Is a Secured Airline Credit Card Right for You?

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Last updated on April 12th, 2023

Life happens, and sometimes you just can’t have the best credit. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t find an airline rewards card that works for you and understands your financial situation. Today we’ll look at secured airline credit cards, what they require, what they offer, and what to expect.

What is a Secured Airline Credit Card?

What exactly is a secured credit card? Put simply; a secured card is one where a person can receive a line of credit from a lender after they place a security deposit. The secured deposit, usually from a checking or savings account, acts as collateral – allowing those with either poor credit scores or no credit history to receive a credit card where they otherwise would likely face rejection. The secured deposit acts as the credit line, meaning an individual who places a deposit of $500 will have a $500 credit limit on their card.

Now that we have covered secured credit card basics, what exactly is a secured airline credit card? Secured airline credit cards are – you guessed it – a secured card that also offers airline rewards. These cards require the same deposit and credit check of a typically secured card but provide the bonus of letting those looking to either establish a credit history or improve their credit score, earn bonus miles and other travel perks when they spend.

Secured Credit Card with Airline Miles

Many great airline rewards cards require great credit. Unfortunately, many people don’t have the excellent credit score needed to get the travel rewards and bonus miles they crave. Just because a person doesn’t have perfect doesn’t mean they don’t have the same need to travel, either for work or pleasure. A secured airline credit card is an enticing proposition for those who need to repair their credit, but also want to reap the rewards when they travel.

What’s the Best Secured Credit Card with Airline Miles?

While there may not be as many secured airline credit cards as there are traditional airline rewards cards, that’s not to say that there aren’t some very good cards out there. The Aeromexico Visa® Secured card, offered by U.S. Bank, is an ideal choice for those looking to rebuild their credit and earn rewards at the same time. Aeromexico is a SkyTeam alliance member, meaning cardholders can earn bonus miles when flying with Aeromexico, as well as with other SkyTeam alliance members, including Delta Airways, Air France, KLM, and others.

Cardholders have one complimentary checked bag on Aeromexico flights and a companion travel certificate. Another sound option for those seeking a secured credit card with airline miles is the LATAM Visa® Secured card. LATAM Airlines is a Chile-based carrier with subsidiaries and affiliate partners all over Central and South America. LATAM is also a Oneworld member, meaning bonus miles earned through LATAM Pass or by bookings with Oneworld Airlines can be applied towards flights around the globe. This secured card offers great perks and reward miles, including 5,000 bonus miles after the first use of the card.

Check Out Other Secured Airline Card Reviews

No matter what your credit history or credit score, there is likely a lender out there with something to offer. Knowing what the best cards are, however, can be difficult. Fortunately, at BestCards, our team of credit card experts is continually compiling impartial reviews of all the latest and leading rewards credit cards of all shapes and sizes, to help you find a card that is just right. Check out some of our reviews, dive deep into our resources, or catch up on the latest industry news in our blog today.

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.

About: Cory Santos
Cory Santos

Cory is the senior credit card editor at BestCards, specializing in everything credit card-related. He’s worked extensively with credit cards and other personal finance topics, including nearly five years at BestCards. Cory’s extensive knowledge is an essential part of the BestCards experience, helping readers to live their best financial lives with up-to-date insights and comprehensive coverage of all facets of the credit card space, including market trends, rewards guides, credit advice, and comprehensive credit card reviews.

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