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Airline Credit Cards

Airline Rewards Credit Cards

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Where to go next? Just as there are many places worth visiting, there are many credit cards to choose from that can help you save money and earn perks when you travel. Use our cheat sheet to zero in on what matters for your next airline card and start comparing the ones below.

Beginner's Guide to Airline Miles and Points

Airline Miles for Beginners

New to airline miles? Learn how it works and how to earn a ton of miles fast through credit cards. Before long, you'll be redeeming miles for free flights and hotel rooms.


Disclaimer: The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, Discover it® Miles, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by CreditDonkey. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.


Airline Rewards Benefits

6 High-Flying Benefits of Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards can be a great fit for people who travel often or have a big trip planned. These cards allow you to accrue points for purchases charged to the card. Once you've earned enough points, you can often redeem them for flights and savings in travel expenses like lodging. These cards can also give you access to special perks while you travel.

Here are just six of the many benefits you will typically see with this type of credit card.

  1. Rewards from the start
    Many consumers assume that it will take years before they will accrue enough points to cash in for a flight. However, many airline rewards cards now offer introductory bonus points on after meeting an initial spending threshold. The amount of points range depending on the card, but some offer enough for a round-trip flight.

    An introductory offer allows you to see the benefits of your card even if it is a credit card you might not use on a regular basis. It is also great for individuals who typically don't charge much on a credit card, because the last thing you want to do is change your spending pattern just to accrue points.

  2. Flexibility on flights
    Frequent flyer programs through specific airlines often have some limitations and require you to book flights through the airline. With an airline miles credit card that's not affiliated with any specific airline, you often have access to a greater range of airlines, locations, and dates. This makes it convenient to use rewards to book flights for vacations and business trips.

  3. Seat upgrades
    One fantastic benefit of some airline miles credit cards is using your miles to upgrade seats. Many cardholders will purchase inexpensive tickets through a special airline promotion and then utilize rewards to upgrade their seat to business or first class. Seat upgrades provide them with extra space and access to special perks during their flight. This is a great way to be budget conscious without skimping on comfort. Keep in mind, though, not all tickets are eligible to be upgraded, so pay attention to the fare code and airline eligibility requirements.

  4. Access to special perks
    Some credit cards give you access into certain airline lounges. These lounges in airports maximize comfort while you wait for your flight. They are available at many airports, so this is one benefit that you'll be able to take advantage of almost anywhere you travel.

  5. Chances to accrue additional points
    Credit card companies often provide promotional periods when they will increase the points per dollar spent for certain categories. During these promotional periods, you may earn 2, 3, 4, even 5 points for every dollar spent.

    Extra points are often offered for purchases you make at certain types of merchants, like gas stations, hotels or other travel-related venues. This is a great chance to rack up the points if you have already planned to travel during these periods. Sometimes, the merchant categories are for everyday expenses, like groceries, so you will still earn points quickly without changing your regular shopping routine.

  6. Points to cut down on other travel expenses
    If you are looking at airline miles credit cards, chances are you're focused on flying rewards. However, with some cards, you can also potentially use your points toward car rentals, hotel rooms and other travel expenses.


Articles on Airline Rewards

Delta SkyMiles Gold Review

There are many credit cards that earn Delta miles to choose from, so how do you decide if the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is right for you? Read this review before you apply.
Redeem JetBlue Points

Redeem JetBlue Points

Redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points for the most value. This guide highlights some of the best ways to use those TrueBlue points.
Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest prides itself on providing customers lots of extras without the extra costs. Here's what you need to know for your next flight on Southwest.
Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Companion Pass allows a companion to fly with you for free on unlimited Southwest flights. Learn how it works and how to get it fast.
Best Ways to Redeem Southwest Points

Redeem Southwest Points

Redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for the most value. This guide highlights some of the best award redemption opportunities with Rapid Rewards points.
14 Best Ways to Use United Miles

Best Ways to Use United Miles

Redeem United MileagePlus miles for the most value. This guide highlights some of the best award redemption opportunities with United miles.
ITA Matrix Finds Cheapest Flights to Anywhere

ITA Matrix

Save big on your next flight tickets. ITA Matrix is the most powerful free airfare search tool. Learn how to use it. Read on for a simple step-by-step guide.
Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Want to visit Hawaii? Here are the cheapest time to buy airline tickets, best and worst months for tourists, and weather tips for an unforgettable vacation.

Best Time-Saving Airports

Unless you enjoy watching planes take-off , you don't relish the thought of hanging around the airport. And, for business commuters who rely on air travel for work, flight delays can lead to the loss of billions of dollars in potential earnings ...

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express.


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About CreditDonkey
CreditDonkey is a credit card comparison website. We publish data-driven analysis to help you save money & make savvy decisions.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

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CreditDonkey does not know your individual circumstances and provides information for general educational purposes only. CreditDonkey is not a substitute for, and should not be used as, professional legal, credit or financial advice. You should consult your own professional advisors for such advice.

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