Earning airline miles through credit card spending is a fantastic way to travel for less. Choosing the right credit card can significantly accelerate your ability to accumulate miles and unlock free flights. This article explores the best credit cards for airline miles in 2024, helping you make an informed decision based on your spending habits and travel goals.
| Credit Card | Key Features | Rewards/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Annual Fee: \$95, Earning Rates: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel, 1x on everything else | Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Travel and purchase protection benefits. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Annual Fee: \$550, Earning Rates: 5x on flights and 10x on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and travel, 1x on everything else | Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. 50% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. \$300 annual travel credit. Priority Pass Select membership. Travel and purchase protection benefits. |
| American Express® Gold Card | Annual Fee: \$250, Earning Rates: 4x on U.S. supermarkets (on up to \$25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x), 4x on restaurants worldwide, 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x on everything else | Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners. Up to \$120 dining credit annually (\$10 per month) at select restaurants. Up to \$120 Uber Cash annually (\$10 per month). |
| American Express® Platinum Card | Annual Fee: \$695, Earning Rates: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com (on up to \$500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5x on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1x on everything else | Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners. Over \$1,400 in value of credits and benefits. Access to Centurion Lounges and other airport lounges. Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors status. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Annual Fee: \$395, Earning Rates: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases | Miles can be transferred to airline and hotel partners. \$300 annual travel credit. 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary. Access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Annual Fee: \$550, Earning Rates: 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x miles on everything else | Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. First checked bag free. Priority boarding. Status Boost (earn Medallion Qualification Dollars). |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for those seeking a balance between rewards and annual fees. It offers a strong earning structure on travel and dining, along with the flexibility to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners. The 25% bonus when redeeming for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal adds significant value, making it a great option for frequent travelers. It's an excellent entry point into the world of travel rewards credit cards.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the premium sibling of the Sapphire Preferred, offering enhanced rewards and benefits for a higher annual fee. The standout feature is the \$300 annual travel credit, which effectively reduces the annual fee. The 50% bonus when redeeming for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, combined with Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, makes it ideal for luxury travelers. While the annual fee is substantial, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for those who travel frequently.
American Express® Gold Card:
The American Express® Gold Card focuses on everyday spending categories, particularly dining and groceries, offering substantial rewards in these areas. The 4x points on U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide are particularly valuable for those who spend heavily in these categories. The up to \$120 dining credit and Uber Cash annually further enhance the card's value. It's a strong contender for those who want to maximize rewards on their daily spending.
American Express® Platinum Card:
The American Express® Platinum Card is a premium travel card packed with benefits and perks. While it has a high annual fee, the card offers significant value through its numerous credits, including airline fee credits, hotel credits, and more. Access to Centurion Lounges and other airport lounges provides a comfortable travel experience. The 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com is a solid earning rate for travel. This card is best suited for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its extensive benefits.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward rewards program with a focus on simplicity. The 2x miles on all purchases, combined with higher earning rates on travel booked through Capital One Travel, makes it easy to accumulate miles. The \$300 annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary help offset the annual fee. Access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges provides a comfortable travel experience.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card:
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is tailored for loyal Delta flyers. It provides complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, enhancing the travel experience. Other benefits include a free first checked bag and priority boarding. The Status Boost feature allows cardholders to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars, helping them achieve or maintain elite status with Delta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airline mile? An airline mile is a unit of reward offered by airlines, typically earned through flying or spending with partner programs, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other travel-related benefits.
How do I earn airline miles with a credit card? You earn airline miles by using a co-branded airline credit card or a general travel rewards card that allows you to transfer points to airline partners for every purchase you make.
What is a transfer partner? A transfer partner is an airline or hotel program that allows you to convert your credit card points into their respective loyalty currencies (miles or points).
What is the best credit card for earning airline miles? The "best" card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, American Express® Platinum Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are often considered top contenders.
How do I redeem airline miles? You can redeem airline miles through the airline's website or customer service, typically for flights, upgrades, or other travel-related expenses.
What is a sign-up bonus? A sign-up bonus is a one-time reward offered by a credit card issuer when you open a new account and meet certain spending requirements within a specified time frame.
Are there annual fees associated with airline miles credit cards? Yes, many airline miles credit cards charge annual fees, which can range from \$95 to \$695 or more, depending on the card's benefits and features.
How important is the annual fee when choosing a credit card? The importance of the annual fee depends on whether the card's benefits and rewards outweigh the cost for your individual spending and travel patterns.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for airline miles requires careful consideration of your spending habits, travel goals, and the specific benefits offered by each card. By understanding the earning rates, transfer partners, and additional perks, you can select a card that aligns with your needs and helps you maximize your travel rewards. Consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, American Express® Platinum Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for premium rewards and benefits.