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Whether you are loyal to a particular airline or travel only occasionally, our curated list includes cards that will match your needs. They include both co-branded cards tied to a specific airline but also more flexible cards that can work for airline redemptions in lots of places. These cards make your travels more enjoyable and often lead to free rewards flights down the road (or airway, if you will)! These cards also come packed with a range of benefits, often including complimentary checked luggage and priority boarding. For the general traveler, expect advantages like bonus rewards on airfare and credit statements for certain expenses. 

Here’s our rundown of the Best Airline Cards of January 2024. 

Best Airline Cards (Specifically Co-Branded with an Airline)

Best for American Airlines Loyalists: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a premium credit card designed for frequent flyers of American Airlines. It offers a rich array of benefits, including Admirals Club membership, which provides access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide. Cardholders also enjoy priority boarding, free checked bags, and the opportunity to earn 4X AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, along with 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. The card carries a $595 annual fee (see rates & fees) but makes up for it with its high rewards rate for airline purchases and additional travel perks. Ultimately, this card is ideal for loyal American Airlines customers seeking a luxurious travel experience and faster ways to earn miles towards future trips.

First Class Travel for Southwest Travelers: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a top-tier option for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, offering an impressive array of benefits and rewards. Cardholders earn Rapid Rewards points on every purchase, with additional points for Southwest and travel-related expenses. One of the standout features is the $75 annual travel credit, which helps offset the $149 annual fee of the card. Additionally, cardholders enjoy perks like four upgraded boardings per year (when available), and a 20% back on in-flight purchases. The card also offers 7,500 points every Southwest Rapid Rewards account anniversary, further enhancing the card's value. With no foreign transaction fees and lost luggage reimbursement, this card is not only great for earning free flights but also for making travel more comfortable and worry-free. It's a solid choice for loyal Southwest customers looking to maximize their travel rewards and benefits.

Best for Southwest Business Travelers: Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card‍

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is the best choice for business owners who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. This card offers a substantial point-earning potential, with elevated rewards on Southwest purchases and bonus points on other business-related categories like social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. Cardholders benefit from four upgraded boardings per year (based on availability), in-flight WiFi credits, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, enhancing the travel experience. Additionally, the card includes anniversary points, adding value each year. With no foreign transaction fees and employee cards at no additional cost, it's an excellent choice for businesses looking to maximize travel rewards and enjoy Southwest Airlines' benefits. The card's perks and rewards structure make it a top contender for business owners seeking to leverage their company spending into travel benefits.

Best for Casual Delta Flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a range of elite-like advantages at a cost-effective price (see rates & fees), making it an attractive option for occasional Delta travelers. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year. Then $99. Key perks such as a complimentary first checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same Delta reservation can cut down on travel costs and add convenience. These benefits can easily offset the annual fee, particularly for those who fly Delta less frequently but still want to save on their travel expenses. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for Delta Loyalists on the Status Fast Track: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a premium credit card tailor-made for dedicated Delta flyers. It stands out for its exclusive airline perks and travel benefits. Though the card has a high annual fee of $550 (see rates & fees), cardholders have access to a ton of benefits, including complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges, elevating their airport experience. The card also offers an annual companion certificate, which includes a domestic first-class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip ticket, adding significant value for frequent travelers. Earning miles is accelerated with higher points on Delta purchases, and the card also provides opportunities to achieve Medallion Status through Status Boost. Additionally, cardholders benefit from a first checked bag free, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. These features, along with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, make it an attractive option for those who frequently fly with Delta and seek a luxurious travel experience with added rewards and benefits. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for United Frequent Fliers: United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest Card is a popular choice for frequent flyers of United Airlines. It offers a substantial rewards program, where cardholders earn 3 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel, plus 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. Though there's an annual fee of $250, that's largely offset by the $125 annual United purchase credit cardholders receive. Additional perks include priority boarding, 25% off in-flight beverages and food, and a first and second checked bag free for the cardholder and a companion. Oh, and did we mention the  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee refund worth up to $100 once every four years? This card is a solid choice if you're a frequent United flyer.

