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Mastercard® Black Card™
Patented Card Construction and 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge
- Regular Purchase APR 18.74%
- Balance Transfer APR 18.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance APR 28.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Annual Fee $495
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- Patented black-PVD-coated metal card—weighing 22 grams.
- 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 1.5% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent.
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
- Enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest limit. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—available by phone, email and live mobile chat. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties.
- Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits: World Elite is Mastercard’s highest benefits level. World Elite Mastercard benefits include exclusive discounts from Lyft, Fandango, DoorDash, ShopRunner and Priceless Golf. Additional benefits include Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, Cellular Telephone Protection and more. Additional Terms & Conditions Apply.
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.74%
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $495
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
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Join today!Mastercard® Gold Card™
Made With 24K GOLD®
- Regular Purchase APR 18.74%
- Balance Transfer APR 18.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Cash Advance APR 28.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $995
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- Patented 24K-gold-plated front and carbon back—weighing 22 grams
- 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 2% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $200 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
- Enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest limit. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—available by phone, email and live mobile chat. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties
- Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits
- Annual Fee: $995 ($295 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits: World Elite is Mastercard’s highest benefits level. World Elite Mastercard benefits include exclusive discounts from Lyft, Fandango, DoorDash, ShopRunner and Priceless Golf. Additional benefits include Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, Cellular Telephone Protection and more. Additional Terms & Conditions Apply.
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.74%
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $995
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®
Earn Up to 80,000 Bonus Miles
- Regular Purchase APR 18.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 18.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- 3X miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
- 2X miles on gas, office supply and restaurant purchases
- 1X miles on all other purchases
- One-time 50% off campanion discount
- Free additional employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Mastercard® Titanium Card™
Made of Stainless Steel
- Regular Purchase APR 18.74%
- Balance Transfer APR 18.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 28.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $195
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- Patented brushed stainless steel front and carbon back-weighing 22 grams
- 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. 1% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—available by phone, email and live mobile chat. Around-the-clock service to help you save time and manage tasks big and small
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties
- Members-only LUXURY MAGAZINE®
- Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits
- Annual fee: $195 ($95 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits: World Elite is Mastercard’s highest benefits level. World Elite Mastercard benefits include exclusive discounts from Lyft, Fandango, DoorDash, ShopRunner and Priceless Golf. Additional benefits include Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, Cellular Telephone Protection and more. Additional Terms & Conditions Apply.
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.74%
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $195
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Bonus Miles + $50 Statement Credit
- Regular Purchase APR 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee None
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® Bonus Miles
- Regular Purchase APR 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $0 for the first year. After that, $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases
- Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year. After that, $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card
Earn 25,000 Points
- Regular Purchase APR 17.99% to 25.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 17.99% to 25.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $69
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Visa
Best Benefits
- 3 points per $1 spent on Sun Country purchases
- 2 points per $1 spent on gas & groceries
- 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
- No foreign transaction fees
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.99% to 25.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 17.99% to 25.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $69
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
Credit Card Deals
Reserve a qualifying Norwegian Cruise Line voyage and receive up to a $500 onboard spending credit
Norwegian Cruise Line
Offer Expires on 12/30/2022
See Details
20% Off Suites + Premium Benefits in New York City
Casa Cipriani
Offer Expires on 12/30/2022
See Details
Save $50 of orders $350 or more at Citizen Watch
Citizen Watch
Offer Expires on 12/31/2022
See Details
Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York City
Mr C. Seaport
Offer Expires on 12/31/2022
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Take Flight with LATAM
- Regular Purchase APR 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,500 in purchases in the first three months
- Earn 4X miles on LATAM purchases
- Earn 3X miles on dining, plus select transit
- Earn 1X miles on all other purchases
- Two complimentary LATAM lounge passes each year
- Earn three complimentary upgrades after you pay your $99 annual fee every year
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $99
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!First Hawaiian Bank United® Card
25,000 Miles After Spending $1,500 in the First 3 Months
- Regular Purchase APR 18% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 18% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 18% fixed
- Annual Fee $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- 3x miles per $1 spent on United tickets purchased through United ticketing channels until 2/28/2023 (2x miles thereafter)
- Double miles on gas and groceries
- 2 complimentary United club passes each year
- First 2 checked bags free on United flights
- Miles never expire
- No foreign transaction fees
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 18% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 2.99% for 8 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 18% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 18% fixed
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 18%
- Annual Fee: $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® Bonus Miles
- Regular Purchase APR 18.99%, 22.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 18.99%, 22.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $99
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.Excellent
- Processing Network Mastercard
Best Benefits
- 2X miles for every dollar spent with American Airlines
- 1X mile for every dollar spent with all other purchases
- Anniversary Companion Certificate for 1 guest after spending $20,000
- First checked bag free for up to 4 companions
- Preferred boarding for up to 4 companions
- 25% inflight savings on food and beverages
- $25 statement credit on inflight Wi-Fi purchases every account anniversary
Rates & Fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.99%, 22.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on transfers made within 45 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.99%, 22.99% or 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
Credit Card Deals
Receive a 5% rebate on your search advertising campaign on the Microsoft Advertising Network
Microsoft
Offer Expires on 12/31/2023
See Details
Embark on an adventure in the caves and craters around Mount Etna
Go-Etna
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Achieve home office harmony with a Feng Shui session
Feng Shui Serenity
Offer Expires on 01/24/2031
See Details
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!You've viewed 10 of 68 credit cards
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The information related to American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card, Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®, CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, and Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by BestCards.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
What to Look for in the Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards
When it comes to airline rewards cards, there are many things to consider, depending on an individual’s wants and needs. There are, however, several things that all flyers should keep an eye on:
Sign-Up Bonus
One of the reasons why airline rewards cards are so popular is that they offer signup bonuses. As with travel cards and hotel credit cards, airlines provide big bonuses to entice new passengers. While the exact bonuses differ depending on the annual fee, some cards, such as those from Delta, Aer Lingus, British Airways, and others, offer signup bonuses of up to 100,000 miles.
