Top airline travel credit cards for 2024

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Picture planning your dream getaway to a destination like New Zealand without the stress of covering flight, hotel, tour, or rental car costs. The great news is, this is entirely achievable by creating a credit card strategy that turns your daily spending into travel rewards.

When selecting the ideal airline credit card, you have two primary options. You can either opt for a travel credit card that allows you to earn versatile rewards points, redeemable for complimentary flights with various partner airlines.

Alternatively, you might opt for a cobranded credit card that allows you to accumulate and use miles with a specific airline, ideal if you're aiming for elite status with a particular carrier or are located near an airline's hub.

In our quest for the top airline credit cards, we evaluated various factors: the sign-up bonus, travel protections, elite status benefits, and annual perks. Plus, all the cards featured have no foreign transaction fees.

Although many of these cards carry substantial annual fees (from $95 to $695), maximizing the available credits and benefits can help balance these costs.

Here’s our selection of the best travel credit cards for airlines, featuring a combination of flexible travel options and cobranded cards from four leading US airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

Top travel credit cards for airlines in 2024

• Best travel card with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Best premium travel credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best card for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Top American Airlines card: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• Top United Airlines card: United Club℠ Infinite Card

• Best Delta Air Lines card: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Best Southwest Airlines card: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The top travel credit cards

Top travel credit card with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred is among the most sought-after travel credit cards available, offering numerous ways to earn and redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel℠. It boasts 14 airline and hotel transfer partners, allowing points to be exchanged at a 1:1 ratio.

In addition to its reasonable annual fee and generous welcome bonus, cardholders enjoy an annual $50 statement credit for hotels booked through Chase Travel℠. Points redeemed via the Chase travel portal are valued at 1.25 cents each, plus you’ll receive a 10% bonus on points earned the previous year each year.

Cardholders also benefit from partner perks, including a complimentary six-month subscription to Instacart+ with up to $15 in statement credits each quarter until July 2024, and a free membership to DoorDash and Caviar.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This equates to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel stays eligible for the annual $50 hotel credit); 5X points on Lyft rides until March 2025; 5X points on Peloton purchases over $150 (up to 25,000 points) through March 2025; 3X points on dining and online grocery shopping (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 3X points on streaming services; 2X points for travel-related expenses; and 1X point on all other purchases.

Airline transfer partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Air France / KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

Travel benefits: Auto rental collision damage waiver; insurance for baggage delays, trip cancellations, and interruptions; reimbursement for trip delays; and emergency travel assistance.

Credit score: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $95. Refer to rates and fees.

Advantages

• Substantial welcome bonus offering $750 in travel value when points are redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

• Diverse options for redeeming rewards, including 14 airlines and three hotel chains (Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott).

• Reasonable annual fee given the range of travel benefits provided.

Disadvantages

• Approval is contingent upon Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you won’t be eligible if you’ve opened five credit cards in the past 24 months.

• No complimentary airport lounge access is included as a benefit.

Chase Sapphire review: a comprehensive overview of the card favored by travelers

Top premium travel credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For those seeking premium service and perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent option, though it comes with a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).

However, it can nearly offset its cost if you utilize all the benefits — a $300 annual travel credit; Priority Pass lounge access; a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS enrollment; entry to The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection; and exclusive access to sports, dining, and entertainment events through Reserve by Sapphire.

Redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards are valued at 1.5 cents per point, and you can transfer points to any of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel partners. Cardholders also enjoy a complimentary year of Instacart+ service with up to $15 in quarterly statement credits until July 2024, along with free access to DoorDash and Caviar.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. That equates to $900 for travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when booking travel through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 spent annually. Additionally, earn 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Airline transfer partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Air France / KLM, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

Travel benefits: Coverage for lost luggage and trip delays, baggage delay and travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, emergency travel and roadside assistance, as well as emergency transportation and medical benefits.

Credit score: Outstanding.

Annual fee: $550. Refer to rates and fees for details.

Pros

• Enjoy free access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally with the included Priority Pass membership.

• The $300 annual travel credit and $100 reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS enrollment significantly reduce the annual fee's impact.

• A generous welcome bonus valued at $900 for travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Cons

• Significant annual fee.

• Approval depends on Chase’s 5/24 rule; applicants with five or more credit cards opened in the past 24 months will be denied.

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners: Maximizing your value

Top credit card for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card provides an array of premium travel perks, such as access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, a $200 hotel credit for stays booked through American Express Travel with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, a $200 airline fee credit for incidental expenses with a selected airline, and a $189 credit for a CLEAR Plus membership.

