Best airline credit cards: Top options for frequent flyers in 2025

The United States and Canadian markets offer a wide range of attractive options, and identifying the best airline credit cards can be a game changer for those seeking comfort, convenience, and savings.

Traveling can be more than just an experience — it can become an opportunity to save, earn points, and enjoy exclusive benefits with airlines.

If you fly frequently, having an airline credit card can turn your trips into tangible rewards.

In this article, we will review the top airline credit cards, comparing advantages, disadvantages, fees, mileage programs, and welcome bonuses.

Keep reading to discover which card best suits your traveler profile.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards is an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity and efficiency when it comes to earning miles.

With it, users earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, regardless of the category, making everyday use simple.

One of its biggest attractions is the welcome bonus, which typically ranges from 60,000 to 75,000 miles after meeting a minimum spend in the first three months.

The annual fee is $95, considered fair given the return offered. Highlights include no foreign transaction fees and the ability to transfer miles to over 15 travel partner programs.

The downside is that although transfer options exist, some partnerships do not have favorable conversion rates. Even so, this card offers a strong combination of flexibility and travel returns.

United Explorer Card

Ideal for those who fly frequently with United Airlines, the United Explorer Card offers a solid variety of benefits directly tied to the airline.

The card earns 2 miles per dollar spent with United, at restaurants, and on hotels, and 1 mile on all other purchases.

Cardholders also get one free checked bag, priority boarding, and two free passes per year to the United Club.

The card has a $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95 per year thereafter. The welcome bonus, often above 60,000 miles, may be enough to cover domestic flights.

The negative point is the limitation of miles usage within the MileagePlus program, which restricts options for those seeking more travel flexibility.

Still, it is an excellent choice for those already loyal to United and looking to maximize their flights with the airline.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express is one of the best airline credit cards for those who often fly with Delta.

The card offers 2 miles per dollar on purchases with Delta, at restaurants, and supermarkets, plus 1 mile on other transactions.

Benefits include one free checked bag, priority boarding, and in-flight discounts.

The annual fee is waived for the first year, then charged at $150 in subsequent years. The welcome bonus can reach up to 70,000 miles, which is a significant advantage for new users.

However, the miles earned are valid only in the Delta SkyMiles program, limiting flexibility.

Overall, the card is ideal for those who value comfort on domestic flights and want to save on baggage and upgrades.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card

This card stands out among airline credit cards for those who frequently fly to the West Coast of the United States or Canada.

It earns 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile in other categories. Its biggest differentiator is the Companion Fare: an additional ticket for a companion for just $99 plus taxes, available annually.

The welcome bonus is around 40,000 miles and a Companion Fare after the initial minimum spend.

With a $95 annual fee, the card offers excellent value, especially for those who often travel with a companion.

The limitation lies in the Mileage Plan program, which, although solid, lacks as many international partners as larger competitors. Still, it’s a valuable option for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

Recently launched, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has made a strong entry into the premium travel card market.

It offers 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 3 points on flights, car rentals, and dining, and 1 point on all other purchases.

The points system is flexible and can be used for both travel and statement credits. The card also offers a 60,000-point welcome bonus, with an annual fee of $95.

Another positive is the no foreign transaction fees, ideal for those traveling outside North America.

As a relatively new card, it continues to gain space and recognition in the market but offers a competitive combination of point returns and practical travel benefits.

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is one of the top cards for those who fly with American Airlines. It offers 2 miles per dollar on purchases with the airline, restaurants, and gas stations, plus 1 mile on other purchases.

Users are entitled to one free checked bag, preferred boarding, and in-flight discounts.

The annual fee is $0 in the first year and $99 from the second year on. Welcome bonuses range between 50,000 and 75,000 miles, making it an excellent way to start earning benefits.

The downside is that miles are only valid in the AAdvantage program, which restricts options for those flying with multiple airlines. Even so, for loyal American Airlines travelers, it is a smart and advantageous option.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Although not exclusively aimed at a specific airline, the Platinum Card from American Express is a reference among the best airline credit cards.

It offers 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, as well as access to VIP lounges like Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass.

Other benefits include annual airline fee credits, hotel upgrades, and exclusive concierge service.

The $695 annual fee is high, but the benefits make it worthwhile for frequent travelers. The welcome bonus can exceed 80,000 points, offering excellent value.

The flexibility of the Membership Rewards program is another strong point, with multiple redemption and point transfer options to airline partners.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Although a cashback card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited can be a powerful tool for earning travel points, especially when paired with other cards in the Chase ecosystem.

It offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases, 3% at restaurants and drugstores, and 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel.

Points can be transferred to partner programs if the user also holds a card like Sapphire Preferred or Reserve. The absence of an annual fee and the $200 bonus after initial spending make it even more attractive.

It’s a great entry point for those looking to start accumulating travel points without a large upfront investment.

Choosing the best airline credit card depends on your lifestyle and travel habits. While some cards offer exclusive advantages for specific airline users, others stand out for their flexibility in redemption and point accumulation across various categories.

In this guide to the best airline credit cards of 2025, we explored options for different profiles—from casual travelers to those loyal to major airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Whatever your choice, a good credit card can turn every trip into real opportunities for savings and comfort.

Keep visiting our site for more comparisons, exclusive tips, and recommendations on the best financial products in the North American market.

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