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Mastercard® Titanium Card™
Mastercard® Titanium Card™
- 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24% Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. There is a fee for balance transfers. Balance Transfer APR
- 30.49% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Mastercard Titanium Card is a luxurious option for those that want the same notable metal quality and exceptional service as the Mastercard Black Card, but with an annual fee at $195 compared to $495. The card bears many of the same exclusive benefits found in its sibling cards – the Mastercard Black and Gold – at a fraction of the cost and with the same five-star service.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Ideal for those seeking an introductory premium travel card that provides exceptional airfare redemption, access to hotel privileges and elevated service beyond the ordinary. Find peace of mind with protection benefits that exceeds standard credit cards.
- Flat-rate redemption value of 1% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Earn one point for every dollar spent. Straightforward redemption without needing a high-maintenance reward strategy. No foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and no need to chase down transfer partners to escape very low point values.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incure no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
- 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. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Members-only LUXURY MAGAZINE®.
- Brushed Metal Card Design: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
- Annual fee: $195 ($95 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
- 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: 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. There is a fee for balance transfers.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.49% 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 ($95 for each Authorized User added to the account)
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- You want an impressively designed metal credit card
- You value time-saving assistance through a 24/7 concierge
- You're looking to minimize your wallet via an everyday credit card that rewards on redemption
- You stay at high-end hotels and resorts that offer Cardmembers amenities, breakfast vouchers and resort credits
- You want a smaller annual fee than the Mastercard Black Card at $495
Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card
Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card
- 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 23.24% to 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card offers plenty of introductory and ongoing perks starting with an impressive signup bonus 40,000 miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Although mile earning potential is limited, cardholder benefits are substantial make this a must-have card for frequent Alaska Airline customers.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 3X miles per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines purchases
- 1X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Annual Alaska's Famous Companion Fare® on account anniversary
- Free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights for up to six other guests on the same reservation
- Enjoy 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes
- 20% back on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 23.24% to 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
- You travel on Alaska Airlines at least twice a year
- You want to save on Alaska Airline lounge access
- You want the annual Companion Fare™ pass (only eligible to cardholders)
- You're planning to spend $2,000 within 90 days of opening the account
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
- 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is a co-branded airline rewards card from American Airlines and Barclays US. The card offers members to earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on purchases with American Airlines and 1 mile-per-dollar-spent on all other purchases. New cardholders also benefit from the chance to earn 60,000 bonus miles when they make their first purchase using the card and pay the $99 annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% 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: 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% 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: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Those who want a card that offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months
- You're eager to earn a very handsome miles bonus just for using your card
- You frequently travel with American Airlines or another Oneworld carrier
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
- 21.24%, 25.24%, or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24%, 25.24%, or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is a co-branded airline rewards card that offers impressive perks for the frequent Pacific traveler. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus HawaiianMiles when they make $2,000 in purchases on their card within the first 90 days. The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® earns miles at a rate of 3 miles for every dollar spent with Hawaiian Airlines, 2 miles for every dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 1 mile everywhere else.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Receive a one-time 50% off companion discount
- First checked bag free on eligible bags
- Earn 3X miles when booking with Hawaiian Airlines
- No foreign transaction fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24%, 25.24%, or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24%, 25.24%, or 30.24% 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: 30.49% 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
- You live in, or frequently travel to, Hawaii or across the Pacific
- You want to earn 60,000 miles for spending $2,000
- You want to earn rewards for everyday purchases
- You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees
- You want a Hawaii credit card that offers great value for money
American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up®
American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up®
- 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® is a no annual fee airline credit card from Citi. The co-branded card earns 2x miles for every dollar spent on ticket purchases or at gas stations. Every other dollar spent on purchases earns a single mile, with no cap on the total number of miles earnable. New accounts also benefit from 10,000 bonus miles – plus a $50 statement credit – after spending $500 in purchases within the first 90 days.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- 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
- You prefer to fly with American Airlines or American Eagle
- You want to earn miles for every purchase, but don’t want to pay an annual fee for the privilege
- You like the idea of an easily achievable sign-up bonus
Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®
Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®
- 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard® is a co-branded airline rewards card from Hawaiian Airlines and Barclays US. The card offers impressive benefits designed for companies that frequently travel across the Pacific. The card features no foreign transaction fees, complimentary employee cards, and a generous introductory offer. New accounts can earn as much as 90,000 miles when making qualifying purchases within the first 90 days.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% or 30.24% 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: 30.49% 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
- You frequently travel with Hawaiian Airlines
- You want a credit card that earns rewards for everyday business purchases
- You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees.
