Frequent flyers are the ones that benefit most from an airline card. They get more opportunities to earn extra miles when they buy tickets with the card.
The rewards are more suitable for their lifestyle so they get more opportunities to redeem them. Plus, they are the customers who have more opportunities to avail of the perks that come with the card.
Airline cards also come with bonuses that are large enough for a cardholder to get a free trip.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | Up to 4x miles
4x miles on United Airlines purchases, 2x miles on all other travel purchases, dining and eligible delivery services and 1x miles on all other purchases
| 90,000 miles
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $525 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | 1X – 2X
2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
| 40,000 Miles
40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
| $150, $0 intro first year (Rates & Fees) |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus | 1x – 2x
2X points on Southwest purchases, Southwesthotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including ride-shares),internet, cable, phone and select streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases
| 50,000 points
50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $69 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® | 1X – 2X
2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on grocery stores and eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
| 10,000 miles
10,000 miles and $50 statement credit if you spend $500 in first 3 months
| $0 |
| JetBlue Plus Card | 1X – 6X
6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases
| 50,000 points
50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days
| $99 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $550 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
| 80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
| $695 (Rates & Fees) |
 | United Explorer Card | 1X – 2X
2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
| 50,000 miles
50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
| $95 ($0 first year) |
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Reward details
Current Offer
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
While this airline card is designed for frequent United flyers, it is convenient to be able to increase your mile balance with other travel purchases. Furthermore, you can take advantage of a variety of premium benefits such as TSA PreCheck or global entry fee reimbursement, no foreign transaction fees, free check bags, and more.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a high-end travel card for frequent United passengers. Not only can you earn
4x miles on United Airlines purchases, 2x miles on all other travel purchases, dining and eligible delivery services and 1x miles on all other purchases, but you can also earn a sign-up bonus of 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
You should, however, make sure to cover the high annual fee of $525.
- Rewards Plan: 4x miles on United Airlines purchases, 2x miles on all other travel purchases, dining and eligible delivery services and 1x miles on all other purchases
- APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable
- Annual fee: $525
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate:N/A
- IHG Rewards Platinum Elite
- Luxury Hotels & Resorts Collection
- Baggage Insurance
- Trip Delay Coverage/Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
- High Annual Fee
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Limited Non United Flight Redemptions
Can I redeem for flights with airline partners?
United has over 30 airline partners, with which you can spend your miles. Of course, you will get preferential redemption rates if you choose a United operated flight, but it is still possible to use your miles with airlines including Lufthansa, SkyWest, Air Canada, Trans States, Aer Lingus, and GoJet.
Can I get pre approved?
Chase does not typically have pre approval for the United Club Infinite card. When you apply online, Chase will pull a hard credit search.
Can I get car rental insurance?
The United Club Infinite card does have auto rental collision insurance if you pay for the rental with your card and decline the car rental company’s optional coverage.
Does the card insurance cover flight cancellation?
The United Club Infinite does have trip interruption/cancellation insurance that allows you to have pre paid, non refundable charges reimbursed. So, if your flight is canceled and you incur non reimbursed charges, you could recover them on your insurance.
What are the card income requirements?
The United Club Infinite card requires excellent credit. Your income will be used to determine your credit limit once approved.
Do the miles expire?
The United Club Infinite miles have no expiry date.
How much is 10,000 miles worth?
The average redemption value for United Club miles is about two cents per mile, depending on your redemption method. This means that 10,000 miles could be worth $200 with the United Club Infinite.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
TheDelta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, as the name suggests, is a decent airline rewards card that will appeal most to people who frequently fly with Delta. A neat welcome bonus, potential annual rewards, an ongoing miles rewards system, priority boarding, and the opportunity to pay with earned miles when you fly Delta are some reasons you may want to consider this card. If you fly Delta, this card probably ticks many of the right boxes. Terms Apply.
The miles earned through regular purchases with this card are modest for the most part, but if you make in-flight purchases, you get up to 20% back in form of statement credits. The rewards on this card are laser-targeted towards a specific audience. Therefore, it goes without saying that if you don’t fly often or don’t patronize Delta much, there is little to enjoy from this card. You probably won’t even earn enough rewards to offset the annual fee.
- APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $150, $0 intro first year
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases (Terms Apply)
- Welcome bonus: 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Welcome Bonus (Terms Apply)
- Attractive rewards for Delta flyers
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Free Checked Bag
- Priority Boarding
- Annual Fee
- Limited Acceptance
- No Path to Elite Status
- Niche Card
Is there a mileage limit?
The Skymiles Gold Card allows you to earn unlimited rewards, so you don’t need to worry about timing your purchases towards the end of the year, so you don’t exceed a rewards cap. In fact, it encourages you to accumulate more rewards with additional perks.
What Are the Card Income Requirements?
As with most credit cards, American Express will rely on your credit score as a major factor when deciding your approval status. The SkyMiles Gold requires a good to excellent credit score, which will only be feasible if you have a fairly low debt to income ratio. However, Amex may use your income to determine your credit limit if you are approved.
Can I Redeem for Flights with Airline Partners?
Delta has a list of airline partners where you can use your SkyMiles to book flights. There are over twenty airline partners, including Virgin America, KLM, and Hawaiian Airlines. However, keep in mind that transferring miles to another program may result in a fee, and you may not be able to access the best redemption rates.
Can I get Car Rental Insurance?
The SkyMiles Gold offers car rental insurance. When you decline the rental counter collision waiver coverage, and pay for the rental with your card, you’ll have theft and damage protection in most territories. Please review the terms and conditions before to make sure you're covered.
Do the Miles Expire?
You don’t need to worry about miles or points expiring. However, if you’re considering closing your account – it may expire , so you will need to think about your miles before you finalize the account closure.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
Southwest Airlines is the primary sponsor of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. It provides a wide range of rewards options that go beyond the typical travel options and airline rewards, which distinguishes the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card from others in the same category.
Cardholders earn 2X points on Southwest purchases, Southwesthotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including ride-shares),internet, cable, phone and select streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases. These points can be redeemed for hotel stays, gift cards, and access to a variety of events, among other things.
The card, however, has an annual fee of $69 . Despite the fact that it is less expensive than other travel cards, it is recommended to ensure that the rewards you receive worth more than the annual fee.
- Rewards Plan: 2X points on Southwest purchases, Southwesthotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including ride-shares),internet, cable, phone and select streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases
- APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
- Annual fee: $69
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Cardholder Anniversary Gift
- Point Redemption Options
- Point Rewards Plan & Welcome Bonus
- No Blackout Dates
- Limited International Travel
- Average Rewards Rate
- Southwest Flights Only
Is it possible to get car rental insurance?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus include rental car insurance. In most territories, if you decline the rental counter collision waiver coverage and pay for the rental with your card, you will have theft and damage protection. Please review the terms and conditions before to make sure you're covered.
Can I Redeem for Flights with Airline Partners?
Southwest does not allow you to transfer points to other airlines, but there is an Other Travel section within the Rapid Rewards catalog. Here you’ll find international flights on a variety of carriers that are priced in Rapid Reward points.
Is there a mileage limit on the card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards allows you to earn unlimited rewards, so you don't have to worry about timing your purchases so that you don't exceed a rewards cap at the end of the year. In fact, the card encourages you to earn more rewards by providing you with additional benefits.
What Are the Income Requirements?
As with most credit cards, Chase will consider your credit score when determining your approval status. The The Southwest Rapid Rewards necessitate a good to excellent credit score, which is only possible if you have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio. However, if you are approved, Chase will use your income to determine your credit limit.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Reward details
Current Offer
10,000 miles and $50 statement credit if you spend $500 in first 3 months
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® card is ideal for infrequent American Airlines flyers who want to enjoy AAdvantage miles and earn rewards on everyday purchases. This, combined with the fact that there is no annual fee, makes it an appealing card for people who are new to travel rewards.
However, there are other travel rewards credit cards available if you're willing to pay an annual fee. Depending on the cardholder's credit history, travel needs, and frequency, a potential cardholder may want to look into other options before applying for the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card.
Since the majority of travel cards have an annual fee, this one can be a good option if you prefer a card with no annual fee.
- Rewards Plan: 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on grocery stores and eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
- APR: 21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus:10,000 miles and $50 statement credit if you spend $500 in first 3 months
- 0% APR Introductory Rate:None
- No Annual Fee
- Rewards & Sign up Bonus
- No Rewards Cap
- Citi Travel Options
- 25% off on in-flight food and drinks <li class="creditminus"No Extra Benefits
- Average Rewards Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- High APR
JetBlue Plus Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The JetBlue Plus is an excellent airline card and perfect choice for frequent JetBlue passengers.
Cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days, in addition to earning a nice rewards ratio of 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases.
Although JetBlue is not the largest airline, this card is an excellent way to earn flight perks and other benefits while traveling, such as a discount on in-flight purchases, free checked bags, and no foreign transaction fees. However, there is a $99 annual fee.
- Rewards Plan: 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases
- APR: 21.24% – 29.99% variable
- Annual fee: $99
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: 12 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Anniversary Bonus
- Checked Bags
- In-Flight Purchase Discount
- Annual Statement Credit
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Annual Fee
- Confusing Redemption
- Limited Geo Footprint
- High APR
Can I get car rental insurance?
Unlike some travel cards, The JetBlue Plus card doesn't offer car rental insurance as part of the benefits package.
Do the miles can expire?
JetBlue miles have no expiration clauses. The only situation where you may lose your points is if you close your account, leaving a points balance.
Can I Get Pre Approved
Barclays Bank does not offer pre approval for the JetBlue Plus. While you can get an approval decision within a few minutes, you will need to submit a full application and Barclays will initiate a hard credit search
Can I Redeem for Flights with Airline Partners?
Unlike some programs, the JetBlue airline reward programs doesn't have a large number of partners. JetBlue miles can be redeemed for AAdvantage flights and vice versa. Other airline partners, however, do not accept JetBlue points.
What is the Initial Credit Limit?
The JetBlue Plus card has a minimum initial credit limit of $1,500. The exact amount will be determined based on your income.
How Much are 10,000 Miles or Points Worth?
JetBlue points have a value of 1 cent to 1.5 cents per point, depending on the current flight cash values. This means that if you have 10,000 JetBlue points, they could be worth $100 to $150.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Reward details
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is a premium travel card that offers many benefits that your average reward card does not. You'll receive , which is about $750 in travel rewards if booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
In addition, you earn
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
However, due to the high annual fee ($550) – you should make sure your regular spending habits fits to this card and you'll be able to cover the high annual cost. If that's not the case – the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good alternative.
- APR: 22.49%–29.49% variable
- Annual fee: $550
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan:
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Sign Up bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Points Rewards
- Sign Up Bonus
- More Ultimate Chase Rewards
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Airport Lounge Access
- Annual Fee
- No 0% Introductory APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Chase Restrictions
- Can I get car rental insurance with a Sapphire Reserve card? Yes, you can get car rental insurance with this card if you decline the collision cover of the rental company and pay for the entire cost of the rental car with this card.
- What are Sapphire Reserve card income requirements? There are no transparent income requirements, but it is usually expected that your annual income is at least $30,000 and you may be asked for proof of income.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can redeem your points in a variety of ways through the Chase credit card reward portal. Some of the perks you can get include cash, travel credit, a statement credit, and gift cards.
- What purchases don't earn cash back with the Sapphire Reserve? All purchases will earn you cashback with this card.
- Should You Move to a Sapphire Reserve card? If you travel a lot then this is a great option for you. It's recommended to understand your spending habits and compare the Reserve card with other premium travel cards such as the Amex platinum card.
- Why did Chase deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met one of its requirements. You will usually find out where you fell short. You might be able to rectify the issue or you might have to look elsewhere.
- How hard is it to get Sapphire Reserve card? It is harder to get this card than some of the other Chase credit cards. However, if you have a credit score of at least 720 then you will be in with a good chance of getting approval.
- How to Use Sapphire Reserve card Benefits? To maximize rewards, you should take advantage of the high dining and travel-related cashback redemption rates and generally use them for these types of expenses.
- Top Reasons NOT to get the Sapphire Reserve card? If you do not travel a lot or you don’t want to pay the large annual fee.
- Does travel rewards points expire? Your points won’t expire once you keep the credit card account open.
- Does it offer pre-approval? Yes, you can get pre-approved for this card.
- What is the initial credit limit? The usual minimum credit limit for this card is $10,000.
