Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Airline Credit Cards

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

Written by Dave Grossman Your Best Credit Cards author & editor

FEATURED CARD

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

How to apply

Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

(3.68) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$650 (Rates and fees)

☝ Increased Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

💡 Need to Know

Delta’s most premium rewards card boasts a breadth of perks, such as Delta Sky Club® access and an annual companion certificate.

Featured Credit Card

Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Receive an annual companion certificate (valid for up to domestic first class!) upon card renewal, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on Delta flights
Earn MQDs towards Delta Medallion Status via spend on your Card and get $2,500 MQDs per year just for having the card!

Your Best Credit Cards has partnered with CardRatings and MyBankTracker for our coverage of credit card products. Your Best Credit Cards and our partners may receive compensation from card issuers when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Some or all of the offers that appear on Your Best Credit Cards are from advertisers and may influence how and where products are displayed on the site, as well as their rankings in tables. Your Best Credit Cards does not include all card companies, banks, or all available card or bank 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 has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone.

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

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

(3.68) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$650 (Rates and fees)

☝ Increased Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Receive an annual companion certificate (valid for up to domestic first class!) upon card renewal, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on Delta flights
Earn MQDs towards Delta Medallion Status via spend on your Card and get $2,500 MQDs per year just for having the card!

Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Receive an annual companion certificate (valid for up to domestic first class!) upon card renewal, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on Delta flights
Earn MQDs towards Delta Medallion Status via spend on your Card and get $2,500 MQDs per year just for having the card!

Pros

Enter the Delta Sky Club® before or after your Delta flights
Earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card (eligible purchases)
Advantageous perks for Delta frequent flyers, such as a free checked bag and upgrade priority

Cons

$650 annual fee is steep, no matter how you slice or dice it
Earning rate is limited to 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
Requires a significant amount of annual card spend to reach significant MQDs

Annual Fee: $650 (Rates and fees)

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

1x-3x
Airfare

3X only applies to Delta flights purchased directly from Delta. All other airline purchases will earn 1X miles per dollar
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

(3.93) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$350 (Rates and fees)

☝ Increased Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

The annual companion certificate can easily outweigh the $350 annual fee and can be used for round trip domestic flights on Delta Air Lines (Terms apply)
Get $2,500 MQDs annually just for having the card plus you can spend your way towards Medallion Status with 1 MQD per $20 spent.
Get a 15% discount off of Delta award flights

The annual companion certificate can easily outweigh the $350 annual fee and can be used for round trip domestic flights on Delta Air Lines (Terms apply)
Get $2,500 MQDs annually just for having the card plus you can spend your way towards Medallion Status with 1 MQD per $20 spent.
Get a 15% discount off of Delta award flights

Pros

$2,500 annual MQDs and the opportunity to spend your way towards Medallion Status (MQDs)
Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. (Terms apply)
Jam-packed with traveler's benefits, such as a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, a first free checked bag when flying Delta Air Lines, trip delay coverage, baggage insurance and more

Cons

$350 annual fee
Doesn't offer Delta Sky Club access
While the ability to spend your way towards Medallion status is helpful, it requires a hefty amount of spending

Annual Fee: $350 (Rates and fees)

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

3x
Airfare

3X multiplier only applies to flights booked on Delta, otherwise earn 1X
2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery

At restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2x
Supermarkets

At U.S. Supermarkets. * American Express defines a supermarket as offering a wide variety of food and household products such as meat, fresh produce, dairy, canned and packaged goods, household cleaners, pharmacy products and pet supplies. (Superstores, convenience stores and warehouse clubs are NOT considered supermarkets.)
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

(3.25) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$0 (Rates and fees)

🎁 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.

No annual fee
Earns 2X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide and 1X SkyMiles per dollar on all other eligible purchases
No foreign transaction fees

No annual fee
Earns 2X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide and 1X SkyMiles per dollar on all other eligible purchases
No foreign transaction fees

Pros

Earns 2X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Offers Shopping Protection benefits (see Card Details for all information and disclosures)

Cons

Does not offer Priority Boarding
Does not offer any free checked bags
Does not offer the TakeOff15 mileage discount on award tickets

Annual Fee: $0 (Rates and fees)

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery

At restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery services in the U.S.
1x-2x
Airfare

Earn 2X only on Delta flights booked directly with Delta. Otherwise earn 1X
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

(3.88) Our Review

Annual Fee:

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

☝ Increased Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights — a savings of $35 one-way, or $70 roundtrip!
Save 15% when you use SkyMiles to book eligible Delta award flights
Potential to earn a $200 Delta flight credit every year by spending at least $10,000 on the card in a calendar year — recouping the ongoing $99 annual fee!

Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights — a savings of $35 one-way, or $70 roundtrip!
Save 15% when you use SkyMiles to book eligible Delta award flights
Potential to earn a $200 Delta flight credit every year by spending at least $10,000 on the card in a calendar year — recouping the ongoing $99 annual fee!

Pros

You'll save 15% when you use SkyMiles to book eligible Delta award flights
Free first checked bag and Zone 5 boarding on Delta flights
Earn a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year

Cons

While there's a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year of account opening, the Delta SkyMiles Gold charges a $150 annual fee thereafter.
The card does not provide more than 2x miles on purchases, even on Delta flights
You do not get Delta Sky Club access or elite-qualifying miles

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

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
2x
Supermarkets

At U.S. Supermarkets. * American Express defines a supermarket as offering a wide variety of food and household products such as meat, fresh produce, dairy, canned and packaged goods, household cleaners, pharmacy products and pet supplies. (Superstores, convenience stores and warehouse clubs are NOT considered supermarkets.)
1x-2x
Airfare

2X multiplier only applies to flights booked on Delta, otherwise earn 1X
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

United℠ Explorer Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

United℠ Explorer Card

(4.05) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150

🎁 Bonus offer

Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Stellar United-specific perks including a free checked bag, priority boarding privileges, a variety of statement credits, and two one-time United Club passes per cardmember year.
First year annual fee waived, then $150.
Long list of travel and purchase protections.

Stellar United-specific perks including a free checked bag, priority boarding privileges, a variety of statement credits, and two one-time United Club passes per cardmember year.
First year annual fee waived, then $150.
Long list of travel and purchase protections.

Pros

First free checked bag for the card holder and a companion on United Airlines flights when you pay with the card.
United miles can open the door to a wide array of United, Star Alliance, and partner flights.
Expanded access to United's lowest-priced economy award flights.

Cons

Not ideal for regular access to United Clubs.
Has a $150 annual fee after the first year.
Miles are not transferable and its best uses are for United, Star Alliance, and partner flight redemptions.

Annual Fee: $0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.74%-28.24% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
2x
Hotels
1x-3x
Airfare

Earn 3X bonus miles from this card on United flights only; otherwise earn 1X
1x
Everything Else

United Club℠ Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

United Club℠ Card

(4.25) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$695

☝ Increased Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United Club membership for less than the cost of buying United Club membership, covering the annual fee and then some!
An absolute ton of benefits, from Premier Access treatment to top tier Avis elite status and IHG Platinum status, and Primary CDW.
Great shopping protections, including Return Protection on top of Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection.

United Club membership for less than the cost of buying United Club membership, covering the annual fee and then some!
An absolute ton of benefits, from Premier Access treatment to top tier Avis elite status and IHG Platinum status, and Primary CDW.
Great shopping protections, including Return Protection on top of Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection.

Pros

Get United Club membership for less than the cost of buying United Club membership, covering the annual fee cost and then some!
A ton of shopping protections, from Return Protection to Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection.
Tons of additional benefits, from Premier Access treatment to top tier Avis elite status and IHG Platinum status, and Primary CDW.
Earn up to 28,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (1 PQP for every $15 you spend on purchases), up to and including the Premier 1K® level

Cons

High annual fee
Airport lounge access is limited to United Clubs and does not include any other lounges unless you qualify for All Access membership
Miles earned are limited to use in the United MileagePlus program

Annual Fee: $695

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Excellent (800-850) *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.74%-28.24% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x-5x
Airfare

Earn 5X on United flights booked directly only; otherwise earn 2 miles per dollar
2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
2x
Car Rentals
2x
Transit
2x-5x
Hotels

Earn 5 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when you prepay directly through Renowned Hotels and Resorts using your United Club℠ Card.
2x
Cruises
1x
Everything Else

United℠ Business Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

United℠ Business Card

(4.03) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$150

⚠️Offer Ending Soon

Earn 100,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account.

