Best Airline Credit Cards
The top co-branded airline credit cards ranked by signup bonuses, earning rates, and travel perks.
Airline credit cards earn miles in a specific loyalty program and come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access. They're best for travelers loyal to one airline or alliance. We've ranked these by overall value — factoring in signup bonuses, earning rates, annual fees, and travel benefits.
Earn 125,000 miles (~$1,375 est. value) after $9,000 in 6 months
125,000 SkyMiles signup bonus, Delta Sky Club access, and a companion certificate. The ultimate Delta card for frequent flyers willing to pay the $650 annual fee.
Earn 100,000 miles (~$1,100 est. value) after $6,000 in 6 months
100,000 SkyMiles with a companion certificate and solid travel protections. A strong step up from the Gold at $350/year without the Reserve's premium price.
Earn 90,000 miles (~$990 est. value) after $5,000 in 6 months
90,000 SkyMiles signup bonus with a $150 annual fee. Includes a free first checked bag and 2x earning on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases.
Earn 70,000 miles (~$700 est. value) after $3,000 in 3 months
A well-rounded United card with a free first checked bag, two United Club one-time passes, and expanded award availability. Good for occasional to moderate United flyers.
Earn 80,000 miles (~$800 est. value) after $4,000 in 3 months
Premium United card with up to $250 in annual travel credits. 3x miles on United purchases and a stronger earning structure than the Explorer.
Earn 90,000 miles (~$900 est. value) after $5,000 in 3 months
United Club lounge access, Premier 1K-level upgrades, and the strongest United earning structure. Worth it if you fly United frequently and value lounge access.
Earn 40,000 points (~$400 est. value) after $5,000 in 3 months
$75 annual travel credit, 4 upgraded boardings per year, and 7,500 anniversary points. The best Southwest card for earning toward the Companion Pass.
Earn 30,000 points (~$300 est. value) after $4,000 in 3 months
Solid mid-tier Southwest option with 2x on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel/car purchases. Lower annual fee than the Priority with core travel benefits.
Earn 20,000 points (~$200 est. value) after $3,000 in 3 months
The entry-level Southwest card at $99/year. 2x on Southwest purchases and 1x on everything else, plus anniversary points toward the Companion Pass.
Earn 10,000 miles (~$110 est. value) after $1,000 in 6 months
No annual fee entry point into the Delta ecosystem. 2x miles on dining and Delta purchases. A great starter airline card.
Earn 30,000 miles (~$300 est. value) after $1,000 in 3 months
No annual fee United card. A free first checked bag on United and basic miles earning. Best for infrequent United travelers who want the checked bag perk.
Earn 70,000 points (~$700 est. value) after $1,000 in 3 months
6x points on JetBlue, a free first checked bag, and 50% savings on inflight purchases. A solid co-brand for Northeast and Florida travelers.
Earn 10,000 points (~$100 est. value) after $1,000 in 3 months
No annual fee JetBlue card with 3x on JetBlue purchases and 2x on dining and groceries. Good for casual JetBlue flyers.
Earn 15,000 miles (~$150 est. value) after $500 in 3 months
No annual fee American Airlines card. Earns 2x on eligible AA purchases and is the only free entry into the AAdvantage program via a credit card.
Earn 50,000 miles (~$500 est. value) after $2,000 in 3 months
3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines, 2x on dining and gas. Includes a companion fare discount and no foreign transaction fees — ideal for Hawaii-bound travelers.