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Airline Credit Cards

Airline Credit Card Deals: February 2012

We've compiled a list of the best Airline Credit Card Deals available for this month.

Airline Rewards Credit Cards

Up to Double Miles on Purchases - Compare Airline Reward Cards and Apply Online
Earn airline flight rewards such as frequent flyer miles on your purchases.


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Best Airline Credit Card

United MileagePlus® Explorer
Apply for United MileagePlus® Explorer
Editors' Choice
Airline Credit Cards
  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free, a $95 value*
  • Check your first bag for free on United and Continental-operated flights, up to a $50 value round trip
  • Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges
  • Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value
  • Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from United and Continental and 1 mile per $1 everywhere else
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Airline MilesNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Airline Rewards Benefit: Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from United and Continental and 1 mile per $1 everywhere else
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
14.24% (Variable)
$95
Airplane

Is an Airline Miles Credit Card Right for You?

Are you a frequent flyer? If you make frequent trips via airline travel, you are likely signed up with a certain airline’s Frequent Flyer Program, where you earn miles redeemable towards free trips every time you fly.


Compare Cards with Airline Rewards

Miles by Discover Card
Apply for Miles by Discover Card
  • Earn up to $120 in travel rewards - 1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first year
  • 1 mile on every $1 you spend
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 16.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel - fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsHotel RewardsTravel RewardsCar Rental RewardsDining RewardsCar Rental Insurance$0 Fraud Liability
Airline Rewards Benefit: Double Miles on your first $3,000 in travel and restaurant purchases each year, plus 1 Mile for Every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0%
0%
10.99% - 16.99% (Variable)
$0

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
Apply for Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • Check your first bag FREE - for up to 9 people on your reservation - on every Delta flight
  • Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent
  • NEW — Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsBonus Airline MilesInstant ApprovalCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection$0 Fraud LiabilityEmergency Assistance
Airline Rewards Benefit: Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
$95

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $1,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Priority Pass select airport club access, No Foreign Transaction Fees, Global Entry expedited U.S. immigration pass
  • Up to $200 in Airline Fee Credits annually to cover incidental charges on your airline of choice, including checked-baggage fees
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConciergeEventsExtended Warranty Purchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance
Airline Rewards Benefit: Get up to $200 in Airline Fee Credits annually to cover incidental fees with your favorite airline.
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$450

The NEW Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN
Apply for The NEW Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN
  • Earn points even faster to get more rewards for your business
  • 3X points on airfare | 2X points on advertising, gas, and shipping |1X points on everything else*
  • One million rewards from over 500 brands
  • Unlimited Rewards Potential - there is no limit to the number of points you can earn and points do not expire
  • 24/7 support for everything from identity theft to travel emergencies
Airline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalGas RewardsNo Limits on RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitDiscountEvents Car Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionBaggage InsuranceEmergency AssistanceEmergency Card ReplacementIdentity Theft AssistanceRoadside Assistance
Airline Rewards Benefit: 3X points on airfare
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$175

American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
Apply for American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
  • Membership Rewards(R) bonus: 15K points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $150, when you spend $1,000 in your first three months of card membership
  • Membership Rewards(R) points multiply fast! Earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, 1X points on everything else
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175
  • Get approved in 60-seconds.
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward PointsGas RewardsGrocery RewardsEventsCar Rental Insurance Extended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityRoadside Assistance
Airline Rewards Benefit: Earn triple points on airfare.
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$175

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card
Apply for Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card
  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel – when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening
  • Check your first bag free– for up to 8 people on your reservation– on every Delta flight
  • Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent
  • Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsBonus Airline MilesDiscountCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance Emergency Card ReplacementIdentity Theft Assistance
Airline Rewards Benefit: 1 mile for every eligible dollar spent and double miles for Delta purchases. No seat restrictions or blackout dates on Delta flights by using the exclusive Pay with Miles feature.
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
$95

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Apply for Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
  • NOW! Earn a FREE FLIGHT after your first purchase
  • Get 3,000 Points every year on your Card member Anniversary that can be redeemed for a $50 Wanna Get Away® Fare
  • Now you can redeem for International Travel, Hotels, Gift Cards and more.
  • Earn unlimited FREE FLIGHTS - 2 Points per $1 Spent on Southwest Purchases and 1 Point per $1 Spent on EVERYTHING else
  • Your Bags Fly FREE! No Blackout Dates, Points Dont Expire, and Unlimited Reward Seats!
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsBonus Airline MilesNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Airline Rewards Benefit: 2 Points per $1 Spent on Southwest Purchases and 1 Point per $1 Spent on EVERYTHING else
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$69

Continental Airlines OnePass® Plus Card
Apply for Continental Airlines OnePass® Plus Card
  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free ($95 value)*
  • Now with priority boarding privileges on Continental and United flights
  • Check your first bag for free on Continental and United flights, up to a $50 value
  • Visit the United Club with two complimentary passes every year, a $100 value
  • Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from Continental and United and 1 mile per $1 everywhere else
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsBonus Airline MilesNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Airline Rewards Benefit: Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from Continental and United and 1 mile per $1 everywhere else
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
14.24% (Variable)
$95

