Best Airline Miles Credit Cards of 2023

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.

Our List of the Best Airline Miles Credit Cards

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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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1x points on all other purchases.

2x points

Travel

2x points on travel not booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, such as airfare, hotels, taxes and trains.

3x points

U.S. supermarkets

Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

3x points

Streaming services

Earn 3x points on select streaming services.

3x points

Dining

3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.

5x points

Travel

5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate 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

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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	08/03/2023	872	Not Provided	$19,500
Approved	03/23/2022	750	Not Provided	$22,000
Approved	04/04/2022	640	Not Provided	$5,000
Approved	04/19/2023	737	Equifax	$16,000
Approved	04/19/2023	747	Experian	$16,000
Approved	04/19/2023	747	TransUnion	$16,000
Approved	11/11/2023	800	Not Provided	$16,800
Approved	04/18/2023	790	Experian	$17,300
Approved	05/21/2023	703	Experian	$17,300
Approved	06/16/2021	740	TransUnion	$10,600
Approved	06/16/2021	742	Experian	$10,600
Approved	06/16/2021	753	Equifax	$10,600
Approved	03/31/2021	670	Experian	$14,700
Approved	03/31/2021	718	Equifax	$14,700
Approved	07/06/2022	786	Experian	$16,600
Approved	04/04/2023	735	Equifax	$17,300
Approved	04/04/2023	825	Experian	$17,300
Approved	04/05/2022	795	TransUnion	$22,300
Approved	04/05/2022	821	Experian	$22,300
Approved	07/06/2023	735	Experian	$5,000
Approved	07/06/2023	745	Equifax	$5,000
Approved	07/06/2023	755	TransUnion	$5,000
Approved	03/01/2022	681	Experian	$16,600
Approved	03/01/2022	683	TransUnion	$16,600
Approved	03/01/2022	706	Equifax	$16,600
Approved	09/21/2022	743	Equifax	$12,900
Approved	12/04/2022	770	Experian	$12,000
Approved	10/19/2023	720	Not Provided	$19,500
Approved	08/05/2022	746	Experian	$20,000
Approved	08/05/2022	759	TransUnion	$20,000
Approved	08/05/2022	771	Equifax	$20,000
Approved	12/27/2021	672	Not Provided	$5,000
Approved	12/29/2022	771	Not Provided	$5,000
Approved	06/14/2023	759	Experian	$6,000
Approved	04/06/2023	897	Not Provided	$23,800
Approved	04/14/2023	765	Experian	$7,200
Approved	04/14/2023	777	Equifax	$7,200
Approved	04/14/2023	777	TransUnion	$7,200
Approved	06/16/2021	740	TransUnion	$5,000
Approved	05/08/2021	687	TransUnion	$5,600
Approved	05/08/2021	698	Experian	$5,600
Approved	10/23/2023	745	TransUnion	$5,000
Approved	10/03/2023	761	Equifax	$18,000
Approved	10/03/2023	767	Experian	$18,000
Approved	10/03/2023	774	TransUnion	$18,000
Denied	08/07/2022	720	Not Provided	---
Denied	06/07/2020	764	Experian	---

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:

2x miles

All eligible purchases

2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

5x miles

Hotels

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

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

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/17/2021	739	Experian	$15,000
Approved	08/30/2021	775	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	07/11/2023	691	Experian	$5,000
Approved	10/25/2021	728	Experian	$10,000
Approved	10/25/2021	731	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	10/25/2021	740	TransUnion	$10,000

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:

2x miles

On all other eligible purchases

2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

5x miles

Airfare

5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

10x miles

Hotels

10 Miles per dollar on hotels booked through Capital One Travel

10x miles

Rental Cars

10 Miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

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

Learn More

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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	10/19/2023	776	Not Provided	$20,000
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

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1x points on all other eligible purchases

3x points

Airfare

3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com

4x points

U.S. supermarkets

4x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.

4x points

Dining

4x points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.

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

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $250

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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	---

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

3x points

Dining

Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.

