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Best airline credit cards

An airline card earns miles with one airline or its partners. Many also give a free checked bag and priority boarding.

These cards work best when you fly that airline a few times a year. The free bag alone can cover the annual fee for a family.

Miles from one airline are worth less if you rarely fly it. If you want flexibility, look at a general travel card instead.

We list 25 cards here. 4 have no annual fee. The largest welcome bonus we track is $300 on the Delta Skymiles Platinum.

A card is listed here when it earns miles with an airline or is built around flying. Sorted by largest welcome bonus first, then lowest annual fee. Facts match the main cards page.

Common questions

Are airline cards worth it if I fly twice a year?
Often yes, if you check a bag each trip. Two round trips with a free bag can save more than the annual fee.
Do airline miles expire?
Rules differ by airline. Many keep miles active as long as the card is open or you have account activity. Check the program terms.

Card terms come from each issuer and can change. Check the issuer page before you apply. SwitchWize may earn a fee if you apply through a link marked as an offer.

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