Best Air Miles Credit Cards
Want to know which credit card will give you the best air miles and rewards? We’ve put together this ultimate go-to guide of the best air miles credit cards to help you decide which is best for you!
Choosing the right air miles credit card can be tricky. There’s an armful of choices available, and each has a unique set of features and benefits.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you’re planning the trip of a lifetime (I’m heading toward the perfect storm of a major birthday for both me and my wife, coupled with a big-number wedding anniversary), the card (or cards) you have in your pocket can make a huge difference.
Whether its miles for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays you want to earn, not all air miles credit cards are equal. Some will help you pile up the points quickly.
Others offer incredible perks that let you travel like a VIP. An airline branded credit card could be a game changer.
Here’s the question: which is the best for you?
Read on as we reveal which air miles credit cards offer the best benefits for your specific travel needs and consumer habits.
Snapshot Verdict
We couldn’t possibly outline which air miles credit card is best for you in one paragraph. There’s a plethora of air miles credit cards available today. Each has its own set of unique features and benefits. Whether your goal is to rack up the miles for a dream getaway or you want to make your travel a little more luxurious with VIP perks, there’s a perfect match for you.
From the best airline branded cards to the cards that offer the greatest flexibility of earning and redeeming your miles, you’ll discover your ideal match in this article.
Factors To Consider
Before you sign up for an air miles credit card, there’s something I want to share with you.
The obvious strategy when choosing which is the best card is to think about which benefits and perks are most appealing to you. It’s a good strategy, except it might lead you up the wrong path.
You should also consider your nearest airport, and if it has a principal airline. If it does, then you might be best to focus on that airline’s branded card.
The same applies if you favor a specific airline. On the other hand, a more flexible airline miles credit card that allows you to transfer points/miles to a partner could be most appealing.
The long and short of it is to consider your travel goals, your spending and travel habits, what benefits and perks appeal most to you, if you have a specific airline loyalty or need, and how important flexibility of rewards is to you.
Ultimately, you’ll probably find two or more credit cards are much better than one.
Got all that? Then let’s drill down to the best air miles credit cards to meet different objectives before we examine these cards in more detail.
Best Airline Branded Credit Cards
Airline branded credit cards offer unique benefits tailored to frequent flyers of their respective airlines. These benefits might include welcome bonuses, travel perks like priority boarding and lounge access, and the ability to earn miles on everyday purchases.
The best airline branded credit cards for air miles are:
- American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
- British Airways Visa Signature® Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Unitedâ„ Explorer Card
Which is the best for you really depends upon your airline preferences, though the British Airways Visa Signature Card has the best flexibility.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards For No Annual Fees
If you want an air miles credit card without annual fees, there are several options available to you. Of course, the benefits and perks aren’t likely to be as good as fee-charging cards, but you have a good range of benefits available, nonetheless.
Some of these cards may be classed as free from annual fees because the fee is waived during the first year. The best cards with no annual fees are:
- American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
- Discover it® Miles
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is the pick of these. It operates a cashback rewards system, and you can use this cashback to book in several ways, including booking travel through the Chase Travel portal.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Welcome Bonuses
Don’t you just love it when you get something for nothing? Okay, welcome bonuses aren’t exactly something for nothing, but they are valuable rewards for spending on a new credit card.
Of all the cards that we’ve reviewed in this article, only Discover it Miles and Chase Freedom Unlimited don’t give a welcome bonus.
However, the Discover it Miles card matches the miles you’ve earned during the first year, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited gives an extra 1.5% cashback on your spending during the first year (limited to an extra $300 on $20,000 of spending).
The cards with the highest and fastest welcome bonus offers are:
- British Airways Visa Signature® Card– Earn 75,000 Avios by spending $5,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Cardand Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Earn 75,000 miles as a bonus when you spend $4,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®– Earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Anniversary Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are fantastic but so, too, are anniversary bonuses. It’s like being given a gift for your loyalty each year. The best cards for anniversary bonuses are:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Of these, Capital One Venture X awards the highest miles for your card loyalty – an attractive 10,000 miles every year.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Luxury Travel Perks
If you fly frequently, you’ll appreciate a few perks on your journey – like lounge access, priority check-in, and travel credits. Ther following cards offer some of the best travel perks going:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- United Clubâ„ Infinite Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the standout card here, with access to the Global Lounge Collection, up to $200 in Uber savings annually, comprehensive travel insurances, and more.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Earning Miles & Points
After welcome bonuses and anniversary bonuses, you’ll want to know what card is best to earn miles or points.
