
The airlines credit card is a valuable tool that enables a flyer to enjoy various perks and even save more while flying. The benefits are free checked baggage/ earn miles on your travel expenses/ discounts on in-flight spending/ and more. The frequent flyers with any travel credit card can enjoy enough benefits to outweigh any annual fee that the card offers. There are various airline credit cards are available and every card has its own features.
Furthermore, it might be an ideal time to apply for a travel credit card whether you are planning a summer trip or wish to take a long trip with your family. Most of the cards come with the benefits that can make your flying experience cheaper and easier which can be helpful as travel costs surge. Choosing an ideal credit card can be a challenging for someone due to the availability of many card options. This guidance will allow you to get the deep insights for these travel cards and everything that you should know.
Acknowledge the Benefits of an Airlines Credit Card Before Buying
The airline credit cards offer a wide range of travel perks like access to an airport lounge and many. But these perks vary based on the type of credit card and the airline. Thus, it is crucial to pick a card that aligns with your travel preferences.
- Earn Miles & Bonus: Flyers can earn miles on purchases and get an exclusive welcome bonus once they meet the spending requirements. These miles are useful for hotel stays and flight reservations along with the other travel expenses.
- Free Checked Baggage: A significant perk that can save money on flights for you and your companions as well.
- Access to Airport Access: Credit cards come with access to exclusive airport lounges which offer an additional comfortable and peaceful environment.
- Priority Boarding: These cards permit you to board your flight before other passengers and you can secure overhead bin space.
- In-Flight Discounts: Flyers with Airlines credit cards can save on drinks and food along with other purchases made on the plane.
- Travel Credits: Few credit cards offer annual credits for travel expenses like TSA PreCheck application fees and others.
- Travel Protections: Cardholders can even enjoy the travel insurance for the disrupted flights due to the airline’s fault and reimbursement for the damaged/lost luggage.
- Elite Status: The travel credit cards can help you get a higher status in the loyalty program of your desired airline which unlocks various attractive benefits.
- Companion Passes: Earn passes that allow a guest to travel with you at the lowest rate.
Different Types Of Airline Credit Cards Available
Before choosing a credit card, the first thing you must know is the type of travel card with the best services. Discover the best airline rewards credit cards and compare types of airline credit cards to learn expert strategies for free flight earning. These cards are split into numerous categories:
- General Travel Cards: These cards come with the flexibility so an individual can redeem rewards for travel bookings/ cash back/ or transfer points to the airline’s loyalty program and partner hotel. However, they might not offer airline-specific perks.
- Premium Cards: A person may be able to select between the premium and basic options with both general and co-branded airlines credit cards. The premium cards offer additional benefits but they have higher annual fees. It is suggested to review the benefits carefully to know if they are worth it to you.
- Co-branded & Hotel Cards: The co-branded airline and hotel cards let you earn miles in the loyalty program of the airline. A person can use these rewards to book free travel and many cards associated with the brand-specific perks like free checked baggage.
Note: Co-branded cards are best to buy if you are a frequent and loyal traveller of an airline. A general travel card may be best if you are looking for flexibility when it comes to flight reservations. The ability to book travel/transfer the points to partner loyalty programs allows sweet-spot redemption.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Airlines Credit Card Online
It is easy and straightforward to apply for airline credit card online that is suitable for your requirements. Make sure that you meet the credit score requirements for approval for the card with ease. Here are the proven steps to apply for a credit card online:
- Choose the Right Airlines Credit: Choose a suitable airlines credit card you fly with to maximize mileage earnings and the benefits. Compare the various types of cards and look for things like annual fees, rewards, travel perks, etc. Most airline cards require a good credit score so you must check it to ensure your eligibility.
- Gather Information: You must have your personal information like date of birth and name before applying for a credit card. It may need your social security number and income information such as annual income.
- Apply on the Airlines’ Website: Many airlines have a Credit Cards section on their websites where an individual can apply for their co-branded cards. Locate the suitable card and choose the application tab to start the process. Complete all the important fields with the financial and personal information asked to fill out.
- Submit Application and Wait for Approval: It is advisable to double-check your provided information to avoid mistakes before submitting the application. You may receive an instant decision online as some credit card online applications require in-depth analysis. The airline will send your credit card via email if approved.