- Is there a limit to rewards? No limit
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is designed for frequent flyers of Alaska Airlines, offering valuable benefits and a strong sign-up bonus. The rewards structure includes unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2X on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Cardholders enjoy perks such as a free checked bag, priority boarding, and 20% back on inflight purchases. The welcome offer of 60,000 miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ is a highlight, but redemption value varies based on individual travel plans.
While the Alaska Airlines Visa offers substantial benefits for loyal Alaska Airlines customers, its limited route network and increased annual fee may make it less appealing to travelers seeking more flexibility or those who don't frequently fly with Alaska Airlines.
- APR: 19.74% – 27.74% variable
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of each transaction
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2X on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases
- Sign Up bonus: 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Alaska Companion Fare
- Free Checked Bag And Priority Boarding
- Boosted Rewards Categories
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Limited Route Network
- Limited International Options
- Redemption Restrictions
How do I qualify for the annual companion fare?
Spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year to qualify for the annual companion fare.
Can I get a discount on Alaska Lounge+ Membership with this card?
Yes, eligible cardholders can enjoy $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership.
What is the redemption value of Alaska miles?
Alaska miles have an estimated value of 1.3 cents , according to Bankrate's latest valuations.
What credit score is recommended for the Alaska Airlines Visa card?
A credit score of 700 or above is recommended for optimal approval odds.
What is the priority boarding benefit of the card?
Cardholders enjoy priority boarding, allowing for quicker access to overhead bin space.
Can I redeem miles for flights with Alaska's oneworld Alliance partners?
Yes, you can redeem miles with oneworld Alliance partners, but there are associated fees and guidelines.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express Platinum Card Review
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express Platinum Card Review
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best luxury cards available, offering extra ordinary benefits especially when it comes to travel. The card offers 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases. Terms Apply.
Also, you can enjoy welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership, as well as a lot of extra premium perks such as dedicated service team, up to $200 in Uber Cash (enrollment required), preferred seating at sporting and cultural events, signature perks at upscale hotels, fraud Protection and baggage insurance for up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry on.
- Up to $200 hotel credit per year when you book select prepaid hotels using your Platinum card via American Express Travel. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $240 or $20 per month in Digital Entertainment Credit when you pay for one or more The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM or Audible products with your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit. When you use your card to pay for your monthly Walmart+ membership, you’ll get the full cost back every month. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $200 in Airline fee credit per year when you charge incidental travel fees from selected airlines on your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $300 back every year for eligible Equinox memberships when you enroll and pay using your card.
- Up to $189 back per year when you use your card to pay for a CLEAR® membership. Enrollment Required.
- Welcome Bonus + Premium Point Rewards Rate (Terms Apply)
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Special Premium Status Perks
- High Annual Fee
- High Requirements
- Why did Amex Platinum Card deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met one of the requirements. You can ask the customer support team if there is something you can do to change this eventuality. Otherwise, you can look for an alternative card.
- How hard is it to get Amex Platinum Card? You need to meet the credit score and income requirements, which are higher than a lot of other cards.
- What is the initial credit limit? The minimum credit limit you will get with this card will be $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? There is a points-based system. You can redeem the points for a variety of rewards that are showcased on the Amex website. These include statement credit, gift cards, paying for certain services etc.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? Every type of purchase through this card will earn cashback points.
- Should You Move to Amex Platinum Card? It is a good fit if you spend a lot of money on travel-related expenses and want to avail yourself of some great travel perks.
United Explorer Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The United Explorer Card is a Visa credit card issued by Chase that is an airline-branded card issued by United Airlines. This card is exclusively for United Airlines frequent fliers, and it comes with fantastic perks that make the cardholder's overall travel experience less expensive and much less stressful.
With the United Explorer card, you can earn 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases. Miles accumulated through use of this card do not expire as long as the account is active. The card has an annual fee of $95 ($0 first year).
- Rewards Plan: 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
- APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable
- Annual fee: $95 ($0 first year)
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Free Checked Bag & Priority Boarding
- Annual United Club Passes
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Mileage Rewards & Sign-Up Bonus
- Annual Fee
- Balance Transfer Fee
- High APR for purchases
What are the card income requirements?
Chase does not disclose any minimum income requirements. However, Chase will use your income to determine your credit limit, which may require proof of income.
Should you move to the Explorer card?
If you’re a frequent flyer with United, the Explorer card will offer some great rewards. If you’re currently not getting good travel rewards and you want to make the most of your travels, these cards do represent a good option.
