Bon Voyage, Happy Journey is what we say to our loved ones when they travel.

But I believe that instead of saying Happy Journey let’s ask them- Do you have your Happy Airline Credit Card? (Why HAPPY you ask? Well, read below and Follow!)

It’s like getting something extra, it’s like getting something for FREE when you’re already going to spend anyway. And all of these Earned Air Miles and Bonuses come at play when there is no scope for discounts.

There’s a reason why more than 70% of consumers in the U.S. have at least one credit card:

• These cards are Convenient.
• These Cards Help in building Good Credit.
• And Keeping the best part for the last, that these cards offer points with every Purchase.

Credit cards offer consumers a convenient way to put more money back in their pocket every time they use them. Such points can then be spent on a myriad of things including groceries, merchandise, fuel, and even travel.

There are dozens of different types of Airline credit cards available that can make choosing just one a bit confusing.

And also, there are certain factors that should be considered before applying for a specific card, the reward program is one of them.

So, if you’re an avid traveler, an airline credit card might be the ideal option for you. Simply read on and pick the card that suits you the best.

How Do Airline Credit Cards Work?

The best airline credit cards work similarly to other rewards-based cards. For every purchase you make, you earn a certain number of points.

Once you accumulate a specific amount, you can redeem them in the form of airfare to a destination of your choice.

However, credit cards that offer airline miles work somewhat differently than most general rewards credit cards.

With an airline credit card, you would accumulate a certain number of miles based not only on the amount you spend on your credit card but on how far you fly. These miles can then be used to buy tickets.

The “miles” accumulated are like points in a typical rewards program. Every airline credit card will specify the required number of miles accumulated to earn a free return flight from point A to point B.

Essentially, you can earn miles by actually booking flights with the airline or through specific purchases.

Airline miles are basically like any other type of credit card rewards program. You get points for making purchases, and you can eventually earn enough points to get a free flight.

Many airline credit cards also offer additional perks that the average general travel card doesn’t offer, including:

• Complimentary seat upgrades
• Priority boarding
• Discounts on in-flight food and beverages
• Access to VIP airport lounges
• Free travel for your Companion and more such perks.

So, to understand all of this in a better way, scroll down and check out the Best Airline Credit Card available which are pocket-friendly and provide you with a lot many other perks as well.

But first, let’s understand what the Best Airline Cards are most preferred for?

1. Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card– Best airline card with 10 miles per dollar on Hotels.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card– Best for Flexible redemption and sign-up bonus

3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card– Best for Alaska Airlines and this is the Best Domestic Airline Card

4. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card– Best for No Annual Fee and Good Rewards

5. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®– Best for American Airlines

6. Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express– Best for Delta Airlines and best-checked bag benefit

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card– Best for Southwest Airlines for people with Good Credit

8. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card– Best for Southwest Airlines

9. United℠ Explorer Card– Best for the United States

10. Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®– Best airline card for a 70,000-point sign-up bonus.

11. Discover it® Miles– Best airline card with 1.5 miles per dollar.

12. British Airways Visa Signature® Card– Best for High Rewards and Miles

13. JetBlue Plus Card– Best airline card for JetBlue flyers.

The Best Airline Credit Card

If you’re looking for the best credit card for airline miles, consider any one of the following:

1. Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Regular APR: 15.24% – 25.24% variable

Intro Bonus: 50,000

Annual Fees: $0 Intro Annual Fee, then $95

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: Capital card offers the flexibility to redeem your rewards to cover the cost of any flight on any airline at any time.

This card also offers you the flexibility to transfer your miles to 12 travel partners, this means that you might be able to make your rewards go even further than by simply redeeming them to cover a single travel purchase.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all of your other purchases.
• You can earn 10 miles per $1 spent when you use your Venture Card for Hotels.
• The miles that you earn will not expire for the life of the account and there is no limit to how many miles you can earn.
• There are No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Extra Perks: You can earn50,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 on your new card within the first three months after opening up your account.

This amount is worth up to $500 in flexible travel or you can also transfer those miles to one of the 12 travel partners and you can possibly make the rewards go even further.

Apply Now

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 50,000

Annual Fees: $0 Intro Annual Fee, then $95

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: This is the best card for Flexible Travel Redemption, it offers a balance between Reasonable Cost, Valuable and Usable Travel Rewards, and Perks.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Travel.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Dining at Restaurants Worldwide.
• You can earn 1 point per $1 spent on all the other Purchases.
• There are No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• You can get 1:1 point transfer to leading Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs.
• There are no Travel Restrictions, and you can book seats on the flight through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• You get 25% more value when you redeem your points for Airfare, Hotels, Car Rentals and Cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. (For Example: Your 50,000 points will be worth $625 towards travel)

Extra Perks: You can earn 50,000 points right after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening up your account.

This sums up to $625 worth of travel when you redeem the same through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Apply Now

3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card

Regular APR: 17.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 30,000

Annual Fees: $75

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: This is a great choice of Airline Card for those who can fly the airline regularly.

