Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards in 2023: Earn Miles & Fly Free!

Airline rewards credit cards are a great way to earn miles and points towards free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. But with so many different cards available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best airline rewards credit cards on the market, covering everything from sign-up bonuses to annual fees. We’ll also help you determine which card is best suited for your travel needs and spending habits.

What to Consider When Choosing an Airline Rewards Credit Card

Before you start applying for airline rewards credit cards, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

• Airline loyalty program: Which airline do you fly most often? Choose a card that earns miles in the airline’s loyalty program you prefer.
• Sign-up bonus: Many airline credit cards offer a generous sign-up bonus when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account. This can be a great way to get a head start on earning miles.
• Earning rate: How many miles do you earn per dollar spent? Some cards offer higher earning rates for certain categories, such as dining, travel, or groceries.
• Redemption options: How can you redeem your miles? Can you use them for flights, upgrades, or other travel expenses? Some airlines have more flexible redemption options than others.
• Annual fee: Do you want to pay an annual fee for your card? Some cards charge an annual fee, while others are free. Consider the benefits offered and the value of those benefits against the cost.
• Perks and benefits: Do you want access to airport lounge access, travel insurance, or other perks? Some cards offer additional benefits beyond just earning miles.

Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers

Here are some of the best airline rewards credit cards for frequent flyers:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 points per $1 spent on dining, 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Redemption options: Transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Hyatt.
• Annual fee: $95
• Perks and benefits: Priority Pass Select membership, travel insurance, and more.

2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases.
• Redemption options: Transfer points to 15 airline and hotel partners, including Air Canada, British Airways, and Marriott.
• Annual fee: $395
• Perks and benefits: Priority Pass Select membership, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, travel insurance, and more.

3. United℠ Explorer Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Redemption options: Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel expenses on United Airlines.
• Annual fee: $95
• Perks and benefits: Free checked bag on United flights, 2 free United Club passes, and more.

4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 3 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Redemption options: Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel expenses on Delta Air Lines.
• Annual fee: $550
• Perks and benefits: Delta Sky Club membership, free checked bag on Delta flights, and more.

5. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Redemption options: Redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other travel expenses on Southwest Airlines.
• Annual fee: $99
• Perks and benefits: Free checked bag on Southwest flights, 2 free Companion Passes (after spending $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year), and more.

Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards for Beginners

If you’re new to airline rewards credit cards, here are some good options that offer a low annual fee or other beginner-friendly features:

1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Redemption options: Redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other travel expenses on Southwest Airlines.
• Annual fee: $0
• Perks and benefits: Free checked bag on Southwest flights, 1 free Companion Pass (after spending $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year), and more.

2. JetBlue® Mastercard

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
• Earning rate: 3 points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases, 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Redemption options: Redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other travel expenses on JetBlue Airways.
• Annual fee: $0
• Perks and benefits: Free checked bag on JetBlue flights, 50% off inflight purchases, and more.

3. Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earning rate: 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases.
• Redemption options: Redeem miles for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises.
• Annual fee: $0
• Perks and benefits: Travel insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Airline Credit Card Myths Debunked

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding airline rewards credit cards. Here are some common myths debunked:

Myth: Airline credit cards are only for frequent flyers.

Truth: While airline credit cards can be great for frequent flyers, they can also be beneficial for casual travelers. Even if you only fly a few times a year, you can still earn valuable miles and points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other travel perks.

Myth: You have to fly with the airline to earn miles.

Truth: You can earn miles on most airline credit cards by making purchases in any category, even if you don’t fly with the airline. However, some cards offer bonus miles for purchases made with the airline.

Myth: Airline credit cards have high annual fees.

Truth: There are many airline credit cards available with no annual fee. Some popular cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and other perks even with a lower annual fee, making them a great value for frequent flyers.

Myth: It’s hard to redeem miles for flights.

Truth: Many airlines offer flexible redemption options for their miles. You can use your miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel expenses, even on partner airlines. Check each airline’s mileage redemption options to ensure you fully understand your options.

Tips for Maximizing Your Airline Rewards Credit Card

Here are a few tips for maximizing your airline rewards credit card:

• Set a goal: Decide what you want to use your miles for, such as a free flight, upgrade, or other travel expense. This will help you stay motivated to earn miles.
• Use your card for everyday purchases: The more you use your card, the more miles you’ll earn. Even small purchases can add up over time.
• Take advantage of bonus categories: Many cards offer bonus miles for purchases in certain categories, such as dining, travel, or groceries. Try to use your card for these purchases whenever possible.
• Track your miles: Keep track of your miles balance and redemption options so you know how many miles you need to earn for your goal.
• Sign up for email alerts: Many airlines and credit card companies offer email alerts to keep you updated on promotions, bonus offers, and other news. This can help you maximize your rewards.

Conclusion

Airline rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn miles and points towards free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. By choosing the right card for your needs and following these tips, you can maximize your rewards and save money on your next trip.