Best Airline Credit Cards 2026
Earn miles and flight perks with airline credit cards.10 cards worth $8,005+ in sign-up bonuses.
Airline Card Benefits
Capital One Venture Rewards
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
JetBlue Plus Card
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Delta SkyMiles Gold Card
Capital One Venture X
United Explorer Card
AAdvantage Aviator Red
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airline credit card?
It depends on which airline you fly most. The Delta SkyMiles Gold is great for Delta flyers (free checked bag, priority boarding). For Southwest, the Priority card earns toward the Companion Pass. For general flexibility, consider a transferable points card like Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Is a free checked bag worth the annual fee?
Checked bag fees are $30-40 each way. If you check a bag on 2+ roundtrips per year, the $99 annual fee on most airline cards pays for itself through free bag savings alone — before counting any other benefits.
What is a companion pass and how do I get one?
Southwest's Companion Pass lets a designated companion fly free (just pay taxes) on every flight for up to 2 years. You earn it by accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year — sign-up bonuses from Southwest credit cards count toward this.
Should I get an airline card or a general travel card?
If you're loyal to one airline and fly them 4+ times per year, an airline card maximizes your benefits (free bags, upgrades, bonus miles). If you fly different airlines, a general travel card with transferable points gives more flexibility.