Earn up to 2x United miles on select bonus categories and PQPs to help you qualify for the next level of Premier elite status
Free first checked bag benefit, worth $40 or up to $160 per round trip (Terms apply) for every round-trip United Airlines flight you take
Elevate your United flights with two annual United Club certificates, 25% savings on inflight purchases, and priority boarding for you and your companions on the same booking

Earn up to 2x United miles on select bonus categories and PQPs to help you qualify for the next level of Premier elite status
Free first checked bag benefit, worth $40 or up to $160 per round trip (Terms apply) for every round-trip United Airlines flight you take
Elevate your United flights with two annual United Club certificates, 25% savings on inflight purchases, and priority boarding for you and your companions on the same booking

Pros

United travel perks, such as your first checked bag free, priority boarding privileges, two annual United Club passes and more
Earn up to 4,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP) towards elite status
Great travel and purchase protections that can help your business save when things don't go as planned

Cons

The annual fee is $150
Only provides two United Club passes per year
Subpar earning rate, as you can only earn up to 2x bonus miles on eligible categories

Annual Fee: $150

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.74%-28.24% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Transit
2x
Gas Stations
2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
2x
Office Supplies
1x-2x
Airfare
1x
Everything Else

United Gateway℠ Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

United Gateway℠ Card

(3.75) Our Review

Annual Fee:

☝ Increased Offer

Earn 30,000 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

No annual fee card
Expanded "Saver" economy award availability after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
A wide range of trip and purchase protections and benefits

No annual fee card
Expanded "Saver" economy award availability after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
A wide range of trip and purchase protections and benefits

Pros

No Annual Fee
Expanded "Saver" economy award availability after $10,000 spent in a calendar year
A wide range of trip and purchase protections and benefits

Cons

No free checked bags (unless you spend $10,000 in a calendar year) or priority boarding
Does not provide the "upgrades on award ticket" benefit of the other United credit cards
Mileage rate is not as good as many other cards and miles earned are only good in the United MileagePlus program

Annual Fee: $0

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 0 % Intro APR (on purchases for 12 months, 19.74%-28.24% thereafter)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Transit
2x
Gas Stations
1x-2x
Airfare

2X applies only to United purchases. Otherwise, earn 1X
1x
Everything Else

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Credit Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Credit Card

(3.88) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$650 (Rates and fees)

🎁 Bonus offer

Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

Earn MQDs towards Medallion Status bya spend ($1 MQD per $10 spent) and get 2,500 MQDs per year just for having the card!
Frequent Delta flyer perks like first free checked bag, Zone 5 boarding, priority upgrades, and access to complimentary upgrades even for non-Medallion members
Companion certificate that you'll receive every year upon card membership renewal, and it's even valid for First Class on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights

Earn MQDs towards Medallion Status bya spend ($1 MQD per $10 spent) and get 2,500 MQDs per year just for having the card!
Frequent Delta flyer perks like first free checked bag, Zone 5 boarding, priority upgrades, and access to complimentary upgrades even for non-Medallion members
Companion certificate that you'll receive every year upon card membership renewal, and it's even valid for First Class on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights

Pros

Delta Sky Club access when you're flying the same-day with Delta (15 visits per calendar year)
Companion certificate that you'll receive every year upon card membership renewal, and it's even valid for First Class on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights
Ability to spend your way towards Delta Medallion status with $1 MQD per $10 spent on the card.

