Are you ready to take to the skies and earn rewards while you travel? Discover the best credit cards for airline travel rewards in this guide on Flik Eco. Not only will we reveal the top cards that give you the most bang for your buck, but we'll also help you understand what to look for in a travel rewards credit card. Pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, and let's dive in!
Best Credit Cards For Airline Travel Rewards Table of Contents
What to look for in an airline travel rewards credit card
When choosing a credit card specifically for airline travel rewards, consider the following factors:
1. Generous sign-up bonus
Look for a card that offers a substantial sign-up bonus, as this can jump-start your rewards earning potential and help you accumulate points or miles quickly.
2. Reward earning rate
A good travel rewards credit card should offer a competitive reward earning rate on all purchases, with additional points or miles awarded for travel-related expenses.
3. Flexible redemption options
Ensure the card offers a variety of redemption options, such as transferring points to partner airlines or booking flights through the card issuer’s travel portal.
4. Travel benefits and perks
Extra perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access can add significant value to your travel experience.
5. Annual fee and foreign transaction fees
Consider if the card's annual fee and foreign transaction fees are worth the rewards and benefits offered. Some cards may waive the annual fee for the first year, making it easier to justify the expense.
Top 5 Credit Cards for Airline Travel Rewards
Based on our research, here are the best credit cards for airline travel rewards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- American Express Gold Card
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Double points on travel and dining
- Transfer points to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio
- No foreign transaction fees
- Strong sign-up bonus
- Earns 2 miles per dollar on all purchases
- Redeem miles for travel statement credits or transfer to airline partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Solid welcome offer
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- Redeem points through Membership Rewards program, with multiple airline partners
- No foreign transaction fees, some travel benefits included
- Attractive welcome offer
- Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 2x miles on U.S. supermarket purchases
- Perks include a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
- Annual fee, but no foreign transaction fees
- Impressive sign-up bonus
- Earn 2x points on Southwest purchases
- Perks include annual travel credits and four priority boarding passes
- Annual fee, but no foreign transaction fees
Best Credit Cards For Airline Travel Rewards Example:
Imagine you're an avid traveler who wants to maximize rewards on flights, so you decide to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. After spending $4,000 within the first three months, you'll earn a generous 60,000-point sign-up bonus, which equates to $750 in travel when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Plus, you'll earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
With the 1:1 transfer ratio, you could transfer your points to United Airlines and book a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris in economy class for 60,000 miles. By utilizing this card effectively, you can maximize your travel rewards and explore the world for less!
With so many great credit cards for airline travel rewards, it's never been easier to indulge your wanderlust and earn rewards while you fly. Whether you're a budget-conscious adventurer or a luxury-seeking globetrotter, Flik Eco can help you find the perfect card to elevate your travel experience. Don't forget to share this article with fellow travelers, and explore our other guides for more personal finance tips and investing advice tailored for millennials. Bon voyage!
