If you’re someone who loves to travel and would like to start earning some rewards for your trips, airline mile credit cards might be the perfect option for you! These types of credit cards not only allow you to rack up miles every time you spend, but they also often come with some pretty snazzy perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles for just signing up. But with so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one will give you the best bang for your buck.
As of 2025, the competition among credit cards offering airline miles has never been more competitive. So, let’s break down the top 5 best credit cards for airline miles to help you choose the right one for your travel goals.
Table of Contents
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Flexible rewards and travel perks
If you’re new to earning airline miles or you’re a frequent traveler who values flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the top picks. This card is perfect for those who like to earn points on all kinds of purchases, not just travel-related ones. Plus, the points can be transferred to several airline partners, which gives you the flexibility to choose the best deal and route.
Key Benefits:
- Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
- Earning rate: 2-3x points on travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
- Annual fee: $95
- Perks: Trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection.
With Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can transfer your points to over 10 airline partners, such as United, Southwest, and British Airways, making it one of the most versatile travel cards.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Premium perks and luxury travel
For those who want to go all out, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a world of luxury and convenience. While the annual fee is higher, the travel benefits and rewards you get in return are second to none, especially if you fly frequently with one of the card’s airline partners.
Key Benefits:
- Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning rate: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
- Annual fee: $695
- Perks: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges, complimentary hotel room upgrades, and a $200 airline fee credit annually.
The Platinum Card is ideal for those who prioritize high-end experiences and want to maximize their travel rewards. Membership Rewards® points can be transferred to several airline partners, including Delta, Emirates, and Air Canada.
3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: American Airlines travelers
If American Airlines is your preferred airline, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is the way to go. As an airline-specific card, it’s packed with benefits designed for those who often fly with American Airlines.
Key Benefits:
- Bonus: 75,000 AAdvantage® miles after spending $3,500 in the first 4 months.
- Earning rate: 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and gas stations, 1 mile on all other purchases.
- Annual fee: $99 (waived the first year).
- Perks: Free checked bag on domestic flights, priority boarding, 25% savings on in-flight purchases.
AAdvantage miles are highly valuable for frequent American Airlines flyers, and this card makes it easy to rack them up. Plus, you’ll enjoy added perks like a free checked bag on your flights, saving you money right off the bat.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best for: Delta Airlines travelers on a budget
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is an excellent option for those who love flying Delta and want to earn miles without paying a fat annual fee. It’s affordable but still offers some great travel rewards that are sure to make your trips a little more enjoyable.
Key Benefits:
- Bonus: 80,000 SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning rate: 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, 1 mile on other purchases.
- Annual fee: $150 (waived the first year).
- Perks: First checked bag free, priority boarding, 20% in-flight savings on purchases.
For Delta fans, this American Express card is an affordable entry point to start earning valuable miles, with the bonus miles offering a solid head start. You also get excellent travel perks, such as free checked bags and priority boarding, which can enhance your travel experience.
5. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Best for: General travel rewards with no specific airline loyalty
If you’re not tied to a specific airline and want the flexibility to earn miles for flights across different carriers, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card is a great choice. While not airline-specific, it offers excellent travel rewards that can be redeemed for flights on any airline, making it ideal for those who fly with different carriers throughout the year.
Key Benefits:
- Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days (worth $600 in travel).
- Earning rate: 2.5-3.5x points on travel and dining, 1.87-2.62 points on other purchases.
- Annual fee: $95
- Perks: $100 airline incidentals credit, travel insurance benefits, no foreign transaction fees.
This card’s flexibility is what makes it stand out. You can use your points for flights with any airline, and the $100 airline credit is great for covering things like checked bag fees or seat upgrades.
How to Choose the Best Airline Miles Credit Card for You
When choosing the best credit card for airline miles, consider the following factors:
- Your preferred airline: If you already fly frequently with a specific airline, an airline-specific card might offer the best rewards and perks.
- The value of bonus miles: Some cards offer big sign-up bonuses, which can give you a significant head start.
- Earning potential: Look at the earning rates for your common purchases (e.g., travel, dining, gas) to see which card aligns best with your spending habits.
- Perks and fees: Weigh the benefits (e.g., free checked bags, priority boarding) against the annual fee to see if it’s worth it for your travel style.
Final Thoughts: Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles
If you’re a frequent flyer, choosing the best credit card for airline miles in 2025 can significantly improve your travel experience by earning rewards that turn into free flights, upgrades, and other valuable perks. Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or prefer flexibility, there’s a card out there that fits your needs perfectly.
By selecting a card that matches your travel preferences, you can start racking up those miles and getting closer to your next adventure, without paying full price for those flights (and we all know they can get pretty expensive)!
FAQs
1. Do airline miles credit cards have high annual fees?
Many airline miles credit cards come with an annual fee, but the rewards and perks they offer can outweigh the cost. For example, cards with free checked bags or priority boarding can save you money on every flight.
2. Can I use miles for any airline?
Some credit cards allow you to transfer your miles to different airline partners, providing flexibility for booking flights with various airlines.
3. Is it worth getting a credit card for airline miles if I don’t travel frequently?
If you travel only a few times a year, it might be better to look for a card with no annual fee or one that earns rewards on other purchases, like dining or groceries.
4. How do I redeem airline miles?
Redemption options depend on the airline or credit card. Many cards allow you to redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and even hotel stays or car rentals.
5. Can I earn miles on all purchases?
Yes, most airline miles credit cards let you earn miles on everyday purchases, but some cards offer higher earning rates for travel, dining, or specific purchases.
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