Credit cards that offer airline miles can be an excellent way to earn rewards that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. These cards typically offer a variety of perks, such as bonus miles for signing up, no foreign transaction fees, and priority boarding. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best credit cards for airline miles.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular choice among frequent travelers, thanks to its generous rewards program. Cardholders earn 2x points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, or transferred to several partner airlines, including United, British Airways, and Southwest.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 100,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Annual fee: $95
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points can be transferred to several partner airlines
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Primary rental car insurance
- American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is another excellent option for earning airline miles. Cardholders earn 4x points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, 4x points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per year), 3x points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
- Annual fee: $250
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points can be transferred to several partner airlines
- $120 dining credit (divided into monthly $10 credits) at participating restaurants
- $100 airline fee credit per calendar year
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who prefer a straightforward rewards program. Cardholders earn 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, at a value of 1 cent per mile.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Annual fee: $95
- No foreign transaction fees
- Miles can be redeemed for any travel expenses
- Up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers. Cardholders earn 2x miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, 2x miles per dollar spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
- No foreign transaction fees
- Priority boarding and first checked bag free on Delta flights
- $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year
- Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is a great option for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. Cardholders earn 2x miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, gas stations, and restaurants, and 1x mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards through American Airlines’ AAdvantage program.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Annual fee: $99 (waived for the first 12 months)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights
- United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card is a great option for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. Cardholders earn 2x miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards through United Airlines’ MileagePlus program.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Annual fee: $95
- No foreign transaction fees
- Priority boarding on United Airlines flights
- First checked bag free on United Airlines flights
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a great option for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. Cardholders earn 2x points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other rewards through Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program.
Key features:
- Sign-up bonus: 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Annual fee: $69
- No foreign transaction fees
- 3,000 bonus points each year on your account anniversary
- First and second checked bags fly free on Southwest Airlines flights
Choosing the Right Airline Miles Credit Card
When choosing an airline miles credit card, it’s important to consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and overall financial goals. Some cards offer higher rewards rates on specific categories, while others have more flexible rewards programs that allow you to redeem points for a variety of travel expenses.
Here are a few key factors to consider when comparing airline miles credit cards:
- Rewards rates: How many miles or points do you earn per dollar spent? Are there bonus categories that offer higher rewards rates?
- Redemption options: How flexible are the rewards program? Can you redeem points for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel expenses?
- Sign-up bonus: What is the sign-up bonus, and what are the requirements for earning it?
- Annual fee: What is the annual fee, and is it worth paying for the benefits and rewards offered by the card?
- Additional perks: Does the card offer any additional perks, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, or travel insurance?
Final Thoughts
An airline miles credit card can be a great way to earn rewards that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a card that fits your spending habits, travel preferences, and overall financial goals. By comparing the features and benefits of different cards, you can find the one that best suits your needs and helps you maximize your rewards.
