Best Airline Miles Credit Cards of 2023

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The best airline miles credit cards enable you to earn frequent flyer miles with every purchase. Many of the credit cards listed below come with bonus points that allow you to earn a free plane ticket very quickly.

We organize the offers into two categories. First, we list those all-purpose travel cards that offer excellent rewards. With these cards, you can use points or miles on any airline. Then we list airline-specific cards. These are ideal if you frequently fly on the same airline.

Best Airline Miles Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Editor's Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns top honors for an all-purpose travel rewards card. Its 5x points for every $1 spent on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3x dining at restaurants worldwide. Plus the bonus points for new cardmembers who meet the spend requirement lead the pack in the travel category.

Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $95

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	03/23/2022	750	Equifax	$22,000
Approved	03/23/2022	770	Experian	$22,000
Approved	09/21/2022	788	Experian	$12,900
Approved	05/28/2022	740	Not Provided	$18,400
Approved	06/26/2022	729	Equifax	$14,000
Approved	06/26/2022	725	Experian	$14,000
Approved	06/26/2022	737	TransUnion	$14,000
Approved	07/06/2022	786	Experian	$16,600
Approved	09/21/2022	743	Equifax	$12,900
Approved	12/04/2022	770	Experian	$12,000
Denied	08/07/2022	720	Not Provided	---

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers who want a card that earns a good rewards rate on all purchases. You can transfer your miles to more than 15 travel rewards partners, which maximizes their value and gets you further down the road (tarmac?) to a free flight.

Rewards:  

                             

Welcome Bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $95  

Approval Odds:   

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	11/08/2020	780	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	08/30/2020	763	Experian	$10,000
Approved	08/30/2020	810	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	08/30/2021	775	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	10/25/2021	728	Experian	$10,000
Approved	10/25/2021	731	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	10/25/2021	740	TransUnion	$10,000

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel rewards card, so if you want access to airport lounges, this is a card worth considering. The annual fee is high, but if you take advantage of the $300 travel credit and the 10,000 anniversary miles you get each year (worth about $100), the fee is wiped out.

Rewards:  

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $395

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/01/2022	751	Experian	$10,000
Approved	02/01/2022	775	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	02/01/2022	802	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	02/28/2022	779	Experian	$30,000
Approved	04/13/2022	800	Equifax	$30,000
Approved	12/16/2021	731	Experian	$10,000
Approved	01/26/2022	742	Experian	$10,000
Approved	01/26/2022	754	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	01/26/2022	756	Equifax	$10,000

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American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card offers excellent rewards and a generous welcome bonus. Points are flexible and can be transferred to over 20 travel reward partners. The only downside is the hefty annual fee, but some travelers can justify it if they use all the benefits.

 Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $250

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	09/28/2021	688	Experian	$1,750
Approved	06/13/2022	673	Experian	$1,750
Approved	06/13/2022	696	Equifax	$1,750
Approved	06/13/2023	699	TransUnion	$1,750
Approved	06/07/2022	750	TransUnion	---
Approved	06/07/2022	752	Experian	---
Approved	06/07/2022	761	Equifax	---

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are among the most valuable travel rewards points available. Why? They can easily be transferred to 11 airlines and three different hotel partners, and even if you take them as a statement credit, they're still more valuable than most. And the welcome bonus is 50% more valuable when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $550

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	10/21/2022	742	Experian	$15,000
Approved	09/17/2022	692	Experian	$10,800
Approved	06/10/2022	804	Experian	$19,600
Approved	08/05/2022	780	Experian	$31,300
Approved	11/25/2022	710	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	11/25/2022	703	Experian	$10,000
Approved	11/25/2022	711	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	06/10/2022	815	Equifax	$19,553
Approved	06/10/2022	820	TransUnion	$19,620

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The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers one of the highest welcome bonuses in the industry, and those points can easily be transferred to partner airlines and hotels so that you can maximize their value. It also comes with plenty of credits including a $200 Uber credit, a $300 Equinox credit, and a $200 airline fee credit. You will need to use at least some of those credits to justify the annual fee.

Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $695

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	03/16/2021	728	Not Provided	---
Approved	06/08/2022	688	Experian	$4,000
Approved	06/09/2021	620	Experian	---
Approved	04/28/2022	650	Not Provided	$50,000
Approved	01/04/2023	696	Not Provided	---
Approved	06/08/2022	686	Equifax	$4,000

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Best Airline-Specific Miles Cards

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is perfect for travelers who want a few Delta perks and don't want to pay an annual fee. You get a small welcome bonus and 20% off inflight purchases.

 Rewards:  

Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	09/28/2020	685	Experian	$1,000
Approved	09/28/2020	762	Experian	$1,000

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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers travel benefits a tier above the Delta SkyMiles Blue card. With this card, you get a more generous welcome bonus, plus perks such as a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a $100 Delta Flight credit to use for future travel. The annual fee is $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99. 

Approval Odds:   

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	07/20/2020	665	Experian	$1,000
Approved	06/09/2021	620	Not Provided	$1,000
Approved	03/09/2022	748	TransUnion	$6,300
Approved	03/09/2022	758	Experian	$6,300
Approved	04/01/2022	730	Not Provided	$10,000
Approved	11/23/2021	625	Experian	$1,000
Approved	10/10/2020	701	TransUnion	$1,000
Approved	10/10/2020	715	Experian	$1,000
Approved	10/10/2020	718	Equifax	$1,000
Approved	12/03/2021	753	TransUnion	$15,000

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British Airways Visa Signature® Card

British Airways Visa Signature® Card is a great choice for big spenders who prefer to fly British Airways. In addition to the generous welcome bonus and rewards, every calendar year you spend more than $30,000 on your card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket, good for two years. This lets a companion fly free with the cardholder.