- You want extra employee cards at no additional cost
JAL USA Card
JAL USA Card
- 23.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 23.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The JAL USA Card is an airline rewards card targeted to frequent Japan Airlines travelers, as well as those relocating to the United States and looking for a card that offers rewards back home. The card provides 5,000 JMB bonus miles after first international Japan Airline travel, and 1 mile for every dollar spent after that. Premium members (an additional $50 per year cost) earn double the miles.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Enjoy MasterCard travel assurances like extended warranty, insurance coverage, and 24-hour emergency services
- Up to $100 Amazon Gift Card after approval
- 10% sector bonus miles for every flight
- Choose your own rewards earning potential
- Regular Purchase APR: 23.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 23.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.49% 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: $0 for the first year, $20
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- You are a Japanese citizen who has relocated to the U.S. and want to build credit
- You want access to JMB rewards and benefits in the U.S.
- You want to earn 5,000 bonus miles after your first international flight as a cardholder
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Frequent American Airlines flyers will fawn over the perks available to them through the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, including access to high-end airport lounges and sizable discounts on in-flight purchases. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a top-notch airline rewards credit card that should be in strong consideration for every traveler’s wallet.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservatio
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- 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 the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $450
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You fly often on American Airlines and want to earn miles and discounts when spending on your travels with you
- You commute through an airport that has an Admirals Club® lounge and wish to unwind before or after your trips
- You're likely to spend $5,000 on your card in the next 3 months, earning you a bonus 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles
- You want a card with no foreign transaction fees
First Hawaiian Bank United® Card
First Hawaiian Bank United® Card
- 18% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 18% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 18% Fixed Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The First Hawaiian Bank United® Card is an airline card that offers its best value with everyday use. The card earns double miles on the daily commute – and when buying groceries – with no annual fee for the first year.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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
- 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 isgreater
- 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
- You travel with United at least once a year and check bags when they fly
- You use your credit card to regularly purchase groceries
- You prefer to fly with United or Star Alliance carriers
- You can travel enough and take full advantage of the card’s benefits to justify a $99 annual fee
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
- 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The AAdvantage® Aviator® Business Mastercard® is a reliable co-branded business airline card for companies whose business takes them anywhere on the globe. The card earns 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent with American Airlines or at office supply stores, rental car companies, or with telecom service providers, and 1 mile for every dollar spent for every other purchase.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent with American Airlines, eligible telecom, office supply, and car rental merchants
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile on all other purchases
- First checked bag free
- Preferred boarding for up to 4 companions
- 25% savings on in-flight food and beverages
- Complimentary employee cards
- Annual companion certificate for $99 after spending $30,000 per year
- 5% AAdvantage® mileage bonus on account anniversary on all miles earned
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- You operate a small to medium-sized business looking to earn big rewards for your everyday spending
- You frequently travel with American Airlines or another Oneworld carrier
- You're looking for complimentary employee cards
- You do't want to pay foreign transaction fees
You've viewed 5 of 76 credit cards
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Why Choose an Airline Credit Card?
When it comes to travel, savvy travelers know that every dollar counts. That’s why airline credit cards have become increasingly popular. They are an essential tool for maximizing benefits and savings. By obtaining an airline credit card, individuals can access a wide range of perks and rewards that greatly enhance their travel experience, making it more enjoyable and affordable.
How Do Airline Credit Cards Work?
Airline rewards credit cards work similarly to other co-branded types of rewards cards, like retail or hotel cards. Airline credit cards work by offering rewards and benefits specifically tailored for frequent flyers and travelers. These cards are typically co-branded with a specific airline, like Delta, British Airways, or Southwest, allowing cardholders to earn miles or points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Benefits of Airline Cards
Airline credit cards can help you unlock a world of perks and rewards to make your travel experience more enjoyable and affordable. Here are some of the benefits of this type of credit card:
Travel Rewards and Perks
The best benefit of airline credit cards is earning and redeeming miles or points for flights with the co-branded airline or its partner airlines. This benefit can lead to substantial savings on airfare and enable cardholders to travel more frequently or upgrade to premium cabins.
Additionally, airline cards often offer additional travel perks, such as complimentary or discounted upgrades, priority boarding, free checked bags, security fast passes, and access to airport lounges. These perks enhance the travel experience and provide tangible value to frequent flyers.
Travel Insurance and Protections
Many airline credit cards provide travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement. These protections offer peace of mind and financial security in the event of unforeseen travel disruptions or mishaps, further bolstering the card’s value proposition for frequent travelers.
