Your Guide to the Best Credit Card for Airline Miles For 2025

Figuring out the right airline miles credit card can feel like a hassle. There are so many choices out there that it’s easy to feel stuck, wondering if we’re making the right call.

Scrolling through lists of cards, trying to figure out which one has the best perks, the lowest fees, and rewards that actually make sense for us.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated. Once we understand how these cards work and pick the one that fits our travel style, we can start turning everyday purchases into free flights, upgrades, and all kinds of travel perks.

So, let’s cut through the confusion together. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to find the best credit card for airline miles. Whether we’re arranging business travels or planning a fantasy vacation, the right card may make it all easier—and far more rewarding.

What’s the Deal With Airline Miles Credit Cards?

These cards turn our everyday spending into something far more exciting: miles or points we can use for flights, seat upgrades, or even hotel stays. Think of it as getting a little extra back every time we pay for something—coffee, groceries, or even our streaming subscriptions.

But what’s the difference between miles, points, and cashback?

Miles are usually tied to a specific airline, perfect for booking flights and snagging travel perks. Points, on the other hand, are more flexible—you can often use them across multiple airlines or convert them into other travel rewards. Cashback? It’s cold, hard cash, but let’s be real, we’re here for the travel goodies.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Not all cards are created equal.

Co-branded cards—like those tied to Delta or United—really shine when we stick with that airline. They often come with perks like free checked bags, early boarding, or lounge access. The downside? They lock us into one airline, which isn’t ideal if we like to shop around for the best flights.

Then there are general travel cards. These give us way more flexibility, letting us use our points with a variety of airlines. They’re a great choice if we want options, but they might not come with airline-specific benefits.

The Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles

When it comes to finding the best credit card for airline miles, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the top contenders, highlighting their standout perks, how their rewards programs work, and what fees to expect.

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Top Feature: Exceptional travel rewards paired with an annual travel credit.
• Credit Score Needed: Excellent (740-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Annual Fee: $550
• Regular APR: 21.74% – 28.74% Variable

Key Benefits

• Earn a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases made each account anniversary year.
• Accumulate 60,000 bonus points after meeting the initial spending requirement, which can be worth $900 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
• Boost your earnings with 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked via Chase Travel℠ after utilizing your annual travel credit. Additionally, earn 3x points on other travel and dining purchases and 1x point on all other purchases.
• Transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to top airline and hotel loyalty programs, maximizing your redemption flexibility.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select with a simple one-time enrollment.
• Enjoy credits of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck application fees.

2. Chase Freedom Unlimited

• Top Feature: Versatile cash-back rewards tailored for everyday spending.
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on every purchase (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), totaling up to $300 cash back. This includes 6.5% on travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases during the introductory period.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APR: 19.74% – 28.49% Variable

Key Benefits

• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases in your first year, making everyday spending more rewarding.
• Earn 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on other purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After the first year, continue earning 5% cash back on travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, and an unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything else.
• No minimum redemption requirements—cash-back rewards can be applied as a statement credit or deposited directly into most U.S. bank accounts.
• Cash-back rewards never expire as long as your account remains open.

Additional Perks

• Enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR.
• No annual fee, ensuring you enjoy all the benefits without extra costs.
• Monitor your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest score, alerts, and tools to stay on top of your finances.

3. Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

• Top Feature: Rewards tailored for Delta Air Lines enthusiasts.
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable

Key Benefits

• No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the rewards without any yearly cost.
• Earn 2X miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Get 2X miles on Delta purchases and 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Use the Pay with Miles feature to offset flight costs—redeem 5,000 miles for $50 off when booking through delta.com.
• Save 20% on in-flight purchases of food and beverages with a statement credit when using your card.
• Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, making it a reliable companion for international travel.

4. United Gateway Card

• Top Feature: Rewards crafted for United Airlines travelers.
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Introductory Bonus: For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of opening your account. Plus, enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APR: 21.24% – 28.24% Variable

Key Benefits

• No Annual Fee: Access travel rewards without worrying about extra costs.
• Earn 2x miles on United purchases, as well as at gas stations and on local transit or commuting expenses.
• Earn 1x mile on all other purchases, ensuring every dollar counts toward future travel.
• Get 25% back as a statement credit for onboard purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights when paying with this card.

