Updated May 2026
Best Airline Credit Cards of 2026
Free checked bags, priority boarding, companion certificates, and elite status boosts. Co-branded airline cards reward flyers who stick to one carrier.
Rankings
Top 8 Best Airline Credit Cards
Amex
Delta Reserve
$650/yr
~$1,200 bonus
Welcome Offer
100,000 Delta
Spend $6K in 6mo
Delta SkyMiles ecosystem
Chase
United Club Infinite
$525/yr
~$1,485 bonus
Welcome Offer
110,000 MileagePlus
Spend $5K in 3mo
United MileagePlus ecosystem
Chase
Chase Aeroplan
$95/yr
~$980 bonus
Welcome Offer
70,000 Aeroplan
Spend $3K in 3mo
Aeroplan ecosystem
Chase
United Explorer
$95/yr
~$1,080 bonus
Welcome Offer
80,000 United
Spend $3K in 3mo
United MileagePlus ecosystem
Chase
United Quest
$250/yr
~$1,215 bonus
Welcome Offer
90,000 United
Spend $4K in 3mo
United MileagePlus ecosystem
Chase
SW Priority
$149/yr
~$938 bonus
Welcome Offer
75,000 Rapid
Spend $3K in 3mo
Southwest Rapid Rewards ecosystem
Amex
Delta Gold
$150/yr
~$840 bonus
Welcome Offer
70,000 Delta
Spend $2K in 6mo
The best entry card for Delta flyers — free bags pay the fee
Amex
Delta Platinum
$250/yr
~$1,200 bonus
Welcome Offer
100,000 Delta
Spend $3K in 3mo
Delta SkyMiles ecosystem
Side-by-side
Quick Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Signup Bonus | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| $650 | 100,000 Delta | $1,200 | |
United Club Infinite Chase | $525 | 110,000 MileagePlus | $1,485 |
Chase Aeroplan Chase | $95 | 70,000 Aeroplan | $980 |
United Explorer Chase | $95 | 80,000 United | $1,080 |
United Quest Chase | $250 | 90,000 United | $1,215 |
Bonus values are estimates. Always verify current offers directly with the issuer before applying.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get an airline co-branded card or a general travel card?
If you fly one airline 80%+ of the time, a co-branded card earns faster with that carrier and unlocks perks like free bags and priority boarding. If you spread travel across airlines, a transferable points card (Sapphire Preferred, Venture X) gives more flexibility.
Which airline card has the best free checked bag benefit?
Delta, United, and American co-branded cards typically include 1 free checked bag for you and companions on the same reservation, saving $35+ each way. The benefit alone often justifies the annual fee for frequent flyers.
CreditPoints may receive compensation when you are approved for a card through links on this page. Offers and card details are based on publicly available information and may change without notice. Rankings reflect editorial judgment based on first-year value estimates. Not affiliated with any card issuer.