With some travel credit cards, you may accrue miles, a sort of rewards currency. You receive miles as compensation for using a miles credit card when you make purchases. You can get credit card miles even if you don’t travel by using your card for regular purchases.
Via their individual websites, all airlines provide customers the opportunity to buy miles for their loyalty programs. Although purchasing a large number of miles may seem strange at first, there are situations when it makes financial sense and can result in airfare savings of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here are some of the best airline credit cards for miles for you to make maximum savings on every purchase.
Top 10 Airline Credit Cards For Miles
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
With the Delta SkyMiles Gold, you can earn 2X points for spending on Delta products and partner airline tickets, 2X miles for dining out (including delivery and takeout within the US) and at US supermarkets, and 1X miles for all other transactions. In addition to your regular spending, the SkyMiles reward program offers two other options to accrue bonus miles.
Other Card Perks:
- Get 15% off when booking Award Travel with miles.
- Get a head-start on your next adventure, compliments of your Card. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- Make up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points for every $1 spent on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points for dining, some streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 2 points are awarded for all other travel-related purchases, and 1 point is awarded for every other purchase.
Other Card Perks:
- 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Ultimate Rewards.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
A premium credit card with luxury benefits, value-added services, and a welcome bonus is the Amex Platinum®. Uber credits, airline savings, bonus points, cashback, and many other benefits are available to cardholders. With this card, you can carry a debt for some charges but not for all of them, unlike with regular credit cards.
Other Card Perks:
- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- You can unlock over $1,500 per year in statement credits earned on select purchases made with the Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required.
- $200 Uber Cash, $240 Digital Entertainment Credit, $200 Hotel Credit, and $200 Airline Fee Credit
Aeroplan® Credit Card
The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a great choice for frequent travelers and Air Canada passengers who also frequently spend money on dining and travel because of its strong reward-earning potential.
Other Card Perks:
- Earn Aeroplan points on every dollar you spend and discover exciting travel benefits when you use your card.
- Travel benefits including perks for Air Canada flyers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
For those who travel with Delta frequently, the Delta Reserve SkyMiles card might offer exceptional value. Things get even better if you fly with friends and take advantage of extras like priority boarding and lounge access.
Other Card Perks:
- Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Higher reward rate as compared to many other cards
Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card
Your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®card entitles you to a host of special advantages. When you make purchases in-flight or at your preferred retail locations, use your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card to book flights and get a variety of travel benefits.
Other Card Perks:
- 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases.
- A 10% reward bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America®
- Get 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases—just use your card to pay!
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®Conclusion
This card offers a robust welcome bonus along with a solid collection of benefits for frequent flyers on American Airlines. As long as you don’t have a balance on this high APR card, the miles you may accrue from American Airlines, gas, and dining out easily outweigh the annual charge.
Other Card Perks:
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- $125 American Airlines flight discount
- after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card year and renew your card.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases so you can shop like a local wherever your travels take you.
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
British Airways regular flyers will value the substantial welcome bonus and opportunity to earn a companion ticket with this card. An affordable annual fee is charged.
Other Card Perks:
- Save 10% on your purchase price when you book a British Airways flight from the US to London
- No foreign transaction fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card offers great value if you travel with Southwest more than twice a year. With an anniversary bonus of 7,500 points and up to 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, this card is the most premium option offered by Southwest.
Other Card Perks:
- 25% in-flight savings and a $75 yearly Southwest travel credit
- opportunity to accrue Tier Qualifying Points through spending
- Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
- Ability to earn A-List status faster by spending on this card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
When it comes to travel expenses, such vacation rentals, train tickets, or rental vehicles, you want to utilize your Venture® miles to pay for them instead than using your other travel rewards. You like the ease of fixed-rate redemptions where your miles have a predetermined value.
Other Card Perks:
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months – equal to $750 in travel.
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.
Conclusion
For those who travel frequently, locating the finest airline credit card for miles is a worthwhile endeavor. It’s evident that the best selection will rely on your own travel interests and habits after examining a variety of options and learning about the distinctive benefits and features they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Airline Credit Cards For Miles
This guide will help you out navigate the features, benefits, and considerations when choosing the right credit card for your travel needs.
1. What are airline credit cards?
Airline credit cards are credit cards that offer rewards and benefits specifically related to airline travel, including earning miles, points, or travel-related perks.
2. How do airline credit cards work?
Airline credit cards work by allowing you to earn miles or points for every dollar spent. These rewards can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related benefits.
3. What benefits do airline credit cards offer?
Benefits include earning miles for every purchase, priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, and travel insurance.
4. How do I choose the best airline credit card for miles?
Consider factors such as the airline’s frequent flyer program, sign-up bonuses, earning rates, annual fees, and additional perks like travel insurance and lounge access.
5. What is a sign-up bonus for an airline credit card?
A sign-up bonus is a promotional offer that grants a large number of miles or points when you meet a spending requirement within a specified period after opening the card.
6. Are there annual fees for airline credit cards?
Yes, many airline credit cards have annual fees. The fee amount varies depending on the card and the benefits offered. Evaluate if the perks outweigh the cost.
7. How can I maximize the miles I earn with an airline credit card?
Maximize miles by using the card for everyday purchases, taking advantage of bonus categories, and meeting the minimum spending requirements for sign-up bonuses.
8. What is an earning rate on an airline credit card?
The earning rate is the amount of miles or points you earn per dollar spent. For example, a card might offer 2 miles per dollar on airline purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.
9. Can I transfer miles from one airline credit card to another?
Mileage transfer between different airline credit cards is generally not possible. However, some credit cards offer transferable points that can be converted to miles with various airlines.
