American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines dominate the U.S. airline credit card market in 2025, offering travelers valuable miles, elite status benefits, and significant travel perks.
These major carriers have headquarters strategically positioned across America, with Delta Air Lines (DL) operating from its Atlanta (ATL) hub.
The landscape of airline co-branded credit cards continues to evolve with enhanced reward structures, expanded partnership networks, and innovative spending categories.
Cards now feature not only traditional airline perks but also lifestyle benefits like rideshare credits, streaming service bonuses, and dining rewards that extend value beyond air travel.
Photo credit: Joe PriesBest Airline Credit Cards for 2025
Choosing the right airline credit card can transform your travel experience, offering miles, elite status perks, and cost-saving benefits tailored to your preferred airline.
In 2025, top cards from major carriers like American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), United Airlines (UA), and others stand out for their welcome offers, earning rates, and travel perks.
Below is a detailed look at the best options, designed to help frequent flyers maximize value.
| 1 | The New United Club℠ Card | 95,000 miles (debut offer) | $695 | 1x-4x miles | • United Club℠ membership ($750+ value) • First and second checked bags free • Premier Access® services • 4x miles on United Airlines (UA) purchases |
| 2 | The New United Quest℠ Card | 90,000 miles + 500 PQP (debut offer) | $350 | 1x-5x miles | • $200 United travel credit • Two free checked bags • 10,000-mile award flight discount (up to twice yearly) • Two Global Economy Plus® upgrades annually after $40,000 spend |
| 3 | British Airways Visa Signature® Card | 85,000 Avios | $95 | 1x-3x points | • Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 spend • 10% discount on British Airways (BA) flights from the US • 3x Avios on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL purchases |
| 4 | The New United℠ Explorer Card | 80,000 miles (debut offer) | $0 first year, then $150 | 1x-5x miles | • First checked bag free • Two United Club passes annually • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit • $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 annually |
| 5 | Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | 75,000 miles | $0 intro, $99 after first year | 1x-2x miles | • Free first checked bag on American Airlines (AA) flights • Preferred boarding • 25% savings on in-flight purchases • No foreign transaction fees |
| 6 | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card | 70,000 miles + $99 Companion Fare (limited time) | $95 | 1x-3x miles | • Annual Companion Fare from $99 • Free first checked bag for you and up to 6 guests • 20% back on Alaska Airlines (AS) inflight purchases • 4,000 elite-qualifying miles for every $10,000 spent |
| 7 | Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | 70,000 miles | $595 | 1x-10x miles | • Admirals Club® membership • First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit • Priority check-in, security screening, and boarding |
| 8 | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | 70,000 miles | $650 | 1x-3x miles | • Delta Sky Club® access • Annual Companion Certificate (including First Class eligibility) • Upgrade priority over lower-tier cardmembers • First checked bag free and priority boarding |
| 9 | Aeroplan® Credit Card | Up to 70,000 bonus points | $95 | 1x-3x points | • Automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status • Free first checked bag on Air Canada (AC) flights • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 monthly spend • Elite status bump after $50,000 annual spend |
| 10 | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | 60,000 miles | $350 | 1x-3x miles | • Annual Companion Certificate • First checked bag free on Delta flights • $120 Resy Credit + $120 Rideshare Credit • $2,500 MQD Headstart for status qualification |
These cards cater to different travel habits, from leisure trips to business travel, with benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and companion tickets.
Photo: United Airlines1. The New United Club℠ Card
- Welcome Offer: 95,000 miles ($1,140 value)
- Annual Fees: $695
- APR: 20.49% – 28.99% Variable
- Recommendation: Best for frequent United flyers seeking premium perks
The New United Club℠ Card suits travelers who fly United Airlines often and value lounge access and flight perks.
It offers a generous welcome bonus and earns high rewards on United purchases, making it ideal for loyalists.
Features include United Club membership, free checked bags, and Premier Access services, enhancing comfort and convenience.
- Pros:
- 4x miles on United purchases
- Complimentary United Club membership ($750+ value)
- Free first and second checked bags
- Cons:
- High $695 annual fee
- Non-transferable rewards
Photo: Chase2. The New United Quest℠ Card
- Welcome Offer: 90,000 miles + 500 PQP ($1,080 value)
- Annual Fees: $350
- APR: 20.49% – 28.99% Variable
- Recommendation: Ideal for United flyers seeking rewards and travel perks
The New United Quest℠ Card appeals to United Airlines loyalists who want to earn miles quickly and enjoy flight benefits.
It offers a strong welcome bonus and high earning rates on United and travel purchases, boosting rewards for frequent flyers.
