Independent rankings · Updated July 2026
Best Airline Credit Cards
Co-branded cards tied to a single airline: checked bags, priority boarding, companion fares and status boosts for loyal flyers.
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CardGuru looks at the cards you already hold, your spending, and application rules like Chase 5/24 — then ranks the card that maximizes your next welcome bonus.
10 cards, ranked by our net-value model.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
PROS
- Frequent United Airlines flyers who can utilize the free checked bag, priority boarding, and inflight discounts
- Travelers seeking to earn MileagePlus miles on everyday spending and accelerate United Premier status (via PQP earnings)
- Individuals who value Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and annual United Club passes
CONS
- Infrequent United flyers or those loyal to other airlines
- Consumers who prefer cash back or more flexible transferable points programs (as United miles are airline-specific)
Annual Fee
$0 first year, then $150
Est. Net Value
+$1,735
This calculation clearly shows that for a frequent United flyer who can fully utilize the numerous annual credits and benefits, the United Explorer Card provides significant value, easily offsetting its $150 annual fee. The initial year offers exceptional value due to the large welcome bonus. Ongoing value relies on active engagement with the card's many perks.
Earning Rate
7X on United purchases; 5X on hotel stays purchased through United Hotels; 2X on dining; 2X on hotel stays when booked directly with the hotel; 1X on all other purchases. Earn 1 Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) for every $20 spent on purchases, up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year.
Aeroplan Credit Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
PROS
- Frequent Air Canada flyers and Star Alliance travelers
- Individuals who can maximize the 3X bonus categories (grocery, dining, Air Canada)
- Those who value automatic elite status and associated perks (free bags, priority services)
CONS
- Infrequent travelers who won't utilize the airline-specific benefits
- Consumers who prefer cash back or other flexible points currencies over airline miles
Annual Fee
$95
Est. Net Value
+$1,350
This calculation excludes the welcome bonus. The annual fee of $95 is easily offset by the free checked bag, 25K status, and NEXUS credit, making this card a strong value proposition for United and Star Alliance flyers. The ability to combine with Chase Ultimate Rewards further enhances its flexibility and value.
Earning Rate
3X on Air Canada purchases, grocery stores (including food delivery), and dining (including takeout); 1X on all other purchases. Earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent per calendar month (up to 1,500 bonus points monthly).
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express
American Express
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$350
Earning Rate
3X on Delta purchases and at hotels; 2X at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X on all other purchases.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express
American Express
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
PROS
CONS
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
American Express
Welcome Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$0 intro first year, then $150
Earning Rate
2X on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X on all other purchases.
United Quest Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$350
Earning Rate
8X on United purchases; 3X on dining, select streaming, and other travel; 2X on all other purchases.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Citi
Welcome Offer
Earn 100,000 American Airlines miles after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$595
Earning Rate
4X on eligible American Airlines purchases; 10X on eligible hotels and car rentals booked via the AA travel portal; 1X on all other purchases.
United Club Infinite Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$695
Earning Rate
4X on United purchases; 2X on all other travel and dining; 1X on all other purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$149
Earning Rate
3X on Southwest purchases; 2X on local transit, rideshare, and internet/cable/phone; 1X on all other purchases.
JetBlue Plus Card
Barclays
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$99
Earning Rate
6X on JetBlue purchases; 2X at restaurants and grocery stores; 1X on all other purchases.
Advertiser disclosure: CreditMilesGuru may earn a commission when you apply through links on this page. This never influences our editorial ratings, rankings, or the CardGuru algorithm — those are driven purely by the value math. Verify current terms on the issuer’s site; welcome offers and benefits change frequently.