10. Do airline credit cards offer travel insurance?
Many airline credit cards include travel insurance, such as trip cancellation, lost luggage, and rental car insurance. Check the card’s benefits guide for specific coverage details.
11. How can I redeem miles earned with my airline credit card?
Miles can typically be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, or through the airline’s travel partners. Redemption options vary by card and airline.
12. What is the difference between airline miles and credit card points?
Airline miles are specific to a frequent flyer program and can be used with that airline, while credit card points can often be redeemed across multiple airlines and travel partners.
13. How do I earn bonus miles with an airline credit card?
Earn bonus miles by meeting the minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening the card or by spending in certain bonus categories.
14. Are there airline credit cards that offer free checked bags?
Yes, many airline credit cards offer free checked bags as a benefit. This can save you money on each flight where checked baggage fees apply.
15. Can I earn miles on everyday purchases?
Yes, most airline credit cards allow you to earn miles on everyday purchases such as groceries, dining, and gas. Check the card’s earning structure to see where you can maximize your miles.
16. How does a companion ticket work with an airline credit card?
A companion ticket allows you to bring a second passenger on a flight for free or at a discounted rate. This benefit is often offered by premium airline credit cards.
17. What is priority boarding?
Priority boarding allows you to board the plane before general passengers, giving you access to overhead bin space and a more relaxed boarding experience.
18. How can I find the best airline credit card for my needs?
Compare airline credit cards based on factors like earning rates, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and the specific travel benefits they offer. Choose the card that best aligns with your travel habits and goals.
19. Do airline credit cards have foreign transaction fees?
Some airline credit cards have foreign transaction fees, while others do not. Look for a card with no foreign transaction fees if you frequently travel abroad.
20. Can I use miles earned with an airline credit card for non-flight expenses?
Yes, some airline credit cards allow you to redeem miles for non-flight expenses such as hotel stays, car rentals, and merchandise.
21. Are there limits on how many miles I can earn with an airline credit card?
Most airline credit cards do not have a cap on how many miles you can earn, but some may have limits on bonus categories or promotional earning rates.
22. How often should I review my airline credit card benefits?
Review your card benefits annually or when you receive your renewal notice to ensure that the card still meets your travel needs and offers valuable perks.
23. Can I use miles earned with an airline credit card to book flights on other airlines?
Miles earned with an airline credit card are typically used with the card’s associated airline. However, some programs allow you to use miles with partner airlines.
24. What is the value of airline miles?
The value of airline miles varies depending on how they are redeemed. On average, miles are worth about 1 to 2 cents each when redeemed for flights, though this can vary.
25. Are there airline credit cards that offer lounge access?
Yes, some premium airline credit cards offer access to airport lounges, either through the airline’s own lounges or networks like Priority Pass.
26. How do I keep track of my miles and rewards?
Use the airline’s mobile app, online account, or the credit card’s rewards portal to keep track of your miles and rewards. Most programs provide tools for managing and redeeming miles.
27. What is an airline credit card’s reward redemption rate?
The redemption rate refers to the value you get per mile or point when redeeming for flights or other rewards. This rate can vary depending on how you use your miles.
28. Can I combine miles earned with different airline credit cards?
Combining miles from different airline credit cards is generally not possible. However, some credit cards allow you to transfer points to various airline partners.
29. Are there any airline credit cards with no annual fee?
Yes, some airline credit cards have no annual fee, though they may offer fewer benefits and lower earning rates compared to cards with an annual fee.
30. What is the best way to use miles for maximum value?
To maximize the value of your miles, use them for flights in premium cabins, book flights with lower mileage requirements, and take advantage of special redemption promotions.
31. How do I apply for an airline credit card?
Apply for an airline credit card online through the bank’s website or a credit card comparison site. Complete the application form and provide necessary financial information.
32. Can I add authorized users to my airline credit card?
Yes, many airline credit cards allow you to add authorized users. This can help you earn more miles, though there may be additional fees or restrictions.
33. How long does it take to receive miles after making a purchase?
Miles typically post to your account within a few days to a few weeks after making a purchase, depending on the card issuer’s processing times.
34. Are there airline credit cards that offer travel concierge services?
Yes, some premium airline credit cards offer concierge services that can assist with travel bookings, reservations, and other personalized services.
35. What is the difference between airline miles and hotel points?
Airline miles are used for flights and travel perks with airlines, while hotel points are used for stays and rewards with hotel chains. Each has its own loyalty program and redemption options.
36. How can I avoid interest charges on my airline credit card?
Avoid interest charges by paying off your balance in full each month. Carrying a balance will result in interest charges on the remaining amount.
37. What should I do if my airline credit card is lost or stolen?
Report a lost or stolen card immediately to your credit card issuer. They will cancel the card and issue a replacement to prevent unauthorized transactions.
38. Can I redeem miles for upgrades on flights?
Yes, many airline credit cards allow you to use miles for seat upgrades, such as from economy to business class. Check with your airline for specific upgrade options.
39. How do I transfer miles to someone else?
Transferring miles to another person is often possible through the airline’s frequent flyer program. There may be fees or restrictions on the transfer process.
40. What are the advantages of using an airline credit card over a general rewards card?
Airline credit cards offer specialized benefits such as bonus miles for airline purchases, priority boarding, free checked bags, and travel insurance. They are ideal for frequent travelers who want to maximize airline rewards.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive understanding of airline credit cards for miles, helping you make informed decisions about which card best suits your travel and financial needs.
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