Top Airline Credit Cards for Families

Airline credit cards differ significantly, especially for family travelers. Ideally, families would seek an airline credit card that offers perks (like waived baggage fees) applicable to the entire group, includes money-saving benefits, and allows for easy earning of award miles for family trips.

With the advent of transferable points programs, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards, the era of earning just 1 mile per dollar with airline credit cards for award redemption is now a thing of the past.

Today’s competitive landscape demands that airline credit cards deliver real benefits and savings to earn a spot in my wallet. Considering the needs of families and the importance of wallet space, here are our top 10 airline credit card recommendations for families.

How We Select the Best Airline Credit Cards for Families

Although many popular airline credit cards recognized as top choices for general consumers also appeal to families, the needs of families differ slightly from those without kids.

For instance, families who frequently fly may spend more in specific categories and require more flexible rewards.

To identify the best credit cards for families, we focused on:

• Cobranded cards from leading domestic airlines
• The most adaptable, valuable, and user-friendly rewards
• Generous welcome bonuses
• Cards that provide benefits for families when traveling
• Cards that offer additional cash back or bonus points in categories where families tend to spend more

Top Credit Cards for Family Air Travel

Here are our top 10 recommendations for credit cards tailored for family air travel:

• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card: Ideal for earning a companion pass
• American Express® Green Card: Best for general travel expenses
• Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Perfect for families paying rent
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for lounge access
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card: Great for a low annual fee
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Best for families flying with American Airlines
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Top choice for Delta travel with family
• JetBlue Plus Card: Best for pooling family points
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Ideal for Southwest family travel
• United℠ Explorer Card: Best for family travel with United

Information for the American Express Green, Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, and JetBlue Plus cards has been gathered independently by Dinogo. Details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Choosing the right card can help you maximize your earnings on flights and overall travel. Most cards listed here feature an annual fee below $100, with one premium card offering lounge access included.

The welcome offers listed below are based on TPG's valuations from August 2024.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card

Companion passes are an excellent way to lower the cost of family travel. With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card, your family can enjoy a companion pass as part of the welcome offer and each cardmember year thereafter.

Current welcome offer: New applicants can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 or more in the first 90 days. Additionally, new cardholders can buy one ticket and get another for just the cost of taxes and fees ($0 fare, plus taxes and fees starting at $23).

Welcome offer value: $775

Notable benefits: Earn 3 miles for every dollar spent on qualifying Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every dollar spent elsewhere.

Cardholders receive a free checked bag on Alaska-operated flights for themselves and up to six additional people on the same reservation. Additionally, after spending $6,000 in the previous anniversary year, cardholders earn a companion pass each account anniversary, allowing a friend or family member to fly round-trip on Alaska-operated flights in economy for taxes and fees starting at $23.

Annual fee: $95

Why we appreciate it: I especially value the Companion Fare certificate included with this bonus and at each card renewal (after meeting spending requirements). It significantly helps make cash trips more affordable—both parents can obtain an Alaska card and use the Companion Fares to take two kids along on vacation.

You can also book award flights starting at just 4,500 miles, making Alaska miles beneficial for various types of family travelers.

For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card.

American Express Green Card

Often overshadowed by its more premium counterparts, the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Amex Green is a valuable option if your family frequently spends on travel.

Current welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Welcome offer value: $800

Notable benefits: Earn 3 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on travel, transit, and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Additionally, you'll receive up to $199 for a Clear Plus membership and an annual credit of up to $100 for LoungeBuddy. Enrollment is required, and terms apply.

Annual fee: $150

Why it's beneficial: You'll earn 3 points per dollar across a wide range of travel categories, including flights, rental cars, hotels, parking, local transit, and commuting.

The Amex Green also offers annual statement credits of up to $199 for Clear Plus and up to $100 for LoungeBuddy. These benefits can be particularly useful when traveling with your family.

Additionally, it's important to note that children under 18 can access Clear for free when accompanied by an adult with a membership, enhancing the value of this perk. Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits, and terms apply. The Membership Rewards points earned on this card can be transferred to more than 20 airline and hotel partners.

Learn more: American Express Green

Bilt Mastercard

If your family rents your residence, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice for you.

Current welcome offer: None

Annual fee: $0

Notable benefits: Earn points on rent with no annual fee. Cardholders receive 3 Bilt Points for every dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases (including rent payments).