The choice depends on your spending habits. Some cards are better if you dine out frequently. Others pay higher rewards for frequent travellers.
Some ramp up rewards for everyday spending. Here are 10 cards that cover all bases:
American Express® Gold Card
4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on less than $25,000 per calendar year), 3x points when you book flights via amextravel.com or directly with airlines.
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL, 2 Avios for every $1 you spend on hotel accommodation.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Unlimited 10x miles on car rental and hotels booked via Capital One Travel, and 5x miles when you book flights via Capital One Travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5x on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, online grocery shopping, and select streaming services.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3x points on dining at restaurants.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
3x miles on Delta purchases and directly with hotels, 2x Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
3x miles on Delta purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Earn 3x points on Southwest® purchases; 2x points on local travel and commuting, including rideshare; 2x points on cable, phone, and internet services; select streaming services.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
5x Membership Rewards points by booking flights directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Transferring Miles & Points
If you want the most flexibility in how you redeem your miles or points, it’s best to opt for a card that lets you transfer accumulated miles to other airline, hotel, and travel-related loyalty programs.
Not only can you benefit from rewards when spending on your card, but you’ll also improve your potential to maximize your redemptions. The best cards for transferring miles/points are:
- American Express® Gold Card (through the Membership Rewards program)
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Which is the best card for transferring air miles to partner programs? It’s a close call, but edging it are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®,which both offer 1:1 point transfer to a broad choice of partners.
Breaking Down Air Miles Credit Cards Features & Benefits
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases during the first three months of opening your account. |
| Travel Perks | 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases; 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points/Miles | Miles are part of the AAdvantage program and can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more with American Airlines and its partners. |
American Express® Gold Card
| Annual Fee | $250 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card during the first six months of card membership. |
| Travel Perks | $120 dining credit at selected restaurants, $120 Uber cash for U.S. rides or eats orders, 4x points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on spending below $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x). |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (when you spend up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x), 3x points when booking flights on amextravel.com or directly with airlines, 1x points on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points/Miles | Yes, to a variety of airline and hotel partners. |
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 75,000 Avios by spending $5,000 on the card within three months of opening an account. |
| Travel Perks | A 10% discount on British Airways flights taking off from the US, Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 spent in a calendar year. |
| Anniversary Bonus | If you spend $30,000 on your British Airways Visa card in a calendar year, you’ll be awarded a Travel Together Ticket valid for two years. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL; 2 Avios for every $1 spending on hotel accommodations; 1 Avios for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points/Miles | Avios can be used within the British Airways Executive Club and can be transferred among Aer Lingus, Iberia, and other partners. |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles by spending $4,000 on your card within three months of opening the account, equal to $750 in travel. |
| Travel Perks | Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, 2x miles on every purchase, every day. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | Unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Yes, to over 15+ travel loyalty programs. |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles by spending $500 inside three months of opening an account, equal to $200 in travel. |
| Travel Perks | Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | Earn unlimited 1.25x miles on every purchase, every day; 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Yes, miles can be transferred to over 15+ travel loyalty programs. |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | 740 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account, equal to $750 in travel. |
| Travel Perks | $300 annual travel credit for bookings via Capital One Travel, access to 1,300+ lounges through Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. |
| Anniversary Bonus | 10,000 bonus miles annually from your first anniversary – equal to $100 towards travel each year. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | Unlimited 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel; 2x miles on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Yes, to over 15+ travel loyalty programs. |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn an extra 1.5% cashback on everything you buy (up to $20,000 spent during the first year) – worth up to $300 cashback. |
| Travel Perks | 5% cashback on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 5% on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Points can be transferred to several airline and hotel partners when combined with an eligible Chase card that has this feature. |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 on the card within three months of opening an account. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. |
| Travel Perks | $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, online grocery shopping, and select streaming services, 2x on other travel purchases. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 5x on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, online grocery shopping, and select streaming services, 2x on other travel purchases, 1x on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Yes, 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
| Annual Fee | $550 |
| Credit Needed | 740 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 on the card within three months of opening an account. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. |
| Travel Perks | $300 annual travel credit, access to 1,300+ airport lounges through Priority Pass Select, 3x points on travel and dining, 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3x points on dining at restaurants, and 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Yes, 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
| Annual Fee | $450 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within three months of opening an account. |
| Travel Perks | Admirals Club® membership, first checked bag free on domestic itineraries, priority check-in, and boarding. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases; 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Miles are part of the AAdvantage program, can be used for flights with American Airlines and its partners. |
