Did you know some credit cards offer up to 80,000 bonus points or miles just for signing up? With the right airline rewards credit card, frequent flyers can get more from their travels. They can earn free flights, upgrades, and more. Discover the top 5 credit cards that can elevate your travel experience.
Key Takeaways
- Earn lucrative sign-up bonuses worth thousands of dollars in free travel
- Enjoy valuable perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and airport lounge access
- Accelerate your miles/points earning with bonus categories for travel, dining, and more
- Leverage credit card rewards to book award flights and redeem for hotel stays, rental cars, and other travel
- Choose a card that aligns with your preferred airline to maximize benefits and redemption options
Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers: The Essential Guide
Finding the best airline credit cards and their benefits can seem tough. But, with the right info, you can learn how to get the most from your miles and enjoy top rewards. This guide is for those who fly often, whether with one airline or many. It will show you the best credit cards for miles to improve your travel.
When picking frequent flyer credit cards, look for ones with big rewards on airline buys. Also, check for perks like free bags, fast boarding, and lounge access. These benefits can greatly improve your travel and help you earn miles faster.
We’ve gathered the top frequent flyer programs and cards for 2024. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offer special features for different flyers. Whether you stick with one airline or fly with many, there’s a card for you.
Get ready to boost your travel rewards and earn miles like an expert with our 2024 guide. Let’s look at the best options and learn how to easily earn miles with frequent flyer credit cards.
“The key to maximizing your travel experience is finding the right credit card that aligns with your frequent flyer habits and preferences.”
Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Flexible Redemption and Big Bonus
If you fly often and want a credit card with great travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great pick. It has a big sign-up bonus and a strong way to earn points that can boost your travel rewards.
Earning Structure and Signup Bonus
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives you a big sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This bonus is worth $750 when you use it through Chase Travel℠.
On top of the sign-up bonus, the card offers:
- 2 points per dollar on travel purchases
- 5 points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases
- 3 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Plus, cardholders get a 10% annual points bonus. This is 10% of the points you earned the year before.
Travel Redemption Options
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card lets you use your rewards in many ways. When you use your points for travel through Chase Travel, they’re worth 25% more. So, your 60,000 points can get you $750 in travel.
You can also transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt Gold Passport. This lets you book travel with your favorite providers and get the most out of your rewards.
The card also offers a $50 annual hotel credit. This adds more value for frequent travelers. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or other travel costs, this card makes it flexible and rewarding.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for Delta Air Lines
If you often fly with Delta Air Lines, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a great pick. It earns extra rewards on Delta flights and offers perks that make flying better.
Bonus Categories and Welcome Offer
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you 2X miles on Delta flights, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants worldwide. This includes takeout and delivery in the U.S. It’s a great card for everyday spending, helping you earn Delta miles fast. Plus, you get a welcome offer of 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. This gives you a boost towards your travel goals.
Delta-Specific Perks and Benefits
- Enjoy a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year.
- Get a free checked bag on Delta flights for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
- Receive priority boarding on Delta flights.
- Earn 15% mileage redemption discount when booking Award Travel on Delta flights.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is perfect for Delta fans. It offers great earning potential, valuable perks, and a big welcome bonus. This makes your Delta travel better.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®: Ideal for American Airlines
If you fly with American Airlines often, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a great choice. You can earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles by spending $3,500 in the first 4 months. Plus, there’s a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, and $99 after that.
This card also has a great earning system. You get 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, gas stations, and on American Airlines purchases. For other purchases, you get 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent. Plus, save up to $400 per round trip with the first checked bag free benefit on domestic flights.
There are more benefits too. You can get a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after spending $20,000 or more in a year and renewing your card. There are no foreign transaction fees. And, you’ll get 25% off on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights with this card.
This card also helps you get AAdvantage® elite status faster. You get 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases. This is great for frequent flyers who want more perks and benefits.
In summary, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a fantastic choice for American Airlines fans. It offers great earning potential, valuable perks, and ways to get elite status faster.
United℠ Explorer Card: Top Pick for United Airlines
If you often fly with United Airlines, the United℠ Explorer Card is a great choice. It comes with many benefits for loyal United passengers. This card is perfect for those who want to get the most from their travel rewards.
Earning Miles and Elite Benefits
The United℠ Explorer Card gives you 2 miles for every dollar you spend on United flights, restaurants, and hotel stays. This means you can earn United MileagePlus® miles fast. You can use these miles for flights, upgrades, and more.
But there’s more. Cardholders get perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club℠ lounge passes a year. These can save you time and money at the airport, making your trip better.
