Top 10 Best Airline Credit Cards in November 2024

Looking to elevate your travel game? Dive into our list of the best airline credit cards that offer a ticket to exclusive perks, from bonus miles to priority boarding. Discover how these cards can soar you through the skies with rewards and benefits tailored for frequent flyers.

Ready to jet set with top-notch travel rewards? Scroll down for reviews of our top picks and find out which airline credit card will take your journeys to new heights.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earning rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is made easy with 2x points on travel and dining purchases, catering to frequent travelers and food enthusiasts alike. The absence of foreign transaction fees adds value for those who frequently venture abroad, saving money on each international purchase.

Moreover, the ability to transfer points to a variety of airline and hotel partners enhances flexibility and maximizes the value of accrued points. This feature allows cardholders to leverage their rewards across different loyalty programs, potentially unlocking exclusive perks or upgrades.

For individuals who prioritize travel and dining expenses in their spending habits, this credit card offers a compelling way to earn rewards efficiently without incurring extra costs during international transactions. The seamless point transfer system further amplifies the benefits by providing diverse redemption options tailored to varying preferences.

2. American Express® Gold Card

Earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide, making dining out a rewarding experience every time. This perk is ideal for food enthusiasts who love exploring different cuisines and eateries.

Receive up to $120 dining credit annually, which can significantly offset your restaurant expenses throughout the year. It’s like getting a bonus each time you dine out using this card.

Enjoy exclusive access to events that add an extra layer of luxury and excitement to your lifestyle. From VIP concerts to special culinary experiences, these perks elevate your overall cardholder experience.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward rewards structure:

• Earn 2x Miles on Every Purchase: With no categories to keep track of, you earn double miles on all your spending.
• Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem your miles for any airline ticket or hotel stay without worrying about blackout dates or seat restrictions.

This card is ideal for those who value simplicity and versatility in their rewards program. Whether you travel frequently or prefer cashback options, the flexibility of this card makes it easy to maximize your benefits without the hassle of navigating complex reward systems.

For example, if you spend $1,000 a month on everyday purchases like groceries and gas, you could earn 24,000 miles in a year just from these expenses alone. This translates into significant savings when redeemed for flights or hotel stays.

Furthermore, by utilizing the 2x miles feature efficiently across various spending categories such as dining out or shopping online, cardholders can quickly accumulate substantial rewards that enhance their overall travel experiences.

4. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®

Earn 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, providing a significant boost to your mileage accumulation for future travels. This perk can quickly add up, especially if you frequently fly with American Airlines.

Enjoy preferred boarding and the first checked bag free, making your travel experience smoother and more cost-effective. These benefits can save you time at the airport and money on baggage fees.

Receive 25% savings on in-flight purchases, allowing you to enjoy discounts on snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, or entertainment during your flights. This feature enhances your overall flying experience by providing additional value for using the card.

5. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Earn 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, making it ideal for frequent flyers who want to maximize their rewards. With an annual bonus of 7,500 points on your card anniversary, you can quickly accumulate points towards flights and upgrades.

Enjoy perks like upgraded boardings that allow you to choose the best seats and complimentary in-flight drinks to enhance your travel experience. These benefits cater to both comfort and convenience during your journeys with Southwest Airlines.

The ability to earn double points on airline purchases provides a significant advantage for those who frequently fly with Southwest. The yearly bonus ensures a steady accumulation of extra points without requiring additional spending.

6. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card presents an array of benefits for frequent travelers:

• Earn double miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants globally, making it ideal for those who love to explore and dine out.
• Receive a $100 Delta flight credit upon spending $10,000 in a calendar year, providing an incentive for cardholders to maximize their usage.
• Enjoy perks such as priority boarding and the first checked bag free, streamlining the travel experience with added convenience.

This card caters to individuals seeking rewards tailored to air travel and dining experiences. With its focus on airline-specific benefits like bonus miles on flights and lifestyle perks such as restaurant rewards, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is designed to enhance every aspect of your journey.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or someone who enjoys fine dining while collecting rewards along the way, this credit card offers a seamless blend of travel advantages and everyday indulgences that can elevate your overall experience.

