Best airline miles credit card for international travel

Comparing the best airline miles credit cards

Editor’s picks: Airline rewards credit card details

Best general airline credit card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: You can really rack up travel rewards with this popular travel credit card from Capital One. The Venture Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (miles are currently valued at 1.7 cents per mile*). That means you can earn rewards on everyday purchases that you can use later in the year.
• Biggest drawbacks: The current list of airline travel partners doesn’t include other large U.S. carriers. There’s a $95 annual fee not waived the first year.
• Alternatives: The Citi Premier® Card offers a higher rewards rate in several spending categories, including restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets, at 3 points per dollar. While general purchases only earn 1 point per dollar, those who spend more in higher rewards categories could do very well.
• Bottom line: If you travel frequently but don’t always fly the same carrier, this general-purpose travel credit card might give you the most bang for your buck. That said, airline loyalists may prefer to go with a co-branded airline card.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features: The popular premium card from American Express comes fully-loaded with premium travel benefits, including luxury airport lounge access, Hilton Honors gold status, which entitles you to free Wi-Fi, late checkout and room upgrades (upon availability, enrollment required), and an impressive list of travel credits that’ll help you recoup its steep $695 annual fee. You can also earn 80,000 points if you spend $6,000 in your first six months, which we estimate to be worth around $800 when you book through AmexTravel (where points are worth around 1 cent each).
• Biggest drawbacks: The $695 annual fee is a big commitment, so carefully consider whether you travel enough to justify the price. You must redeem travel rewards through American Express Travel – and, unlike with many Chase credit cards, you won’t get a bonus for doing so. Some of the travel credits come with caveats that make them a bit tricky to track or maximize. For instance, the Platinum comes with up to a $300 Equinox credit but you receive $25 statement credit back each month on eligible Equinox memberships rather than the entire $300 credit at once (enrollment required).
• Alternatives: The American Express® Gold Card comes with similar perks but at a lower annual fee.
• Bottom line: This card ticks off all the boxes for big spenders and frequent travelers looking for luxury travel perks, particularly complimentary airport lounge access. But the sky-high annual fee is tough to justify if you only fly a handful of times a year, rarely dine out and hardly ever stay at hotels.

Read our The Platinum Card® from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for unlimited miles on purchases: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: This premium travel rewards card from Capital One comes loaded with high-end benefits, including a large sign-up bonus, unlimited miles in all purchase categories (with no expiration or blackout dates), lounge access and a credit worth up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Biggest drawbacks: The $395 annual fee is a bargain compared to other premium credit cards, but it might still be too much for some.
• Alternatives: While the Chase Sapphire Reserve does have a higher annual fee than the Venture X, it also offers more in terms of redemption value. You’ll get 50% more value from your points when you redeem for travel with Chase (1.5 cents per point).
• Bottom line: This card is a great fit for travel enthusiasts with excellent credit who plan to take advantage of enough premium benefits to make the annual fee worth it. But if you don’t spend much on hotels, flights, or car rentals, a card with a smaller annual fee may make more sense.

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Best features: There’s a lot going for this travel card, including considerable rewards and few restrictions – and that’s with no annual fee. For example, earn 1.5 points on all purchases. No annual fee means that you don’t have to track your earnings to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
• Biggest drawbacks: You won’t get a boost by redeeming points for travel through the Bank of America Travel center. If you redeem points for cash, your points are only worth 0.6 cents each.
• Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card comes with both an excellent rewards rate and a valuable sign-up bonus worth $750 when all 60,000 points are redeemed (after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening) for travel in the Ultimate Rewards portal.
• Bottom line: If you’re committed to avoiding an annual fee, this general-purpose travel card is one of your best options so long as you’re alright forgoing fancy travel perks.

Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for sign-up bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Best features: Frequent fliers can rack up rewards pretty quickly with this solid general-purpose travel credit card from Chase, which offers 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel purchases, plus a lucrative sign-up bonus (earn 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in your first three months).
• Biggest drawbacks: The $4,000 spend in the first three months associated with the sign-up bonus and the card’s $95 annual fee (not waived the first year) might price this card out of a frugal flier’s budget.
• Alternatives: If you have a tendency to spend heavily on travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a more lux version of the Sapphire Preferred. Cardmembers receive a $300 travel credit that can be applied to airfares, baggage fees, and more. Yes, its $550 annual fee is steep but the perks could be worth it for some.
• Bottom line: If you travel frequently but don’t patronize a specific carrier, this general-purpose travel rewards credit card will net you a nice return on flights  – and then some! But despite its broad appeal, travelers on tighter budgets may still prefer a no annual fee card.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for JetBlue: Citi Premier® Card

• Best features: You can earn 80,000 points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of card membership. There’s flexibility in earning with this card as well: You earn 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. You can redeem your Citi ThankYou travel points that you earn with the Citi Premier Card for partner points, such as TrueBlue/JetBlue and several international brands like Etihad Guest Miles and Flying Blue (Air France, KLM). Typically you’ll get a 1:1 match, meaning that 1,000 ThankYou Points equals 1,000 JetBlue TrueBlue points.
• Biggest drawbacks: There’s a $95 annual fee that isn’t waived, although if you use this card often, you will more than recoup that charge. Most of Citi’s airline transfer partners are international carriers, so this may not be an ideal fit for those who fly exclusively domestic. You’ll also have to book travel through Citi.
• Alternatives: With the American Express® Gold Card, you earn 4 points per $1 spent in popular spending categories like restaurant purchases  and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), plus 3 points per $1 on airfare booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and its welcome offer is only a little less than that of the bonus offered with the Citi Premier® Card.
• Bottom line: This card lets you earn rewards on a combination of travel purchases and everyday expenses, making it a safe pick for anyone unsure of which type of rewards credit card to get.

Read our Citi Premier Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for Southwest airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Best features: The sign-up bonus is generous: Earn 75,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. Southwest points are worth 1.5 cents each*. You also get two free checked bags for every cardholder.
• Biggest drawbacks: Southwest doesn’t have airline partners, so the only rewards flights you can book are with Southwest.
• Alternatives: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a similar rewards value and, like Southwest, also comes with a hefty welcome offer , but it’s Delta’s expansive flight network that may be a more attractive option to some travelers.
• Bottom line: Frequent Southwest flyers can earn Rapids Rewards points at a faster clip with the least expensive card in the carrier’s lineup. (Learn how to decide which Southwest credit card is right for you.) But if you don’t fly Southwest often, don’t live near a Southwest hub, or mostly travel internationally, this card isn’t a match for you.

Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for less frequent travelers: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: This straightforward travel rewards credit card lets you earn 1.25X miles on general purchases without paying an annual fee. Cardholders also earn 20,000 miles if they spend $500 in your first three months, which we estimate to be worth up to $200 in travel rewards. There’s no minimum to start redeeming rewards.
• Biggest drawbacks: Capital One is thin on major U.S. airline partners. You could conceivably earn more with the Venture Rewards Credit Card, even though it charges a $95 annual fee. (Learn how to decide between the Capital One Venture cards.)
• Alternatives: Big spenders may find the Discover it® Miles to be a better value long term. It matches miles earned in your first year, and there’s no cap on how much you can potentially earn.
• Bottom line: If you like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, but can’t stomach its annual fee or aren’t quite sure if you’ll travel enough to justify the charge, consider this card a solid alternative. That said, frequent travelers may be better off with a higher flat-rate rewards card or one with bonus categories that allows them to maximize earnings.

Read our Capital One VentureOne review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for American Airlines: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card

• Best features: This card’s sign-up bonus of 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles and a $50 statement credit can be yours with just $500 in spend in the first three months. Plus, American Airlines offers one of the largest travel networks in the world, and AAdvantage miles (valued at 1.4 cents*) can be transferred to dozens of airline, hotel and car rental partners.
• Biggest drawbacks: Redeeming AAdvantage miles can be complicated; you’ll have to navigate blackout dates and award seats are limited.
• Alternatives: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card also comes with no annual fee and doesn’t limit you to just one airline. Cardmembers earn 1.5 points on all purchases which can add up quickly.
• Bottom line: While this is a great starter airline credit card for people who fly American Airlines, those who do not fly American or even live near an American hub may want to keep looking.

