Top Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 2X points on travel and dining; 1X on all other purchases.
Best For: Flexible travel rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is popular among travelers due to its robust earning potential and travel flexibility. Points can be transferred to over 13 airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Hyatt. The card also comes with exceptional travel protections, including trip delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.
2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Annual Fee: $99 (waived the first year)
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 2X miles on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; 1X on all other purchases.
Best For: Delta Airlines loyalty.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is perfect for frequent Delta flyers. It offers valuable perks, like priority boarding and the ability to earn miles for free flights with no blackout dates. The card’s comprehensive insurance covering trip cancellations and car rental damage adds further value.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 2X miles on every purchase.
Best For: General travel rewards.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who value simplicity without sacrificing rewards. With 2X miles earned on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees, it’s great for international travel. The miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to multiple travel partners.
4. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 2X miles on grocery stores and eligible American Airlines purchases; 1X on all other purchases.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who fly American Airlines.
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card provides excellent perks without an annual fee. It’s particularly rewarding for those who shop at grocery stores, providing easy miles that can lead to free flights. Additionally, cardholders receive access to exclusive American Airlines promotions.
5. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Annual Fee: $149
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 2X points on Southwest purchases and local transit and commuting; 1X on other purchases.
Best For: Loyal Southwest Airlines travelers.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is ideal for frequent Southwest flyers, especially with its generous reward structure that lets cardholders earn “Companion Pass” eligibility, allowing a companion to fly free with them for a year. The benefits, including access to upgrades and in-flight discounts, make this card exceptionally appealing.
6. United Explorer Card
Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first year)
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 2X miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases; 1X on all other purchases.
Best For: United Airlines’ frequent flyers.
The United Explorer Card offers travelers a suite of benefits that enhance the flying experience with United. Benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, along with two United Club one-time passes annually, add significant value. The card also features travel insurance and purchase protection.
7. Citi Premier® Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 3X points on travel, 2X on dining, and 1X on other purchases.
Best For: Versatile travel rewards.
The Citi Premier® Card is a versatile option offering substantial travel rewards and the ability to transfer points to various airlines. The 3X point structure on travel expenses, including gas stations, adds extra value. Additional benefits include protections like travel accident insurance and car rental insurance.
8. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Annual Fee: $450
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 6X points at Marriott hotels, 3X on dining at restaurants worldwide; 2X on flights and all other purchases.
Best For: Travelers who prefer hotel loyalty programs.
While primarily a hotel rewards card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offers travel perks including 1 free night award each anniversary and access to the luxury of the Marriott hotels. Points earned can also be transferred to airlines for added travel flexibility.
9. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
Annual Fee: $75
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards Rate: 3X miles on Alaska Airlines purchases; 1X on all other purchases.
Best For: Alaska Airlines fans.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card appeals to travelers who frequently fly with Alaska Airlines. Benefits include an annual companion fare offer, making it more cost-effective to travel with a partner. Its rewards can be utilized towards flights, upgrades, and travel experiences.
10. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard®
Annual Fee: $0 (with HSBC Premier relationship)
Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 100,000 bonus points after meeting spending requirements.
Rewards Rate: 3X points on travel and dining; 1X on all other purchases.
Best For: International Travelers.
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® stands out with several international travel benefits. Cardholders can earn points that don’t expire, and enjoy rewards that can be transferred to frequent flyer programs as well as hotel loyalty programs, making this card flexible for global travelers. The card also includes travel accident insurance and concierge services.
Key Considerations for Frequent Flyers
When choosing a credit card tailored for frequent flying, several factors should be considered:
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Travel Alliances: Look for cards associated with airlines within the same alliance to maximize point redemptions.
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Reward Flexibility: A card that allows point transfers to various airlines or hotel partners can be more beneficial.
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Travel Benefits: Evaluate the benefits like airport lounge access, free checked luggage, and travel insurances, which can enhance the travel experience significantly.
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Foreign Transaction Fees: For international travel, select cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra costs.
With these considerations in mind, selecting the right credit card can lead to more rewarding travel experiences, saving money while reaping benefits from flights and accommodations. Each card discussed offers unique advantages catering specifically to frequent flyers, enhancing your travel experience.
