Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

19.11.2023 - 21:19 / thepointsguy.com

Airline credit cards have evolved alongside frequent flyer programs for over several decades. Initially, they offered simple bonuses for free flights, but now more options are available to consumers, including transferable points and fixed-value points programs.

The increasing number of airline credit cards has made it difficult for consumers to compare their value. Additionally, these cards are subject to constant changes in benefits, bonuses, fees and program restructuring.

So you might wonder if airline credit cards are worthwhile, especially premium ones with high annual fees.

However, there are still excellent airline credit cards with tailored perks for different types of travelers. So, consider these factors before deciding if an airline card is right for you.

When evaluating an airline card, you'll want to ensure you find an advantageous sign-up bonus. Take note of the spending requirements and assess if they are feasible. For instance, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card currently offers 80,000 points, but you need to spend $5,000 in the first three months to earn the sign-up bonus.

Additionally, it's important to research and compare the value of different welcome offers, as they often change. For example, the United Club Infinite Card currently offers an elevated sign-up bonus of 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Lastly, it's crucial to have a clear plan for how you intend to use the miles you earn. While earning 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months from the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is significant, ensure it aligns with your travel and redemption goals.

Related: Here are the best credit card welcome offers

Consider your card's annual fee. Some airline credit cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (see rates and fees) and the JetBlue Card, don't have annual fees. However, these are exceptions. These cards can be suitable for occasional travelers who want to accumulate miles inexpensively without prioritizing day-of-travel perks.

On the higher end, cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (see rates and fees), the United Club Infinite Card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) have annual fees of over $500. These fees may be worthwhile for frequent flyers who can make the most of the additional benefits like lounge access and earning elite-qualifying miles or points based on spending.

Most popular airline credit cards charge around $100 per year. Examples include the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard ($99), the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American