Escape by Discover Card
Apply for Escape by Discover Card
  • Earn up to $250 in travel rewards - 1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first 25 months
  • Double Miles on every $1 you spend
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable APR of 10.99% - 16.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel - fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
Introductory Bonus Airline MilesAirline RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Airline Rewards Benefit: 2 Miles per $1 on all purchases
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0%
0%
10.99% - 16.99% (Variable)
$60

Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card
Apply for Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card
  • Earn 50,000 Bonus Points after your first use
  • Receive 1 free night stay upon account approval and each year upon account anniversary
  • Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on qualifying airline, dining, and rental car purchases
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsBonus Hotel RewardsCar Rental RewardsDining Rewards
Airline Rewards Benefit: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on air
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$85

Airline Rewards Benefits

6 High-Flying Benefits of Airline Miles Credit Cards

With so many credit cards available to consumers, it can be difficult to determine what type of credit card is best for your wallet and your family. If you have been researching rewards credit cards, you have probably seen that there are general rewards cards and then other cards that focus on specific types of rewards, such as airline miles.

Airline miles cards can be a great fit for people who travel frequently or have a future big trip planned. These cards allow you to accrue points based on the purchases you charge to your card. Typically, each dollar spent equals one point earned. After you have accrued enough points, you can redeem them to book your flights for free or very low cost.

If you have been considering an airline mile credit card but are unsure how they will benefit you, here are just six of the many benefits you will see with this type of credit card.

  • Rewards from the start

    Many consumers assume that it will take months, maybe even years, before they have accrued enough points to cash in on a free flight. However, many airline rewards cards now offer their cardholder bonus points on their first purchase. These points have a large range depending on the card, but some are enough for a short flight.

    This makes it so you can see the benefits of your card even if you aren’t sure if it is a credit card you will use on a regular basis. It is also great for individuals who typically don’t charge much toward a credit card. The last thing you want to do is change your spending pattern just to accrue points!


  • Chances to accrue additional points

    Credit cards often provide promotional periods to their cardholders where the points per dollar spent is increased. During these promotional periods, you may earn 2, 3, 4, even 5 points for every dollar spent.

    Often, these extra points are accrued for purchases you make at certain merchant categories, like gas, hotel or other travel expenses. This is a great chance to rack up the points if you already have travel plans during these periods! Sometimes, the merchant categories are for every day expenses, like grocery stores, so you will still be able to earn points quickly without changing your regular shopping routine.


  • Flexibility on flights

    Frequent flyer programs through specific airlines often still have some limitations to their programs and require you to book flights through specific airlines. With an airline miles credit card, you often have access to a greater range of airlines, locations and dates available to you. This makes it convenient for using your rewards to book flights for specific vacations and business trips you have planned.


  • Seat upgrades

    One fantastic benefit of airline miles credit cards is being able to use your points to upgrade seats. Many cardholders will take advantage of a special airline promotion that gets them access to inexpensive tickets. They then utilize their rewards to upgrade that seat to business or first class, providing them extra space and access to special perks during their flight. This is a great way to be budget conscious without having to skimp on comfort!


  • Gain access to special perks

    Some airline credit cards, such as the legendary American Express Platinum allow you access into certain airline lounges. With access to lounges in airports, you can be comfortable while you wait for your flight. The lounges are available at numerous airports, so this is one benefit that you’ll be able to take advantage of on numerous trips.


  • Redeem points to cut down on other travel expenses

    If you are looking at airline miles credit cards, chances are, you’re focused on flying. However, many times you can also use your points toward car rentals, hotel rooms and other hotel expenses.


Articles on Airline Rewards

    Best Credit Card Deals for Airline Miles in 2012

    January 5, 2012 - By Charles Tran - Deals
    As consumers embrace the start of 2012, savvy shoppers can give themselves the post-holiday gift of frequent flyer miles.

    How to Get Airline Upgrades

    September 5, 2011 - By Meghan Clark - Tips
    Traveling in coach often isn’t a problem; especially if you’re taking a quick domestic flight. But when you’re flying across the country or to an international destination, sitting in coach for hours is less than appealing. Between the cramped ...

    Airline Travel Tips

    By Meghan Clark - Tips
    Vacations are fun but flying to your destination can be stressful. With the crowded airports, increasing fees and always changing security policies, there is a lot to deal with when you’re navigating the terminals to get to your plane.
    Infographics: Real Cost of Flying

    Real Cost of Flying

    By Meghan Clark - Tips
    Nowadays, many airlines are offering special promotions to help ensure their seats are filled. The costs of some of these flights seem fantastic, with many of them being cheaper than the cost of gas to drive to the same destination.
    Bags Fly Free @ Southwest

    Smart Tactics for Avoiding Airline Fees

    Flying has become increasingly expensive in recent years, and there is no sign that prices will go anywhere but up in the future. This means that to be a savvy traveler, it may be necessary to stay on your toes and keep abreast of how the ...
    Delta Boeing 767-332/ER

    5 Routes to Save Money on Cheap Airline Tickets

    By Abigail Hall - Tips
    If you’re planning a vacation, a big part of your budget is probably going toward airfare. With plane tickets on the rise, it’s no wonder many people are sticking to driving-distance trips! However, you can save on airfare if you have the right ...

    About Airline Credit Cards

    By Julie Williams - About
    In the credit card marketplace, we are all increasingly seeing airlines getting in on the act. They are offering airline credit cards and, for the consumer, this can mean a whole new range of exciting credit card products available to them.

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