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How to Choose the Best Airline Credit Card for You

5 min read

Last Updated: March 20, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

A co-branded airline card may require you to redeem your rewards with that airline.
A general travel rewards credit card may have more flexible ways to redeem.
Some travel cards offer low introductory interest rates that can help with large expenses like airfare.

Looking at flights for your next vacation or business trip? You may wonder what credit card you should use to get the most rewards when purchasing airline tickets. Booking your flight with a rewards credit card can help you maximize your savings, mile by mile. So let’s compare travel reward cards for airline travel and explore rewards programs, fees, and introductory offers to help you choose a credit card for future flights—wherever they take you.

Compare co-branded airline credit cards and travel rewards credit cards

Choosing the best credit card for your airline travel starts with understanding your options. Airline credit cards and general travel rewards credit cards offer different benefits worth comparing.

Airline credit cards. A credit card tied to a specific airline is usually co-branded (a partnership) with a credit card issuer. This type of card lets you earn extra airline miles when you use your card on eligible purchases with that brand. They may also offer brand-specific perks like free checked luggage and priority boarding. Co-branded airline cards might give you the best value if you book a lot of flights with the same airline, which is a good option for brand loyalists.

General travel rewards credit cards. You won’t find a general travel rewards card tied to a specific brand. You’ll usually earn the same rewards rate or percentage of travel rewards no matter which airline you choose. You might find these travel cards offer more flexible options than co-branded airline cards, making them a good choice if you travel with different airlines or don’t fly regularly.

Compare rules for earning and redeeming rewards

Both co-branded and non-branded cards have rules for how you can earn and redeem rewards. How you plan to use your rewards credit card will impact which card is right for you. Will you book one or several flights a year? Compare each rewards program with your travel and spending habits to help you choose the best travel credit card for your preferences.

A co-branded airline credit card lets you earn airline miles on everyday purchases. But you might get a higher rewards rate for purchases made with the card’s airline. If you regularly purchase tickets with the same airline as the card, redeeming your rewards for discounted or free flights may be right for you.

With a general travel rewards card, you may earn a higher percentage of rewards on everyday purchases and there might be more ways to spend them. You may be able to redeem rewards for things like gift cards, retail purchases, and statement credits.

If you don’t book many flights with the same airline, you may get more value for your rewards by using a non-branded travel credit card for your airline travel expenses.

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Compare fees

It’s a good idea to understand the fees associated with each card. Here are some common credit card fees to consider before deciding:

Annual fee. An annual fee is a cost some credit card issuers charge for card membership. Annual fees vary widely, but some cards with premium rewards may have a higher fee—you’ll have to redeem enough rewards to offset the yearly expense. If you can’t justify the fee, a credit card with no annual fee may be the way to go. Note that Discover has no annual fee on any of our cards.
Foreign transaction fee. A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge that some credit card companies apply when you use your card outside the United States or shop online in a foreign currency. It’s usually a small percentage of each transaction. But foreign transaction fees can add up quickly. Frequent overseas fliers may want to choose cards with a low or no foreign transaction fee. For example, Discover^® has no foreign transaction fee.
Balance transfer fee. You might use credit cards to consolidate debt. You do this by moving existing balances from one card with higher interest rate to a card with a lower interest rate. Note that this usually includes a balance transfer fee. This fee is often a percentage of the amount transferred but can vary based on the card and lender.
Cash advance fee. You may already know that you can use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM—called a cash advance. Credit card issuers usually charge a fee for this service. The fee may be a flat rate or a percentage of the amount withdrawn.
Late payment fee. Most credit card companies charge a late payment fee when you don’t make your minimum payment on time.

Compare introductory offers

Some credit cards may also have introductory offers that make them an attractive choice. You may find a travel rewards credit card that charges a low or 0% interest Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for several months. Low interest rates can help you save if you pay off purchases by the end of the promotional period.

For example, when you’re ready to purchase plane tickets for your next vacation, a new travel rewards credit card may offer a 0% interest APR for 15 months, giving you time to pay for your flights without paying interest.

Did you know?

With the Discover it^® Miles Card, we’ll automatically match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.¹

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The bottom line

There’s lots to consider when choosing the best travel credit card for your air travel. Comparing rewards programs, fees, and special offers can help you decide and make the most of every mile.

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