Top Airlines Credit Card With Annual Fee Under $100
As we discussed earlier, there are many US airlines that provide their own credit card with a wide range of benefits to their frequent flyers. Let’s have a look at a few of them for a better insight:
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
American Airlines’ Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is an ideal option for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. This credit card allows you to earn miles for every purchase you make which can be used for your next flight reservations. New cardholders can get a special bonus when they meet certain spending amounts. Some of the key perks include earning two miles for every dollar spent on travel purchases made with American Airlines only.
If you fly for domestic routes with AA, you also get a free checked bag for yourself and up to four travel companions who are flying with you, plus the facility of priority boarding over other passengers. Moreover, this credit card is very beneficial when you book American Airlines group travel for six or more passengers. There is an annual fee of $99 to buy airlines credit card but it is waived for the first year and no extra fees for using it abroad.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Rapid Reward Priority credit card by Southwest delivers notable value for loyal travelers with enhanced benefits like the ability to earn 4 points per dollar on travel purchases only on Southwest Airlines and unlimited additional legroom upgrades based on availability. Keep in mind that this card is best for the frequent travellers who wish to enjoy premium travel benefits like free checked baggage for their group, preferred seating arrangements for all group members, and more when you book Southwest group travel.
Flyers can even earn rewards as Rapid Reward points which start with four points per dollar spent on the Southwest purchase and one point per dollar spent on all other travel purchases. There are various perks that come with this Rapid Reward priority card:
- Get one free checked bag and check bags for up to eight other travelers on the same reservation without extra charge.
- Pick your favorite seat when you book your flight based on availability.
- Enjoy unlimited chances to upgrade to seats with extra legroom within 48 hours before your flight if seats are open.
- Receive 7,500 free Southwest points on your card anniversary.
- Avail a 25% discount on travel purchases made on the flight.
- Earn A-List status faster through all your spending.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is one of the best airlines credit card that rewards you for traveling if you fly with Delta Airlines often. This card offers some great perks as described below:
- A free checked bag on Delta flights can help you save money on baggage fees.
- The ability to board your flight earlier so you can find a good spot for your carry-on bag.
- A 15% discount on the cost of flight tickets with miles when you use the Delta Airlines website/their Fly Delta app.
- Additional miles to spend money at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- There is no annual fee in the first year which means you can use the card for free.
- After that, you will be required to pay a fee of $150. You also get travel insurance and won’t have to pay extra for purchases made in other countries.
- Earn a $200 credit that you can use for future Delta flights when someone spends $10,000 in a year. Get 20% back on certain in-flight purchases and have a plan to cover lost or damaged bags.
- This card is a good choice for anyone who travels with Delta frequently and wants to make the most of their trips.
Recap: Buy an Airline Credit Card Online!
Choosing the best airlines credit card online based on your travel needs and preferences to spend money. These credit cards are tailored to your requirements whether you wish to have access to luxurious lounges and flexible rewards along with the simple benefits like free checked baggage, priority boarding, etc. With the help of the above information, you can now have an idea of different credit cards and about their features so choose as per your suitability to make the most of your travel journey. Contact our professionals at Grouptripo Call Us : +1-833-894-5333 if you wish to book your flight ticket through any credit card or have any other query regarding airline cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest airline credit card to get based on your credit history for no credit/ a secured card like the Capital One Quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card/Bank of America/ etc. If you have good credit, consider cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card/American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card. However, it is less likely to be approved than the standard cash back cards.
The approval of an airline credit card is based on the various factors like income/ your credit score/ income/ and debt. Most of the time, it is important to have an excellent credit score which makes it easy for someone to get the credit card approval. Keep in mind that the approval is not guaranteed even with a high credit score as the issuers also consider your income and other criteria.
You must have an excellent credit score to qualify for most airline credit cards in the range of 670 to 850 and the specific requirements may vary. The co-branded airlines credit card which offers premium rewards and perks almost requires a higher credit score for approval while some cards come with lower credit score requirements.
The best airline credit cards based on your travel requirements along with the major choices like Chase Sapphire Preferred for the flexible points and beginners. The Capital One Venture Rewards Card for the simplicity and versatility and specific co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for the Delta flyers or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card for the Southwest flyers.
The best credit card for flights based on your travel habits. Use the airline-specific card like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority for preferred perks and miles. Choose a flexible airline credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Capital One Venture X to earn points for any airline. You should consider certain factors like the annual fee/ lounge access/ bonus reward/ and free checked baggage on any airline to select the card that best suits your travel needs.