Best Airline Credit Cards 2025
Karl says, “If you’re a travel enthusiast, you need a credit card that simplifies flying. My top pick is the United℠ Explorer Card—it offers free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access for a smoother travel experience! The Alaska Airlines Visa® card is also great, providing an annual Companion Fare and free checked bags, while the Aeroplan® Credit Card offers flexible point redemption and valuable travel perks.”
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Key offer
– Free Checked Bags and Priority Boarding:
Cardholders and one companion on the same reservation receive their first checked bag free and enjoy priority boarding on United flights.
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– Lounge Access and Fee Credits:
Enjoy two United Club one-time passes each year and receive up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees, making travel more comfortable and efficient.
– Star Alliance Network Access:
As a member of Star Alliance, United Airlines connects you to nearly 30 international airlines. This broad network gives you flexibility to redeem miles for travel across the globe, expanding your destination options.
Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual fee
$0
Card Rewards
- 2X miles per $1 on United purchases, dining (including delivery services), and hotel stays.
- 1X mile per $1 on all other purchases.
Premium Benefits
– Star Alliance Network Access:
As a member of Star Alliance, United Airlines connects you to nearly 30 international airlines, providing broad flexibility for redeeming miles worldwide.
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– Free Checked Bags:
The first checked bag is free for you and one companion on the same reservation. This benefit also applies to Basic Economy tickets, helping you save money on baggage fees.
– Priority Boarding:
Cardholders and companions on the same reservation receive priority boarding, ensuring you have more overhead space and a more convenient boarding experience.
– United Club Access:
Enjoy two United Club one-time passes each year, giving you a comfortable place to relax before flights with complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
– TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credit:
Receive up to $100 in statement credits every four years to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS, making your security screening process faster and more efficient.
– Inflight Discounts:
Get 25% back on purchases of premium drinks, food, and Wi-Fi on United flights.
– Travel Protections:
– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Get reimbursed for up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for covered disruptions.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: Claim up to $500 for delays of 12+ hours or requiring an overnight stay.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Receive up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged luggage.
– Baggage Delay Reimbursement: Get up to $100 per day (for up to 3 days) for baggage delays over 6 hours.
– Primary Rental Car Insurance: Decline the rental company’s coverage and receive primary coverage for theft or collision.
– Purchase Protections:
– Extended Warranty: Adds an extra year to U.S. manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less.
– Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Foreign Transaction
$0
Key offer
– High-Value Redemption Flexibility:
Cardholders can redeem points for travel purchases at a competitive 1.25% rate (up to $200,000 annually), making it easier to cover travel expenses without relying solely on award flight availability.
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Additionally, the card enables members to pool Aeroplan points with family members, offering greater redemption options and more efficient use of points.
– Exclusive Travel Perks and Elite Status Opportunities:
The card comes with valuable travel benefits, including a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights, access to preferred pricing on flight rewards, and the ability to reach Aeroplan 25K Elite Status.
Welcome offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
Annual fee
$95
Focus on Air Canada and travel-related purchases to leverage the 3X points earning rate. Use the bonus point opportunity by spending at least $2,000 in a month to rack up extra points. Take advantage of Aeroplan 25K Status and Priority Check-In to enjoy a smoother travel experience.
Card Rewards
- • 3X points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, restaurants (including takeout), and Air Canada directly.
• 1X points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month, with a maximum of 1,500 points per month.
Premium Benefits
- – High-Value Redemption:
Redeem Aeroplan points to pay yourself back for travel purchases at a rate of 1.25%, up to $200,000 annually.– Family Pooling:
Link your Aeroplan account with family members to share and redeem points together, offering more flexible and efficient reward usage.
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– Free Checked Bags:
The primary cardholder and up to eight companions receive their first checked bag free on Air Canada flights.– Aeroplan Elite Status:
Automatically earn Aeroplan 25K Status for the current and next calendar year, unlocking benefits like priority check-in, early boarding, and complimentary upgrades.– Travel Protections:
– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Coverage for up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 for flight delays over 12 hours.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per passenger for lost or damaged baggage.
