8 Best Airline Credit Cards for Points, Free Checked Bags, and Lounge Access

11.08.2023 - 00:27 / afar.com

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Beyond top general travel cards like the Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, there are a number of airline-specific credit cards appealing to all types of frequent (or not so frequent) fliers. Some airlines go as far as offering an entire range of cards, at one end catering to carrier loyalists, at the other those who cringe at high annual fees and paying for checked baggage (and will do anything not to). Several cards are also available to those who simply want to earn points fast through introductory offers and fly for free.

Even if you only plan to take a few trips in the near future, carrying an airline credit card can be your ticket to a world of perks. Plus, all the bonus miles you can earn will come in handy for booking award flights in the future. Here’s what to look for in an airline credit card and the best ones to apply for.

When deciding on an airline credit card, consider the following possible benefits.

Each airline credit card will check some of these boxes but not all. Think about the perks you value (and will use) most, the airlines you tend to fly, and the annual fee you are willing to pay, and then focus on the cards that shake out in the mix. We’ve made it easy for you below by highlighting the key features of the eight best airline credit cards to sign up for right now.

New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points within 12 months of opening an account.

Photo by Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock

If you want a great card for earning points quickly through welcome offers and with excellent redemption opportunities, consider these airline credit cards.

The Aeroplan® Credit Card is best for those who have advanced knowledge of maximizing the use of points and miles. Naturally, the card is a smart choice for those who travel on Air Canada, but it’s even better for those looking to bank valuable Aeroplan miles quickly. (This frequent-flier program has more award partners than any other loyalty program in the world—currently 45 and counting—serving more than 1,300 global destinations.)

The Southwest Rapid Rewards®