Best Cards with Free Checked Bags 2026

Airline credit cards that include free checked bags on flights, saving $30-60+ per round trip. 6 cards with $5,930+ in total sign-up bonus value.

Chase

United Explorer Card

85,000 miles
~$1,275 value
Spend Required$3,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee$150(waived yr 1)
Base Rewards1x on all purchases
2x United2x dining2x hotels
Apply NowDetails
Barclays

JetBlue Plus Card

75,000 points
~$1,125 value
Spend Required$1,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee$99
Base Rewards1x on all purchases
6x JetBlue2x restaurants2x groceries
Apply NowDetails
American Express

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card

100,000 miles
~$1,100 value
Spend Required$4,000 in 6 months
Annual Fee$350
Base Rewards1x on all purchases
3x Delta2x restaurants2x groceries+1 more
Apply NowDetails
Citi

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

80,000 miles
~$960 value
Spend Required$2,500 in 3 months
Annual Fee$99(waived yr 1)
Base Rewards1x on all purchases
2x American Airlines2x restaurants2x gas+1 more
Apply NowDetails
American Express

Delta SkyMiles Gold Card

50,000 miles
~$750 value
Spend Required$3,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee$150(waived yr 1)
Base Rewards1x on all purchases
2x Delta2x restaurants2x groceries
Apply NowDetails
Barclays

AAdvantage Aviator Red

60,000 miles
~$720 value
Spend Required$1 in 3 months
Annual Fee$99
Base Rewards1x on all purchases
2x American Airlines
Apply NowDetails

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit cards give you free checked bags?

Airline co-branded cards typically include free checked bags on their respective airline. Cards like the United Explorer and Delta SkyMiles Gold both include a free first checked bag.

How much can free checked bags save?

Most airlines charge $30-40 for the first checked bag each way. A free checked bag benefit saves $60-80 per round trip, which can offset the annual fee in just a few flights.