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 10,000 bonus miles by spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first six months. |
| Travel Perks | 20% savings on eligible Delta in-flight purchases; Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and on Delta purchases; 1x mile on other eligible purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Miles are part of the Delta SkyMiles program and can be used for flights, upgrades, and more with Delta and its partners. |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
| Annual Fee | $99 (waived for the first year) |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 70,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 on your new card in your first six months. |
| Travel Perks | First checked bag free, priority boarding, 20% savings on in-flight purchases, $100 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 spent in a calendar year. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 2x Miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide; 1x mile on other eligible purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Miles are part of the Delta SkyMiles program, not directly transferable but can be used with Delta and partner flights. |
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
| Annual Fee | $250 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 90,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 in purchases on your new card during the first six months. |
| Travel Perks | First checked bag free, priority boarding, annual Companion Certificate, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit. |
| Anniversary Bonus | Companion Certificate each year upon renewal. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 3x miles on Delta purchases and direct hotel bookings; 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; 1x mile on other eligible purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Miles are part of the Delta SkyMiles program, can be used with Delta and partner flights. |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
| Annual Fee | $550 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 100,000 bonus miles by spending $6,000 on your new card during the first six months. |
| Travel Perks | Complimentary Delta Sky Club® access, Annual Companion Certificate, first checked bag free, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit, 3x miles on Delta purchases. |
| Anniversary Bonus | Companion Certificate each year upon renewal. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x mile on other eligible purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Miles are part of the Delta SkyMiles program, can be used with Delta and its partners but not directly transferable to other loyalty programs. |
Discover it® Miles
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. |
| Travel Perks | Miles can be used as a statement credit for travel purchases or turned into cash. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | Unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar of every purchase. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | No specific transfer partners, but flexible redemption options. |
The Platinum Card® from American Express
| Annual Fee | $695 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points by spending $8,000 on your new card in your first six months of card membership. |
| Travel Perks | Access to The Global Lounge Collection, $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 in Uber savings annually, $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, complimentary benefits with Fine Hotels & Resorts®. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 5x membership rewards points when you book flights direct with airlines or via American Express Travel (on spending below $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Yes, to a variety of airline and hotel partners. |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
| Annual Fee | $69 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account. |
| Travel Perks | 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year, anniversary points, earn points on Southwest purchases. |
| Anniversary Bonus | 3,000 anniversary points each year. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 2x points on Southwest® purchases; 2x points on local travel and commuting, including rideshare; 2x points on cable, phone, and internet services; select streaming services; 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Points can be used for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more but are not transferable to other airline or hotel loyalty programs. |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
| Annual Fee | $99 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account. |
| Travel Perks | 6,000 anniversary points each year, no foreign transaction fees, earn points on Southwest and partner purchases. |
| Anniversary Bonus | 6,000 anniversary points each year. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | Earn 3x points on Southwest® purchases; 2x points on local travel and commuting, including rideshare; 2x points on cable, phone, and internet services; select streaming services; 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Points can be used within the Southwest Rapid Rewards program but are not directly transferable to other loyalty programs. |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
| Annual Fee | $149 |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account. |
| Travel Perks | $75 Southwest® travel credit each year, 7,500 anniversary points each year, 4 upgraded boardings per year when available, 20% back on in-flight drinks and Wi-Fi. |
| Anniversary Bonus | 7,500 anniversary points each year. |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | Earn 3x points on Southwest® purchases; 2x points on local travel and commuting, including rideshare; 2x points on cable, phone, and internet services; select streaming services; 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more within the Southwest Rapid Rewards program but are not transferable to other loyalty programs. |
Unitedâ„ Explorer Card
| Annual Fee | $95 (waived for the first year) |
| Credit Needed | 670 – 850 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 50,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 on the card during the first three months your account is open. |
| Travel Perks | First checked bag free, priority boarding, 2 one-time United Club passes each year, up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit. |
| Anniversary Bonus | N/A |
| Points / Miles Earnings Details | 2 miles for every $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases; 1 mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Ability To Transfer Points / Miles | Miles are part of the United MileagePlus program, can be used for flights with United and its partners. |
Take Off With The Best Airline Credit Card
Wrapping up, choosing the best air miles credit cards depends on your habits and travel goals. Whether your preference is for a card with no annual fees, one that gives a few luxury travel perks, or one that makes it easy to accumulate miles, there’s an air miles credit card designed for you.
As you consider all your options, think about your travel habits, airline loyalties, and how much you value reward flexibility.
The perfect air miles credit card is out there, ready to make each journey more rewarding. Then sign up for the card(s) that promise to deliver the most rewarding travel experiences to you.