Cons

$650 annual fee
Lounge access is limited to the primary cardholder, unless you're willing to pay a $50 per-person rate for up to two guests at Delta Sky Clubs
Limited bonus categories for spend

Annual Fee: $650 (Rates and fees)

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

1.5x
Transit
1.5x
Shipping

U.S. Shipping only
1.5x
Office Supplies

U.S. office supply stores only
1x-3x
Airfare

3X only applies to Delta flights purchased directly from Delta. All other airline purchases will earn 1X miles per dollar
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

(4.1) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$350 (Rates and fees)

🎁 Bonus offer

Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

Get $2,500 MQDs each year just for having the card! Plus earn 1 MQD per $20 spent on eligible purchases
Frequent Delta flyers will appreciate the First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Zone 5 Priority Boarding benefits
Earn an annual companion certificate upon account renewal, valid for roundtrip domestic flights on Delta

Get $2,500 MQDs each year just for having the card! Plus earn 1 MQD per $20 spent on eligible purchases
Frequent Delta flyers will appreciate the First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Zone 5 Priority Boarding benefits
Earn an annual companion certificate upon account renewal, valid for roundtrip domestic flights on Delta

Pros

Earn Medallion status faster
Receive an annual companion certificate that can be worth way more than the $350 annual fee
Get a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit once every 4-4.5 years

Cons

$350 annual fee
Delta Sky Club access no longer a benefit of the card
Earns less MQDs per dollar than the higher level Delta Business Reserve card

Annual Fee: $350 (Rates and fees)

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

1.5x
Transit

(Aggregate limit of $100,000 across the categories of U.S. Shipping, Transit, and Charges of $5,000 or more – 1X thereafter)
1.5x
Single Charges over $5,000

(Aggregate limit of $100,000 across the categories of U.S. Shipping, Transit, and Charges of $5,000 or more – 1X thereafter)
1.5x
Shipping

U.S. shipping only (Aggregate limit of $100,000 across the categories of U.S. Shipping, Transit, and Charges of $5,000 or more – 1X thereafter)
1x-3x
Airfare

3X multiplier only applies to flights booked on Delta, otherwise earn 1X
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

How to apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

American Express is an Advertising Partner

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

(3.85) Our Review

Annual Fee:

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

🎁 Bonus offer

Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

You and up to eight companions on the same flight reservation can get a free checked bag on Delta flights — saving you $35 per person, per flight!
When it comes time to redeem your hard-earned SkyMiles, you'll get a nice 15% discount on award redemptions for Delta flights.
Get access to a solid range of travel and purchase protections with the card, such as secondary car rental collision and damage waiver insurance and extended warranty.

You and up to eight companions on the same flight reservation can get a free checked bag on Delta flights — saving you $35 per person, per flight!
When it comes time to redeem your hard-earned SkyMiles, you'll get a nice 15% discount on award redemptions for Delta flights.
Get access to a solid range of travel and purchase protections with the card, such as secondary car rental collision and damage waiver insurance and extended warranty.

Pros

First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Zone 5 Priority Boarding
Enjoy a 20% discount for onboard purchases
Opportunity to earn a future $200 Delta flight credit by spending $10,000+ on the card every year

Cons

$150 ongoing annual fee after the first year
No Delta Sky Club membership or access
Unlike the Platinum and Reserve card versions, you cannot earn MQDs for spend

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

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.49%-28.49% (Variable)

2x
Shipping

2X Miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year.
2x
Advertising (Online / TV / Radio)

2X Miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year.
2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery

2x Miles on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants
1x-2x
Airfare

2X multiplier only applies to flights booked on Delta, otherwise earn 1X
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

(4.25) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$299

🎁 Bonus offer

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

Enjoy unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure, at no additional charge, when available.
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation
9,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary

Enjoy unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure, at no additional charge, when available.
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation
9,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary

Pros

Enjoy unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure, at no additional charge, when available.
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation
9,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary

Cons

The high annual fee will be hard to justify for infrequent travelers
Rapid Rewards points only provide a good value for Southwest flights

Annual Fee: $299

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.0125

APR: 19.24%-27.74% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Gas Stations
2x
Hotels

Booked directly with the hotel
2x
Transit

Local transit and commuting, Including rideshare
1x-4x
Airfare

4X applies only to Southwest Airlines booked directly with Southwest; Otherwise earn 1X
1x
Everything Else

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

(3.9) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$149

🎁 Bonus offer

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

Early boarding (Group 5), First free checked bag (you and up to 8 companions, Preferred seating
Ability to spend toward A-List status and the Southwest Companion Pass
6,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary

Early boarding (Group 5), First free checked bag (you and up to 8 companions, Preferred seating
Ability to spend toward A-List status and the Southwest Companion Pass
6,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary

