10 best airline credit cards of November 2023

There are countless airline credit cards to choose from, but they are not all created equal. It’s important to choose an airline card that fits your spending habits and gives you the most value possible, especially if there’s an annual fee involved.

To help you choose the best card, the Fortune Recommends team evaluated approximately 30 of the top airline credit cards available today. We’ve ranked them based on factors such as annual fees, rewards structure, annual percentage rate (APR), consumer benefits, and more. Read on to see our top picks.

See our full methodology here.

All interest rates, rewards, and fees are accurate as of November 6, 2023.

Best overall airline card 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a high-value choice for those looking to leverage their spending into meaningful travel rewards and benefits.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we like this card 

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a robust rewards program and travel benefits that cater to frequent travelers. One of its standout features is the generous rewards rate, offering cardholders an impressive 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on everyday purchases. These miles can be redeemed for travel, transferred to over a dozen travel partners, or used for recent travel purchases through Capital One’s Purchase Eraser at a rate that maximizes their value. 

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. As an extra perk, you can earn 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.

Another hallmark of the Venture X card is its rich suite of travel perks. Cardholders enjoy access to the Capital One lounge network and over 1,300 partner lounges worldwide through Priority Pass. Additionally, the card offers a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, up to a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, and no foreign transaction fees. Its comprehensive travel protection benefits, including trip delay and cancellation insurance, add another layer of comfort for travelers. 

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 22.24%–29.24% variable, plus a fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR ($0 fee at the tansfer APR)
• Cash advance APR: 29.24% variable, plus a fee of either $3 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: N/A
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Consumer benefits: Travel accident insurance, return protection, extended warranty protection, cell phone protection 
• Additional perks/benefits: Lounge access, Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit, anniversary bonus, travel credit
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 812

Best airline card for everyday spending

The Citi Premier® Card offers competitive rewards on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations in addition to travel purchases.

Citi Premier® Card

Why we like this card 

The Citi Premier® Card stands out for its competitive rewards structure and flexibility in point redemption. Cardholders earn a robust rate of 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, and 1x points on all other purchases, making it an excellent choice for both everyday spenders and those who travel often. New cardholders can also earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards.

The Premier Card also offers a generous $100 annual hotel savings benefit that can offset travel costs. The card’s $95 annual fee is relatively moderate given the benefits, and there are no foreign transaction fees, which is a crucial feature for international travelers. Additional perks such purchase protection and the Citi Concierge service further enrich the card’s overall value, making it a compelling choice for those who are looking to maximize rewards through their credit card spending.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 21.24%–29.24% variable (for balance transfers completed within 2 months from date of account opening), plus a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: up to 29.99%
• Late payment fee: up to $41
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, and 1x points on all other purchases
• Consumer benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty protection
• Additional perks/benefits: Annual travel credit
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 808

Best airline card for flexible point redemption

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card not only offers a generous rewards structure, but many ways to boost their value when you redeem them.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

Why we like this card 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel rewards card that offers a high return on travel and dining spending, earning a substantial 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 5x points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Plus, you can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Points can be redeemed for 1.5 cents each towards travel booked through Chase, or they can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to a number of airline and hotel loyalty programs. This flexibility in redemption makes the points extremely valuable for travelers looking to leverage them for premium flights and accommodations.

Aside from its rewards program, the card offers a comprehensive suite of travel benefits. Cardholders also enjoy up to a substantial $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year, which effectively reduces the annual fee. The inclusion of a Priority Pass Select membership provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. The card also provides a number of travel protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation coverage. It also offers benefits such as a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees and special car rental privileges. These premium perks, combined with strong earning potential, make the Chase Sapphire Reserve one of the most attractive cards for serious travelers.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 22.49%–29.49% variable, plus a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: up to 29.99%
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 5x points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases
• Consumer benefits: Trip cancellation / interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance 
• Additional perks/benefits: lounge access, travel credits
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 812

Best airline card for American Airlines loyalists

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® helps give American Airlines customers the VIP treatment with a slew of perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Why we like this card 

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a luxury airline co-branded credit card that caters specifically to frequent flyers of American Airlines. Its flagship benefit is the Admirals Club® membership, which grants the primary cardholder and authorized users access to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. This perk alone can justify the card’s annual fee for those who travel often and utilize the lounges.