5. The Platinum Card from American Express

• Top Feature: Luxurious rewards paired with premium travel benefits.
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
• Annual Fee: $695
• Regular APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Key Benefits

• Generous Rewards: Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, with a two-night minimum stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get $20 back monthly for eligible purchases from services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and more (enrollment required).
• Global Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary entry to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, the most offered by any credit card.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 annually for incidental fees charged by your selected airline.

Additional Perks

• $200 Uber Cash: Receive up to $15 in Uber Cash monthly, plus a $20 bonus in December, for U.S. rides or Uber Eats orders.
• $199 CLEAR Plus Credit: Speed through security with up to $199 in annual statement credits for CLEAR membership.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credits: Receive up to $120 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck application fees every four years.
• Saks Fifth Avenue Credits: Earn up to $100 annually in statement credits for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue (enrollment required).

6. Wells Fargo Autograph Card

• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APR: 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable

Key Benefits

• Introductory Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 within the first three months—equivalent to $200 in cash redemption value.
• Generous Rewards: Enjoy 3X points on popular spending categories, including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
• $0 Annual Fee: All these perks come with no yearly cost.
• Intro APR: Take advantage of 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, followed by a variable rate.

Additional Perks

• Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $600 in coverage for damage or theft, subject to a $25 deductible.
• Flexible Redemption Options: Use your points for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or even online shopping through PayPal.

7. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Credit Score Needed: Excellent (740-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months—equivalent to $750 in travel value.
• Annual Fee: $395
• Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.74% Variable

Key Benefits

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles in your first three months, a solid start toward your next trip.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit: Receive a credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel, ensuring competitive prices and significant savings.
• Anniversary Bonus: Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles each year starting on your first anniversary—equal to $100 in travel value.
• Earning Potential:
  • 10X miles on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel.
  • 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through the portal.
  • 2X miles on all other purchases, with no caps.

Additional Perks

• Lounge Access: Get unlimited entry for you and two guests to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network.
• Flexible Redemptions: Use miles to cover travel expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars, or transfer them to over 15 travel loyalty programs for added versatility.
• Premium Hotel Perks: Book through the Premier Collection to enjoy a $100 experience credit and other high-end benefits.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Get up to $120 toward application fees, making airport security a breeze.

8. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

• Top Feature: Tailored rewards and perks for Delta Air Lines travelers.
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening your account.
• Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $150
• Regular APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable

Key Benefits

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Accumulate 50,000 Bonus Miles by meeting the initial spending requirement.
• 15% Discount on Award Travel: Use miles to book Delta flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app and enjoy a 15% discount. (Excludes partner-operated flights and taxes/fees.)
• Delta Flight Credit: Spend $10,000 annually to earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit for future travel.
• Miles on Purchases:
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants (including takeout and delivery).
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

Additional Perks

• Free Checked Bag: Save up to $70 per round trip on Delta flights per person—perfect for families, with savings potentially reaching $280 for a group of four.
• Priority Boarding: Get Zone 5 Priority Boarding to settle in early and secure carry-on space.
• Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $100 annually as a statement credit for prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings through Delta Stays.
• Pay with Miles: Take $50 off flights for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
• In-Flight Savings: Enjoy 20% off food and beverages purchased on Delta flights as a statement credit.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card confidently while traveling abroad.

9. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card

• Top Feature: Tailored rewards for Southwest Airlines travelers.
• Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
• Introductory Bonus: Earn 80,000 points by spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months.
• Annual Fee: $199
• Regular APR: 20.74% – 27.74% Variable

Key Benefits

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Start strong with 80,000 points after meeting the initial spending requirement.
• Anniversary Bonus: Receive 9,000 bonus points every year on your account anniversary.
• Earning Potential:
  • Earn 4X points on Southwest purchases.
  • Get 3X points when booking with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
  • Earn 2X points on rideshare, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services.
  • Earn 1X point on all other purchases.

Additional Perks

• Upgraded Boardings: Enjoy 4 complimentary Upgraded Boardings per year when available, ensuring a premium seating experience.
• Comprehensive Earning Categories: Maximize points on both business-related and everyday expenses.

10. American Express Gold Card

Top Feature: Flexible and rewarding for everyday and travel spending.
Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670-850)
Introductory Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
Annual Fee: $325
Regular APR: 20.49% to 28.49%

Key Benefits

• Welcome Offer: Accumulate 60,000 Membership Rewards points by meeting the initial spending requirement.
• Generous Earning Rates:
  • 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually; 1X thereafter).
  • 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com.
  • 2X points on prepaid hotels and eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com.
  • 1X point on all other eligible spending.

