Top credit cards that offer airline fee reimbursements

Whether you call it a la carte pricing or simply nickel-and-diming, air travelers are often bombarded with a range of fees for various services.

Many of the top airline credit cards include benefits that resemble basic elite status perks—like complimentary checked bags—that can help you sidestep some of these charges. Additionally, other travel credit cards provide credits to help users mitigate or eliminate extra airline costs such as selecting seats or accessing inflight Wi-Fi.

However, the way these credits work can vary significantly between cards, and they aren’t always the simplest to redeem.

Let’s take a detailed look at the best credit cards that offer airline fee credits and tips on how to effectively use them.

A comparison of the leading cards offering airline fee credits

*The details for these cards have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Each of these cards enables you to earn statement credits for airline fees and incidental expenses. For Amex cards, credits are applicable only to a specific airline that you select in advance.

All welcome bonus valuations listed below are derived from TPG's August 2024 valuations.

Insights into the best cards offering airline fee credits

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Amex Platinum comes with a $695 annual fee that might raise some eyebrows, but if you take full advantage of the card's perks, you can easily rationalize the cost.

Current welcome bonus: Receive 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of card membership.

Welcome bonus value: $1,600

Annual fee: $695

Earning rates: 5 points for every dollar spent on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel and flights purchased directly with the airline (up to 500,000 points each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

How the airline fee credit functions: Each calendar year, Amex Platinum cardholders can receive up to $200 in credits for airline fees, applicable only to one selected airline — you must choose this airline in advance from the following options:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue
• Spirit Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Once you make your initial airline choice, you can change it once a year in January — although Amex usually allows for changes later in the year if no credits have been used. You can make your selection or annual update on Amex's website.

Here are the types of airline fees that qualify for the credit:

• Checked baggage fees
• Overweight and oversized baggage fees
• Change or cancellation fees
• Phone reservation fees
• Pet fees
• Day passes and memberships for airport lounges
• Seat selection fees
• Inflight amenities (such as beverages, meals, pillows/blankets, etc.)
• Inflight entertainment (excluding Wi-Fi)

Per the card’s terms, the airline fee credit cannot be used for airfare, upgrades, purchases of miles or points, fees for transferring miles or points, gift cards, duty-free items, or award tickets. Additionally, if a fee is bundled into a single transaction with your airfare purchase, it may not activate the credit.

Additional key benefits: The Amex Platinum card offers other credits, including up to $200 in annual Uber credits (link your Amex Platinum Card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card), an up to $199 Clear Plus membership credit, and up to $200 in hotel credits per year, along with access to a variety of airport lounges. Enrollment may be necessary for certain benefits, and terms apply. A minimum stay of two nights is required to qualify for The Hotel Collection benefits.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Amex Platinum card.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

If you run a business and can meet this card's spending threshold, the Amex Business Platinum provides some impressive advantages.

Current welcome bonus: Receive 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 within the first three months of card membership.

Welcome bonus value: $3,000

Annual fee: $695

Earning rates: 5 points for every dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, 1.5 points per dollar on purchases in select business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million annually for these purchases, then 1 point per dollar), and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

How the airline fee credit functions: The airline incidentals credit for the Amex Business Platinum operates similarly to the Amex Platinum credit mentioned earlier. Each calendar year, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits for eligible expenses with your chosen airline, which must be selected in advance.

Keep in mind that you must enroll and select an airline; otherwise, you won’t receive the statement credits. Terms apply.

Additional key benefits: The Business Platinum card also offers up to $400 in annual Dell credits for U.S. purchases each calendar year (up to $200 every six months), up to $120 in wireless service credits each year, and a Clear Plus membership statement credit of up to $199 annually.

The card provides exclusive airport lounge access and benefits of hotel elite status. Some perks require prior enrollment; terms apply.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Amex Business Platinum Card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Loyal Hilton guests will appreciate the fantastic travel perks that come with the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire.

Current welcome bonus: Receive 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within your first six months of card membership.

Welcome bonus value: $900

Annual fee: $550

Earning rates: 14 points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts, 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, 7 points per dollar with select rental car companies and at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), and 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

How the airline fee credit functions: The Hilton Honors Aspire card provides up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year (up to $50 per quarter). These credits apply to flight purchases made directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com.

Additional key benefits: The Hilton Honors Aspire card offers numerous other perks, including premier Hilton Honors Diamond status, a free night reward on each account anniversary, up to $400 in annual credits at Hilton resorts each calendar year (up to $200 every six months), and up to $100 in on-property credits at Waldorf Astoria and Concord properties for minimum two-night stays each calendar year.

Learn more: Hilton Honors Amex Aspire

Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card

If high annual fees aren't appealing to you, the Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a perfect fit.

Current welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Welcome bonus value: Points hold a fixed value of 1 cent each, making this bonus worth $600.

Annual fee: $95

Earning rates: 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. These rates can increase if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program.