Best for Small Business Owners who fly United: United^SM Business Card

The United Business Card is a superb choice for business travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. This card offers a variety of benefits tailored to enhance the travel experience of United customers. Key features include a significant number of bonus miles after meeting initial spending requirements, making it highly attractive for new cardholders. Cardholders earn increased miles on United purchases, as well as on other business expenses like office supplies, gas stations, and restaurants. An annual bonus in the form of miles adds to the card's long-term value. Additionally, United Business Card members enjoy perks such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club one-time passes each year, enhancing the airport experience. Moreover, the card provides valuable travel protections, including trip delay reimbursement and lost luggage insurance. The inclusion of no foreign transaction fees makes it a great option for international business travel. The United Business Card is an excellent option for business owners who frequently fly with United and want to maximize their travel rewards and benefits.

Best General Airline Cards (Not Tied to a Specific Airline)

Best for simplicity and strong rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is highly regarded for its straightforward yet valuable rewards structure. In addition to earning 5X miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, it earns a flat 2X miles per dollar spent on every purchase, making it ideal for both frequent travelers and everyday spenders. One key strength of this card is the flexibility to redeem miles for travel expenses. It also carries no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees), making it ideal for international travel. Other perks: up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and Hertz Five Star Status. Its simplicity and versatility in earning and redeeming rewards make it a standout choice for those seeking a travel rewards credit card.

Best return on travel and dining purchases: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an extremely popular choice among air travelers, offering a rich blend of rewards and benefits. Cardholders are rewarded with 3X at restaurants, including takeout & delivery, 3X on online grocery purchases on travel and dining purchases, 3X on streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases. Cardholders also earn 5X on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025, as well as 5X on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards. These points have even more earning power when they are redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Reward program at a 1.25X value. You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at 1:1, often with even more added value. The card features a $50 yearly hotel credit that halves the annual fee of $95, a free DoorDash DashPass subscription, no foreign transaction fees, and various travel protection benefits. It’s easy to see why it’s always a top pick for those seeking a rewarding travel credit card that’s easy to redeem for flights! 

Best for premium airline travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X is a premium travel credit card offering a wealth of benefits for frequent travelers. Cardholders earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar spent on everything else. These miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other rewards. Additional perks include complimentary access to airport lounges, an annual $300 travel credit when booked though Capital One Travel, and no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees). This card is designed for those who want to maximize their travel experiences while earning rewards for their spending.

Best for high-spending businesses: Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business is an incredibly solid option for business owners seeking valuable rewards and benefits. This card is particularly well-suited for companies with significant spending, offering generous rewards on travel and everyday business expenses. Cardholders earn 2 miles on every purchase, 5 miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other expenses, making it a versatile choice for diverse business needs. Though it carries a $395 fees (see rates & fees), the card includes awesome travel perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance, enhancing its appeal for business travelers. The Venture X Business Card combines practicality and luxury, making it a compelling choice for businesses looking to maximize their credit card benefits.

Best for travel perks and benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a luxury card with luxury benefits. Though it carries a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates & fees), you can more than offset it by taking advantage of the amazing rewards and benefits. The card racks up a serious 5X points on flights made directly with airlines (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), and airline and hotel bookings made through Amex Travel. It earns 1X point everywhere else. Premium perks include access to the Global Lounge Collection, which offers entry to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, and complimentary elite status, including Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status. Cardholders also enjoy multiple statement credits (which alone cover the cost of the annual fee). These include, but are not limited to: up to a $200 annual airline incidental credit given in statement credits, up to a $240 annual credit for select streaming and digital entertainment services given in statement credits, up to $189 credit towards a CLEAR Plus membership, up to an annual $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit given in statement credits, and up to an annual $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees given in statement credits. The Platinum Card comes with a concierge service and exclusive access to events and experiences. Boasting top-tier airport lounge access, elite status at various hotels, and substantial yearly statement credits, The Platinum Card from American Express stands out as the most rewarding credit card available. Year after year, it has the potential to become the most valuable card in your wallet, thanks to its exceptional benefits. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best air redemptions with no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our favorite no-annual-fee travel credit card (see rates & fees), ideal for those looking for travel rewards without incurring extra costs. It earns a flat 1.25X miles per dollar spent on all purchases, along with 5X miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, makes it a great choice for travelers looking for value and simplicity.

Interested in seeing our picks for best business cards, general travel cards, or cashback cards? Make sure to check out our Best Business Cards post, Best Travel Credit Cards post, Best Cashback Credit Cards post

Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.