 Rewards:  

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $95

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	04/08/2017	684	Equifax	$5,000
Approved	04/08/2017	739	Experian	$5,000

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Editor's Pick: My favorite airline card is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. It gets my vote for three reasons. It offers an excellent signup bonus and the annual fee is a reasonable $99. And it's a great airline to fly.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is a good choice for those who enjoy flying Southwest Airlines. You will also enjoy 6,000 bonus points a year on your cardmember anniversary. Southwest allows two free checked bags per customer, even if you don't have a credit card.

Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $99

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	08/06/2022	680	Experian	$9,600

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a step up from the Premier and earns you the same welcome bonus but more anniversary points, plus a $75 travel credit that can be used on Southwest. This effectively halves the annual fee.         

Rewards:

Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $149

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/24/2022	781	Not Provided	---
Approved	03/20/2020	715	Equifax	---
Denied	03/16/2022	701	Experian	---

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is Southwest's entry-level credit card. It does have a foreign transaction fee, so if you frequently travel internationally, you'll want to choose a different card.

Rewards:  

Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Annual Fee: $69

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/11/2022	715	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	08/06/2022	680	Experian	$9,600
Approved	05/22/2022	802	Experian	$12,800
Approved	02/24/2022	760	Equifax	$10,700

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United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card offers you a free checked bag, worth up to $140 a year. This perk more than offsets the annual fee (waived for the first year), plus you get some other rewards, such as $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and priority boarding. If you often fly United, this card is a good addition to your wallet.

Rewards:  

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Approval Odds:

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	04/11/2023	767	Not Provided	$13,700
Approved	02/03/2023	819	Experian	$5,000
Approved	04/29/2022	786	Experian	$17,200
Approved	07/16/2022	755	Experian	$21,200
Approved	04/29/2022	785	Equifax	$17,200
Denied	04/16/2022	698	Experian	---

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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® 

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a good choice if you prefer to fly American Airlines and you want airport lounge access. You'll also get priority boarding, and your first checked bag is free, as well as the first bag of eight of your companions flying on the same reservation.   

Rewards: 

    

Welcome Bonus: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.       

Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% 

Annual Fee: $$595    

Approval Odds: 

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	10/06/2022	830	Experian	$30,500
Approved	04/27/2022	791	Experian	$25,000
Approved	02/06/2023	785	TransUnion	$21,900
Approved	04/16/2022	697	Equifax	$15,800

   

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Full List of Travel Credit Cards from Our Database

What Is an Airline Mile?

Airline miles are a reward system issued by credit card companies and airlines. You can earn reward miles when flying with a specific airline and by spending money on your credit card. You can redeem miles for discounted flights, seat upgrades, and even free flights.

The original concept is a mile flown is a mile earned. However, you can now earn “miles” for filling your car at the pump, dining out, or making your everyday purchases. It can be easier to think of them as points rather than miles.

How Do Airline Miles Work?

You don't need a credit card to earn miles (points) with a specific airline. You can sign up for an airline loyalty program and earn points every time you fly with it or with one of its partner airlines. There are three major airline alliances: Star Alliance, Oneworld, and Sky Team.

Oneworld includes American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and 12 other airlines. Star Alliance has United, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and 23 other member airlines. Sky Team members include Delta, Air France, and 16 other airlines. These airline alliances let you accumulate points with any partner airline, so you don't have to join multiple loyalty programs.

With a travel credit card or an airline credit card, you can earn miles every time you make a purchase. To redeem your points, you can transfer them to a specific airline or use them for cash back and merchandise. Keep in mind that points are worth the most money when you exchange them for airfare.

How to Choose an Airline Credit Card

The best airline credit card is the card that's best for you. First, ask yourself if you prefer one particular airline. Do you always choose Southwest if you have a choice? If so, getting that airline's credit card might be a perfect fit for you.

Compare Your Options: Southwest Credit Cards: Which One Is Right for You?

A general travel card might work better for you if you don't have a preference. Find out if there's an annual fee and then weigh the fee against the card's benefits. If you travel internationally often, also look for a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Many general travel cards offer substantial welcome bonuses, which could get you closer to a free flight, but you have to spend a certain amount of money in a certain amount of time. If you don't already spend that much money monthly, or can't pay the balance off right away, it's probably not worth it.

Airline Miles Cards vs. Travel Rewards Credit Cards

An airline card is co-branded with one specific airline (and their alliance partners). The rewards for that airline are generous, but they only apply to airfare and maybe a few other travel perks, like a free checked bag or airport lounge access. A travel reward card offers a broader selection of benefits. You can transfer your points to get benefits like free airfare, and hotel stays, or even take them as a statement credit (although they'll be worth a lot less if you do). One is not necessarily better than the other: it depends on how you travel and what you want to do with your points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

The best airline credit card for you is the one that fits your lifestyle. If you live near a specific airline hub or if you prefer to fly with a particular airline, check out those credit cards first. Weigh the benefits against a general travel credit card and decide which benefits you'll take advantage of most. Remember, if you travel internationally often, you'll also want to choose a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Finally, credit cards with annual fees usually offer greater benefits but it's not worth it unless you know you'll take full advantage of all the perks.