Beyond lounge access, the card accelerates mileage earnings with a whopping 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through American’s booking sites, and a respectable rewards rate on other eligible purchases. New cardholders can also earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening.

You’ll also earn a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. Earn another 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.

This card also comes with a suite of travel benefits that enhance the flying experience with American Airlines, such as a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, priority check-in and boarding privileges, a free checked bag on domestic itineraries for up to eight travel companions, and more. These features make the card highly valuable for loyal American Airlines customers, offering a fast track to both comfort and status within the airline’s loyalty ecosystem.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 21.24%–29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: up to 29.99% variable
• Late payment fee: up to $41
• Foreign transaction fee: none
• Rewards: 10x miles on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through American Airlines, 4x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (up to $150,000 spent per calendar year, and then 5x miles thereafter for the remainder of the calendar year), 1x miles on everything else
• Consumer benefits: Trip cancellation / interruption protection, trip delay protection, lost baggage protection, worldwide car rental insurance coverage
• Additional perks/benefits: lounge access, inflight discounts, statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck, free checked bag, priority check-in, screening, and boarding 
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 808

Best airline card for straightforward rewards structure

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a competitive, flat reward rewards rate on purchases, with a boost to travel booked through Capital One Travel. 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why we like this card 

The Capital One Venture Rewards card stands out for its straightforward yet versatile rewards program. It’s ideal for both avid travelers and everyday consumers who want to earn travel rewards without the complexity often associated with travel rewards cards. The card offers a flat earn rate of 2x miles on every purchase, without the need to track specific spending categories. However, it does boost the rewards rate to 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This simplicity is coupled with the flexibility of redemption options; miles can be used to book travel through Capital One, cover travel purchases, or transferred to a variety of travel loyalty programs, often enhancing their potential value.

Further, the Capital One Venture Rewards card comes with added benefits such as a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, rental car insurance, extended warranty protection, and more. The card also distinguishes itself with no foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective choice for international spending. With a substantial one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, this card strikes a balance between lucrative rewards and user-friendly features, appealing to a broad spectrum of cardholders.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 21.24%–29.24% variable, plus a fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR ($0 fee at the tansfer APR)
• Cash advance APR: 29.24% variable, plus a fee of either $3 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: N/A
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on every purchase
• Consumer benefits: Travel accident insurance, extended warranty, auto rental collision damage waiver, 
• Additional perks/benefits: Lounge access, statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck, 
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 812

Best airline card for dining + travel rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers competitive rewards on dining as well as travel, making it a great choice whether you live to eat out or order in.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why we like this card 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a favorite among travelers and foodies alike for its lucrative rewards rate of 3x points on dining (including delivery services and takeout) and 2x points on travel purchases, with an even higher rate of 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit). Its points carry added value when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, where they are worth 25% more. Points can also be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, often maximizing their potential value. Additionally, the card offers a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card also offers 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ membership when you activate the offer by July 31, 2024. Existing Instacart+ members earn up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024. Plus, get complimentary access to DashPass for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024. Additionally, cardholders earn 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that’s 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel). 

The card’s package of travel and purchase protections adds another layer of value, offering trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and even primary rental car coverage. With an annual fee that’s modest in comparison to the premium Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Preferred version stands out as a cost-effective option for those who want robust travel rewards and benefits without the higher cost typically associated with premium travel cards.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable, plus a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: up to 29.99%
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel purchases, and 1x points on other purchases
• Consumer benefits: Trip cancellation / interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver 
• Additional perks/benefits: Complimentary membership to Instacart+ and DashPass, hotel statement credit
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 813 

Best airline card for luxury benefits at a low cost

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card provides cardholders with luxury-level perks such as lounge access and trip cancellation insurance for just $95 per year.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Why we like this card 

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card distinguishes itself with a versatile rewards program that caters to a wide range of spending categories. Cardholders earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4x points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations; 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; 1x points on all other eligible purchases. Additionally, new cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $2,000 in the first 120 days of account opening. That’s a $500 value that can be redeemed toward merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel, and more.

