Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It? Best Credit Cards for Travel

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Hey, travel enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, the idea of racking up points and scoring free flights with an airline credit card is super appealing. But, as you probably already know, not all credit cards are created equal, and some come with hefty fees that can make you wonder if they’re even worth it in the long run. So, today, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about airline credit cards and answer the big question: Are airline credit cards worth it?

Plus, I’ll give you the scoop on some of the best cards out there—especially the airline credit cards that don’t have an annual fee (because, let’s face it, who wants extra charges just for owning a card?). Whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically, have bad credit, or are looking for cards with no annual fee, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Introduction: Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?

So, you might be wondering: should I get an airline credit card? Well, the answer depends on your travel habits, financial situation, and the card’s perks. Airline credit cards can offer major benefits—like free checked bags, priority boarding, or access to airport lounges—but they also come with potential drawbacks, like high annual fees and interest rates.

If you’re a frequent traveler and can maximize these perks, an airline credit card can definitely be worth it. But if you only fly occasionally or don’t want to deal with fees, there are other credit card options that may be better suited for you.

For me, it boils down to three questions:

Do you fly with the same airline regularly?
Are you willing to pay an annual fee to unlock travel benefits?
Will you use the points or miles frequently enough to justify the card?

Let’s explore the different categories of airline credit cards so you can make an informed decision.

Best Airline Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

If you’re new to airline credit cards or just can’t stomach the idea of paying an annual fee, there are some great options that offer solid rewards without that extra cost. These cards may not come with as many perks as their premium counterparts, but they’re ideal for casual travelers who still want to earn points or miles.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
If you frequently fly Delta, this no-annual-fee card is a great option. It allows you to earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, while all other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar. The card is simple and ideal for occasional Delta flyers. Plus, there’s no need to worry about extra fees, making it an easy choice for those who want to earn rewards without added cost.

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
Perfect for American Airlines travelers, this card also has no annual fee. You can earn 2x miles at grocery stores and on American Airlines purchases. Additionally, there’s a bonus of 10,000 miles after meeting a low spending requirement. This card works well for anyone looking to earn everyday rewards without paying an annual fee.

Best Airline Credit Cards for International Travel

For frequent international travelers, the key to choosing the right airline credit card is finding one that offers no foreign transaction fees, excellent international travel perks, and the ability to earn miles on a variety of purchases. Here are some of the best options:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Though not tied to a specific airline, this card is one of my top picks for international travelers. It offers 2x points on travel and dining and no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge plus when you’re abroad. Even though it does have an annual fee, the travel perks and flexible rewards more than make up for it.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
For American Airlines loyalists, this card offers no foreign transaction fees and 2x miles on restaurants, gas stations, and American Airlines purchases. It’s perfect for those jetting off internationally, with perks like a free checked bag on international flights.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
For those who frequently fly Delta, this premium card is an excellent choice. It comes with elite travel perks, including complimentary Delta Sky Club® access, priority boarding, free companion ticket, and a free first checked bag on Delta flights. The card also offers 3x miles on Delta purchases and helps you earn Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs), which can boost your Delta status quickly. While it does carry a hefty annual fee, the luxury benefits are worth it for Delta loyalists who want to maximize their travel experience.

Best Airline Credit Cards for Domestic Travel

If most of your travel is domestic, you’ll want a card that offers perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and miles accumulation for flights within the U.S. Here are a couple of standout options:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Known for its flexibility and customer-friendly policies, Southwest’s credit card is excellent for domestic travelers. Earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, and the card’s annual fee is on the lower side compared to other airline cards.

United℠ Explorer Card
This card is great for frequent domestic travelers flying with United. It offers 2x miles on United purchases, free checked bags, and priority boarding, which is ideal for saving time and money on domestic flights.

Best Airline Credit Cards for Those with Bad Credit

If you have bad or limited credit, qualifying for top-tier airline credit cards might be a challenge. However, there are still some options available to help you rebuild credit while earning miles:

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
While not an airline card per se, this secured card is a great option for those with bad credit who want to start earning travel rewards. After making a security deposit, you can earn 2% cash back on dining and gas (which can be used for travel), and there’s no annual fee.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel. Though it’s not airline-specific, it’s a solid option for those with fair credit looking to rebuild.

Conclusion: Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?

At the end of the day, airline credit cards can be totally worth it—but only if you’re getting more value out of them than you’re paying in fees. If you’re flying regularly with a specific airline and can take full advantage of the perks (like free bags, priority boarding, and earning miles), it’s a great way to save money and elevate your travel experience.

But, if you’re not a frequent flyer or you want to avoid paying an annual fee, there are still plenty of credit card options that can help you earn travel rewards without the commitment. The key is to figure out which card aligns best with your travel habits and financial situation. I hope this guide helps you make the best decision for your next adventure!