1.United℠ Explorer Card
Chase
- 2%Cash back on United purchases, dining, and hotels
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels; 1x on all other purchases.
19.99%-28.49% Variable APR
The United℠ Explorer Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a robust welcome bonus and valuable travel perks for frequent United flyers, making it an excellent option for those who travel often.
Pros:
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Limited to United Airlines benefits
2.American Express Platinum Card®
American Express
- 5%Points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
- 3%Points on U.S. dining
- 1%Points on other purchases
Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel, plus points on U.S. dining.
What sets the Amex Platinum Card apart is its extensive travel benefits and high earning potential on travel-related purchases, making it a premier choice for frequent travelers who can leverage its perks.
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits
- Access to Global Lounge Collection
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires frequent travel to maximize value
- 5%Points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 2%Points on other travel
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel.
19.49%-27.74% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's strong earning rates on travel and dining, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their rewards without a high annual fee.
Pros:
- Low annual fee
- Strong earning rates on travel and dining
Cons:
- No introductory 0% APR offer
- Limited travel protections compared to premium cards
4.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 10x miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
This card shines for its exceptional earning potential on travel bookings, making it a top choice for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its high rewards structure and valuable travel credits.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel bookings
- Annual travel credit offsets fee
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires frequent travel to maximize benefits
5.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
American Express
- 3%Miles on Delta purchases
- 1%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card's exclusive access to Delta Sky Club lounges, making it an ideal choice for dedicated Delta flyers who can leverage its premium benefits.
Pros:
- Delta Sky Club access
- Companion certificate
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Delta Airlines benefits
- 4%Points on Southwest purchases
- 2%Points at gas stations/restaurants
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 4x points on Southwest purchases, 2x at gas stations/restaurants, and 1x on all other purchases.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
The standout feature of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card is its high earning potential on Southwest purchases, making it a great option for frequent Southwest travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Anniversary points
- Travel credits
Cons:
- Limited to Southwest Airlines benefits
- Annual fee
- 4%AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1%AAdvantage miles on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 4x AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1x on all other purchases.
19.49%-29.49% Variable APR
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a premium card that elevates the American Airlines travel experience with its exclusive lounge access and significant bonus rewards for frequent flyers.
Pros:
- Complimentary Admirals Club membership
- Priority airport perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires frequent travel to maximize benefits
8.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Points on flights
- 2%Points on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights, and 2x on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com.
21.99%-28.49% Variable APR
The American Express Gold Card shines for its exceptional earning potential on dining and groceries, making it a top choice for food-focused individuals despite its lack of lounge access.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries
- Valuable monthly credits
Cons:
- No airport lounge access
- Annual fee
9.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 5%Miles on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn 5x miles on travel booked via Capital One Travel and 2x on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a strong choice for general travel rewards, offering unlimited miles on every purchase and flexible redemption options, making it simple and effective for travelers.
Pros:
- Unlimited 2x miles on every purchase
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited travel protections
10.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Points on Chase Travel
- 4%Points on flights/hotels booked directly
- 3%Points on dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 8x points on Chase Travel, 4x on flights/hotels booked directly, and 3x on dining.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium card that offers substantial travel rewards and extensive benefits, making it ideal for frequent travelers who can fully utilize its perks despite the high annual fee.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel and dining
- Extensive travel credits
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Requires frequent travel to maximize value
Final Words
As you evaluate the best airline credit cards this January 2026, remember that selecting the right card can significantly enhance your travel experience and rewards. Take time to compare the options available to you, considering factors like bonuses, fees, and benefits, to make an informed decision that aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The welcome bonus for the United℠ Explorer Card is 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
With the American Express Platinum Card®, you earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel, plus points on U.S. dining.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.
The United℠ Explorer Card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. The American Express Platinum Card® has an annual fee of $895, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee.
To maximize rewards, focus on spending in categories that earn bonus points, such as dining, travel, or specific airline purchases. Additionally, take advantage of sign-up bonuses by meeting the required spending thresholds early in your membership.
When choosing an airline credit card, consider factors like the annual fee, reward rates, bonus offers, and how often you travel with the associated airline. Also, evaluate additional benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or travel insurance.
If you travel occasionally and primarily with the airline associated with the card, it could be worthwhile due to potential perks like free checked luggage and bonus miles. However, if you rarely fly, you might benefit more from a general travel or cashback card.