Read our American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

• Best features: There’s a rewarding limited time sign-up bonus that lets you earn 50,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) after spending $2,000 or more on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. You’ll receive a companion fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) each year on your account anniversary, too.
• Biggest drawbacks: The card carries a $75 annual fee, so be sure you fly Alaska Airlines enough for the long haul to justify adding it to your wallet.
• Alternatives: With a slightly lower annual fee ($69 versus $75), the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has a welcome offer of 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
• Bottom line: If you fly Alaska Airlines with a companion even once or twice a year, you’re likely to appreciate this card’s benefits.

Read our full Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for airline miles flexibility: Discover it® Miles

• Best features: You’ll enjoy a wide range of travel redemption options, including airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel packages, taxis and public transportation – and can even redeem miles for cash back. (Discover it Miles are worth one cent each*, which is average for a travel credit card.)
• Biggest drawbacks: On the flip side, you can’t transfer your miles to airline partners. The card’s value drops significantly after the first year match. Depending on your spending habits, you could earn more with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which offers 2X miles on general purchases, but charges a $95 annual fee.
• Alternatives: Those who travel less frequently may prefer the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card which earns 1.25X miles on general purchases and charges no annual fee.
• Bottom line: Anyone on the hunt for a straightforward, general-purpose travel rewards credit card should enjoy the Discover it® Miles card. But frequent travelers may be nonplussed by the fact that miles cannot be transferred to airline frequent flier programs.

Read our Discover it Miles review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

What are airline credit cards and how do they work?

Airline credit cards are typically aligned with airlines to bring you rewards specific to that brand, although there has been a movement in the last year to offer boosted general rewards as well. Called co-branded cards, these products reward you for loyalty to that brand through in-flight purchases and tickets, as well as brand-specific benefits.

Keep in mind that you’ll want to pick a card partnering with an airline you’ll actually use, or there’s no point in earning all those miles. For example, American Airlines has a hub in Charlotte, while United has a hub in Houston, and Delta is based out of Atlanta. Where you live and go should factor into your decision.

“Airline cards are especially valuable when you’re loyal to a particular carrier,” says Ted Rossman, CreditCards.com’s industry analyst. “The miles you earn through a sign-up bonus and your ongoing spending can quickly earn you a free trip. Plus, airline cards often offer additional perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding. Many of them charge annual fees, but they can be recouped quickly. For example, a $95 annual fee equals roughly three checked bags. A family could come out ahead after just one flight.”

In addition to co-branded cards, there are general-purpose travel credit cards that partner with airlines for redeeming points or miles, such as Capital One Venture Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

What is the difference between an airline credit card and a general travel credit card?

Though they are both handy for travelers, there are clear differences between an airline card and a general-purpose travel card. For starters, an airline card offers rewards for loyalty to one specific carrier or alliance whereas a general-purpose travel card partners with multiple airline brands. If your closest airport happens to be a designated hub for a particular airline, you might find that airline’s branded credit card to be the most convenient.

With an airline credit card, you can often earn boosted rewards on travel and in-flight purchases. A general-purpose travel credit card tends to reward for a variety of categories, sometimes even offering rewards for all purchases. More recently, airline credit cards have begun to reward for everyday spending in categories such as groceries, although it isn’t nearly as common as with general-purpose cards. General travel cards also offer benefits such as Global Entry or TSA Precheck credits, while airline cards might offer complimentary checked baggage, seating upgrades and lounge access.