This card’s users companion fare makes it well worthy of the $75 annual fee and a valuable choice for anyone who flies an Alaska Airlines with a companion at least once a year.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• With a special Introductory offer, you can Buy 1 ticket and get 1 for just the taxes and fees with Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare Offer.
• You can earn 3 Alaska miles per $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines purchases.
• You can earn 1 Alaska mile per $1 spent on all the other purchases.
• You can save with a free checked bag facility on Alaska flights for you and for up to 6 other companions with you on the same reservation.
• There are no Foreign transaction fees.

Extra Perks: You can get 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 or more within the first 90 days after opening up your account.

On top of this, each year on your account anniversary you get a Companion Fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22), this offer is valid on all Alaska flights booked from alaskaair.com.

Apply Now

4. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 26.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 10,000

Annual Fees: $0

Credit Score Required: Excellent

Why to Pick this Card: No Annual Fee Airline Reward cards are a bit rare.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent at Grocery Store and this also includes Grocery Store Deliveries.
• You can earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• You can earn 1 AAdvantage mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
• You can save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airline Flights.

Extra Perks: You can earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and also, you get a $50 statement credit after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of opening up the account.

Apply Now

5. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®

Regular APR: 18.24% – 26.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 50,000

Annual Fees: $0 Intro Annual Fee, then $99

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: American Airlines have an extensive partnership which makes these miles quite valuable.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent at Gas Station.
• You can earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent at Restaurants.
• You can earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on all eligible American Airlines purchases.
• You can earn a $100 American Airlines Flight discount once you have spent $20,000 or more in purchases during the card membership year.
• There are no Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, this facility is for you and for up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
• You can get preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
• You can receive 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases and this applies when you use your card on American Airlines flights.

Extra Perks: You can earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 on your card in the first three months after you open your account.

Apply Now

6. Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express

Regular APR: 17.99% – 26.99% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 30,000

Annual Fees: $0 Intro Annual Fee, then $95

Credit Score Required: Good, Excellent

Why to Pick this Card: They offer you priority boarding, facility of a free checked bag, a nice welcome offer and a lot more so you can consider this card if you’re a frequent Delta Flyer.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 miles per $1 spent directly with Delta.
• You can earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all the other purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights and this sums up to a saving of up to $200 per round trip for a family of 4 people.
• You can settle into your seat before anyone else with Priority Boarding.

Extra Perks: You can earn 30,000 bonus miles after you make a purchase of $1,000 in the first 3 months and you can earn a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase within the same time frame of first 3 months.

Apply Now

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 40,000

Annual Fees: $69

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: This card offers almost the same benefits as compared with its Premium card option and also requires a lesser Credit Score to open up an account and the annual fee is also lesser.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You get 3,000 Bonus Points after you complete your Card Member Anniversary.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards® hotel.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Car Rental partner purchases.
• You can earn 1 point per $1 spent on all the other purchases.
• You have the facility to earn unlimited points on your card which will not expire as long as your account is open.
• There is no seat restriction.
• All the points earned with this card count towards Companion Pass.
• You can easily redeem your points for Flights, Hotel stays, Gift Cards, Access to Events and on more such things.

Extra Perks: You can earn 40,000 points right after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening up your account.

Apply Now

8. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 40,000

Annual Fees: $99

Credit Score Required: Excellent

Why to Pick this Card: If we keep the Annual Fee aside then this card is a great option for travelers who are flying domestic routes, as this card offers various perks for them.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You get 6,000 Bonus Points after you complete your Card Member Anniversary.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards® hotel.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent on Car Rental partner purchases.
• You can earn 1 point per $1 spent on all the other purchases.
• You have the facility to earn unlimited points on your card which will not expire as long as your account is open.
• There are No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• There is no seat restriction.
• You can easily redeem your points for Flights, Hotel stays, Gift Cards, Access to Events and on more such things.

Extra Perks: You can earn 40,000 points right after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening up your account.

Apply Now

9. United℠ Explorer Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 40,000

Annual Fees: $0 Intro Annual Fee, then $95

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why Pick to this Card: This card delivers great value for United’s Loyal User and valuable extra bonuses for anyone who wants to become a member.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 United miles per $1 spent at Restaurants.
• You can earn 2 United miles per $1 spent on Hotel Accommodations.
• You can earn 2 United miles per $1 spent on purchases from United.
• You can earn 1 United mile per $1 spent on all the other purchases.
• You can earn up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit.
• You can get 25% back on United Inflight Purchases of Food, Beverages and onboard Wi-Fi when you pay up with your Explorer Card.
• You can check your first bag for FREE (which is a savings of up to $120 per roundtrip) when you use your card to purchase your ticket.
• You can enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one time passes each year for your anniversary.

Extra Perks: All the new cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus miles after they spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after they open an account with United.

Also, there is a facility of Free Checked bag for you and a traveling companion can save some good amount of cash if you’re a regular United guest.

Apply Now

10. Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®

Regular APR: 18.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 70,000

Annual Fees: $0 Intro Annual Fee, then $89

Credit Score Required: Good, Excellent

Why to Pick this Card: This card offers a good amount of Bonus Miles and perks and all you need to attain them is maintain a good credit score.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all of your Purchases with the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard.
• There are No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• You can get 5% back on miles which you can use on your next redemption.
• Your miles in the card don’t expire till the time your account is Open.