7. United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card offers impressive benefits for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines:

• Earn Rewards: Get 2x miles on United purchases and at restaurants worldwide.
• Travel Perks: Enjoy a free checked bag and priority boarding, making your travel experience smoother.
• United Club Access: Receive two United Club one-time passes annually, enhancing your airport stay with lounge amenities.

This card is ideal for those who want to maximize their rewards on airline expenses while enjoying perks like priority boarding and lounge access.

8. JetBlue Plus Card

The JetBlue Plus Card offers excellent benefits for frequent flyers:

• Earn 6x points on JetBlue purchases, making it ideal for those who frequently travel with the airline.
• Get 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores, allowing you to accumulate points even when not flying.
• Receive a $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more, providing savings on your travels.
• Enjoy a free first checked bag for yourself and up to three companions, making your travel experience more convenient and cost-effective.

With these perks, the JetBlue Plus Card stands out as a valuable option for individuals who prefer flying with JetBlue and want to maximize their rewards both in the air and on the ground.

9. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Earn 3x miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, allowing you to accumulate rewards quickly with every dollar spent. This feature is especially beneficial for frequent flyers or those who prefer this airline.

Receive an annual companion fare starting at $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees), making it easier and more affordable to travel with a partner or friend. This perk adds significant value to the card, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Enjoy a free checked bag not only for yourself but also for up to six companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit can lead to substantial savings, particularly for families or groups traveling together.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card stands out for its generous rewards system tailored towards Alaska Airlines loyalists. The annual companion fare and free checked bags are key highlights that make this card appealing, especially for those who frequently fly with Alaska Airlines.

10. British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Earn 3x Avios on British Airways purchases and 2x Avios on hotel bookings, maximizing your rewards for travel expenses.

By spending $30,000 in a calendar year, you qualify for a Travel Together Ticket—an excellent incentive for frequent flyers looking to save on companion fares.

Enjoy exclusive discounts specifically tailored to British Airways flights, enhancing your overall travel experience with added savings.

The card’s focus on rewarding travel-related expenses makes it ideal for individuals who frequently fly with British Airways or stay at partner hotels.

Benefit from the flexibility of redeeming Avios points across various destinations within the extensive network of OneWorld alliance partners.

Access to premium perks such as priority boarding and airport lounge passes can significantly elevate your travel comfort and convenience levels.

Summary

You’ve now explored a range of top airline credit cards, each offering unique perks and benefits. From the travel rewards of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the airline-specific advantages of cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, there’s a card tailored to suit your travel habits and preferences. Whether you’re a frequent flyer seeking elite status or a casual traveler looking for flexible rewards, these options cater to various needs.

As you consider which airline credit card aligns best with your lifestyle, remember to assess factors like annual fees, bonus offers, and rewards structures. Don’t forget to think about your most common travel destinations and habits to maximize the benefits each card offers. By choosing wisely, you can elevate your travel experiences and make the most of every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card worth the annual fee?

Yes, if you travel frequently and enjoy benefits like travel insurance, rewards for dining and travel purchases, as well as flexible redemption options. The card’s perks often outweigh its annual fee.

Which airline credit card is best for frequent flyers?

The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for frequent flyers due to its generous rewards on flights and dining, statement credits for eligible purchases, and premium travel benefits like airport lounge access.

Can I earn bonus miles with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card?

Absolutely! The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a substantial welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements. Plus, you can earn unlimited miles on every purchase to use towards future travels.

What are the main advantages of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®?

With this card, you can enjoy perks such as free checked bags on domestic flights with American Airlines, priority boarding, and earning AAdvantage miles that never expire. It’s great for loyal American Airlines travelers.

How does the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card benefit me?

This card provides valuable perks like anniversary points each year, upgraded boardings when available, in-flight savings on drinks or Wi-Fi purchases from Southwest®, plus accelerated points earning potential. Perfect for Southwest enthusiasts!