These points can be transferred to any of Bilt's 16 airline and hotel partners for excellent redemption value. This card also includes various travel protections and Cellular Telephone Protection.

Why it's beneficial: Families who rent can earn points without incurring any transaction fees. These points can be used to book flights with Bilt's transfer partners, such as United and Southwest. No other card allows you to pay rent without any fees.

The Bilt Mastercard's rewards and benefits are outstanding for a card with no annual fee. Additionally, Bilt offers a rent day bonus on the first of each month, allowing you to earn double points on all purchases except rent (up to 1,000 points).

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Bilt Mastercard.

TPG founder Brian Kelly serves as a Bilt adviser and investor.

Capital One Venture X Credit Card

Although it carries a higher annual fee than some of the other cards we've selected, the Capital One Venture X compensates with exceptional benefits.

Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $1,388

Notable benefits: Earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

This card offers an annual credit of up to $300 for the Capital One travel portal, along with lounge access, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (up to $120), and 10,000 miles on each account anniversary. It also comes with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees)

Why it's valuable: The Venture X allows for flexible mile redemption—either for travel purchases you’ve made or by transferring to over 15 airline and hotel partners.

Although there are no domestic transfer partners, families can use select partners to book award flights with popular airlines like Air Canada's Aeroplan (which offers great lap-infant award prices) and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, helping you save significantly on miles. The $300 annual travel credit is easy to use, providing your family with airfare savings.

Additionally, this card grants lounge access for you and up to two guests. One parent can be the primary cardholder and add their partner as an authorized user at no extra cost, allowing for four guests when traveling. You can add multiple authorized users, and they will also receive the lounge access benefit (see rates and fees).

For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the Capital One Venture X Card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Sapphire Preferred is among our top recommendations, and it’s easy to see why.

Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account. Additionally, receive up to $300 in statement credits for Chase Travel℠ purchases during your first year.

Welcome offer value: up to $1,530 (includes the $300 travel credit)

Standout benefits: Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 5 points per dollar on Lyft (until March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked via Chase Travel, and 1 point for every dollar on everything else.

Cardholders receive a 10% bonus on points each anniversary, a free DashPass membership with DoorDash (activate by Dec. 31, 2027), an annual $50 hotel credit, and extensive travel protection to cover any issues that may arise during your family’s travels.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's worth it: While it may lack the premium features of the pricier Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains an excellent choice for earning bonus points on travel and dining, along with solid travel protections.

In fact, I often recommend the Sapphire Preferred as my top choice for those starting their journey in points and miles.

Beyond transferring points to partners like United and Southwest, you can redeem them directly through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.25 cents each. Families can also earn 5 points for every dollar spent on flights booked via Chase Travel.

This feature is particularly beneficial for flights with excellent cash deals. Additionally, you can use your points to save on admission to theme parks such as SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Families can also find great value on hotels through Chase’s transfer partner, Hyatt.

This card is essentially the younger sibling of the Sapphire Reserve, offering a solid option with a significantly lower annual fee and great earning potential. It’s perfect for beginners exploring the world of points and miles.

To find out more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

For families who favor American Airlines but want to avoid high annual fees, the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is a great option.

Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases within the first four months of having the card.

Welcome offer value: $1,275

Standout benefits: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases from American Airlines, as well as at restaurants and gas stations. All other expenses will earn you 1 mile per dollar.

You’ll enjoy a 25% discount on inflight purchases, a complimentary checked bag for yourself and up to four companions, plus a $125 flight discount with American Airlines after spending $20,000 in a year.

Annual fee: Free for the first year, then $99 each subsequent year.

Why we like it: This card’s ability to earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines and gas purchases is a significant advantage, making the Platinum Select an ideal choice for families without a specific gas card.

With this card, you can enjoy up to five complimentary checked bags, allowing most families to travel without incurring extra fees for luggage.

Learn more: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard

Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Credit Card

Families that favor Delta will value the solid benefits and affordable annual fee offered by the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex.

Current welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of your card membership.

Welcome offer value: $960

Standout benefits: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases, dining (including takeout and delivery), and U.S. supermarkets, with 1 mile for all other eligible expenses.

Cardholders enjoy a complimentary checked bag for themselves and up to eight travel companions, priority boarding, a $100 Delta Stays credit (for hotel bookings), and a 15% discount on award flights.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $150 (refer to rates and fees).