Pros and cons of an airline credit card

Pros of an airline credit card

• Travel value. The points and miles you earn can be put towards future travel and can be especially valuable when used to book business class seats. You’ll still be on the hook for applicable taxes and fees, but the overall cost is much less.
• Travel perks. Airline credit cards come loaded with valuable perks such as complimentary checked baggage, lounge access and priority boarding, as well as coverage for lost luggage and trip cancellation.
• Rewards are easy to earn. Depending on your spending habits, it’s relatively easy to rack up rewards. Plus, generous welcome bonuses give cardmembers a leg up on accumulating miles and earning status.

Cons of an airline credit card

• Points can be difficult to redeem. Airlines sometimes will restrict the number of seats available per flight for those booking with rewards. Blackout dates also restrict exactly when travelers can redeem points for travel, particularly during peak travel periods.
• Loyalty can be limiting. If you have an airline-branded card, you are limited to that particular carrier and its network of partner airlines. That’s why it’s so important to choose an airline that is convenient for you to fly.
• Perks often include caveats. While benefits like trip protection and lost bag coverage can be enormously helpful when plans go awry, some of these benefits require a dizzying amount of paperwork before kicking in. What’s more, lounge access isn’t always a guarantee. You may be surprised to be turned away due to capacity restrictions, partner lounge guidelines, or some other reason that often gets buried in the fine print.

Most popular airline rewards programs

• Delta SkyMiles

  While the SkyMiles program is forever moving the finish line with fluctuating point values and rules, its range of redemption options and lack of blackout dates make it a crowd-pleaser. The average point value is 1.1 cents, according to The Points Guy, and rewards don’t expire. There are more than 20 airline partners, so you can go pretty much anywhere in the world on Delta and its SkyTeam partners. Loyal Delta flyers and international travelers will certainly find a lot to love about this program.

• United MileagePlus

  The United program award tickets are one-way, which opens up your options in terms of how you choose to redeem. You can select seats in a different class in each direction; or you can travel out with a lesser Saver ticket when your plans are flexible, and with an Everyday ticket on the return with firmed-up plans. You can use miles to request upgrades to a premium cabin, which allows you to benefit from free alcoholic beverages, as well as priority check-in, security line access, boarding, and baggage handling. The average point value is 1.3 cents each*. There are more than 20 airline partners, so you can nearly reach anywhere in the world on Delta and its SkyTeam partners.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards

  With this loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, flight options are primarily limited to domestic destinations which now include service to Hawaii. It’s also worth noting that its short-haul international service is rapidly expanding. Families with a tendency towards overpacking will appreciate the complimentary additional checked baggage.

  Booking is flexible and there aren’t a ton of hidden fees. Southwest Rapid Rewards are, on average, worth 1.5 cents a piece*. While there are no blackout dates and one-way trips are permitted, it’s not the largest of airlines. Southwest currently serves about 100 destinations, and only ten countries.

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

  OneWorld member Alaska Airlines offers travelers excellent value across the board, particularly in terms of earning potential, average airfares, and general service. Alaska is the fifth largest airline in the U.S. with a focus on West Coast service, underserved markets in the Pacific Northwest, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Central America. By Alaska’s math, Mileage Plan members earn 30% more miles than with other domestic loyalty programs. While Alaska’s fees are on par with other domestic carriers, its flexibility around ticket changes and rebookings make it a favorite among flyers.

• American Airlines AAdvantage

  With about 350 destinations to more than 50 countries, American Airlines, with regional carrier American Eagle, is one of the largest airlines in the world. Its network of OneWorld partners makes it a strong choice for world travelers. The airline partners with OneWorld Alliance carriers as well as other partners. While there’s the MileSAAver awards, which means you can book award flights at a low number of miles, there are downsides, such as some quirky rules and the need for flexibility when booking. American Advantage points are worth, on average, 1.4 cents each*.

• British Airways Executive Club

  OneWorld partner British Airways can eat up your miles, called Avios, but the experience is superior. There is a feature called Reward Flight Savers, advertised as the best value reward flights, which is available on return flights in Europe and southern Africa. Like other loyalty programs, you can use Avios to upgrade, for a hotel stay or getting a rental car. Avios points are, on average, worth 1.5 cents each*.

• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

  Flying to roughly a dozen countries, Virgin Atlantic is a 35-year-old British airline with a number of stops in the U.S. Flying Club, Virgin Atlantic’s loyalty program, offers dozens of partners, including Delta. You can redeem on Delta for as little as 20,000 miles for East Coast flights during the off-season. Other partners include KLM, Air France and other international airlines, as well as hotels such as Hilton and IHG. The points valuation for this program is a generous 1.5 cents, according to TPG. You can also convert points into miles through some of the top card issuer programs, such as Citi ThankYou and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Do airline miles expire?

When it comes to airline rewards, few things are more frustrating than seeing your hard-earned points and miles expire before you’ve had a chance to use them. Unfortunately, only a few airline rewards programs offer miles that never expire, with the vast majority requiring you to either earn or redeem miles within 1-2 years or risk forfeiting the miles in your account. In some cases, you can have expired miles restored to your account, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay a reinstatement fee.

Here’s how airline point and mile expiration breaks down with some of the most popular airline rewards programs:

How to choose an airline credit card

Who should get an airline credit card

• Airline loyalists. If you often use a specific airline, an airline card can deliver boosted rewards and superior redemptions.
• Frequent flyers. Want to earn lots of points or miles? You’ll earn more if you’re often traveling with your favorite airline.
• Big shoppers. Many airline cards have an annual fee, so you’ll need to plan on using your card enough to recoup the cost of that fee.
• Fine print readers. The rules of an airline rewards program can be tough to navigate, so make sure you are prepared to follow them.

Who should skip an airline credit card

• Last-minute travelers. Airline rewards programs often have blackout dates and seating restrictions, so airline cards may not suit the procrastinator.
• Balance carriers. If you carry a balance to the next month, you will incur interest charges, negating the benefits of rewards. If you are prone to carrying a balance, consider a top low interest credit card instead.
• Those who live far from an airline hub. If you live in a midsize city, the airline of your choice may not fly there, making it more difficult to earn rewards.
• Infrequent travelers. If there are only airline reward offered, it may be difficult to earn enough rewards to make the card worth your while.

How to make the most of an airline credit card

Consider how frequently you fly

Simply put, if you don’t fly more than a couple of times a year, you probably don’t need an airline credit card. While some airline credit cards let you earn miles on everyday purchases, like gas or groceries, you generally get the most bang for your buck by redeeming for free flights. And while many cards have moved away from blackout or expiration dates on miles, you’re not likely to recoup the annual fee associated with most of these cards if you’re not cashing in your rewards each year or taking advantage of the ancillary perks a card entitles you to. If your spending tends to vary, consider a general rewards credit card or a cash back credit card instead.

Identify your carrier of choice

If you do fly frequently, consider next whether you tend to do so on the same carrier. (That’s generally dictated by whether you live near an airline hub or a major airport serviced by carriers with a large flight network.) If so, that brand’s airline credit card could help you earn award flights more quickly, qualify for elite status and receive perks that let you travel in style. If you’re more likely to fly on a variety of carriers throughout the year or you like to comparison-shop for deals across travel providers, consider a general purpose travel credit card. We’re partial to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which offers 2X miles on general purchases and lets you redeem rewards as statement credits for a wide variety of travel expenses.

Account for a card’s transfer partners

Many general purpose travel credit cards let you transfer your points to partnering airlines. Review their list of current partners to see if they’re in line with your travel habits. Transferring points is often a great way to get a bit more bang for your buck. Learn other ways to maximize credit card rewards.

Ask yourself if you check a bag

Most airline’s charge $30 for a first checked bag and $40 for a second, so if you frequently travel with a suitcase, an airline credit card that lets you skip that charge can save you money or, at least, cover a card’s annual fee before you factor in the rewards.

Decide if you’re looking for lounge access

Some premium travel rewards credit cards offer access to a large number of airport lounges, irrespective of brand. The Platinum Card from American Express, for example, grants cardholders access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which includes more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, meanwhile, comes with complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges in more than 1,200 locations around the world.