Pros

6,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary
Receive a 15% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare).
Ability to spend toward A-List status and the Southwest Companion Pass
Early boarding (Group 5), First free checked bag (you and up to 8 companions, Preferred seating

Cons

Lack of business spending rewards categories
Better perks and earning rates on the Southwest Performance Business Card

Annual Fee: $149

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.0125

APR: 19.24%-27.74% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Gas Stations

Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery

Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
1x-3x
Airfare

Earn 3X on Southwest flights booked directly; otherwise earn 1X
1x
Everything Else

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

(3.98) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$229

🎁 Bonus offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Excellent Southwest-specific perks – including annual bonus points every cardmember anniversary.
Earn points toward Southwest Companion Pass and Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List and A-List Preferred Status.
Upgrade to Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available

Excellent Southwest-specific perks – including annual bonus points every cardmember anniversary.
Earn points toward Southwest Companion Pass and Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List and A-List Preferred Status.
Upgrade to Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available

Pros

Upgrade to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours prior to departure when available
7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary (worth $105)
Preferred Seat selection at booking when available

Cons

$229 annual fee is the highest annual fee of any personal Southwest credit card.
Rapid Rewards points are only really valuable for Southwest award flights.

Annual Fee: $229

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.0125

APR: 19.24%-27.74% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Gas Stations
2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
1x-4x
Airfare

4X applies only to tickets purchased directly from Southwest. Other airfare earns 1X.
1x
Everything Else

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

(3.73) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$99

🎁 Bonus offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Lowest annual fee of any of the Southwest credit cards.
Cardmember anniversary bonus and free checked bags more than offset the card's annual fee.
Group 5 Boarding + your 1st checked bag free

Lowest annual fee of any of the Southwest credit cards.
Cardmember anniversary bonus and free checked bags more than offset the card's annual fee.
Group 5 Boarding + your 1st checked bag free

Pros

3,000 bonus points every account anniversary
Lowest annual fee of any Southwest credit cards
Group 5 Boarding + your 1st checked bag free

Cons

Bonus Spending categories could be better
No access to extra legroom seats like with the Priority card

Annual Fee: $99

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.0125

APR: 19.24%-27.74% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Gas Stations

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.
2x
Supermarkets

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.
1x-2x
Airfare

2X applies only to tickets purchased directly from Southwest. Other airfare earns 1X.
1x
Everything Else

Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card

(4.23) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$95

⌛ Limited Time Offer

Limited Time Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Eltie status for the first year of card membership and the following full year – with the option to retain Aeroplan elite status or upgrade to the next tier by meeting qualifying spend requirements
Earn 3x bonus points per $1 spent on purchases made through Air Canada directly, grocery stores, restaurants; and 1x point on all other purchases
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application reimbursement every four years

Eltie status for the first year of card membership and the following full year – with the option to retain Aeroplan elite status or upgrade to the next tier by meeting qualifying spend requirements
Earn 3x bonus points per $1 spent on purchases made through Air Canada directly, grocery stores, restaurants; and 1x point on all other purchases
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application reimbursement every four years

Pros

Automatic 25k Aeroplan elite status for benefits like 20 eUpgrade credits to premium cabins on Air Canada flights, two passes to Maple Leaf lounges and more
Use Pay Yourself Back to redeem Aeroplan points for a statement credit towards any travel purchases at a favorable rate of 1.25 cents per point
Important travel and purchase coverage, such as trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, cell phone insurance and more

Cons

Aeroplan points aren't as flexible as transferrable currencies such as Chase Ultimate Rewards
$95 annual fee
Hefty spend requirement to retain or upgrade your Aeroplan elite status level

Annual Fee: $95

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.014

APR: 19.74%-28.24% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

3x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
3x
Supermarkets

Includes takeout and delivery
1x-3x
Airfare

3X applies to travel booked directly with Air Canada. Other airfare earns 1X miles per dollar.
1x
Everything Else

British Airways Visa Signature Card

Learn How to Apply Card Details

🔔 Notify me of bonus offer changes

British Airways Visa Signature Card

(3.5) Our Review

Annual Fee:

