro for the first year, then $150
- $350
- $650
Checked bag perk
First checked bag is free for you and up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation. Terms apply.
First checked bag is free for you and up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation. Terms apply.
First checked bag is free for you and up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation. Terms apply.
Still not sure?
Frontier Airlines
First checked bag fee: $69 during booking, or $79.
Second checked bag fee: $79 during booking, or $89.
Overweight bag fee: $75 for 41 to 50 lbs, $129 for 51 to 100 lbs.
Oversized bag fee: $75.
Frontier has a lower threshold for overweight bags (starting at 41 pounds) than any other major airline.
The easiest way to avoid that fee is through the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®, which gives the primary cardholder two free checked bags when using the card to pay for a flight.
JetBlue Airways
First checked bag fee: $49 if paid more than 24 hours before departure, or $59 within 24 hours of departure.
Second checked bag fee: $69 if paid more than 24 hours before departure, or $79 within 24 hours of departure.
Overweight bag fee: $150 for bags between 51 and 99 lbs.
Oversized bag fee: $150.
Passengers on JetBlue can avoid bag fees with these credit cards.
JetBlue cards
Annual fee
- $99
- $499
Checked bag perk
First checked bag free for you and up to three traveling companions when you use your card to book your travel.
First checked bag free for you and up to three traveling companions when you use your card to book your travel.
Still not sure?
Southwest Airlines
First checked bag fee: $45.
Second checked bag fee: $55.
Overweight bag fee: $100 for bags between 51 and 70 lbs, $200 for 71 to 100 lbs.
Oversized bag fee: $200.
Gone are the days of free checked bags on Southwest. Now, one of these credit cards is your best bet for avoiding those extra checked bag fees.
Southwest cards
Annual fee
- $99
- $229
Checked bag perk
Free checked bag for cardholder and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Free checked bag for cardholder and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Still not sure?
United Airlines
First checked bag fee: $45 if prepaid, $50 at the airport.
Second checked bag fee: $55 if prepaid, $60 at the airport.
Overweight bag fee: $100 for bags between 51 and 70 lbs, $200 for 71 to 100 lbs.
Oversized bag fee: $200.
United Airlines offers three consumer credit cards that can help take the sting out of checked bag fees.
United Airlines cards
Annual fee
- $0 intro for the first year, then $150
- $350
- $695
Checked bag perk
First checked bag free for you and a companion on your reservation.
Two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion.
First and second checked bags free for you and a companion on your reservation.
Still not sure?
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
