When it comes to maximizing your travel experience, choosing the best airline credit cards is essential. Whether you’re flying frequently for business, leisure, or a mix of both, the right credit card can help you earn valuable miles, get access to perks like free checked bags, and unlock premium travel benefits.
In 2025, there are several standout options for credit cards that can help you earn miles for free flights, seat upgrades, and more. This guide covers the best airline credit cards that will help you earn rewards and enjoy a more luxurious flight experience.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Flexible redemption + big bonus
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the best airline credit cards for its versatility. While not airline-specific, Chase bank bonus offers flexible travel redemption options and can be used to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, providing you with valuable options for maximizing rewards.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 2X points on travel and dining purchases, and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases. $100 Chase High School Checking Bonus.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Pros:
- Flexible Redemption Options: Points can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 rate, including United, Southwest, and British Airways, making it a top choice among best airline credit cards.
- Big Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points is a substantial bonus that can help fund your next flight or trip. These points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, increasing their value to $750 when signing up using the link.
- Travel Insurance Benefits: Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Points can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 rate, including United, Southwest, and British Airways, making it a top choice among best airline credit cards.
- Cons:
- Not Airline-Specific: While this card offers great travel flexibility, it lacks the specific airline perks that other co-branded cards provide.
2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best for: Delta Air Lines
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a go-to option for those who fly regularly with Delta Air Lines. This card offers a rich rewards structure for Delta purchases, and it also comes with valuable benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets; 1X on other purchases. Earn 90,000 Membership Rewards points with the Amex Gold Card, which can be used for travel, shopping, or other rewards.
- Annual Fee: Use the link and get $99 (waived the first year).
- Pros:
- Free Checked Bags: Cardholders can check their first bag free, which can save up to $60 on a round-trip flight.
- Priority Boarding: Gain priority boarding to get on the plane before other passengers, which is a nice perk for frequent flyers.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: A great option for international travelers who want to avoid extra fees.
- Free Checked Bags: Cardholders can check their first bag free, which can save up to $60 on a round-trip flight.
- Cons:
- Limited to Delta Airlines: While this card is great for Delta customers, it may not be as useful for those who fly with multiple airlines.
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Best for: Southwest Airlines
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is one of the best airline credit cards for loyal Southwest flyers. It comes with a robust set of perks and a reasonable annual fee, making it a strong contender for those who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases and 1X on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $149.
- Pros:
- Companion Pass: You can earn the Rapid Rewards Companion Pass after reaching a certain points threshold, allowing you to fly a companion for free.
- Annual Travel Credit: Receive a $75 travel credit card bonus each year to offset your annual fee.
- Additional Anniversary Bonus: Earn 7,500 points each year on your card anniversary.
- Companion Pass: You can earn the Rapid Rewards Companion Pass after reaching a certain points threshold, allowing you to fly a companion for free.
- Cons:
- Higher Annual Fee: The $149 annual fee is more than some other Southwest cards, but the perks can justify the cost.
4. Discover it® Miles
Best for: Simple and no annual fee
The Discover it® Miles card offers an easy way to earn travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline. Although not traditionally included in the top airline cards, its miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, making it one of the best airline credit cards for those who want a straightforward approach.
- Welcome Bonus: With Discover Bank promotions, all the miles you earn in your first year will be matched—meaning if you earn 50,000 miles, you’ll receive a total of 100,000 miles.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase—regardless of category—when you use this link.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Pros:
- No Annual Fee: This card offers great value for a travel card with no annual fee.
- Flexible Redemption: Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses like hotel stays, flights, and even cash back.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: No foreign transaction fees make this card ideal for international travelers.
- No Annual Fee: This card offers great value for a travel card with no annual fee.
- Cons:
- Lack of Airline-Specific Benefits: While this reward credit card offers solid travel perks, it doesn’t provide airline-specific perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
5. The New United℠ Explorer Card
Best for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card
If you regularly fly with United Airlines, the New United℠ Explorer Card is one of the best airline credit cards for earning miles and unlocking premium travel benefits. With this card, you’ll enjoy access to lounges, free checked bags, and more.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 2X miles on United purchases, restaurants, and hotel stays.
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $150.
- Pros:
- Free Checked Bags: You and one companion on your reservation get your first checked bag free, potentially saving up to $140 on a round-trip flight. In other words, this could be considered a passive income credit card.
- Priority Boarding: Enjoy priority boarding to make your flight experience more seamless.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: A great perk for those who travel frequently and want to speed up airport security.
- Free Checked Bags: You and one companion on your reservation get your first checked bag free, potentially saving up to $140 on a round-trip flight. In other words, this could be considered a passive income credit card.
- Cons:
- Higher Annual Fee After First Year: The annual fee is $150 after the first year, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
6. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: American Airlines
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is another top choice for frequent American Airlines travelers. This credit card offers and promotions include many of the best airline benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and miles toward elite status.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 2X miles on American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas stations.
- Annual Fee: $99 (waived the first year).
- Pros:
- Free Checked Bags: Cardholders and up to four companions get their first checked bag free.
- Priority Boarding: Gain access to preferred boarding, which means you’ll be able to board earlier than most passengers.
- Earn Miles Toward Elite Status: This card can help you earn miles toward American Airlines’ elite frequent flyer status.
- Free Checked Bags: Cardholders and up to four companions get their first checked bag free.
- Cons:
- Limited Airline Loyalty: While this card is ideal for American Airlines passengers, it might not provide as much value if you fly with other airlines.
7. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Best for: No-annual-fee card
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is a solid option for occasional flyers who want to earn miles while enjoying the benefits of reward credit cards with no annual fee. It’s one of the best airline credit cards for those who want to dip their toes into earning miles without the burden of high fees.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 2X miles at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases; 1X on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Pros:
- No Annual Fee: Perfect for occasional travelers who don’t want to commit to a yearly fee.
- Earn Miles Toward Elite Status: Every purchase with the card counts toward earning elite status with American Airlines.
- Discounts on In-Flight Purchases: Enjoy 25% off on in-flight purchases for food and beverages.
- No Annual Fee: Perfect for occasional travelers who don’t want to commit to a yearly fee.
- Cons:
- Limited Rewards Categories: The card’s rewards are best for grocery stores and American Airlines purchases but are less valuable for other categories.
Conclusion
Choosing the best airline credit cards for your travel needs can have a significant impact on your travel experience. Whether you’re looking for flexible redemption options, earning miles on airline purchases, or enjoying free checked bags and priority boarding, the right credit card can help you unlock valuable rewards and perks. Each of these best airline credit cards offers something unique, so consider your flying habits and preferred airlines when selecting the perfect card for you.
With cards like the Discover it® Miles, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can find the ideal rewards structure, bonuses, and perks to help you get the most out of your travel spending. Whether you’re loyal to a particular airline or want flexibility, these cards are some of the best airline credit cards for 2025, offering valuable benefits that will make your travels easier and more rewarding.