Alliance & Codeshare Agreements
Many people get airline rewards credit cards because they frequently travel with an airline and want rewards for their loyalty. One of the excellent things about these cards is the ability to rewards with several different carriers. These alliances allow people with airline credit cards from one carrier to earn – and redeem – miles with any other member of the partnership
Reward Flexibility
Rewards flexibility is another critical consideration when it comes to this type of card. Many airline rewards credit cards – especially those part of frequent flyer programs, like Delta SkyMiles – have fairly strict terms of redemption. These are typically for flights with SkyTeam, seat upgrades, lounge access, or bookings with select hotel partners.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Many people overlook foreign transaction fees when exploring airline rewards credit cards. But what good is an airline card if you must pay to use it when you are traveling overseas? If you plan on using the credit card abroad, look for a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Perks
Before you apply for an airline rewards card always be check out the benefits cardholders can expect from card membership. The higher the annual fee, the better the perks. The same rationale applies to other perks, like frequent flyer tiers with airlines or other partners.
What are the Differences Between an Airline Credit Card and a Travel Credit Card?
Airline credit cards are a type of rewards credit card that differs from general travel credit cards like the Platinum Card from American Express. Airline cards are co-branded credit cards that align with specific air carriers.
These cards offer rewards and perks that apply towards that specific airline or their codeshare partners. Partners typically include affiliated airlines (known as an airline alliance, like Oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance), hotel partners, or other affiliates. Airline credit cards offer significant value for travelers who prefer to use one carrier or want the ability to use valuable rewards miles with specific airline partners.
Benefits with airline cards are specific to flights and airports. These can include a wide array of perks, including:
- Free checked bags
- Specific amount of miles per dollar spent (ex. “earn 2x miles per $1 spent”)
- Priority boarding
- Lounge access
- In-flight discounts
- Airport of in-flight Wi-Fi
Airline cards are like travel credit cards in that the best rewards and perks come from cards that charge an annual fee. Cards that charge an annual fee over $95 usually offer lounge access, as well as substantial signup bonuses. Like travel cards, however, there are still some great offers for no annual fee.
Browse Airline Alliance and Codeshare Guides
Looking for a comprehensive guide to your favorite airline alliance of loyalty program? Chances are the we have it! Browse our Ultimate Guides:
Browse Frequent Flyer Program Guides
What Are Airline Miles Worth?
Before you decide on a co-branded airline credit card, make sure you understand how much the points or miles you earn are worth. Here are the latest valuations for leading frequent flyer loyalty programs:
| Program | Value (cents/point) |
|---|---|
| Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 1.5 |
| American Airlines (AAdvantage) | 1.4 |
| Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan) | 1.8 |
| Avianca (LifeMiles) | 1.4 |
| British Airways (Avios) | 1 |
| Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) | 1.2 |
| Frontier (Frontier Miles) | 1.1 |
| Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) | 0.9 |
| JetBlue (TrueBlue) | 1.3 |
| KLM/ Air France (Flying Blue) | 1.2 |
| Korean Air (SkyPass) | 1.6 |
| Lufthansa (Miles & More) | 1.4 |
| Southwest (Rapid Rewards) | 1.5 |
| Spirit Airlines (Free Spirit) | 0.4 |
| United Airlines (MileagePlus) | 1.3 |
| Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club) | 1.5 |
Airline Credit Cards FAQs
Because airline credit cards cover a ton of ground, there are many questions that arise when considering applying. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions about airline cards, frequent flyer miles, and rewards – and helpful answers:
- Yes and no. If you travel rarely, airline cards don’t make much sense – unless it charges no annual fee. Those who frequently travel for business or pleasure can get significant value for an airline credit card. Many premium cards feature no blackout dates, Global Entry or TSA Precheck statement credits, or bonus points or miles after you spend a specific amount within the first thee months from account opening. Making frequent airline purchases or purchases at hotel and car rental companies can help earn impressive rewards, including free flights.
- The number of miles needed to earn a free flight varies depending on the value of frequent flyer miles and the date of booking. Some domestic carriers allow free flight redemptions as low as 15,000 miles, while other international carriers require 35,000, 50,000, or even 75,000 miles for one-way international flight awards.
- In most cases, authorized users will enjoy the same benefits and perks of airline or travel cards as the account holder. Authorized users do not, however, enjoy the benefits of sign up bonuses or annual spending bonuses. Instead, any spending by an authorized user will apply to the account holders only.
- There are a few airline rewards credit cards that are also secured cards. The LATAM Secured Visa and SKYPASS Secured Visa are two good examples of secured airline cards for bad credit. Both cards earn frequent flyer miles with select purchases with LATAM and Korean Air, respectively. Both cards are perfect for travelers with a bad credit score or no credit history.
- There is no guaranteed approval for airline credit cards. That said, the LATAM Secured, and SKYPASS Secured Visa is both excellent options for people who struggle to get other airline rewards cards. The Frees Spirit Points Card from First Bank & Trust is another excellent option to consider.
- While the majority of international airline cards, like the British Airways Visa Signature or Cathay Pacific Visa Signature, have no foreign transaction fees, some U.S.-based airline cards do charge a fee. Always read the terms and conditions of your credit card application before applying to ensure you avoid paying any fees you didn’t expect.
- While airline credit cards are great, they aren’t for everyone. Those who fly infrequently might find better value with a general travel rewards credit card, for example. If you fly some, but typically stay at hotels more, a hotel credit card might be a better option. Still others might find that a cash back credit card provides better savings.
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