Airline credit cards for bad credit: Sounds too good to be true, right? But guess what? It's not! Your credit history doesn't need to hold you back from earning those much-desired miles and rewards. In this blog post, we'll explore credit cards that cater to people with bad credit who still want to enjoy the benefits of airline rewards. Let’s dive in and see which cards can help you turn your financial future around, while still racking up some serious travel points.
Airline Credit Cards For Bad Credit Table of Contents
Understanding Airline Credit Cards
Before we jump into the list of airline credit cards for bad credit, let's first understand what they are all about. Airline credit cards, as the name suggests, are tailored specifically to help cardholders earn miles or rewards points on their travel purchases, which can be redeemed later for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses.
Why It's Challenging to Get Airline Credit Cards with Bad Credit
Credit card companies often target consumers with good to excellent credit when it comes to their rewards and airline credit cards. This is because these cardholders are more likely to spend on travel, pay their bills on time, and maintain a lower credit utilization ratio — all factors that lead to a better credit score.
However, if you have a lower credit score, it can be difficult to qualify for these cards. The good news is that there are options available for those with a not-so-perfect credit history to still reap the benefits of airline rewards.
Airline Credit Cards for Bad Credit
These credit cards can be your ticket to securing valuable travel rewards, even if your credit rating is less than stellar.
1. AeroMexico Visa Secured Card
The AeroMexico Visa Secured Card from U.S. Bank is a secured credit card that can help you earn miles with the AeroMexico airline, with no minimum credit score required. You'll need to make an initial deposit that serves as your credit line, but you can earn 1 mile per $1 spent on eligible net purchases and 2 miles per $1 spent on AeroMexico ticket purchases.
2. SKYPASS Visa Secured Card
Another secured credit card from U.S. Bank, the SKYPASS Visa Secured Card is geared towards travelers interested in Korean Air's rewards program. Earn 1 SKYPASS mile for every $1 spent on net purchases and enjoy additional perks like no foreign transaction fees.
3. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Although not exclusively an airline credit card, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card allows you to earn cashback rewards, which can be redeemed for travel expenses. It requires a security deposit but offers 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 spent quarterly) and unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases.
4. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
While not offering specific airline rewards, the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is another option for those looking to build credit and access broader travel rewards down the road. By consistently making on-time payments, you’ll improve your credit score over time, opening up the opportunity for more rewarding travel-focused credit cards in the future.
Airline Credit Cards For Bad Credit Example:
Imagine you're passionate about traveling, but your credit score is around 550. Your dream is to explore Asia, but your bad credit has held you back from earning miles and rewards. Deciding to apply for the SKYPASS Visa Secured Card, you make a $500 initial deposit and start using your secured credit card responsibly.
Within a year, your good credit habits pay off, and your credit score jumps to 650. Along the way, you've managed to earn 20,000 SKYPASS miles, bringing you closer to your dream vacation in Asia. By picking the right airline credit card for your situation, you can boost your credit score and earn rewards to satiate your wanderlust.
Finally, don't let a less-than-perfect credit score keep you grounded! With the right airline credit card for bad credit, you can start rebuilding your financial reputation while accumulating valuable miles and rewards for your dream vacation.
Once you start this journey, be sure to check out our other guides and resources available on Flik Eco – we're determined to help you navigate the world of personal finance and investing. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it too. Happy travels and redevelopment!