Why we like it: This card features a reasonable annual fee and offers family-friendly perks on Delta flights, such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and 20% off in-flight purchases.

Moreover, families can utilize the Delta Stays credit while traveling. The 15% discount on award flights can significantly benefit your family when booking trips using miles.

Delta is a favorite among TPG readers, known for its excellent onboard services, and its occasional SkyMiles promotions make redeeming miles quite rewarding.

To explore further, check out our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex.

JetBlue Plus Card

For families looking to save, JetBlue is an excellent budget-friendly airline. If you often fly with JetBlue, the JetBlue Plus Card is an ideal option.

Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days of account opening.

Welcome offer value: $650

Standout benefits: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on JetBlue purchases, 2 points on dining and grocery purchases, and 1 point for all other expenditures.

Cardholders enjoy a free first checked bag (as do up to three companions on the same itinerary), a 5,000-point bonus each year on your account anniversary, 50% back on inflight purchases, a 10% rebate on points used for award flights, and a $100 statement credit after buying a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more each year.

Annual fee: $99

Why it's worth it: The JetBlue TrueBlue program enables family members to combine their points to earn award flights more quickly.

The JetBlue travel experience is exceptional for families, featuring complimentary assigned seating, the most legroom in economy class among U.S. airlines, a free snack basket, and access to free DirecTV and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi for all passengers, perfect for keeping children entertained.

Families looking to benefit from JetBlue's family-friendly policies and programs will find value in the JetBlue Plus credit card, which not only helps accumulate points but also offers savings on JetBlue award flights, baggage fees, and onboard purchases. Additionally, you can earn JetBlue Mosaic elite status by using the card throughout the year.

Learn more: JetBlue Plus Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

For families who prefer flying with Southwest, the Southwest Priority card offers a range of valuable benefits.

Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Welcome offer value: $700

Standout benefits: The Southwest Priority Credit Card provides the most family-friendly perks among all Southwest cards, including 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards points every account anniversary, a $75 annual travel credit, 25% back on in-flight drinks, Wi-Fi, messaging, and movies, plus four Upgraded Boardings in the A1-A15 group each year (subject to availability).

Annual fee: $149

Why we like it: Southwest Airlines ranks among our top choices for family travel, mainly because their Rapid Rewards program is very user-friendly for families.

If your travel plans shift, you can redeposit your award points without any fees, making the points earned through Southwest credit cards particularly valuable for families with school schedules or changing plans.

Every traveler enjoys free checked bags on Southwest flights, which is a significant advantage for families and can substantially lower travel costs.

To discover more, check out our comprehensive review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card.

United Explorer Card

Families that often travel with United should definitely take a look at the United Explorer Card.

Current welcome offer: Receive 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months.

Welcome offer value: $675

Standout benefits: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on all United purchases, hotel bookings, and dining, with 1 mile for every dollar on other purchases.

Cardholders enjoy a free checked bag for themselves and one companion, Group 2 priority boarding, two United Club passes annually, a 25% discount on inflight purchases with United, and a complimentary one-year DoorDash DashPass membership (registration needed by Dec. 31).

Moreover, cardholders gain enhanced award availability for United award tickets, even if it’s the last seat on the aircraft, and may find economy award seats needing fewer miles when logged into their MileagePlus account compared to non-cardholders.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95 afterwards

Why we like it: The United Explorer Card offers primary cardholders and one additional person on the same reservation a free checked bag on United-operated flights and priority boarding, provided they use the card to pay for the tickets.

This feature is especially beneficial for families flying on basic economy fares, as cardholders can also bring a full-sized carry-on, even on those tickets.

Additionally, the United Explorer Card grants 25% back on onboard purchases for food, drinks, and Wi-Fi when charged on United flights, along with two complimentary one-time United Club day passes each year.

The possibility of discounted award flights, along with these added perks, makes this card an excellent choice considering its annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer card.

Bottom line

The ideal airline credit card for your family will vary based on your travel habits and requirements. Honestly, I don’t put a large amount of our regular spending on airline cards (except for my United Club℠ Infinite Card), but I keep them for the built-in benefits that help us save money and enhance our comfort while flying.

If your family travels even a few times a year, having an airline credit card is worthwhile.

To learn more, check out our guide on the best credit cards.