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If you love flying, think about getting an airline credit card. These cards often have low introductory APR rates and let you transfer balances easily. Plus, you'll enjoy amazing travel perks! Most airlines offer at least one credit card, helping you earn points or miles through their loyalty programs. With these cards, you might get free checked bags, early boarding, and even statement credits. To get the most out of these benefits, choose a card based on your favorite airline and how often you travel.
The best airline credit card offered by American Airlines is the Citi Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. All new cardholders earn 50,000 bonus miles by spending $2,500 within the first 3 months of account opening. There are plenty of other perks besides miles that make this card a great deal. The $99 annual fee is waived the first year of use, and you earn two miles per $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants (including cafes, bars, lounges, and fast food restaurants), and on American Airlines purchases. Users are also eligible for priority boarding, a free checked bag, and discounts on in-flight purchases, including internet and food. This card generally requires good to excellent FICO® credit score for approval.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Cash Back
- 20% in-flight
- Annual Fee
- $150
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has been the gold standard of airline credit cards for years, and for a good reason. It is the best Delta card currently available because it offers many first-year benefits for cardholders.
- Variable APR: 20.49% - 29.49%
- Priority boarding
- First Checked Bag Free
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Points
- 3pts per $1
- Annual Fee
- $149
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the best credit card currently offered by Southwest. While the card has a $149 annual fee, it has other benefits that make up the extra expense. See website for details.
- Variable APR: 20.99%-27.99%
- 25% Cashback on in-flight purchases
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp ℠ Card
- Max. Miles
- Unlimited
- Annual Fee
- $0
Earn 10,000 bonus miles plus a $50 statement credit after qualifying purchases, and more. See website for details.
- Variable APR: 20.74% - 29.99%
- No limit to the number of miles you can earn
- Save on in-flight purchases
JetBlue Plus Card
- Points
- 6X per $1
- Annual Fee
- $99
The JetBlue Plus Card comes with a low annual fee and a generous rewards structure. New users get 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of opening an account. See website for details.
- Variable APR: 20.74% - 29.99%
- Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
- No blackout dates
Capital One Venture® Rewards Credit Card
- Max. Miles
- Unlimited
- Annual Fee
- $95
While the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is not linked to a specific airline, it offers a flexible rewards structure frequent fliers should consider. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 in the first three months from account opening.
- Variable APR: 19.99-29.74%
- Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- No foreign transaction fees