Additional Perks

• $120 Uber Cash: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for U.S. rides or Uber Eats, totaling up to $120 annually.
• $120 Dining Credit: Get up to $10 monthly in statement credits for purchases at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, or Five Guys (enrollment required).
• $84 Dunkin’ Credit: Earn up to $7 per month as statement credits at Dunkin’ locations in the U.S. (enrollment required).
• $100 Resy Credit: Receive $50 semi-annually (up to $100 annually) for dining at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants.
• $100 Hotel Credit: Book two or more nights at The Hotel Collection properties through AmexTravel.com and earn $100 in credits toward eligible charges.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel abroad without worrying about extra charges.

Are Airline Miles Cards Worth It for You?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on how often we travel, our spending habits, and whether we can make the rewards outweigh the costs.

1. Are You a Consistent Traveler?

If you’re someone who often finds yourself booking flights—whether for business trips or vacations—airline miles cards can be a valuable tool. These cards can lower your travel expenses while offering perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges.

However, if you rarely fly or don’t have a preferred airline, a general travel rewards card might suit you better. These cards offer flexibility, allowing you to redeem points across multiple airlines or even for other travel expenses like hotels and car rentals.

2. How’s Your Credit Score?

Most airline miles cards require good to excellent credit, typically starting at a FICO score of 670. If your score falls below that threshold, it’s worth focusing on improving your credit before applying. A higher credit score not only increases your chances of approval but also opens the door to cards with superior rewards and premium perks.

3. Do You Pay Off Your Balance Each Month?

Airline miles cards are not ideal if you tend to carry a balance. These cards often come with higher interest rates, which can quickly eat into any rewards you earn. If you’re confident you can pay off your balance in full every month, you’ll maximize the benefits without being burdened by interest charges.

4. Will the Rewards Cover the Costs?

Airline miles cards often come with annual fees, some reaching $550 or more. To determine if a card is worth it, weigh the value of the perks against the cost:

• Free checked bags: Save around $60 per round-trip flight.
• Lounge access: Enjoy a more comfortable layover while saving money on food and drinks.
• Bonus miles: Potentially cover the cost of a flight or an upgrade.

If the perks you use regularly exceed the annual fee, the card could be a great fit for your wallet.

Who Stands to Benefit Most?

Airline miles cards are an excellent option for those who:

• Fly frequently, especially with a specific airline or alliance.
• Have good to excellent credit scores.
• Pay their balances off in full every month.
• Take advantage of rewards and perks often enough to justify the annual fee.

Choosing the Best Credit Card for Airline Miles

Not all airline miles cards are created equal, and the “best” one for you might not be the same as for someone else. The trick is to find a card that matches your travel habits and gives you the most value without being distracted by shiny perks.

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Decide on the Right Rewards Program

Are you loyal to a specific airline, or do you prefer flexibility when booking flights? This decision will help you choose between:

• Co-branded airline cards: These are tied to a single airline, like Delta or United, and offer exclusive perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
• General travel rewards cards: These offer points or miles you can redeem with multiple airlines or for other travel expenses like hotels and car rentals.

2. Look at Earning Potential

Think about where you spend the most. Co-branded cards typically reward purchases made directly with their airline, while general travel cards often offer bonus points on travel, dining, and everyday purchases.

3. Evaluate Sign-Up Bonuses

Welcome bonuses can offer huge value upfront, but they often require meeting a spending threshold within the first few months. Before you get dazzled by a big bonus, ask yourself:

• Can I meet the spending requirement without overspending?
• Is the card still valuable once the bonus is gone?

4. Check Redemption Value

With most travel cards, points or miles are worth about 1 cent each, but this can vary. Co-branded cards may offer higher redemption value when booking flights directly through the airline.

5. Consider the Annual Fee

Annual fees can range from $0 to $695 or more. While a high fee might seem intimidating, it can be worth it if the rewards and perks outweigh the cost. For example:

• Does the card offer enough savings on baggage fees, lounge access, or flight credits to make up for the fee?
• If not, would a no-annual-fee card work better for you?

6. Don’t Overlook the Travel Perks

The perks can make a good card great. Some valuable extras to look out for include:

• Free checked bags and priority boarding.
• Lounge access for relaxing during layovers.
• Trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.

Questions to Ask Before You Apply

Before signing up, take a moment to reflect:

1. Do I have a favorite airline or travel partner?
2. Can I comfortably meet the spending requirement for the sign-up bonus?
3. Does the card offer perks I’ll actually use, like lounge access or free baggage?
4. Will I earn enough rewards to justify the annual fee?

