- No rewards breakdown available
Earn up to 115,000 bonus points and automatic elite status.
N/A
20.49%-28.99% Variable APR
The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a substantial welcome bonus of up to 115,000 points and automatic elite status, making it ideal for frequent flyers looking to maximize their travel rewards.
Pros:
- Automatic elite status
- Up to 115,000 bonus points
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Mixed reviews on value
2.United℠ Explorer Card
Chase
- 2%Miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles.
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
What sets the United℠ Explorer Card apart is its introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, allowing new cardholders to enjoy its benefits without immediate costs, making it a great option for those who frequently fly with United.
Pros:
- No annual fee first year
- Good rewards on United purchases
Cons:
- Annual fee after first year
- Limited to United purchases for higher rewards
3.Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
American Express
- 2%Miles on Delta purchases
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn as high as 90,000 bonus miles plus a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
19.74%-28.74% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the generous welcome bonus of up to 90,000 miles, making the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card an attractive option for frequent Delta travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High welcome bonus
- Travel perks for Delta flyers
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Delta for higher rewards
- 4%Points on Southwest purchases
- 2%Points on gas and dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 4 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 2 points on gas and dining.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
This card shines for its high earning potential on Southwest purchases, making it a great choice for loyal Southwest flyers who can take advantage of the card's travel perks and anniversary points.
Pros:
- High rewards on Southwest purchases
- Annual travel credit
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Mixed reviews on value
- 2%Miles on restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, gas stations, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
19.74%-28.74% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, allowing new cardholders to enjoy its benefits without immediate costs, making it a great option for those who frequently fly with American Airlines.
Pros:
- No annual fee first year
- Good rewards on American Airlines purchases
Cons:
- Annual fee after first year
- Limited to American Airlines for higher rewards
6.JetBlue Plus Card
Barclays
- 6%Points on JetBlue purchases
- 2%Points at restaurants and grocery stores
Earn 70,000 bonus TrueBlue points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases and 2 points at restaurants and grocery stores.
The JetBlue Plus Card shines for its high earning potential on JetBlue purchases, making it an excellent choice for frequent JetBlue flyers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Strong earning rates on JetBlue purchases
- Annual bonus points
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to JetBlue for higher rewards
- 3%Miles on American Airlines purchases
- 2%Miles on dining
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn 3 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases, 2 miles on dining, and 1 mile on all other purchases.
19.49%-29.49% Variable APR
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offers an elevated rewards structure tailored for American Airlines flyers, making it a strong contender for those who frequently travel with the airline.
Pros:
- High earning rates on American Airlines purchases
- Significant welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to American Airlines for higher rewards
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 explore the best airline credit cards this October, remember that selecting the right card is crucial for maximizing your rewards and travel benefits. Take time to compare your options, considering factors like fees, earning potential, and perks, to make an informed decision that aligns with your travel goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 115,000 bonus points and automatic elite status.
With the United℠ Explorer Card, you can earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
The annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is $350.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 90,000 bonus miles plus a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
When choosing an airline credit card, consider factors like your preferred airline, travel frequency, and how much you spend on airline-related purchases. Look for cards that offer attractive welcome bonuses, rewards rates, and benefits that align with your travel habits.
Yes, many airline credit cards come with annual fees which can vary widely. It's important to evaluate the benefits and rewards you’ll receive to determine if the fee is justified based on your travel habits.
Absolutely! Most airline credit cards allow you to earn rewards on all purchases, although the rewards rates may be higher for travel-related spending. Check the specific card's terms to understand how rewards are structured across different categories.
