Best Airline Credit Cards of 2025
Airline credit cards offer exclusive benefits for frequent travelers, allowing them to accumulate miles through regular spending. These miles can be exchanged for complimentary flights, cabin upgrades, and other travel-related advantages. However, responsible usage is essential to maximize rewards while avoiding unnecessary charges.
Practical Tips and Considerations
1.
Choose a card aligned with your preferred airline to maximize rewards. Frequent flyers should prioritize cards offering bonus miles, lounge access, and priority boarding for enhanced travel experiences.
2.
Pay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest rates. Airline credit cards often have higher APRs, so timely payments are crucial to prevent debt accumulation.
3.
Utilize sign-up bonuses strategically. Many cards offer substantial mile bonuses after meeting initial spending requirements—plan large purchases accordingly to unlock these rewards faster.
4.
Monitor annual fees versus benefits. While premium cards offer greater perks, ensure the rewards justify the cost, especially if you don't travel frequently enough to offset the expense.
Ideal for flexible redemption and generous rewards: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This card eliminates foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international travelers. Though it carries a $95 annual fee, the extensive benefits and high rewards potential make it a smart choice for frequent flyers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
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Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
The ultimate card for Delta Air Lines enthusiasts: Receive 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first six months. Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, followed by $150. Plus, save 15% on Delta Award Travel when booking with miles via delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
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Top choice for United Airlines travelers and the best domestic airline card: Unlock 50,000 bonus miles and earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels. Benefit from a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
United Explorer Card
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Perfect for American Airlines loyalists: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months. The card features a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99, and offers 1-2x miles on purchases.
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
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Exclusive limited-time offer: Secure 70,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ (starting at $99 plus taxes and fees) by spending $3,000 within the first 90 days. Earn 1x-3x miles on purchases, with a $95 annual fee.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card
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Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Exceptional value for high spenders: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first six months. This offer expires on April 2, 2025. The card has a $650 annual fee and rewards 1-3 miles per dollar spent.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
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A no-frills option for American Airlines travelers: Receive 15,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This card has no annual fee but does not include free checked bags.
Citi American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp
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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
Limited-time premium offer: Earn 110,000 bonus miles by spending $12,000 within the first six months. Offer ends April 2, 2025. Enjoy 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases, with a $650 annual fee.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
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Great for travel rewards: Get 60,000 bonus points (worth $600 in travel) after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Earn 1-5x points on purchases, with a $95 annual fee.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
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Rewarding and straightforward: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. The card has a $99 annual fee and offers 1x-6x points per dollar spent.
JetBlue Plus Card
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