5x points

Travel

Earn 5x points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

10x points

Travel

10x on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

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

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1x on all other purchases

5x points

Airfare

5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases each calendar year

5x points

Hotels

5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com

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

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	06/08/2022	688	Experian	$4,000
Approved	04/28/2022	650	Not Provided	$50,000
Approved	04/28/2023	812	Equifax	---
Approved	04/28/2023	820	TransUnion	---
Approved	04/28/2023	825	Experian	---
Approved	08/16/2023	698	Equifax	$25,000
Approved	08/16/2023	709	Experian	$25,000
Approved	08/16/2023	728	TransUnion	$25,000
Approved	01/04/2023	696	Not Provided	---
Approved	06/08/2022	686	Equifax	$4,000
Approved	01/23/2023	675	Not Provided	$6,000

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 offer and 20% off inflight purchases.

Rewards:

1x miles

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases

2x miles

Delta Purchases

Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases

2x miles

Dining

Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.

Welcome Offer: 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:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	09/28/2020	685	Experian	$1,000
Approved	09/28/2020	762	Experian	$1,000
Approved	03/14/2022	665	Experian	$1,000
Approved	05/14/2020	670	Experian	$1,000
Denied	01/29/2018	627	Experian	---

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 offer, 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:

1x miles

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

2x miles

U.S. supermarkets

Earn 2X Miles at U.S. Supermarkets.

2x miles

Delta Purchases

Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases.

2x miles

Dining

Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

Welcome Offer: 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:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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

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 offer 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:

1Avios

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.

2Avios

Hotels

Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.

3Avios

Airfare

Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.

Welcome Offer: 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:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1x point on everyday purchases.

2x points

Streaming services

Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.

2x points

Transit

Earn 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.

3x points

Southwest Purchases

Earn 3x points on Southwest® purchases.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $99

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1x point for each $1 spent on all other purchases.

2x points

Streaming services

Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.

2x points

Transit

Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.

3x points

Southwest Purchases

Earn 3X points on Southwest(R) purchases.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Annual Fee: $149

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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	---

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

2x points

Hotels

Earn 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel partners.

2x points

Rental Cars

Earn 2x on Rapid Rewards car rental partners.

2x points

Southwest Purchases

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.

2x points

Streaming services

Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.

2x points

Transit

Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 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:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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

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:

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1x per dollar spent on all other purchases

2x miles

Airfare

2x points on United purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, and inflight purchases

2x points

Hotels

2x points per dollar spent on hotel accommodations

2x points

Dining

2x miles per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services

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:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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	---

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:

1x miles

All eligible purchases

Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage(R) mile earned from purchases.

2x miles

American Airline Purchases

2x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases

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

Read our Review

Approval Odds:

