Airline Credit Cards

Airline Credit Cards allow you to rack up airline miles and come with perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. Read more >

Your Best Credit Cards has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Your Best Credit Cards and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on Your Best Credit Cards are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Your Best Credit Cards does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Commissions do not affect or prioritize placement within our Card Explorer results and not all cards displayed earn us a commission. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone.

* Suggested credit score ranges are supplied by QuinStreet, not from the issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.

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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card image

(4.3)

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Annual fee:

$199

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The go-to card for small business owners who are Southwest frequent travelers.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

4x Airfare

2x Cable / Internet / VOIP Phone

+2 more

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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card image

(3.9)

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Annual fee:

$99

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The entry-level card for Southwest small business travelers.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Car Rentals

+3 more

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card image

(4)

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Annual fee:

$149

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 85,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months from account opening on qualifying purchases.

The go-to card for frequent Southwest flyers.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Cable / Internet / VOIP Phone

+4 more

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card image

(3.7)

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Annual fee:

$69

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 85,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months from account opening on qualifying purchases.

Southwest's entry-level credit card.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Cable / Internet / VOIP Phone

+4 more

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® image

(3.7)

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®

Annual fee:

$595

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Bonus offer information is not available at this time. You can use our card explorer to explore more credit cards.

Packed with benefits for American Airlines loyalists. Its standout perk is the ability to get unlimited access to Admirals Clubs worldwide and bring your immediate family or up to two guests, every single time.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

4x Airfare

1x Everything Else

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® image

(3.9)

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

Annual fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99

Min credit score:

Excellent (800-850) *

Bonus Offer

Bonus offer information is not available at this time. You can use our card explorer to explore more credit cards.

If American Airlines is your preferred airline for your business travel needs, the CitiBusiness AAdvantage® credit card offers terrific benefits like a first checked bag free and the ability to earn Loyalty Points on all purchases.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Cable / Internet / VOIP Phone

+4 more

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite MasterCard image

(3.8)

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite MasterCard

Annual fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Bonus offer information is not available at this time. You can use our card explorer to explore more credit cards.

The Goldilocks card for occasional American Airlines flyers.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+2 more

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® image

(3.9)

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

Annual fee:

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Bonus offer information is not available at this time. You can use our card explorer to explore more credit cards.

A solid no-frills card for occasional American Airlines flyers.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Groceries

+1 more

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(4.3)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Annual fee:

$525

Min credit score:

Excellent (800-850) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

If you would buy your own United Club membership anyway, save $100 - $200 by getting this card instead, and then reap all the additional benefits on top!

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

4x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+1 more

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(4.3)

United Quest℠ Credit Card

Annual fee:

$250

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

The best United card for semi-frequent flyers.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Car Rentals

+5 more

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(4.1)

United℠ Explorer Card

Annual fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $95

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

For the casual United flyer

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+2 more

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(4)

United℠ Business Card

Annual fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

A terrific business credit card that gives you the chance to earn United miles and gives you access to frequent flyer perks, like a free first checked bag and two United Club passes every year.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+4 more

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(3.8)

United Gateway℠ Card

Annual fee:

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.

The no-annual fee offering in the Chase United credit card lineup has less features than the rest of the offerings, but the United Gateway℠ Card is not without its merits.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Gas Stations

+2 more

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Credit Card image

(3.9)

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Credit Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$650 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Limited Time Offer: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24. Terms apply.

Elevate your Delta Medallion status by spending towards MQDs, plus get a companion certificate good on domestic First and Business class tickets.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

1.5x Office Supplies

+3 more

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card image

(4.1)

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$350 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24. Terms apply.

The perfect intermediary business card for elevated perks on your Delta flights and the opportunity to spend toward Medallion status.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

3x Hotels

+4 more

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card image

(3.9)

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$350 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

Spend towards your Medallion Status goals.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

3x Hotels

+3 more

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card image

(3.7)

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$650 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Delta's most premium rewards card boasts a breadth of frequent flyer perks, such as complimentary Delta Sky Club access and an annual companion certificate that can make the hefty annual fee worthwhile.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

1x All Other Eligible Purchases

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Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card image

(3.9)

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24. Terms Apply.

Delta's Business Gold card packs a punch for frequent Delta travelers including a free first checked bag on Delta flights, Zone 5 Priority Boarding, and no foreign transaction fees.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+3 more

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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card image

(3.9)

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

A handy card for the occasional Delta flyer who wants to earn SkyMiles and enjoy valuable perks like a first free checked bag.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+2 more

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card image

(3.3)

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Annual fee:

$0 (Rates and fees)

Min credit score:

Good *

Bonus Offer

Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.. Terms apply.

The entry level no-annual fee Delta Amex card offers 2X Delta SkyMiles on Delta purchases as well as at restaurants worldwide.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

2x Airfare

2x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+1 more

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(4.2)

Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card

Annual fee:

$95

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, you can earn 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months from account opening.

One of the best airline credit cards comes from Air Canada's Aeroplan program, getting you automatic elite status, reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, and more — all for a $95 annual fee.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

3x Dining Out / Food Delivery

+2 more

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British Airways Visa Signature Card image

(3.5)

British Airways Visa Signature Card

Annual fee:

$95

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

With 10% off all British Airways flights and a Travel Together Ticket once you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, heavy BA flyers may find this card's benefits to their liking.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Hotels

+1 more

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(3.6)

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

Annual fee:

$95

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

With 10% off all Iberia flights, frequent Iberia flyers can get their annual fee back many times over.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Hotels

+1 more

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Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card image

(3.5)

Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card

Annual fee:

$95

Min credit score:

Good (670-739) *

Bonus Offer

Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Offering frequent Aer Lingus flyers priority boarding on flights between the US and Ireland and an opportunity to earn an economy companion ticket.

Bonus points for spend in the following categories:

3x Airfare

2x Hotels

+1 more

In general, you want to start with Business Credit cards first if eligibile (and this page will explain how your small side hustle may qualify you for those bigger business credit cards bonuses) followed by general travel rewards-earning credit cards.

Once you have all the cards you want in those categories, it’s time to think about if you could benefit from the perks of a co-branded airline credit card. In general, the lower end airline cards (annual fee of less than $100) are best for avoiding checked bag fees, assuming you don’t already have airline status which would confer the same benefit, while the premium airline cards (annual fees of over $400) are best for those that want airline lounge access with that airline or want to earn extra status miles via spending.

As an example, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard comes with AA Admiral’s Lounge access for less than the cost of paying for a lounge membership outright. The Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card from American Express does the same and also allows card holders to earn Delta MQMs (Elite Medallion Qualification Miles) by meeting yearly spending thresholds.

We base our ratings on the value of the points of each card by the amount of the bonus. Pretty simple!

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Airline Credit Cards

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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®

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CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

Bonus Offer

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Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite MasterCard

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American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

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Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card

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