United-Centric Travel Perks
The United℠ Explorer Card makes flying with United smoother. You’ll get a 25% statement credit on in-flight purchases like food and Wi-Fi. This can lower your flight costs, giving you more value from your trips.
Also, the card helps you earn elite-qualifying miles and segments. This is great for those trying to get or keep United Premier® status.
The United℠ Explorer Card is a top pick for those who often fly with United. It offers many benefits to make your travel better and help you use your miles wisely. If you want to earn rewards faster or enjoy special perks, this card is a smart choice for your travel rewards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority: Southwest Airlines Standout
If you’re a loyal Southwest Airlines flyer, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a great choice. It doesn’t offer the highest rewards or biggest sign-up bonus. But, its valuable perks and benefits make it a top pick for frequent travelers.
Earning Rapid Rewards Points
With this card, you earn 3 points per $1 on Southwest Airlines purchases. You also get 2 points per $1 on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services. All other purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent. Plus, you get a 10,000-point boost toward the Companion Pass each year.
Benefits and Annual Travel Credit
- Enjoy a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, which can be used towards flights, seat upgrades, and other eligible purchases.
- Receive 4 upgraded boardings per year when available, giving you early access to the best seats on Southwest flights.
- Earn 25% back on in-flight purchases, including drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi.
- Earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent, helping you achieve elite status faster.
The $149 annual fee makes the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card a great choice for Southwest loyalists. It offers a mix of earning potential and valuable travel benefits.
| Earning Rates | Annual Benefits | Other Features |
|---|---|---|
| 3X points on Southwest purchases 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services 1X points on all other purchases 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year | $75 annual Southwest travel credit 4 upgraded boardings per year when available 25% back on in-flight purchases | 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent annually $149 annual fee (offset by $75 travel credit) Recommended credit score: 670-850 FICO |
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®: West Coast Flyers’ Favorite
If you’re a frequent flyer on the West Coast, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is perfect for you. It offers great mileage earning rates and a big welcome bonus. But its best feature is the annual Companion Fare benefit, which can save you hundreds on trips.
Mileage Earning and Welcome Bonus
With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, you’ll earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines purchases. You’ll also earn 2 miles per $1 on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services, and local transit. And 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. The welcome bonus is a generous 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
The Famous Companion Fare Benefit
- Cardholders can enjoy an annual Companion Fare, starting at just $122 plus taxes and fees, when you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
- This valuable perk allows you to book a companion ticket for a fraction of the regular price. It’s an excellent way to save on flights with a loved one.
- Additionally, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card offers a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation. This adds more value for frequent flyers.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card has a $95 annual fee. But the Companion Fare benefit and other perks make it worth it. It’s a top choice for West Coast travelers loyal to the airline.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Earning Rates | 3x on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2x on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming, and local transit, 1x on all other purchases |
| Companion Fare | $122+ to book a companion ticket, valid for one flight per year |
| Free Checked Bag | For cardholder and up to 6 companions on the same reservation |
JetBlue Plus Card: For JetBlue Loyalists
If you fly with JetBlue often, the JetBlue Plus Card is a great choice. It has lots of benefits and ways to earn more. These make it a top pick for those who always choose JetBlue.
The JetBlue Plus Card is great for earning TrueBlue points. You get 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X point on everything else. Plus, you get a 50,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. This bonus is worth up to $675, according to The Points Guy.
- Earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases
- Earn 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
- Earn 1X point on all other purchases
- Enjoy a 50,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
There’s more to the JetBlue Plus Card. You get a free checked bag for you and up to three friends on the same trip. You’ll also save 50% on food and drinks on the plane. And, you get a 5,000-point anniversary bonus each year. Spend $50,000 a year to get TrueBlue Mosaic status for even more perks.
The JetBlue Plus Card is perfect for loyal JetBlue passengers or anyone wanting to get more from their travel. It offers great earning rates, useful benefits, and a big welcome bonus. It’s a card worth thinking about for any JetBlue fan.
No-Annual-Fee Options: American AAdvantage® MileUp® and More
If you fly now and then, you might want to earn miles without paying an annual fee. Luckily, American Airlines, Delta, and United offer credit cards with no annual fee. These include the American AAdvantage® MileUp®, Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, and United Gateway℠ Card.
