Picking the right travel credit card can mean free flights, airport lounge access, and extra perks that make every trip smoother. Here’s a look at some of the best cards for airline perks in 2025.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend
- Why It’s Great: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel. You can transfer points to partners like United, Southwest, and British Airways. Solid for travelers who want flexibility.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $395
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend
- Perks: Access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges, 10x points on hotels and rental cars, and $300 travel credit. Great for frequent flyers who also want hotel benefits.
American Express® Platinum Card
- Annual Fee: $695
- Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 points (terms apply)
- Flight Perks: Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, Centurion Lounge access, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit. If you travel often, this card delivers serious luxury.
United℠ Explorer Card
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for first year, then $95
- Perks: Free first checked bag, priority boarding, and 2 United Club passes per year. Ideal if you’re loyal to United.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Annual Fee: $0 intro, then $150
- Benefits: Free checked bag on Delta flights, 2x miles on Delta purchases, and early boarding. A solid choice for Delta flyers.
What to Look for in a Travel Card
- Airline Partnerships: Does it work with the airline you use most?
- Point Transfer Options: Flexible points add value.
- Annual Fees vs. Perks: Make sure you’ll use the benefits enough to justify the fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideally, none.
Bonus Tip: Stack It Smart
Pair a general travel card (like Chase Sapphire) with a co-branded airline card (like Delta or United) to get the best of both worlds—flexibility and perks.
With the right travel credit card, you’re not just earning miles—you’re upgrading your entire flying experience.