$95

🎁 Bonus offer

Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Earn 3x Avios on British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Aer Lingus flights
Earn a Travel Together ticket with $30,000 in spend (or half off an Avios redemption for one)
Get 10% off all British Airways tickets and up to a $600 statement credit on Reward Flight bookings

Earn 3x Avios on British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Aer Lingus flights
Earn a Travel Together ticket with $30,000 in spend (or half off an Avios redemption for one)
Get 10% off all British Airways tickets and up to a $600 statement credit on Reward Flight bookings

Pros

Get 10% off all British Airways tickets and up to a $600 statement credit on Reward Flight bookings
Earn 3x Avios on British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Aer Lingus flights
Earn a Travel Together ticket with $30,000 in spend (or half off an Avios redemption for one)

Cons

No included benefits for trip delays or cancellations
It may be better to earn a transferable bank point than Avios
Limited bonus categories; then 1X Avios on other purchases

Annual Fee: $95

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%

Min Credit Score: Good (670-739) *

Point Value:

$0.012

APR: 19.24%-27.74% (Variable)

Balance transfer fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

2x
Hotels

Must be booked directly with the hotel
1x-3x
Airfare

Earn 3X Avios on British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Aer Lingus flights booked directly; 1X on other airlines
1x
Everything Else

💡 Tip from Dave

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 MQDs (Medallion Qualifying Dollars) towards status (2,500 MQDs each calendar year you have the card plus 1 MQD for every $10 spent.)

Join our Facebook community

Join us on Facebook! Connect, share, and grow with a community that’s here for you. Dive in and be part of something bigger!

Apply to Join

49,000+ members

You can use our contact form to contact us about sponsorship opportunities, if you have questions of comments for Dave, if you are a member of the press seeking comment or insight, or if you have questions about any of the cards on this site.

What’s the most important factor to consider when choosing a credit card?

The right credit card for you (Your Best Credit Card!!) depends on your spending habits and goals. If you want rewards, focus on categories where you spend the most (like travel, dining, or groceries). If you’re looking to save money, a 0% intro APR, 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer, or a no-annual-fee card may be best. Luckily, we are here to help you figure this out with a wide variety of tools like our Smart Search and Card Explorer!

Do credit card applications affect my credit score?

Yes and no. Applying for a new card results in a “hard inquiry,” which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points for a short period of time. However, since you’ll grow your available credit, your total utilization will shrink, possibly increasing your score over time. Of course this depends on responsible use of your credit and 100% on-time payments. We recommend trying to always pay in full as well as revolving balances increase your debt exponentially over time.

What’s the difference between cash back, points, and miles?

Cash back: Rewards you can redeem for statement credits, checks, or bank deposits.
Points: Flexible rewards that can often be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or merchandise. (We prefer transferring to airline and hotel programs!). These are, in our opinion, the most flexible types of credit cards.
Miles: Primarily geared toward travel, usually tied to one specific airline.
The best option depends on whether you value simplicity (cash back) or maximizing travel rewards (points/miles).

Do I need an excellent credit score to get approved?

Not always. Premium rewards and travel cards often require good to excellent credit (typically 670+). But there are plenty of cards for fair or limited credit, including secured cards and student cards, that help build your score over time.

How do annual fees work, and are they worth it?

Annual fees are charged once per year for keeping the card open. They can be worth it if the card’s rewards, perks, and benefits outweigh the cost. For example, frequent travelers may get hundreds of dollars in value from perks like lounge access or travel credits. You need to do the math on each card with an annual fee to see if the perks and credits outweigh the fee in your particular case since there are generally a range of credits that an individual may or may not value.

Featured insights

Does Opening a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Useful Tips Advice

November 23, 2023

5 min read

Does Opening a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Dave Grossman

10 Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2026

Advice

February 9, 2026

26 min read

10 Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2026

Harrison Pierce

Airline Credit Cards

☝ Increased Offer

Featured Credit Card

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

More Questions?

Join our Facebook community

What’s the most important factor to consider when choosing a credit card?

Do credit card applications affect my credit score?

What’s the difference between cash back, points, and miles?

Do I need an excellent credit score to get approved?

How do annual fees work, and are they worth it?

Featured insights

Does Opening a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

10 Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2026

Your account has been successfully created!