Exclusive Benefits and Discounts
In addition to travel-related rewards and protections, airline cards often provide exclusive access to carrier-specific benefits and discounts. These may include in-flight purchase discounts, hotel booking privileges, and car rental discounts. Cardholders may also have opportunities to participate in special promotions, events, or experiences in collaboration with the co-branded airline. These exclusive benefits and discounts provide added value and unique opportunities for travel and aviation enthusiasts.
Drawbacks of Airline Cards
However, there are drawbacks to consider when using airline rewards credit cards. If you are not confident in your ability to pay off your balance in full each month, you may find yourself burdened by the higher-than-average interest rates these cards typically have. And if you don’t take advantage of all the benefits the card has to offer, then the almost certain annual fee will simply become an additional charge to burden you with. Finally, when redeeming your miles for flights, you may encounter blackout dates where award flights are not available. If you prioritize getting the best deal regardless of the airline, a general-purpose travel credit card may be a more suitable option for you.
Which Carriers Offer Airline Credit Cards?
You might be surprised how many co-branded airline rewards cards are on the market in the United States. If you can imagine a frequent flyer program, you can probably apply for a credit card for it:
Additionally, here are the airline credit cards offered by the major airline alliances, Star Alliance, Sky Team, and oneworld:
What to Look for In an Airline Credit Card
Here are some of the more critical features to look out for when deciding on a co-branded airline credit card:
Targeted Offers
Credit card companies and frequent flyer programs often offer exclusive, invite-only, invite-only, exclusive promotions to their customers. Card issuers offer these discounts on criteria including credit history, spending habits, and geographic location.
The metrics used to determine who gets which offer vary by the credit card issuer. Unless you have an excellent credit score, a strong credit history, and actively use revolving credit (and are a member of the frequent flyer program being targeted), you may not see a targeted offer in your mailbox.
Lounge Access
Paying for lounge access per trip can be pricey (if that lounge even accepts day passes), so the easiest way to ensure you can enjoy the finer things the airport offers is with a co-branded airline card. Airline lounges provide various amenities, including showers, private rooms, complimentary cocktails, and more. These programs include Priority Pass Select, LoungeKey, United Club, the American Express Global Lounge Collection, Capital One Lounges, and Chase Sapphire Lounges.
Anniversary Bonuses
An anniversary bonus is a perk granted to a qualifying cardholder or rewards program member on the anniversary of their program activation. The card issuer gives the cardholder this special bonus each calendar year.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you plan on using an airline credit card abroad, pay attention to the foreign transaction fees associated with the card. Foreign transaction fees are charges imposed by card issuers for transactions at non-U.S. retailers. These fees are not limited to physical credit card payments made overseas; they also apply to online purchases from foreign companies, ATM withdrawals outside the U.S., and currency conversion fees.
Foreign transaction fees are charged by payment networks (such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc.) to card issuers (such as Capital One, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) as a processing fee. Typically, this fee amounts to between 1% and 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. To avoid unnecessary expenses while abroad, look for cards that charge no foreign transaction fees.
No Annual Fee
Many co-branded airline cards offer “free” and “premium” versions. Premium versions have an annual fee ranging between $95 and $900. On the other hand, no annual fee airline cards provide frequent flyer rewards at a lower rate than premium cards but without a yearly membership fee.
Let’s use the LATAM Airlines credit cards from Cardless as an example. Here is a quick breakdown of both card offers and how they differ based on the annual fee charged:
LATAM Airlines Mastercard | LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard | |
---|---|---|
Annual fee? | None | $99 |
Earning rate | Up to 3X miles | Up to 4X miles |
Lounge access? | N/A | 2 visits per year |
Upgrade certificates? | N/A | 3 per year |
Consider your travel habits and spending levels when deciding between a no annual fee card and a premium version. If you don’t take advantage of these premium benefits and don’t fly often, opting for a premium airline card would result in unnecessary spending on unused features. Therefore, closely examine your travel habits and spending levels to determine if a card with an annual fee is the right choice for you.
Other Features to Look for
Airport perks and benefits are another aspect of airline credit cards. These perks come from the carrier itself—not the card issuer. These benefits allow account holders to enjoy exceptional amenities and luxury at no additional cost and may include the following:
Free checked bags | Specific amount of miles per dollar spent | Priority boarding |
Lounge access | In-flight discounts | Airport of in-flight Wi-Fi |
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.
Conclusion
Airline credit cards are a valuable tool for savvy travelers looking to unlock the skies. By earning miles with every purchase and taking advantage of the additional perks that come with these cards, you can make your travel experience more enjoyable and affordable. With the right airline credit card and a strategic approach, you can unlock the skies and make your travel dreams a reality.
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Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.