How to Maximize Rewards From Your Airline Miles Card

Owning an airline miles card is just the first step; how you use it determines its true value. By adopting a few smart strategies, you can make your rewards go further and maximize every perk your card offers. Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Pair Cards for Double the Rewards

Why limit yourself to one card’s benefits when you can combine multiple cards for greater rewards? Using a general travel rewards card alongside a co-branded airline card can give you the best of both worlds:

• Earn broad rewards for daily spending with a general travel card.
• Tap into airline-specific perks, like free checked bags or bonus miles, with the co-branded card.

For instance, use a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited for dining and groceries, while reserving your Delta SkyMiles card for flight bookings and Delta-related benefits.

2. Leverage Loyalty Programs for Elite Status

Airline loyalty programs offer tiered benefits, including priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and waived fees. To fast-track your way to these perks:

• Fly with the same airline or its alliance partners to accumulate qualifying miles.
• Use your airline miles card for everything from flights to in-flight purchases and even hotel stays with airline partners.
• Regularly track your progress to ensure you meet elite status requirements before the qualification period ends.

Pro Tip: Some cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, boost your status based on your annual spending—helping you climb the loyalty ladder faster.

3. Focus Spending on Bonus Categories

Every airline miles card offers extra rewards for specific spending categories. Maximize your returns by:

• Prioritizing spending in high-reward categories like dining, travel, or groceries, depending on your card’s terms.
• Taking advantage of special promotions that temporarily increase earning rates.
• Booking travel through your card’s dedicated portal to unlock even higher rewards.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card gives 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel—perfect for travel planning.

4. Stick to a Budget

It’s easy to overspend in pursuit of sign-up bonuses or more miles, but carrying a balance can erode the value of your rewards. Pay off your statement in full each month to avoid interest charges and maximize your earnings.

5. Redeem Strategically

Redemption values can vary widely. To extract maximum value:

• Use miles for high-value options like flights or seat upgrades instead of merchandise or gift cards, which often provide lower returns.
• Take advantage of point transfer programs to move miles to airline partners for better redemption deals.
• Book during off-peak seasons or promotions to stretch your miles further and secure more affordable travel options.

What Are Your Alternatives?

Not everyone travels often enough to justify an airline miles card, and that’s okay. There are plenty of other ways to earn rewards and save on travel. Let’s explore some alternatives that might be a better fit for your lifestyle.

1. General Travel Rewards Cards

If you’re not loyal to a specific airline, a general travel rewards card might be your best bet. These cards offer flexibility, allowing you to earn points on all kinds of travel expenses and redeem them across multiple airlines, hotels, and car rental services.

• Pros:
  • Broad earning categories like travel and dining.
  • Redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, or even statement credits.
  • No restrictions to a single airline or loyalty program.
• Example: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn 2x miles on every purchase and redeem them for a wide range of travel options without blackout dates.

2. Hotel Credit Cards

If you prefer luxury stays over airline perks, hotel credit cards can be a fantastic choice. These cards often come with benefits like free nights, room upgrades, and loyalty points for hotel stays.

• Pros:
  • Ideal for frequent hotel guests or those who travel by car and don’t rely on flights.
  • Some cards offer complimentary elite status in hotel loyalty programs.
  • Free night certificates can offset the annual fee.
• Example: Cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card let you earn points on hotel stays and other purchases, which can be redeemed for free nights or upgrades.

3. Airline Loyalty Programs (Without a Credit Card)

Even if you don’t want a credit card, you can still join airline loyalty programs for free. These programs allow you to earn miles whenever you fly and redeem them for future flights, upgrades, or other travel perks.

• Pros:
  • No credit card required.
  • Perfect for occasional travelers who fly just enough to earn rewards through tickets alone.
• Example: Programs like Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus let you accrue miles and access benefits without signing up for a co-branded credit card.

Conclusion

Finding the best credit card for airline miles isn’t about choosing the flashiest perks—it’s about picking a card that matches your travel style and spending habits.

We’ve covered everything from understanding how airline miles cards work to tips for maximizing rewards and even alternative options for those who prefer a different approach.

The key takeaway? Compare your options carefully, and don’t forget to calculate how the rewards and benefits can outweigh the fees.

Ready to get started? Apply for the card that fits your needs today and start earning miles for your next free flight. Your dream destination is closer than you think!