Cardholders enjoy a $240 digital entertainment credit that covers up to $20 per month on select streaming services, a $155 credit for a monthly Walmart+ membership, and a $100 statement credit for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue ($50 every six months).

Other benefits include $200 in Uber Cash, which grants you Uber VIP status and up to $200 in savings on rides or delivery orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and VIP status are exclusive to the Basic Card Member. Terms Apply. Additionally, there's a $300 credit for Equinox memberships.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months after account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (capped at $500,000 annually); 5X points on hotel bookings via AmexTravel.com, including The Hotel Collection; and 1X point on all other purchases.

Transfer partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France / KLM, ANA, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, JetBlue, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.

Travel benefits: Includes baggage insurance, secondary coverage for standard rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, access to a global emergency assistance hotline, and emergency medical transport services.

Credit score: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $695. Refer to rates and fees.

Pros

• A wide range of transfer partners, including 17 airlines and three hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, and Choice Hotels).

• Generous statement credits available for a variety of travel, dining, and shopping expenses.

• A valuable welcome bonus worth $1,600 in travel when points are redeemed through American Express Membership Rewards.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• Provides secondary car insurance, unlike the mentioned Chase cards which offer primary coverage through the auto rental collision damage waiver.

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Top American Airlines credit card: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Fans of American Airlines will appreciate the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which grants complimentary access to the Admirals Club and affiliated lounges. You’ll also enjoy one free checked bag for yourself and up to eight travel companions on the same booking.

Cardholders benefit from a 25% discount on in-flight food and beverages, along with priority boarding, screening, and check-in when flying American Airlines. Additionally, you’ll earn a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment, plus statement credits for Avis and Budget rentals (up to $120 annually), GrubHub (up to $120 annually), and Lyft ($10 monthly after taking three eligible rides).

Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months after account opening.

Rewards: Earn 10X miles on car rentals and hotel bookings through American Airlines; 5X points for the rest of the year after reaching $150,000; 4X miles on purchases made with American Airlines; and 1X miles on all other transactions. Additionally, earn 10,000 bonus points upon reaching 50,000 points in a status qualification year, plus another 10,000 points if you hit 90,000 points within the same year.

Travel benefits: Coverage for trip delays, interruptions, and cancellations; protection for lost baggage; and car rental insurance.

Credit score: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $595. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Points accumulated through this card contribute towards achieving AAdvantage elite status.

• The Admirals Club membership included is valued at $850, making it a worthwhile benefit relative to the $595 annual fee (see rates and fees) — assuming you utilize it.

• Travel perks such as a complimentary checked bag and priority boarding on the day of travel.

Cons

• The annual fee is steep, particularly if you don’t frequent Admirals Club lounges.

• Opportunities to earn miles outside of American Airlines purchases are limited.

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Best United Airlines credit card: United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card holders enjoy complimentary United Club membership, granting access to select Star Alliance partner lounges globally. Cardholders benefit from expedited airport services, including priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling.

Additional benefits encompass up to two complimentary checked bags for you and a companion; a $100 statement credit applicable toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS enrollment; 25% back in statement credits for in-flight United purchases; up to 8,000 Premier Qualifying Points towards Premier status for every $12,000 spent; and a free one-year membership to DoorDash and Caviar.

Welcome bonus: Obtain 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 4X miles on United purchases, including flights, Wi-Fi, and in-flight food and beverages; 2X miles on travel and dining; and 1X mile for all other expenditures.

Travel benefits: Automatic Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards for hotels and Avis President’s Club for car rentals; access to The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection; baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement; trip delay, interruption, and cancellation insurance; auto rental collision damage waiver; and concierge services via Visa Infinite.

Credit score: Outstanding.

Annual fee: $525. Refer to rates and fees for details.

Pros

• The included United Club membership is valued at $650, making the annual fee worthwhile if you utilize it regularly.

• Benefits on travel days such as priority boarding and two complimentary checked bags.

• Opportunities to earn Premier Qualifying Points that contribute toward elite status.

Cons

• Few chances to accumulate miles outside of United Airlines transactions.

• Approval is contingent upon Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you won't qualify if you've opened five credit cards in the past 24 months.

Top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Best Delta Air Lines credit card: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Although Delta provides various cobranded cards, The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card stands out with a broad range of benefits for frequent travelers, including free access to Delta Sky Club lounges.