Extra Perks: You can earn 70,000 Bonus Miles right after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening up your account.

Apply Now

11. Discover it® Miles

Regular APR: 14.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: Up to 60,000

Annual Fees: $0

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: This is a simple Airline card with NO Annual Fee and good rewards.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all the purchases that you make with Discover it Miles card.
• You can get your free Credit Score Card with your FICO® Credit Score, a number of recent inquiries and more.

Extra Perks: This card will match the rewards that you’ve earned at the end of your first year, this means that if you’ve earned 30,000 Miles in your first year then you get 60,000 Miles which is worth $600 towards Travel.

Apply Now

12. British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 25.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: Up to 120,000

Annual Fees: $95

Credit Score Required: Excellent, Good

Why to Pick this Card: British Airways Avios are valuable and the welcome bonus opportunity means that you can rack up a great amount of bonus miles in your first year itself, as a card member.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 4 Avios per $1 spent on all purchases up to an amount of $30,000 in the first 12 Months of opening up the account. (This sums up to 120,000 Bonus Avios)
• You can earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on all British Airways purchases.
• You can earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all the other Purchases.
• There are No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Extra Perks: Along with the enticing Welcome Bonus of Avios you can earn a Travel Together Ticket for 2 years if you make purchases of $30,000 per year on your British Airways card.

Apply Now

13. JetBlue Plus Card

Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

Intro Bonus: 40,000

Annual Fees: $99

Credit Score Required: Excellent

Why to Pick this Card: This is a great card for a Frequent Flyer as it comes up with huge bonuses for a loyal flyer.

Rewards: There are various rewards that you receive from this Card.

• You can earn 6 points per $1 spent on JetBlue Purchases.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent at Restaurants.
• You can earn 2 points per $1 spent at Grocery Stores.
• You can earn 1 point per $1 spent on all the other Purchases.
• You get your First Checked Bag for Free.
• You earn 5,000 Bonus points Annually on your Account Anniversary.
• You get 50% savings on In-Flight purchases.
• There are No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Extra Perks: You can earn 40,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 Months on opening up the account and after paying up the annual fee.

Apply Now

Credit Scoring:

Good– Credit Score should be 690 and Above

Excellent– Credit Score should be 850 and Above

This score requirement can be different for various Airline Credit Cards, and there might be a leverage point which you can earn by knowing more about the card you want to apply for.

Note: Intro Bonus for each Airline Credit Card is different and the criteria in order to earn these miles is also different.

Please go through the in-depth analysis of all the cards to get better information about the same. You will know for sure once you apply for these cards.

What Consumers Should Be Aware of?!

Airline credit cards might offer rewards that can help pay for the flights you take, but they’re not always free of flaws. Even the best airline credit cards might have a few snags that consumers should be aware of.

Your award flights could be subject to restrictions in dates and destinations. Just because you may have accumulated enough points to cover the entire expense of a flight doesn’t necessarily mean that you have complete freedom to pick and choose when and where to apply those points.

Many airline credit card programs impose certain restrictions and blackout dates that can leave consumers flustered.

These types of credit cards work best for those who are flexible with their travel plans. If you have some wiggle room with the dates of travel and have an open mind about where you’re headed, such a drawback won’t affect you.

Taxes might still be applicable. While you might be able to get the airfare for free by paying with your accumulated points, you might be unpleasantly surprised to find out that you might still be stuck paying taxes on your flights.

Many times, the taxes are next to nothing, especially for domestic flights. But if you’re planning to book something international, you could be faced with tax amounts in the hundreds of dollars.

It’s not unusual to pay an annual fee for credit cards, and airline credit cards are no exception. Some cards might let you go without a fee for a few months as a sign-up incentive.

But after you’ve enjoyed the rewards for a while, you’ll have to start paying an annual fee as high as $120 for a premium credit card.

Should You Get an Airline Credit Card?

Whether or not you should apply for an airline credit card depends on how often you travel with a specific airline. If you rarely take a trip, airline cards may not be the most beneficial for you.

Even if you do travel often, they still may not be worth it if you tend to take any airline that’s offering the best deal. In this case, just a general travel reward credit card will suffice.

On the other hand, if you’re a loyal customer of a specific airline, then having a credit card that offers you points towards flights with that airline just might be worth it.

In this case, you should be able to accumulate points and recoup your annual fee very quickly.

Final Thoughts:

The type of card you inevitably choose will obviously come down to how you travel. If you’re the type to fly with the same airline every time, opting for an airline credit card would make sense.

On the other hand, if you’re all over the place with your travels, you might want to have a general travel card in your wallet.

Otherwise, there’s nothing wrong with having one of each. That way you can accumulate miles towards flights while using a general card for miscellaneous travel expenses.

Either way, you should do your homework on the types of credit cards out there before deciding on the best airline credit card for you.

If you have any other questions then feel free to drop your questions in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.everybuckcounts.com/whats-best-airline-credit-card/