Trying to figure out the best airline credit card is a futile exercise. For some, an airline specific credit card such as the Delta Skymiles credit card can provide tremendous value. However, if you don't live near a major Delta hub and fly different airlines everytime you travel, paying the hefty annual fee that comes with this card would be a waste of money. The same is true for just about every airline specific credit card. So how do you find an airline credit card that will provide the most value? Here are some situations to consider:
1.) I fly on a lot of different airlines: If you fall into this category, a general airline credit card will provide you with the flexibility to choose the best deals when you look for a flight. Capital One credit cards, like the no annual fee VentureOne or the lower annual fee Venture rewards cards will likely help you earn the most miles and provide you with the most redemption options (and, since they charge no foreign fees on international credit card purchases, you can save 3% on purchases you make traveling outside the U.S.
2.) I fly the same airline most of the time: If you live near an airline's hub and tend to fly on the same airline, then the Delta Skymiles credit card, which offers free checked baggage, or the Continental OnePass credit card, which also offers free checked baggage, may be worth considering. These cards come with annual fees of around $100, but the money you save not paying to check your bags can offset this fee in just one trip for two people. Of these two airline specific cards, I prefer the Delta card, as you can redeem miles to pay for trips in the event you don't have enough to cover the full cost.
3.) I just want to earn rewards: If you just want to earn credit card rewards and only spend a few thousand dollars a year on your card, airline credit cards may not be the best option for you. Cash back credit cards, for example, generally come with lower interest rates, no annual fees, and easy redemption options.
I tend to think that airline credit cards are best for frequent flyer experts. These are people who know how to work the mileage system and extract as much value as possible. For those of us who are inexperienced with the complicated process of redeeming rewards, the best airline credit card might not be an airline credit card at all.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
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