What's the rewards limit?
There is no cap on how many miles you can earn in any statement year.
What are the top reasons not to get it?
The Explorer card are specifically designed to offer great rewards for United travel. This does mean that there are not great rewards for other purchases. So, if you’re looking for an all round card for every day purchases, this card are not the right choice for you.
What is the initial credit limit?
The starting credit limit for the United Explorer is $3,000. However, depending on your credit limit and income, your initial credit limit may be higher
Leverage Airline Rewards and Loyalty Programs
Many airlines and/or credit card companies offer loyalty programs to their customers that include the privilege to earn airline miles, frequent flyer miles or travel points. Customers must accumulate a set amount of miles by flying with a particular airline or by spending through their credit cards.
Every time you use your airline miles credit card to make a purchase, you’ll earn a certain number of miles. Once you have enough miles, you can use them to buy airline tickets. In the airline miles universe, there are two ways to get points.
First, by signing up for a service through the airline itself or by using a credit card that offers rewards miles. Take note that some credit cards have tie-ups with specific airlines while other cards work on any airline.
If your credit card company tied up their miles program with your airline’s frequent flyer program, you may qualify for seat upgrades, priority boarding, free companion tickets or other benefits by using your rewards.
Here are the top airline loyalty programs:
1. Delta SkyMiles
Delta Air Lines offers the SkyMiles program, known for its extensive network and partnerships. Members earn miles by flying with Delta and its partner airlines, and these miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related benefits.
Delta often introduces promotions and bonus offers to enhance member rewards, and elite status tiers provide additional perks such as priority boarding and lounge access.
2. American AAdvantage
American Airlines' AAdvantage program is one of the oldest and most comprehensive loyalty programs.
Members earn miles through flights, credit card spending, and partner transactions. AAdvantage offers various redemption options, including flights, upgrades, and vacation packages.
Elite status levels come with privileges like free checked bags, priority check-in, and access to Admirals Club lounges.
3. United MileagePlus
United Airlines' MileagePlus program is renowned for its extensive route network and Star Alliance partnerships.
Members accumulate miles through flights, credit card spending, and partner activities. MileagePlus offers diverse redemption options, from flights and seat upgrades to hotel stays and car rentals.
Premier elite status levels provide benefits like complimentary upgrades, priority security screening, and lounge access.
4. Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards stands out with its straightforward earning and redemption system. Members earn points based on the cost of flights, and there are no blackout dates or seat restrictions when redeeming points for flights.
The Companion Pass is a coveted benefit, allowing a designated person to fly for free with the member. Rapid Rewards also features credit card partnerships for additional earning opportunities.
5. JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue's TrueBlue program emphasizes flexibility and simplicity. Members earn points through flights and can redeem them for any available seat with no blackout dates.
TrueBlue Mosaic is the elite status tier, offering benefits such as expedited security, bonus point earning, and complimentary inflight alcoholic beverages.
6. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan is renowned for its unique partnerships and generous award charts. Members earn miles through flights, credit card spending, and partner transactions.
The program allows for creative routing and stopovers, making it attractive for those who enjoy maximizing travel experiences. Elite status levels offer perks like complimentary upgrades, lounge access, and bonus miles
Factors to Consider When Choosing An Airline Credit Card?
Here are the top considerations when choosing airline miles rewards card:
- Rewards Program
Airline and credit card rewards programs are not always similar.
They would have different redemption methods for the miles you earn so the way to earn them will differ in terms of value. The basic valuation is $0.01 for each airline mile. However, you will find some credit card miles are worth more while other cards’ miles don’t even match up. What you should look out for are opportunities.
If you can find a rate of $0.02/mile, that’s okay. Also, if you can redeem them at a higher rate – around $0.03 or more per mile – that’s even better. You’re moving into the serious travel hacker level.
- Fees
Each credit card comes with its own set of fees. The good thing is, you don’t have to read each line and paragraph of the terms and conditions to find the fees of each card.
Most card companies list their most common fees prominently in their marketing materials. These are some of the fees that you may find:
- Annual Fee. The annual fee is what you have to pay every year. This takes care of the convenience to use the company’s credit card. Some airline credit cards do not collect annual fees. But for most of them, expect an annual fee from them.