Features include a $200 United travel credit, free checked bags, and a 10,000-mile award flight discount, making trips more affordable.
- Pros:
- 3x miles on United purchases
- $200 annual United travel credit
- Two free checked bags
- Cons:
- Non-transferable rewards
- No airport lounge access
Photo: British Airways3. British Airways Visa Signature® Card
- Welcome Offer: 85,000 Avios ($1,062 value)
- Annual Fees: $95
- APR: 19.99% – 28.49% Variable
- Recommendation: Best for British Airways loyalists and traveling couples
The British Airways Visa Signature® Card benefits frequent British Airways flyers who want to earn Avios for award flights.
It provides a substantial welcome bonus and strong rewards on airline purchases, ideal for transatlantic travelers.
Features include a Travel Together Ticket after high spending, a 10% flight discount, and no foreign transaction fees, enhancing international travel savings.
- Pros:
- 3x Avios on British Airways purchases
- Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 spend
- 10% off British Airways flights from the US
- Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Non-transferable rewards
Photo: United Airlines4. The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Welcome Offer: 80,000 miles ($960 value)
- Annual Fees: $0 first year, then $150
- APR: 20.49% – 28.99% Variable
- Recommendation: Great for United travelers seeking affordable perks
The New United℠ Explorer Card appeals to United Airlines regulars who want enhanced travel benefits without a high cost.
It offers a solid welcome bonus and earns rewards on United and dining purchases, ideal for occasional flyers.
Features include a free first checked bag, priority boarding, two annual United Club passes, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, improving travel convenience.
- Pros:
- Free first checked bag
- Two United Club passes yearly
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cons:
- $150 annual fee after first year
- Non-transferable rewards
Photo: American Airlines5. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Offer: 75,000 miles ($1,050 value)
- Annual Fees: $0 intro, $99 after first year
- APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommendation: Ideal for American Airlines fans seeking affordable benefits
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® suits American Airlines loyalists who want to earn miles and enjoy flight perks.
It offers a strong welcome bonus and rewards on daily purchases, perfect for casual travelers.
Features include a free first checked bag, preferred boarding, a $125 flight discount after high spending, and no foreign transaction fees, enhancing travel value.
- Pros:
- Free first checked bag for up to five travelers
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines
- $125 flight discount after $20,000 spend
- Cons:
- $99 annual fee after first year
- Non-transferable rewards
Photo: Alaska Airlines6. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
- Welcome Offer: 70,000 miles + $99 Companion Fare ($1,120 value)
- Annual Fees: $95
- APR: 20.24% – 28.24% Variable
- Recommendation: Best for Alaska Airlines loyalists and traveling couples
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card benefits frequent Alaska Airlines flyers who seek rewards and travel perks.
It offers a generous welcome bonus and strong earning rates on Alaska purchases, ideal for West Coast travelers.
Features include an annual Companion Fare after spending $6,000, free checked bags for up to seven travelers, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees, making trips more affordable and convenient.
- Pros:
- Annual Companion Fare from $99
- Free checked bag for up to seven travelers
- 3x miles on Alaska purchases
- Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Non-transferable rewards
Photo: Citi7. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Offer: 70,000 miles ($980 value)
- Annual Fees: $595
- APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommendation: Ideal for American Airlines loyalists seeking premium perks
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® targets frequent American Airlines travelers who value lounge access and elite status benefits.
It offers a solid welcome bonus and high rewards on airline purchases, perfect for dedicated flyers.
Features include Admirals Club membership, free checked bags for up to nine travelers, priority check-in, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, enhancing travel comfort and efficiency.
- Pros:
- Admirals Club membership included
- Free checked bag for up to nine travelers
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Cons:
- $595 annual fee
- Low rewards on non-airline purchases
Photo: Aviation A2Z8. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Welcome Offer: 70,000 miles (up to $840 value)
- Annual Fees: $650
- APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommendation: Best for Delta loyalists seeking elite status and lounge access
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card targets frequent Delta flyers who prioritize premium travel benefits.
It offers a solid welcome bonus and rewards on Delta purchases, ideal for status seekers.
Features include Delta Sky Club access, an annual Companion Certificate for First Class or other cabins, a $2,500 MQD Headstart, and upgrade priority, enhancing travel comfort and status progression.