– Baggage Delay Reimbursement: Up to $100 per day (for three days) if baggage is delayed over six hours.
– Primary Car Rental Insurance: Offers coverage for theft or collision on car rentals outside your country of residence.– Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit:
Receive a $100 statement credit every four years for application fees to these trusted traveler programs.– Travel and Dining Perks:
Enjoy priority boarding on Air Canada flights, as well as access to preferred pricing on flight rewards. This ensures a more seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Foreign Transaction
- $0
Key offer
– Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ offers some of the best redemption rates in the industry. As part of the OneWorld alliance, it provides access to a major network of partner airlines and destinations, making it easy to redeem miles across multiple airlines.
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– Receive an annual Companion Fare, allowing another passenger to join you on a round-trip Alaska Airlines flight for just $99 plus taxes and fees.
– Cardholders, along with up to six companions on the same reservation, enjoy a free checked bag when flying Alaska Airlines.
Welcome offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, enjoy Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™—a $99 fare plus taxes and fees starting at $23—when you take advantage of this limited-time offer.
Annual fee
$95
Focus on Air Canada and travel-related purchases to leverage the 3X points earning rate. Use the bonus point opportunity by spending at least $2,000 in a month to rack up extra points. Take advantage of Aeroplan 25K Status and Priority Check-In to enjoy a smoother travel experience.
Card Rewards
• Earn 3X miles per $1: Eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, including flights, inflight Wi-Fi, and onboard food and beverages.
• Earn 2X miles per $1: Gas purchases, EV charging stations, local transit and rideshare services, cable services, and select streaming subscriptions.
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• Earn 1X mile per $1: All other everyday purchases not covered under the above categories.
• Bonus miles: Earn 1X mile for every $2 spent at participating restaurants through the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ Dining program.
Premium Benefits
– Annual Companion Fare: Bring a travel companion on a round-trip Alaska Airlines flight for just $99 plus taxes and fees.
– Free Checked Bags: Cardholders and up to six companions on the same reservation receive one free checked bag.
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– Priority Boarding: Enjoy early boarding privileges on Alaska Airlines flights.
– Lounge Membership Discount: Get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership.
– Mileage Plan™ Rewards: Earn miles at generous rates and redeem them on Alaska Airlines or a wide network of OneWorld alliance partners.
– Inflight Discounts: Receive 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
Foreign Transaction
- none
Best Airline - Specific Cards
| Credit Card | Sign-up Bonus | Best For | Annual Fee | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum | 90,000 points after spending $4,000 in 6 months | Delta loyalists | $250 | • Companion certificate • First bag free • Priority boarding • MQD waiver |
| United Explorer Card | — | United frequent flyers | $95 | • Two United Club passes • First bag free • Priority boarding • Global Entry credit |
| American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum | — | American Airlines travelers | $99 | • First bag free • Preferred boarding • 25% inflight savings • Companion certificate |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | — | Domestic travelers | $149 | • 7,500 anniversary points • $75 travel credit • 4 upgraded boardings • Companion Pass eligible |
Pro Tips for Travelers
Hub Airport Strategy
Choose an airline card based on your home airport’s dominant carrier. If you live near a major hub:
- Atlanta/Minneapolis → Delta
- Chicago/Houston → United
- Dallas/Charlotte → American
- Multiple hubs → Flexible points card
Status Acceleration
Many airline cards offer ways to fast-track elite status:
- MQD/PQD waivers through spend
- Elite-qualifying miles bonuses
- Boost toward tier qualification
- Status challenge opportunities
Annual Fee Consideration
Only choose an airline-specific card if you can maximize these benefits:
- Checked bag fees (4+ flights/year)
- Companion certificates
- Priority boarding value
- Airport lounge access