Tips for Selecting an Airline Credit Card

Airline credit cards provide unique benefits tailored to specific carriers, allowing you to earn points and miles with a designated airline.

The best card for you will hinge on several elements, including your chosen airline, credit score, spending habits, and the perks you prioritize. With this in mind, here are key factors to consider when selecting an airline credit card.

Finding the Perfect Airline Credit Card for My Needs

To discover the airline card that aligns with your travel preferences, we suggest starting by reflecting on the following questions.

Do you have a favorite airline?

Airline credit cards provide the highest earning rates and benefits tailored to specific airlines, as well as their partners. However, not everyone can consistently fly with one airline when booking flights.

Review your flights from the past year to identify which airline you use most frequently, or consider your top three. If your airline choices are diverse and you're primarily looking for the best fare, you might skip the airline card and opt for a travel credit card with more flexible rewards instead.

On the other hand, if you typically fly with the same airline due to residing in a hub city, aiming for elite status, or simply enjoying their service, an airline credit card can be beneficial. Just make sure to select the right card for that airline.

What is your credit score?

Airline credit cards are part of the travel credit card family. These cards generally require a good to excellent credit score, typically 690 or above. While you might be approved with a lower score, your choices could be more restricted.

Do you check luggage?

A significant benefit of airline credit cards is the option to check one or two bags for free, depending on the specific card. This perk often extends to the cardholder and sometimes to their travel companions listed on the same booking.

U.S. airlines impose fees for checked bags on economy flights, both domestic and certain international routes. In fact, several major U.S. carriers have recently raised their checked-bag fees. Therefore, having an airline credit card that can save you up to $40 per bag per flight is a significant advantage for frequent flyers who often check luggage.

What will your spending look like on the card?

Being aware of your spending patterns can guide you in selecting the right airline credit card. All airline credit cards enable you to earn miles for their frequent flyer program. For instance, if you possess an American Airlines card, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees).

You will accumulate 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on all purchases. The more you spend, the more Loyalty Points you collect, helping you reach elite status with the airline more quickly.

Some issuers provide multiple cards for the same airline, like American Express with its cobranded Delta offerings. If you're not a high spender, you might prefer the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, which offers no benefits for heavy spending but comes with no annual fee (see rates and fees).

Conversely, if you spend a lot and want to earn rewards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could be a better fit. You'll receive 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent, helping you reach Delta elite status more quickly.

What benefits does the card offer?

Beyond earning miles, consider the additional perks the card provides. If you're okay with basic benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding, look for an airline card with a low annual fee.

However, if you're interested in earning bonus points for elite status, statement credits, airport lounge access, and complimentary upgrades, choose an airline credit card with higher annual fees, as they typically offer those extra advantages.

Is it wise to use an airline card for daily purchases?

If you frequently fly with a specific airline, are aiming for elite status, or want to enhance your miles balance with that airline, using an airline card for everyday spending is a logical choice. However, many airline credit cards do not offer perks designed for regular spending.

For instance, not all airline credit cards provide purchase protections or extended warranties. So while you earn airline miles on your purchases, you might find yourself at a disadvantage if you buy a high-priced item — such as a TV or a laptop — and need to make a claim.

You might also consider avoiding an airline credit card for everyday purchases if the earning rates are not competitive.

For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card earns 2 miles per dollar (valued at 1.15 cents per mile according to TPG's September 2024 valuations) at restaurants, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 3 points per dollar (valued at 2.05 cents per point based on September 2024 TPG valuations).

In this case, using the Sapphire Reserve for dining would be more advantageous, as you earn more for every dollar spent compared to the Delta SkyMiles card. Additionally, you earn transferable points, which can provide value that far exceeds Chase's and TPG's valuations if transferred to partner airlines.

In summary

Airline credit cards are ideal for earning miles with a particular airline, along with the extra perks you can enjoy every time you travel. Choosing the right airline credit card ultimately depends on your loyalty to one airline, your travel requirements, and your spending habits.

Taking the time to research which airline and its credit card will best serve you, as well as how to maximize the miles, perks, and benefits, can greatly enhance your travel experience.