Credit Score of Approved and Denied Applications

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

Full List of Travel Credit Cards from Our Database

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Rewards
1x to 9x points

Annual Fee
$95

Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

Rewards
1% - 5%

Annual Fee
$0

The Plum Card® from American Express

Rewards
0 - 1.5%

Annual Fee
$250‡

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Rewards
1x to 3x points

Annual Fee
$0

Edward Jones World Mastercard®

Rewards
1x - 4x points

Annual Fee
$0

The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1

Rewards
1.5% - 10% cash back

Annual Fee
$0

Discover It® Miles Card

Rewards
1.5%

Annual Fee
$0

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Rewards
1% to 5%

Annual Fee
$0

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Rewards
1-3x points

Annual Fee
$95

Capital One VentureOne Rewards for Good Credit

Rewards
1.25x - 5x miles

Annual Fee
$0

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Rewards
1x to 3x Points

Annual Fee
$95

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit

Rewards
1% to 10%

Annual Fee
$0

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit

Rewards
1.5% to 5% cash back

Annual Fee
$0

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Rewards
2x to 6x points

Annual Fee
$125

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Rewards
2x

Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Rewards
2x - 6x points

Annual Fee
$650

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Rewards
1x to 4x miles

Annual Fee
$525

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ credit card

Rewards
2x - 18.5x points

Annual Fee
$250

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Rewards
1X to 4X points

Annual Fee
$199

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Rewards
1x - 5x points

Annual Fee
$695

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Rewards
2x to 17x points

Annual Fee
$0

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Rewards
1x - 2x points

Annual Fee
$69

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Rewards
2 to 3 points

Annual Fee
$149

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Rewards
2x - 10x

Annual Fee
$395

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1 to 3 Avios

Annual Fee
$95

Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1 to 3 Avios

Annual Fee
$95

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1x - 3x Avios

Annual Fee
$95

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

Rewards
1x to 2x Miles

Annual Fee
$99, waived for first 12 months

United Quest℠ Card

Rewards
1x to 3x miles

Annual Fee
$250

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Rewards
1X to 3X Miles

Annual Fee
$550

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Rewards
1x to 2x miles

Annual Fee
$595

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Rewards
1x to 3x points

Annual Fee
$99

American Express® Green Card

Rewards
1x to 3x points

Annual Fee
$150

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards
1x-4x

Annual Fee
$250

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards
1x - 5x points

Annual Fee
$95

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Rewards
1x - 10x

Annual Fee
$550

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Rewards
1x - 3x miles

Annual Fee
$550

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Rewards
1x - 3x miles

Annual Fee
$250

United℠ Business Card

Rewards
1x - 2x miles

Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Rewards
1x - 2x miles

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

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Rewards
1x - 3x miles

Annual Fee
$250

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Rewards
1x to 2x miles

Annual Fee
$99, waived for first 12 months

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Rewards
1x to 2x miles

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

Wells Fargo Autograph^SM Card

Rewards
1x to 3x points

Annual Fee
$0

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Rewards
1x - 14x points

Annual Fee
$0

United Gateway℠ Card

Rewards
1x - 2x Miles

Annual Fee
$0

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Rewards
3x to 14x points

Annual Fee
$450

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

Rewards
1x to 2x miles

Annual Fee
$0

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Rewards
3x - 26x points

Annual Fee
$99

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Rewards
3x to 26x points

Annual Fee
$99

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Rewards
3x to 12x points

Annual Fee
$95

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Rewards
1x to 5x Points

Annual Fee
$695

U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1% to 5% cash back

Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee the first year, $95 thereafter

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

Rewards
2%-5%

Annual Fee
$195

Mastercard® Black Card™

Rewards
1.5% to 2%

Annual Fee
$495

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Rewards
1.5X - 2X Points

Annual Fee
$95

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Rewards
1x - 9x points

Annual Fee
$199

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

Rewards
1% - 5% Cash Back

Annual Fee
$0

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1x - 5x

Annual Fee
$95

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Rewards
1x to 5x points

Annual Fee
$400

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1.5x to 4x points

Annual Fee
$95 Waived for existing Honors Advantage Members

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Rewards
1.25x miles to 5x miles

Annual Fee
$0

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Rewards
3x to 12x points

Annual Fee
$95

Capital One Venture X Business

Rewards
2x - 10x miles

Annual Fee
$395

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card

Rewards
1x to 3x points

Annual Fee
$95

Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card

Rewards
1.5% or 1x points

Annual Fee
$0 first year, and then $125

Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

Rewards
1.5% to 5%

Annual Fee
$0

Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit

Rewards
1.5% - 5%

Annual Fee
$0

Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card

Rewards
1% - 5%

Annual Fee
$95

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Rewards
1% - 5%

Annual Fee
$0

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rewards
1% - 5.25%

Annual Fee
$0

Amazon Visa

Rewards
1% to 3%

Annual Fee
$0

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Rewards
2% to 5%

Annual Fee
$150

USALLIANCE Visa Signature Credit Card

Rewards
3x to 6x points

Annual Fee
$0

Venmo Credit Card

Rewards
1% to 3%

Annual Fee
$0

Abound Platinum Visa® Credit Card

Rewards
1% to 5%

Annual Fee
$0

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)

What is the easiest airline credit card to get?

Most airline credit cards require a good credit score. If your credit score isn't above 690 or so, you can still apply, but your approval isn't guaranteed. Try to find a card with no annual fee, and see if you can do a preapproval first. That way, your credit score won't get dinged in case they turn you down.

Should you buy airline miles?

Probably not. The only time it makes sense to buy airline miles is if you're a few short of getting a free flight and you're booking it right away. Many airlines offer deals on miles, but you have to weigh the cost vs. the value (like you should do for everything). In most cases, you'd be better off earning them through purchases.

How do you redeem airline miles on a credit card?

Each airline will be different, but in most cases, you have to create an account with that specific airline’s miles program and link your credit card to that account. That way, your miles will be deposited into your account automatically. From there, you can book travel on the specific airline’s website and choose to use miles for your ticket instead of buying it outright.

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.