How the airline fee credit functions: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card provides up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits each calendar year. You don’t need to select a single airline, but the benefit is valid only for U.S. airlines and flights that originate in the U.S. Eligible purchases include:

• Upgrades for preferred seating
• Fees for ticket changes or cancellations
• Checked baggage fees
• Inflight entertainment costs
• Charges for onboard food and beverages
• Airport lounge fees associated with eligible airlines

Unfortunately, this credit cannot be used with Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, or Sun Country Airlines.

The terms also specify that the following purchases do not qualify for the credit:

• Airline ticket purchases
• Purchases of miles and points
• Fees for transferring miles and points
• Gift cards
• Duty-free purchases
• Award tickets
• Fees incurred with airline alliance partners

Additional key benefits: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card also reimburses your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee and offers travel insurance protections.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card

If having transfer partners isn't a priority and you're looking for a premium card, consider the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite.

Current welcome bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Welcome bonus value: Since Bank of America points can only be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per point, this welcome bonus amounts to $750.

Annual fee: $550

Earning rates: Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining expenditures, and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. Additionally, as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn up to 75% more points on every purchase.

How the airline fee credit functions: Receive up to $300 in annual airline fee credits, following the same terms as the Premium Rewards card. This means the credits may not apply to airlines based outside the U.S. or flights not originating in the U.S.

Additional key benefits: In addition to airline fee credits, you'll receive up to $150 annually in lifestyle credits for services such as streaming, food delivery, fitness memberships, and ride-hailing services; plus, you'll get a credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Additional perks include up to four Priority Pass lounge visits each year and a 20% discount on flights when redeeming points.

The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card

If you're eligible to transition from another Chase Marriott cobranded card to the Ritz-Carlton card, it's definitely worth a look.

Current welcome bonus: None. This card is not open to new applicants, but you can switch to this credit card from another Chase card.

Annual fee: $450

Earning rates: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy locations, 3 points per dollar on dining, car rentals, and airline purchases, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

How the airline fee credit works: You can claim up to $300 in airline fee credits each year. Unlike many other cards, you'll need to request the credit for eligible expenses rather than having it applied automatically.

Eligible expenses include checked baggage fees, inflight purchases (like Wi-Fi), and seat upgrades. We've noticed mixed success when using these credits for airfare or taxes on award tickets with low amounts.

Other key perks: You'll receive a Priority Pass membership with unlimited guest access, authorized user cards at no extra cost (each comes with its own Priority Pass membership), and a free night award valued at up to 85,000 points, granted each year on your account anniversary.

Additional perks include 15 elite night credits added to your Marriott Bonvoy account annually, automatic Marriott Gold Elite status, and reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

For more information, check out how to obtain the discontinued Ritz-Carlton card.

Cards offering general travel credits

If the restrictions mentioned earlier are a concern for you, you're not alone. Fortunately, many of the leading travel rewards credit cards feature travel credits that apply to a wide range of categories, making them easier for most users to utilize. Here's a summary of these cards and how their travel credits work.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers $300 in travel credits annually. These credits can be used for a variety of expenses, including airfare, hotels, public transportation, Uber rides, and even Disney World tickets (depending on your purchase location). The card's annual fee is $550.

For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Citi Prestige Card

Though the Citi Prestige card is no longer open to new applicants, it still provides great value for existing cardholders. Alongside a "fourth-night free" benefit, it offers up to $250 in annual travel credits, applicable to airline fees, hotel stays, ticket purchases, and more.

The card comes with an annual fee of $495.

Learn more: Citi Prestige

The details for the Citi Prestige card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information presented on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

With the Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you will enjoy a $300 travel credit every calendar year. However, this credit is exclusively applicable to bookings made through Capital One Travel, covering flights, hotels, and rental cars.

The card carries an annual fee of $395 (see rates and fees).

For more information, check out our full review of the Venture X card.

Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business includes many of the same benefits as the Venture X card, offering the same anniversary bonus miles (10,000), earning rates, and $300 in annual credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel.

The card comes with an annual fee of $395 (see rates and fees).

For further details, check our full review of the Venture X Business card.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

The Altitude Reserve card provides up to $325 in annual credits each year on your cardmember anniversary. Notably, these credits can be utilized for travel expenses as well as dining at restaurants and bars. Credits should automatically apply to your account within a few days.

The annual fee for this card is $400.

Discover more: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

The details for the Altitude Reserve card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information provided here has not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.

Final thoughts

Having a credit card that provides airline fee credits is an excellent way to offset costs like checked baggage, flight modifications, and in-flight purchases. Amex cards typically require you to choose a specific airline beforehand, whereas other cards may offer credits that apply more broadly.

However, these airline fee credits generally don't match the value of the more versatile travel credits available with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige, or Venture X. It would be beneficial if airline travel credits became easier to utilize with fewer limitations in the future.