These cards don’t have all the perks of cards with fees, like free bags or priority boarding. But, they let you earn miles on your everyday buys. For instance, the American AAdvantage® MileUp® card gives you 2 miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores and on American Airlines purchases. You get 1 mile for every $1 on all other buys.
| Card | Earning Rate | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| American AAdvantage® MileUp® | 2X miles on grocery stores and eligible AA purchases, 1X on other | 15,000 miles after $500 spend in 3 months | $0 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card | 2X miles on eligible Delta purchases, 1X on other | 10,000 miles after $500 spend in 3 months | $0 |
| United Gateway℠ Card | 2X miles on eligible grocery and gas purchases, 1X on other | 30,000 miles after $1,000 spend in 3 months | $0 |
These no-annual-fee cards might not have as many perks as the premium ones. But, they can still be great for earning american aadvantage mileup, delta skymiles blue american express, or united gateway card miles without the extra cost. Think about how you travel and spend to see if one of these no annual fee airline credit cards or best no annual fee airline credit cards fits your needs.
Premium Airline Cards: Luxury Perks and Lounge Access
For those who travel often, premium airline credit cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the United Club℠ Infinite Card are top choices. They come with big annual fees but offer lots of luxury perks. These cards are perfect for serious travelers who want the best.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has an annual fee of $650. But it’s packed with benefits for Delta fans. You get to use Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges when flying Delta. Plus, you get a free Delta Sky Club membership for more lounge access.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
The United Club℠ Infinite Card costs $525 a year. It gives you access to United Club and some Star Alliance Lounges. Enjoy free food, drinks, and a quiet spot before your flight. You also get priority boarding and free checked bags, making your trip better.
These cards are made for frequent flyers. They offer many luxury benefits to make your travel better. If you often fly with Delta or United, these cards are a great choice for lounge access and more.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Travel with the Right Frequent Flyer Card
Choosing the right credit card can greatly improve your travel rewards and benefits. Look at different airline credit cards to find the best fit for your travel style. Whether you stick with one airline or like to switch, there’s a card for you. It can help you earn more miles, get great perks, and even reach elite status.
Think about the card’s earning system, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and benefits when picking one. Airline cards offer perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, in-flight discounts, and lounge access. These can make your trips better and help pay for the annual fee. Some cards also give you special perks like companion fares or credits, adding more value.
To get the most from your airline credit card, use its features often. Match your card with your main airline and spend in bonus categories to earn miles and rewards faster. With the right approach, you can make the most of your frequent flyer card and travel better.
FAQ
What are the top credit cards for frequent flyers?
The best credit cards for those who fly often are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, and more. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, United℠ Explorer Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card are also great choices.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing an airline credit card?
When picking an airline credit card, think about which airline you fly most, how much value you get from miles or points, and what perks you want. These include free checked bags, getting on the plane first, and access to airport lounges.
Why is it important to leverage credit card rewards for frequent flyers?
Using credit card rewards can help frequent flyers get free flights and other travel perks. This makes the most of their travel spending.
What makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card a top pick for frequent flyers?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is great because you can use your points in many ways. It also has a big sign-up bonus and rewards for travel, dining, streaming, and groceries.
What are the key benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you more rewards for Delta flights, eating out, and buying groceries in the U.S. You also get a free checked bag and board early.
Why is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® ideal for American Airlines frequent flyers?
This card is perfect for American Airlines flyers because it rewards you at gas stations and restaurants, offers a big sign-up bonus, and has perks like a free bag and boarding first.
What makes the United℠ Explorer Card the top pick for United Airlines frequent flyers?
The United℠ Explorer Card gives you more rewards for flying with United, eating out, and staying in hotels. It also offers perks like a free bag, boarding early, and United Club passes.
What are the standout features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has an annual travel credit, a big anniversary bonus, and other perks. These make it worth the annual fee for Southwest flyers.
Why is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card a favorite among West Coast frequent flyers?
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card is loved for its high mileage earning, a big welcome bonus, and the annual Companion Fare benefit. It’s a good deal for the annual fee.
What makes the JetBlue Plus Card the top choice for JetBlue Airways frequent flyers?
The JetBlue Plus Card is the best for JetBlue fans because it offers lots of JetBlue TrueBlue points, a big welcome bonus, a free bag, and an anniversary bonus.
How do the no-annual-fee airline credit card options compare to the annual-fee cards?
No-annual-fee cards like the American AAdvantage® MileUp®, Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, and United Gateway℠ Card are great for occasional flyers. They let you earn airline miles without the high fees of annual-fee cards.
What are the benefits of the premium airline credit cards?
Premium airline cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the United Club℠ Infinite Card, offer luxury perks. These include lounge access, an annual companion ticket, free bags, and boarding early.