Are airline credit cards worth it in 2022?

If you travel frequently and tend to fly the same carrier each time, a good airline credit card could help you earn loyalty points (and, by extension, award flights) faster. They could also entitle you to benefits that make flying more enjoyable or cost-effective, like priority boarding, a free checked bag, elite status and upgrades, when available.

While travel restrictions have mostly relaxed since the early days of the pandemic, you still may be traveling less than you did before Covid. It’s important to carefully consider how often you plan to fly within the next year or so before deciding on whether to get an airline credit card.

Of course, if the card has no annual fee, we say it’s a no-brainer. While you’re waiting around for your next trip to roll around, you may as well be accumulating points or miles to fund future getaways. If the card has an annual fee, you have more to think about, but the logic is the same. As always with an annual fee card, you should make sure that your estimated yearly rewards value is greater than the cost of the annual fee. If that’s the case and you’re OK with delayed gratification, there’s no reason not to start earning points and miles while you’re between trips. (Learn how to determine when an annual fee is worth it.)

When assessing whether or not an airline credit card is a good option for you, here are 5 things to look at:

1. You plan to regularly fly with the same airline – If you live near a hub of the airline partnering with the card you are eyeing, that might be a good card for you. Also, if you find yourself often turning to a specific airline for your travel needs, this card might be the right choice.
2. You will use the card’s perks – You’ll want to look at the travel features beyond just the miles offered. TSA PreCheck, free first checked bags, lounge access, cancellation insurance: These are a few of the features strong airline cards may offer.
3. The perks outweigh the annual fee – There’s often an annual fee with airline cards, so you’ll need to assess whether the rewards and the perks make the card worthwhile once the annual fee has been charged.
4. You have the credit score for the card – Airline cards typically require good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670). There’s no point in applying for a card if you don’t have the required credit score, because applying will temporarily impact your score even if you don’t get the card.
5. You can pay the full balance each month – If you get any type of rewards card, airline cards included, it’s important to make sure you can pay your balance in full each month, because otherwise, the points, miles or cash back are basically wasted.

How we picked the best airline credit cards

Research methodology: We analyzed 148 airline credit cards to identify the best ones currently on the market. The major factors we considered in making our Editor’s picks include:

• Rewards rates: The best airline credit cards offer at least 2X points on purchases with their specific carrier. General-purpose travel credit cards might offer between 1.25X to 2X miles on all purchases.
• Rewards value: Not all miles are created equal. We looked at how much each mile was worth when redeemed for airfare. We also considered how much each mile was worth across additional redemption options, when available.
• Ancillary airline perks: The best airline credit cards offer extra benefits, like a free checked bag, priority boarding, automatic elite status, airport lounge access or more. Many offer travel credits for items like Global Entry or TSA Precheck. We weighted cards more heavily if they offered these types of benefits.
• Rates and fees: Many airline credit cards charge annual fees and, as a rewards credit card, they tend to carry higher APRs than low-interest counterparts. However, we still considered if these costs were reasonable relative to the category and the benefits each card carried.

Full criteria used: Rewards rates, rewards categories, airline alliance partners, other transfer partners, sign-up bonus, point values, redemption options, redemption flexibility, elite status, annual fee, travel credits, airport lounge access, miscellaneous travel benefits, rates and fees, customer service, credit needed, upgrade and downgrade options. For more detail on our review scores, see our ratings process for airline cards.

More information on airline credit cards

For more information on all things travel cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• How to earn frequent flyer miles without flying
• How to get reimbursed from a canceled trip
• Guide to airline companion passes
• Airline credit card reviews

* All points and miles valuations have been provided by The Points Guy

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Stephanie Zito

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, humanitarian and credit card points collector sharing savvy travel tips she has learned firsthand from more than 20 years of circling the globe as a backpacker, expat and premium traveler in more than 125 countries and all seven continents.

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