Airline Rewards Credit Cards - Travel And Your Money

Find the Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards

Compare the top airline rewards credit cards to earn more points, miles, and valuable travel perks. Find the perfect card for your next adventure and maximize every purchase.

Disclosure: Travel And Your Money may receive compensation from some of the card issuers featured on this page if you apply through our links. This compensation does not influence our editorial opinions or rankings. Terms, offers, and rewards are subject to change. Please review the issuer’s official website for the latest information.

Top Choices for Airline Rewards Credit Cards

🥇 1. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® 

Best For: American Airlines travelers

Why We Like It

  • Earn AAdvantage® miles on eligible purchases
  • First checked bag free on eligible American Airlines flights
  • Preferred boarding
  • In-flight savings on eligible purchases
  • Excellent choice for travelers who frequently fly American Airlines, especially from DFW.

Official Website:

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card

🥈 2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Best For: Delta Air Lines travelers

Why We Like It

  • Earn SkyMiles® on eligible purchases
  • First checked bag free on eligible Delta flights
  • Priority boarding
  • Valuable benefits for occasional and frequent Delta flyers

Official Website:

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

🥉 3. United℠ Explorer Card

Best For: United Airlines travelers

Why We Like It

  • First checked bag free on eligible United-operated flights
  • Priority boarding
  • Travel protections
  • Great value for travelers who regularly fly United

The United Explorer Card is consistently ranked among the top airline rewards cards thanks to its balance of perks and annual fee.

Official Website:

United Explorer Card

Quick Comparison

CardBest ForKey Benefit
🥇 Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®American AirlinesFree checked bag & preferred boarding
🥈 Delta SkyMiles® Gold AmexDelta Air LinesFree checked bag & priority boarding
🥉 United℠ ExplorerUnited AirlinesFree checked bag & travel protections

Travel And Your Money Tip

Choose an airline rewards credit card only if you fly the same airline several times each year. If you regularly fly different airlines, a flexible travel rewards card—such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card—may provide more redemption options than a single-airline card.

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