Airline miles credit cards allow you to earn rewards on purchases that can than be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel rooms, and even cash back in some cases. When comparing these cards it’s important to understand that there are two types of cards which allow you to earn airline miles / travel rewards.

1. General Travel Rewards Cards – General travel rewards cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card allow you to earn miles or points that are redeemable with any airline. For most people, we recommend choosing this type of card because you have more options when it’s time to redeem.

2. Airline Specific Cards – These cards let you earn miles that can be redeemed with a specific airline, such as Delta or United.

We have hand-picked the best deals for both types of cards below.

Best Deal: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – $500 in Free Airfare


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The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a travel rewards credit card that has an amazing sign up bonus worth hundreds of dollars and no cap on rewards or blackout dates when booking travel.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Rewards:

  • 2 points per dollar on travel and at restaurants.
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
  • 40,000 bonus points ($500 in travel) after spending $3,000 during your first three months.
  • No blackout dates and no hidden fees when redeeming points.
  • Chase will waive your annual fee for the first year.

Chase is offering new cardholders of the Sapphire Preferred card 40,000 bonus points which is equivalent to $500 in free airfare etc.. after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months (not hard, use it to pay some bills).

HOWEVER if you redeem the travel points through Chase’s Travel portal (ultimate rewards) these points are worth 25% more, meaning that you can redeem them for $500 in free travel – flights, hotel rooms, a cruise – whatever you want. This card also gives you more flexibility than an airline specific card, since you can redeem points for tickets with multiple airlines.

Any Airline: American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card – $400 in Free Airfare


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The American Express Premier rewards gold card is another very popular card among those taking advantage of travel rewards programs. In addition to a great rewards program this card comes with a ton of travel perks from American Express. It also has a VERY attractive sign up bonus for new cardholders.

Premier Rewards Gold Card Rewards:

  • 3X points on airfare
  • 2X points on gas and groceries
  • 1X points on everything else
  • 25,000 bonus points ($250) after spending $2,000 in your first three months.
  • 15,000 additional bonus points ($150) each year if you spend 30k.

American Express is also now completely waiving the annual fee for the first year, making this card one of our top choices, and a great choice for really anyone who is looking to earn a ton of travel rewards.

No Annual Fee: Blue Sky from American Express – $100 Bonus


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Blue Sky from American Express is a great card for people who want a great travel rewards card without an annual fee. This card essentially allows you earn 33% more rewards than other no annual fee travel cards. (you can redeem 7,500 points for $100 in travel). You also still get many of the same benefits offered to those with the Premier Rewards gold card, again just without an annual fee.

Blue Sky Rewards:

  • 1X point for virtually every dollar you spend
  • Redeem 7,500 points for $100 in travel (33% more rewards than similar cards)
  • Get 7,500 bonus points after approval.
  • No annual fee!
If You Fly Delta: Gold Delta Skymiles Card – $300 Bonus


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If you fly Delta airlines and are looking to maximize your rewards, we currently recommend the Gold Delta Skymiles Credit Card from American Express. American Express is currently giving new cardholders 30,000 bonus points ($300 in free airfare) after only making $500 in purchases with the card.

This card also has a great rewards program (again if you fly Delta) and the annual fee is completely waived for the first year. The REAL perk with this card is that you will no longer have to pay baggage fees (at least for your first bag) – it’s free to check a bag for you and up to 9 people on your reservation.

Gold Delta Skymiles Rewards:

  • Earn double miles on all Delta flights.
  • 1x point per dollar on all other purchases.
  • Check your first bag free, for you and up to 9 other people on your reservation.
  • 30,000 bonus points after you spend $500 in the first three months.
Airline Miles Credit Cards Q&A

How Do I Redeem My Points or Miles?

Redeeming points and miles with a travel rewards card like Chase Sapphire or Amex Gold is pretty painless. You just book your trip with the card (it can be any airline, hotel etc..) and then you can apply the points you’ve earned towards those purchases, either online or over the phone.

Tip: If you book your travel through American Express Membership Rewards, or your card issuers travel site, your points can be worth up to 25% more than their face value.

Are Airline Credit Cards Any Good?

Some airline specific cards do have solid rewards programs. If you are planning to apply for a specific airlines rewards card, make sure that your airport is a hub for that airline! For example: Even though Delta flies into pretty much everywhere, your life will be much easier when it comes time to book if you live near a Delta hub like Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York (JFK), or Salt Lake City because there will be more available flights to choose from.

This is why many times it can be good to go with a general travel rewards card like Chase Sapphire, because you can book with any airline or hotel and not have to worry.

View The Best Airline Miles Credit Cards by Airline:

American Airlines Credit Cards – Recommended
Continental Airlines Credit Cards – Recommended
Delta Airlines Credit Cards – Recommended
United Airlines Credit Cards
US Airways Credit Cards

If you live near a major airport this isn’t a HUGE deal because you will find that most major carriers fly into just about every major airport, but it can be an inconvenience so do your research!

What’s The Difference Between An Airline Miles Card And A Frequent Flyer Card?

Frequent flyer programs work in conjunction with your airline or travel rewards credit card. By signing up for a frequent flyer program you receive miles and build status whenever you fly with an airline. These miles are usually in addition to the miles you earn on the purchases you make with your card.