The Altitude Connect also offers a suite of travel and lifestyle benefits that far outweigh the $95 annual fee, which is waived in the first year. For example, cardholders enjoy an array of protections such as rental car insurance, extended warranty coverage, and cell phone protection when the monthly bill is paid with the card. The Altitude Connect also comes with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which gives you four free visits to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide. You also receive a statement credit of up to $100 to cover your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry fees. And you receive a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify and more. There are also no foreign transaction fees.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 21.24%–29.24% variable, plus a fee of 3% of each transfer amount; $5 minimum
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of 5% of each advance amount; $10 minimum
• Penalty APR: N/A
• Late payment fee: up to $41
• Foreign transaction fee: none
• Rewards: 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4x points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations; 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery; dining and streaming services; 1x point on all other eligible purchases
• Consumer benefits: Trip cancelation / interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, cell phone protection  
• Additional perks/benefits: Lounge access, statement credit for streaming and Global Entry/TSA precheck fees
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 791

Best airline card for JetBlue loyalists

The JetBlue Plus Card is an attractive option for frequent flyers of JetBlue seeking to maximize their loyalty rewards.

JetBlue Plus Card

Why we like this card 

The JetBlue Plus Card is a co-branded airline credit card that is designed to reward loyal JetBlue customers. It offers high earning potential, with 6x points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores, and 1x points on all other purchases, making it easy to rack up points even when not flying. Further, the card offers a sizable welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening.

JetBlue Plus cardholders also benefit from valuable airline-specific perks that enhance the JetBlue flying experience. These include a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation, an anniversary bonus of 5,000 points, a 50% savings on in-flight purchases, and the opportunity to earn Mosaic elite status after reaching a certain spending threshold within a calendar year. You also get 10% of your points back after you redeem for and travel on a JetBlue-operated Award Flight. Plus, you can receive one $100 statement credit each calendar year after you purchase a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more with your JetBlue Plus Card. 

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 21.24%–29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: N/A
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: none
• Rewards: 6x points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores, 1x points on all other purchases
• Consumer benefits: Cell phone insurance
• Additional perks/benefits: Inflight discount, statement credits, free checked bags
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 797

Best airline card for a massive welcome offer

The Platinum Card® from American Express is offering an eye-catching welcome offer of 150,000 Membership Rewards® points when you meet the spending requirements.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

Why we like this card 

The American Express Platinum Card is synonymous with luxury travel and comprehensive benefits. One of the card’s best features is its vast access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass Select lounges. This card also offers an impressive suite of travel credits that easily offset the annual fee, including:

• up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card
• up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®
• up to $200 in Uber Cash on rides or eats orders in the US annually
• up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal

Currently, new cardholders can also earn a special welcome offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership.

Beyond travel perks, the American Express Platinum Card® offers a generous rewards program, with 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases. Coupled with comprehensive travel insurance coverage and purchase protections, the card’s benefits cater to a luxury-oriented clientele who can leverage these features so that the annual fee is worth it.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: N/A
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: up to 29.99%
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases
• Consumer benefits: Cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, Trip interruption/cancellation insurance, baggage insurance
• Additional perks/benefits: Lounge access, up to $200 Uber Cash, up to $200 airline fee statement credit, up to $200 hotel statement credit, up to $189 CLEAR Plus statement credit, up to $240 digital entertainment statement credit, up to $300 Equinox statement credit, up to $155 Walmart+ statement credit (subject to auto-renewal), premium car rental status 
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 848

Best airline card for no annual fee

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers many of the perks you’d expect from a top travel rewards card without the annual fee.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Why we like this card 

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides a straightforward earning structure, allowing cardholders to earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25x miles on every other purchase, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits for past travel purchases. This simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards makes it an accessible option for those new to travel cards or those who prefer a no-fuss rewards program with no annual fee.

The VentureOne includes a modest welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Additionally, the 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (after that, the variable APR will be 19.99%–29.99%) provides an opportunity for cardholders to finance larger purchases or manage cash flow without accumulating interest charges. These features, combined with benefits like travel accident insurance and secondary rental car coverage, position the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card as a strong contender for cost-conscious consumers who value simplicity and savings.

