Airline credit cards can be an excellent way of earning airline miles and unlocking benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding – all which make travel more comfortable and convenient. But for occasional flyers who may only require limited flights each year, general travel cards might be the better choice.
Airline cards accrue points that are exclusive to one airline while travel cards provide rewards you can redeem with several. We show you how to select the perfect card.
Benefits
Airline credit cards provide frequent travelers with benefits they’d find invaluable, such as free checked bags, priority boarding and airline lounge access. Plus they may come with lucrative bonus offers and lower annual fees than travel cards! However, some airline cards may impose steep minimum redemption requirements and variable redemption values that make the decision harder for some cardholders.
An airline credit card’s value depends on a variety of personal considerations. Frequent flyers who prefer flying specific airlines may find co-branded cards advantageous as they allow for quick earning and redemption of miles quickly; but general travel credit cards could offer better bottom line value than co-branded options.
Travel credit cards typically offer higher earning rates, more flexible redemption options and premium trip insurance benefits; but they may come with high annual fees. Before applying for one of these credit cards, it’s essential to carefully consider both their advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
Requirements
Many applicants for airline credit cards expect a generous welcome bonus; however, many of these cards have high spending requirements to qualify for that bonus. If meeting those spending requirements is out of your comfort zone, general travel cards offer flexible rewards redemption.
For loyal travelers of a particular airline, an airline credit card can help quickly earn rewards and perks. Annual fees often apply; the exact amount varies by card.
When choosing a credit card, make sure to consider all fees, such as foreign transaction fees. Over time these costs can accumulate, diminishing the value of rewards over time. Many issuers provide pre-qualification tools which make shopping for offers without harming your credit score easier; take advantage of them to locate an ideal travel rewards card suitable to your needs as well as sign-up bonuses and rates of return before settling on one card.
Costs
Airline credit cards often offer attractive introductory bonuses and low interest rates, yet may come with fees and costs that make them unsuitable for travel spending.
Airlines credit cards may offer benefits such as complimentary checked bags and priority boarding, along with discounts on in-flight purchases that could significantly cut down the costs associated with flights. If you frequently fly with one airline, these benefits could drastically lower the overall expense of flying.
Some airline cards also give cardholders elite loyalty program status based on spending; for instance, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard gives its cardholders this privilege after spending $50,000.
Airline credit cards are often co-branded with airlines, rewarding the cardholder in points or miles that can be redeemed for travel; other times they may only be redeemable against specific airline purchases. Most airline credit cards charge an annual fee; usually $95 is common.
Rewards
Airline credit cards typically reward travel purchases with bonus miles that can be redeemed for flights. They may also provide benefits for frequent flyers such as free checked bags and priority boarding. Some airline cards even offer extra points on everyday spending like dining out and grocery store shopping – with some even offering to let you earn miles with every transaction made!
Other travel credit cards enable cardholders to redeem rewards for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel-related purchases. Some even provide bonus mile opportunities such as being able to gain extra miles by referring new members or meeting certain spending thresholds.
Before applying for a travel credit card, it’s essential to compare rewards and fees associated with various products. Your ideal card will depend on your travel and spending habits; also consider how many miles per dollar spent you will get back and whether the annual fee justifies its use given your travel goals.
