Top 8 Airline Credit Cards for Earning Points, Free Baggage, and Lounge Access

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In addition to leading general travel cards like the Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, there are several airline-specific credit cards that attract various types of travelers, whether they're frequent fliers or occasional ones. Some airlines even provide a range of cards, targeting loyal customers on one end and those avoiding hefty fees and checked baggage charges on the other. Many cards also appeal to individuals eager to accumulate points quickly through introductory bonuses and enjoy free flights.

Even if you have just a few trips planned in the near future, an airline credit card can unlock a variety of benefits for you. Additionally, all the bonus miles you accumulate will be beneficial for booking award flights later on. Here’s what to consider when choosing an airline credit card and which ones are the best to apply for.

Key Advantages to Consider in an Airline Credit Card

When selecting an airline credit card, keep the following potential benefits in mind.

• Sign-up bonus: Many new airline credit cards offer the chance to earn thousands of miles quickly through generous welcome bonuses. Right now, various airline cards are enticing new members with record-breaking bonus offers.
• Complimentary checked baggage: Paying $30–$35 for a checked bag is never fun. To alleviate this, most airline credit cards provide a free first checked bag, not just for the cardholder but also for others on their reservation. Typically, you'll need to book tickets with your airline-specific card to access this benefit.
• Access to airport lounges: Premium airline credit cards, especially those with annual fees exceeding $450, often include membership to airport lounges, making the fees worthwhile.
• Fast-track to elite status: Certain airlines provide unique opportunities to accelerate your path to elite status through spending on their cobranded credit cards.
• In-flight discounts and statement credits: Some cards offer savings on in-flight purchases such as food and drinks, while others provide statement credits for airline expenses when using an airline-branded card.
• Bonus earning potential: Some airline cards allow you to earn bonus miles on purchases beyond flight expenses, such as dining, gas, and groceries.
• Companion tickets and anniversary rewards: A few airline credit cards offer companion tickets as part of their perks, while others grant bonus points on your card anniversary.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Certain airline credit cards will refund you for the application fee for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) once every four years.

While each airline credit card may offer some of these benefits, not all will include everything. Consider which perks are most valuable (and likely to be used) for you, the airlines you frequently fly, and the annual fee you're willing to accept. Focus on the cards that align with your preferences. We’ve simplified your search below by outlining the key features of the eight best airline credit cards available for sign-up now.

Top low-fee airline credit cards for earning points effectively right now

If you’re looking for a fantastic card to quickly earn points through sign-up bonuses and enjoy great redemption options, check out these airline credit cards.

Aeroplan® Credit Card

The Aeroplan® Credit Card is ideal for individuals who are skilled at maximizing points and miles. While it's a great option for those who frequently fly with Air Canada, it truly shines for those eager to accumulate valuable Aeroplan miles rapidly. This frequent flyer program boasts the most award partners of any loyalty program globally—currently at 45—covering over 1,300 destinations worldwide.

• Sign-up bonus: New cardholders can earn up to 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, plus an additional 25,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months.
• Annual fee: $95
• Complimentary checked baggage: On Air Canada flights, enjoy one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions traveling on the same itinerary.
• Elite status enhancements: Gain Aeroplan 25K Elite Status for the first two years of card membership, with chances to upgrade this status through card spending.
• Earning potential: Earn three points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and on dining.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Yes

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is ideal for travelers who want to avoid luggage fees and ticket change charges. (Southwest is unique among U.S. airlines for its pioneering no-fee policies for checked bags and ticket changes.)

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months from account opening.
• Annual fee: $69
• Complimentary checked baggage: No free bag benefit is necessary as Southwest offers two free checked bags for each passenger. Thank you, Southwest!
• Earning potential: Earn two points per dollar on purchases with Southwest, its hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting expenses (including rideshares), as well as internet, cable, phone services, and selected streaming purchases. Earn one point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Discounts and statement credits: Receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year.
• Companion offers and anniversary rewards: Get an annual bonus of 3,000 points on your account anniversary.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: No
  

Top low-fee airline business credit card for accumulating points and securing free flights

It might surprise some, but you don’t need to be a large corporation to qualify for a business card—sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, and similar entities are eligible. In many instances, like with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, these business cards offer even more advantages and points compared to consumer versions.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is ideal for those looking to accumulate significant points for free flights and earn a Companion Pass through their spending.

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account.
• Annual fee: $99
• Complimentary checked baggage: No need for a free bag benefit, as Southwest continues to provide two free checked bags for each passenger.
• Earning potential: Earn three points per dollar on purchases with Southwest, two points on hotel and car rental partners, and local transit and commuting expenses (including rideshares). Earn one point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Discounts and statement credits: Enjoy two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 25% off in-flight purchases, and a $500 annual fee credit for transferring Rapid Rewards points.
• Companion offers and anniversary rewards: Receive a 6,000-point bonus each year on your account anniversary.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: No

Top low-fee consumer airline credit cards for specific airline perks

If you frequently fly with a particular airline and already have a card that provides access to Priority Pass or other lounge benefits, consider these airline credit cards that offer perks like free checked bags while maintaining low annual fees.