- Foreign Transaction Fee. When you purchase something in foreign currency, the card company may charge you with a foreign transaction fee. This fee can come regardless of your physical location for as long as the transaction is in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Frequent flyers, who often make purchases abroad, find this very important. For them, aside from the annual fee, this is equally relevant.
- Balance Transfer Fee. A balance transfer involves moving your existing balance on one credit card to your new card. For this convenience, the card issuer will charge a balance transfer fee. The fee is a percentage of the balance that you have transferred and it runs from 3% of the transaction amount of $5, whichever is bigger. The higher the balance you are transferring, the higher the transfer fee that you have to pay.
- Cash Advance Fee. The card company will charge you a cash advance fee whenever you make a cash advance or an equivalent transaction. Equivalent transactions could be overdraft protection or credit card convenience checks.
- Additional Benefits
Sophisticated travel hackers have been making a killing with credit cards with air miles programs. They know how easy it is to score free plane tickets, hotel rooms, and travel first class by getting upgrades.
Look out for the additional benefits that you can get such as priority boarding, free use of exclusive lounges, seat upgrades, discounts on in-flight refreshments and a waiver of some restrictions on a budget or promotional fares.
- APR
The annual percentage rate (APR) is the total interest rate that you’ll pay each year (or monthly rate X 12 months).
But don’t forget to account for the introductory rates or rates that change depending on the amount of balance you keep and the different rates that vary on what you use the card for.
When you use the APR to shop for a credit card, you want the lower number because it means less interest to pay.
What is Reasonable APR?
These days, comparing interest rates is much more difficult. Many banks use the customer’s credit score to determine the interest rate. So, unless you have excellent credit, it may best to get a card that has a single, fixed interest rate.
Data by the St. Louis Fed on commercial bank interest rates of credit card plans. However, today's rates are higher due to the massive increase in interest rates.
Pros and Cons of Airline Miles Cards
A word of caution: these pros and cons aren’t valid for all the miles credit cards.
Since they differ from card to card and each card has its own unique feature, make sure that you read and understand the specs of your mile credit card.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Great For Flyers | Annual Fee |
Offer Discounts And Perks | Higher Interest Rates |
Free Checked Bags | Points Expiration |
Airport Lounges | Limits Your Flexibility |
- Great For Flyers
Airline cardholders can earn rewards points they can redeem for future flights, free stays in hotels, car rentals, and other unique rewards for using the airline card.
- Offer Discounts And Perks
Because of their relationship with airline companies, airline credit cards offer carrier-specific perks that you won’t find in a general travel card.
They would be different for each card but they may include priority boarding, seat upgrades, discounts on in-flight meals and a waiver of certain restrictions on discount fares.
- Free Checked Bags
This appears to be a uniform feature such that no matter which airline credit card you use, you can check a bag for free when you’re traveling with that airline.
Some airlines offer this exclusively for the cardholder but there are airlines that extend this privilege to a certain number of travelers found on the same reservation.
- Airport Lounges
Your premium airline card can come with a high annual fee but it also comes with unlimited free access to airport lounges.
It provides you with a place to rest and refresh yourself in style before your flight during a layover.
Aside from comfortable couches and chairs, lounges have free Wi-Fi, food, drinks and some even offer premium wines and beers among other amenities.
- Annual Fee
Airline credit cards come with an annual fee. If you spend enough on the card every year such that you can offset the fee, then it doesn’t matter. When it comes to annual fees, compute for any perks that translate into a dollar amount so you can calculate if it will compensate for the fee.
Examples would be an annual credit or higher rewards rate for the mile that you travel.
- Higher Interest Rates
Two things that set airline cards apart from a regular card is that they have a higher interest rate and an annual fee.
The question to ask is: Would you be getting back more in the rewards program than what you will be paying for in interest and annual fee?
- Points Expiration
You must redeem the points in a certain amount of time – generally within one year.
So, if you don’t travel enough, you won’t have the opportunity to accumulate sufficient points to claim some rewards.
It could also happen that you keep spending to accumulate points for a larger reward just to have your points lapse on you.
- Limits Your Flexibility
Flexibility could be something that you might have to give up when it comes to airline cards. It could be a big disadvantage for a traveler.
Because your is airline-specific, you forfeit the opportunity to compare flights to get a better price, a more efficient route or a specific destination.
Your card and airline might limit your choices.
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