- Pros:
- Delta Sky Club access with 15 visits yearly
- Annual Companion Certificate for First Class
- $2,500 MQD Headstart for status
- Cons:
- $650 annual fee
- Limited bonus categories
Photo: Aviation A2Z9. Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Welcome Offer: Up to 70,000 bonus points ($1,050 value)
- Annual Fees: $95
- APR: 20.49% – 28.99% Variable
- Recommendation: Great for Air Canada flyers seeking elite status
The Aeroplan® Credit Card benefits Air Canada travelers who want to earn points and gain elite status. It offers a strong welcome bonus and high rewards on Air Canada, grocery, and dining purchases, ideal for frequent flyers.
Features include automatic Aeroplan 25K status, free first checked bag, 500 bonus points per $2,000 monthly spend, and no foreign transaction fees, enhancing travel rewards and convenience.
- Pros:
- Automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status
- 3x points on Air Canada purchases
- Free first checked bag
- Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Non-transferable rewards
Photo: Aviation A2Z10. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Welcome Offer: 60,000 miles (up to $720 value)
- Annual Fees: $350
- APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommendation: Ideal for Delta flyers aiming for elite status
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card suits frequent Delta travelers who want to earn rewards and boost their status.
It offers a decent welcome bonus and strong earning rates on Delta, hotel, and dining purchases, perfect for regular flyers.
Features include an annual Companion Certificate, free first checked bag, a $2,500 MQD Headstart, $120 Resy and Rideshare credits, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, supporting cost savings and status goals.
- Pros:
- Annual Companion Certificate for Main Cabin
- Free first checked bag
- $2,500 MQD Headstart
- Cons:
- $350 annual fee
- Non-transferable rewards
How to Choose an Airline Credit Card
Selecting an airline credit card requires careful consideration of travel habits and preferences.
The following guide outlines key factors to evaluate, ensuring the chosen card aligns with individual needs and maximizes value.
- Identify the Most Frequently Used Airline
- Choosing a card tied to the airline flown most often ensures relevance. A co-branded card for an infrequently used airline offers little value, especially if it carries an annual fee.
- Matching the card to the preferred airline optimizes rewards and perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
- Assess Flight Frequency
- Flight frequency determines which card tier suits best. Occasional travelers may prefer low-fee cards for basic perks, while frequent flyers benefit from premium cards with higher fees but enhanced benefits like lounge access.
- Selecting a card that matches travel frequency justifies costs and maximizes rewards.
- Evaluate Desired Perks and Protections
- Different cards offer varied benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, or trip delay insurance. Identifying must-have perks narrows options.
- For example, heavy packers prioritize baggage benefits, while business travelers may value lounge access. Choosing a card with relevant protections ensures practical value.
Maximize Card Benefits
Using an airline credit card effectively increases its worth. Strategies include frequent use for purchases, leveraging perks, and engaging with airline programs.
Responsible habits amplify rewards without financial strain.
- Frequent Use and Full Payment: Using the card for daily purchases earns miles faster, but paying the balance in full monthly avoids interest, preserving reward value.
- Leverage Card Perks: Benefits like free bags or lounge access require meeting terms, such as paying for flights with the card. Understanding conditions ensures full use of perks.
- Use Shopping and Dining Programs: Airline portals and dining programs stack extra points on top of card rewards. Enrolling in these boosts earnings on planned purchases.
Airline vs Travel Credit Cards
Airline cards tie rewards and perks to one airline, offering specific benefits like free bags or elite status boosts.
General travel cards earn flexible points redeemable across multiple airlines or hotels, but lack airline specific perks.
Frequent flyers benefit from airline cards, while versatile travelers may prefer travel cards.
Pros and Cons of Airline Credit Cards
Pros:
- Accelerated mile earnings for faster award tickets
- Enhanced travel with perks like priority boarding or lounge access
- Generous welcome bonuses, often covering round-trip flights
- Support for elite status qualification
- No foreign transaction fees for international travel
Cons:
- Non-transferable miles limit redemption flexibility
- Annual fees, ranging from $95 to $650, require sufficient use to offset
- High interest rates penalize unpaid balances
Choosing an airline credit card hinges on aligning it with travel patterns and needs. Frequent flyers gain the most from tailored perks and rewards, provided they manage the card responsibly.
Bottom Line
Selecting the right airline credit card depends on matching it to your primary airline, flight frequency, and desired perks.
Frequent flyers benefit most from cards offering accelerated miles, elite status boosts, and travel enhancements like free bags or lounge access.
However, high annual fees and non-transferable rewards require careful consideration. Using the card responsibly, paying balances in full and leveraging perks, maximizes value.
For those who fly sporadically or prefer flexibility, a general travel card may be wiser. Evaluate your travel habits to ensure the card’s benefits outweigh its costs.
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Source: UpgradedPoints
Best Credit Cards For Airport Lounge Access in 2025
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