Airline credit cards offer a direct path to rewards with specific carriers, but the best choice depends on your flying habits and spending patterns. Unlike general travel rewards cards, airline cards focus on earning miles or points within a single loyalty program—making them ideal for frequent flyers tied to a particular airline.
Understanding Your Travel Habits
The first step is to assess how often you fly and with which airlines. If you consistently travel with one carrier, an airline-branded card can maximize rewards and unlock benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and even elite status boosts. However, if your flights are spread across multiple airlines, a more flexible travel card might be a better fit.
- Loyalty Matters: Airline cards reward dedication. If you consistently fly with a specific airline, the benefits—such as accelerated elite status qualification—can outweigh the limitations.
- Flexibility First: If your travel is varied, a general travel card with transferable points offers broader redemption options.
Credit Score Requirements
Airline credit cards generally require a good to excellent credit score (690+). While approval with a lower score is possible, options will be limited. These cards fall within the travel category, which typically demands strong creditworthiness.
Maximizing Benefits: Bags, Spending, and Perks
One of the most significant perks of airline cards is free checked bags, saving frequent flyers up to $40 per bag, per flight. Beyond this, consider your spending habits. Some cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, accelerate elite status qualification by awarding Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) for every dollar spent.
- High Spend? If you spend heavily, look for cards that offer bonus rewards or statement credits.
- Low Spend? A card with a lower annual fee might suffice if you primarily want basic benefits like free checked bags.
Everyday Spending: A Trade-off
Using an airline card for daily purchases makes sense if you’re loyal to a specific airline. However, many airline cards lack robust purchase protection or extended warranties—features common in broader travel rewards cards.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns more per dollar spent on dining (3 points vs. 2 miles from the United Business Card) and offers stronger consumer protections. This highlights the importance of comparing earning rates and benefits beyond airline-specific perks.
Choosing the right card requires balancing airline loyalty with broader rewards and protections.
The Bottom Line
Airline credit cards are best for those committed to a single airline, offering streamlined rewards and exclusive perks. However, if your travel is varied or you prioritize comprehensive purchase protection, a general travel card may be more valuable. Careful consideration of your spending habits, credit score, and desired benefits will lead to the optimal choice.