United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for those who fly with United frequently enough to appreciate free checked bags, but not often enough to consider themselves loyal to the airline.

• Sign-up bonus: Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Annual fee: No introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter.
• Complimentary checked baggage: The primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation will each enjoy their first standard checked bag free of charge.
• Earning potential: Earn two miles per dollar on purchases with United, as well as on hotels and dining, including eligible delivery services.
• Access to airport lounges: Receive two one-time passes to the United Club each year on your account anniversary.
• Discounts and statement credits: Get 25% back on in-flight purchases for Wi-Fi, food, and beverages.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Yes

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is perfect for those who fly with Delta but do not travel frequently enough to require lounge access or pursue elite status.

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months.
• Annual fee: The first year's annual fee is $0, then it increases to $150 (see rates and fees).
• Complimentary checked baggage: Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Earning potential: Accumulate two miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: No

Top airline credit cards for loyal customers of legacy carriers

If you frequently travel and primarily use one airline or alliance for your flights, consider these premium airline credit cards to earn points with your favorite airline and gain access to their exclusive lounges.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers who wish to access Delta’s Sky Clubs and quickly earn Delta elite status through credit card spending.

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of account opening.
• Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees).
• Complimentary checked baggage: Enjoy a free checked bag on Delta flights.
• Access to airport lounges: This card grants you entry to Delta’s Sky Clubs when flying with the airline and the Centurion Lounge at no additional cost when booking a Delta flight with your Reserve Card. You will receive four one-time guest passes to Delta Sky Club each year. After that, you can bring up to two guests for $50 each per visit. Starting February 1, 2025, cardholders will get 15 visits to Delta Sky Club each year; unlimited visits require total eligible purchases of $75,000 or more between January 1 and December 31 each year.
• Elite status boosters: Achieve elite status through credit card spending. Start with $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) each year, plus earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on your card in a calendar year.
• Companion offers and anniversary bonuses: Receive a First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate for domestic, Caribbean, or Central American flights each year upon card renewal.
• Statement credits: Each year, enjoy a $240 Resy credit at U.S. Resy restaurants (up to $20 per month on eligible purchases) and a $120 rideshare credit (up to $10 back each month on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases). Enrollment required.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Yes

United Club℠ Infinite Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is perfect for those who plan to make United Airlines their primary carrier, wish to take advantage of United lounge access, and aim to accumulate miles for future free flights with United and its Star Alliance partners.

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months.
• Annual fee: $525
• Complimentary checked baggage: Cardholders enjoy up to two free checked bags per flight, including for one travel companion on the same reservation.
• Earning potential: Accumulate four miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases and two miles per dollar on all other travel and dining, including eligible delivery services. Earn one mile per dollar on all other purchases.
• Access to airport lounges: Membership to United Club (valued at $650) allows the primary cardholder and two adult companions (or one adult companion plus dependent children under 21) access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide.
• Discounts and statement credits: Receive a 25% statement credit on in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights. Additionally, enjoy a 10% discount on United Economy Saver Award flights within the continental U.S. and Canada.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Yes

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for loyal American Airlines flyers seeking Admirals Club access.

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months.
• Annual fee: $595
• Complimentary checked baggage: On American Airlines flights, the primary cardholder receives one free checked bag, along with up to eight travel companions on the same itinerary.
• Earning potential: Earn 4x AAdvantage Miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 10x AAdvantage Miles per dollar on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars and eligible hotel bookings through aa.com/hotels. Earn 1x AAdvantage Mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• Access to airport lounges: Full Admirals Club Membership (valued at $850) allows access to nearly 50 American Airlines lounges for the cardholder plus two guests or immediate family members traveling with them. Access to more than 50 partner oneworld lounges is also included, from the Alaska Lounge in Anchorage to the Qantas Club in Melbourne, Australia.
• Discounts and statement credits: Enjoy 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement: Yes

All information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been independently collected by Dinogo.

Key Points

Whether you prefer Southwest or Delta, there's a wide array of excellent airline credit cards available, each offering its unique benefits. Your choice will likely depend on your preferred airline and the annual fee you're comfortable with. In any case, anticipate advantages both in-flight and on the ground, along with numerous bonus points and miles through introductory offers.

This article was first published in 2019 and was revised on June 18, 2024, to reflect the latest information. While the offers mentioned are accurate as of publication, they may change at any time and could have already changed or may no longer be available.