Card details 

• Balance transfer APR: 19.99%–29.99% variable, plus a fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $3 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• Penalty APR: up to 29.99%
• Late payment fee: up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25x miles on every other purchase
• Consumer benefits: Auto rental collision damage waiver, travel accident insurance, extended warranty 
• Additional perks/benefits: Up to $100 Credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• JD Power customer satisfaction rating: 812

Airline credit card comparison 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which credit card is best for airline miles?

The best credit card for earning miles largely depends on your specific travel habits, airline preferences, spending patterns, and more. Different credit cards offer various benefits, rewards rates, and signup bonuses that may be more or less valuable depending on how you intend to use them. Our ranking of the top 10 airline cards can help you pinpoint which card is best for you.

How much is 75,000 miles worth?

In general, one airline mile is worth one cent. So 75,000 miles would be worth $750. However, depending on the specific card, rewards program, and redemption method, miles could be worth more or less.

Can you use an airline credit card on any airline?

General travel rewards credit cards are not tied to any specific airline and can be used to earn points on any purchase. The points you earn with these cards can usually be redeemed for travel-related expenses, including flights on a wide variety of airlines, through the credit card issuer’s travel portal, or by transferring them to multiple airline loyalty programs (if the card has such partnerships). 

There are also  co-branded airline cards that are tied to specific airlines and their loyalty programs. While you can use these cards to make purchases anywhere that accepts credit cards, the rewards you earn are typically only redeemable within that specific airline’s loyalty program or its partners. For instance, if you have a co-branded Delta Air Lines credit card, you’ll earn SkyMiles that you can primarily use on Delta and its SkyTeam alliance partners.

How many miles do you need on a credit card for a free flight?

Each airline’s frequent flyer program has its own redemption rates, which can differ based on flight distance, fare class, and whether the itinerary is domestic or international. In other words, the number of miles or points needed to cover the entire cost of a flight will vary widely. Flights from low-cost carriers or during off-peak travel times might require as little as 10,000 to 20,000 miles, while peak travel times or less flexible dates can cost upwards of 40,000 to 60,000 miles or more per flight.

What airline is connected to Capital One?

Capital One isn’t tied to any single airline. Instead, it has 14 airline transfer partners: AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France/KLM, Air Portugal, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, EVA Air, Finnair, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

Our methodology 

To bring you our top picks for the best airline credit cards, the Fortune Recommends team compared approximately 30 cards available from major issuers. 

We ranked each account in these tk core categories: 

• Annual fee (20%): Some credit cards charge an annual fee, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Usually, the more valuable the rewards and perks associated with a card, the higher the annual fee. However, some cards do not charge a fee at all. 
• Highest travel rewards rate (5%): This is the maximum rewards rate awarded on travel purchases. 
• Transferable miles/points (5%): We examined whether miles or points could be transferred to other loyalty programs.  
• Welcome bonus (10%): It’s common for airline cards to offer new cardholders a miles or points bonus after they spend a certain amount within a specific timeframe after opening an account. 
• 0% APR intro term (5%): Another feature that some card issuers offer to attract new business is an introductory period when the APR is 0%, meaning you won’t accrue any interest charges on purchases or balance transfers during this time (though balance transfers may be subject to fees). After this period, the interest rate reverts to the regular purchase APR on new charges. 
• Purchase APR (10%): We examined the lowest available rate (5%) and highest available rate (5%) on regular purchases. (The exact interest rate you’re offered within that range will depend on your individual credit and financial profile).
• Foreign transaction fee (10%): Some credit cards charge a fee for transactions made overseas. Cards that charge foreign transaction fees were docked in our rankings. 
• Customer service (5%): We included the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction rating for all card issuers.
• Travel perks (20%): Cards were awarded 0–6 points based on which added travel perks were included: lounge access, companion ticket, statement credit for Global Access/TSA PreCheck, inflight travel credits or discounts, free checked bags, priority boarding.
• Consumer benefits (10%): Cards were awarded 0–5 points based on which consumer benefits/protections were included: lost baggage/baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone insurance.

Keep in mind that the rewards, interest rates, and fee structures for the cards mentioned are available for limited periods and subject to change, which could impact how many miles or points you earn. 

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Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.