A major attraction of this card is the companion certificate you'll get annually upon renewal, which can be used for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flights within the U.S., Caribbean, or Central America. The Companion Ticket only requires you to pay government-imposed taxes and fees, capped at $80 for domestic round trips and $250 for international trips (valid for itineraries with up to four segments). Additional baggage fees and other limitations apply—see terms for details.

Here are the details regarding Delta Sky Club access:

• Benefit from complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Starting February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will get 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club each year; to qualify for unlimited visits annually from February 1, 2025, total eligible purchases on the Card must reach $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each year thereafter. After using all 15 visits, Eligible Card Members can buy additional Delta Sky Club visits at a rate of $50 per person using the Card.

• Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when flying Delta, allowing you to share the experience with family and friends.

• Access The Centurion® Lounge for free when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.

Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after making $6,000 in qualifying purchases within the first six months of Card Membership.

Rewards: Accumulate 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on all other qualifying transactions.

Limited-time offer: Claim your piece of history with the exclusive limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card design.

Travel benefits: Enjoy a 15% discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Note that this discount doesn't apply to partner-operated flights or associated taxes and fees, plus you get one free checked bag, priority boarding, access to a global emergency assistance hotline, and expert Concierge services.

Credit score: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $650. Refer to rates and fees.

Pros

• Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges, along with American Express Centurion lounges, though some restrictions apply.

• Day-of travel benefits include priority boarding and one free checked bag.

• Cardholders benefit from a 15% discount when booking award flights.

Cons

• Annual fee is on the higher side.

• Many benefits are set to change or be eliminated in 2025.

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Top credit card for Southwest Airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Among the various cobranded credit cards offered, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card stands out for its extensive benefits paired with a reasonable annual fee.

Cardholders receive 7,500 points each year on their anniversary, and all points earned with this card contribute towards acquiring the Southwest Companion Pass, allowing a friend or family member to fly for free for a year, just covering taxes and fees.

Welcome bonus: Receive 50,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 3X points on purchases made with Southwest Airlines; 2X points on transit, commuting, and rideshare expenses; 2X points for hotel and car rental bookings through Southwest Rapid Rewards; 2X points on cable, internet, phone, and streaming services; and 1X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy four upgraded boardings each year; earn 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year; a $75 annual travel credit with Southwest; receive 25% back on in-flight purchases; and earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points towards A-List elite status for every $10,000 spent.

Credit score: Ranges from good to excellent.

Annual fee: $149. Refer to rates and fees for more details.

Pros:

• Affordable annual fee along with a solid welcome bonus.

• Opportunities to earn points towards A-List elite status and the Southwest Companion Pass.

• Multiple avenues to accumulate points beyond just airline purchases.

Cons:

• Limited car rental insurance and missing standard travel insurance and delay protections.

• Approval is based on Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you won't qualify if you’ve opened five credit cards in the past 24 months.

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Who should consider an airline credit card?

Anyone looking to earn points for free flights or enjoy perks like free checked bags, lounge access, or the chance to gain status can benefit from having an airline credit card.

The top credit cards for airport lounge access

How to select the right airline credit card

If you frequently fly with a specific airline, especially if you're near its hub, a cobranded credit card could be a great fit. Conversely, if you prefer flexibility and are willing to fly with various carriers, a travel rewards credit card may offer more advantages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are airline credit cards a good investment?

Your choice largely depends on your goals. Are you aiming to accumulate enough points for a complimentary flight to Hawaii or to transfer points to a favorite airline for a free trip to Australia? If so, options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or The Platinum Card may suit you with their flexible rewards structure.

On the other hand, if your aim is to consistently benefit from free checked bags or enjoy upgrades and perks with a particular airline, a cobranded card from your chosen airline would be extremely useful.

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What are the advantages of opting for a flexible travel rewards credit card instead?

Ultimately, it boils down to your individual travel habits. If you prefer sticking to one airline, remember that you can also benefit from its partner airlines, thanks to its airline alliance and credit card loyalty program.

For example, holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve cards can enjoy access to 14 partners within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, whereas The Platinum Card offers 17 partners through American Express Membership Rewards.

How to use points and miles for travel to New Zealand

Is a credit card necessary to book a flight?

While using a credit card simplifies online payments and helps you earn rewards points for future travel, you can also purchase a plane ticket with a debit card, gift card, or via a payment platform like PayPal, if accepted by the booking site.

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*Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For further information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These perspectives have not been reviewed or endorsed by any of these organizations.