Rewards, miles and more
Looking for a way to receive airline perks without status, try applying for an airline credit card. Airline credit cards offer some of the most lucrative rewards and perks available for frequent flyers. However, annual fees on some of these cards are high, it’s important to know if the card is worth applying for. If you are loyal to one airline or want access to their lounge, it might be advantageous to apply for a card with that specific airline. A flexible travel rewards credit card offers bonus rewards no matter which airline you fly and more flexible ways to redeem your rewards.
There are dozens of credit cards seeking to nestle themselves in the grooves of your wallet. Below are the top 10 flexible and airline specific credit cards for 2021.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
$0 Annual fee
13.99% – 23.99 APR
0% introductory APR for 12 billing cycles.
Earn unlimited 1.5x Miles for every dollar spent on purchases. Points don’t expire.
Earn 25,000 intro bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of opening the account, that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Redeem points for travel and dining purchases as well as flights, hotel, car and vacation rentals, and baggage fees.
No blackout dates.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Capital One Venture Rewards Card
$95 Annual fee
17.24% – 24.49% APR
Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. No limit and no expiration date for the life of the account.
Fly any airline, stay at any hotel. Transfer your miles to over 10 travel loyalty programs.
No blackout dates.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
United Explorer Card
$95 Annual fee waived in the first year.
16.49% – 23.49% APR
Earn two miles per dollar spent at restaurants, hotel stays and United purchases. Earn two miles per dollar spent on eligible delivery services and earn one mile per one dollar spent on all other purchases.
Intro bonus of 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account. Plus an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 in the first six months.
25% back on United inflight purchases.
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck fee credit.
Check your first bag for free, enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with two one-time passes each year for your anniversary.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
$69 Annual fee
15.99% – 22.99% APR
Earn 3 points on dining, takeout and eligible services for the first year. Earn two points per every dollar spent on Southwest purchases and earn one point per every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Intro bonus of 40,000 after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.
$3,000 bonus points after your cardmember anniversary each year.
All points earned count towards Companion Pass and points never expire.
No blackout dates or seat restrictions.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
$99 Annual fee, $0 within the first year
15.74% – 24.74% APR
Rates & Fees
Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery at U.S. supermarkets, and 1Xmile on all other purchases.
First checked bag free on Delta flights.
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months.
Terms apply.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Citi / AAdvantage® Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
$99 Annual fee, $0 within the first year
15.99% – 24.99% APR
Earn two AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on gas stations and restaurants. Earn two AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
Earn $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.
Intro bonus of 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first three months of opening the account.
Receive preferred boarding on American Airlines flights and the first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four traveling companions on the same reservation.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
American Airlines AAdvantage Mileup Card
$0 Annual fee
15.99% – 24.99 APR
Earn two AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent at the grocery store and grocery delivery services. Earn two AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airline purchases and earn one AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on other purchases.
Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
