1.Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
American Express
- 3%Miles on eligible Delta and Hotel purchases
- 2%Miles at Restaurants and U.S. Supermarkets
- 1%Miles on other eligible purchases
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months.
Earn 3X miles on eligible Delta and Hotel purchases, and 2X miles at Restaurants and U.S. Supermarkets. Earn 1X miles on other eligible purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card stands out as the top choice because it offers exceptional rewards for frequent Delta flyers, including 3X miles on Delta purchases and a substantial welcome bonus of 90,000 miles. This card is designed for those who travel often with Delta, providing valuable perks that enhance the travel experience.
Pros:
- High rewards for Delta purchases
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Delta and partner airlines
2.United Explorer Card
Chase
- 3%Miles on United purchases
- 2%Miles at restaurants and hotels
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 3X miles on United purchases, 2X miles at restaurants and hotels, and 1X miles on all other purchases.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
What sets the United Explorer Card apart is its combination of a generous welcome bonus and the ability to earn 3X miles on United purchases, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. The waived annual fee for the first year adds to its appeal, allowing new cardholders to experience its benefits without immediate costs.
Pros:
- No annual fee for the first year
- Free checked bags
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Limited to United Airlines
- 2%Miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 80,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases within the first 4 months.
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile on all other purchases.
19.49%-29.49% Variable APR
This card shines for its robust welcome bonus of 80,000 miles, making it a top pick for American Airlines flyers. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard not only rewards cardholders with miles on purchases but also offers valuable travel perks, such as a free checked bag, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Pros:
- Strong welcome bonus
- First checked bag free
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Limited to American Airlines
4.Chase Aeroplan® Card
Chase
- 3%Points on dining, grocery stores, and direct Air Canada purchases
- 1%Points on everything else
Earn up to 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 3X points on dining, grocery stores, and direct Air Canada purchases, plus 1X points on everything else.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the potential to earn up to 100,000 bonus points, making the Chase Aeroplan® Card an excellent choice for frequent travelers on Air Canada. With 3X points on key spending categories, this card provides significant value for those who prioritize travel rewards.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel-related purchases
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to Air Canada and partners
5.JetBlue Plus Card
Barclays
- 6%Points on JetBlue purchases
- 2%Points at restaurants and grocery stores
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 70,000 bonus TrueBlue points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X points on all other purchases.
19.49%-29.49% Variable APR
The JetBlue Plus Card earns a remarkable 6X points on JetBlue purchases, making it a top choice for loyal JetBlue flyers. With a welcome bonus of 70,000 points, this card offers significant value for those who frequently travel with JetBlue.
Pros:
- High rewards on JetBlue purchases
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to JetBlue
6.Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®
Barclays
- 10%Miles on eligible Frontier purchases
- 3%Miles on restaurant dining
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 Travel Miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn 10X miles on eligible Frontier purchases, 3X miles on restaurant dining, and 1X miles on everything else.
20.24%-29.99% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard's ability to earn 10X miles on eligible Frontier purchases, making it an excellent option for frequent Frontier flyers. The welcome bonus of 60,000 miles further enhances its value for those who travel often with the airline.
Pros:
- High rewards on Frontier purchases
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to Frontier Airlines
7.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
American Express
- 3%Miles on eligible Delta purchases
- 1%Miles on all other eligible purchases
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 3X miles on eligible Delta purchases and 1X miles on other eligible purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card earns the #1 spot due to its premium travel rewards and elite status boosts, making it the best option for frequent Delta flyers. With a substantial welcome bonus of 100,000 miles and exclusive benefits like Delta Sky Club access, this card is designed for those who prioritize luxury and rewards in their travel experience.
Pros:
- High rewards on Delta purchases
- Exclusive travel benefits
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Delta Airlines
Did you know?
Before you apply, look up credit card basics like APR and fees in our Financial Dictionary. Rewards pay off most when your real spending already hits the card's bonus categories.
Final Words
As you consider the best airline credit cards this September, remember that the right card should align with your travel habits and financial goals. Take time to compare options carefully to ensure you make an informed decision that maximizes your rewards and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months. Additionally, you can earn 3X miles on eligible Delta and Hotel purchases, 2X miles at Restaurants and U.S. Supermarkets, and 1X miles on other eligible purchases.
The United Explorer Card has an annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to save on fees during the initial year.
With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, you can earn 80,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases within the first 4 months. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile on all other purchases.
When selecting an airline credit card, consider factors such as the airline's route network, your travel habits, the card's rewards structure, and any associated fees. It's important to assess whether the rewards and benefits align with your travel goals.
Many airline credit cards do not have foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel. However, always check the specific terms of the card to confirm, as policies can vary.
To maximize rewards, use your airline credit card for all eligible purchases, especially on flights, dining, and travel-related expenses. Additionally, take advantage of bonus categories and promotional offers to increase your miles earned.
The application process for airline credit cards typically involves submitting an online application where you'll provide personal and financial information. Approval can be instant or take a few days, and you may need to meet specific credit score requirements.
