When making large airline purchases, one method to make sure you get the highest return is to use the appropriate credit card. Along with all you need to know about selecting a travel credit card to save money on upcoming flights, here are our current top selections for airline credit cards. (Photo : by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Even if airfare has declined from recent highs, it is still one of the most expensive components of any trip, regardless of the destination-whether it is a quick trip to see loved ones or your long-awaited trip to Europe.
When making large airline purchases, one method to make sure you get the highest return is to use the appropriate credit card. Along with all you need to know about selecting a travel credit card to save money on upcoming flights, here are our current top selections for airline credit cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its flexibility and generous bonus offers, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of travelers. With a $95 annual fee, the card offers a lucrative welcome offer of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, a deal set to expire soon. Its rewards program includes 5x points on Chase Travel, 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases, and 2x points on other travel expenses, among others.
With a recommended credit score of good to excellent, the card's standout feature lies in its flexibility, notably the 25% boost on redemptions for travel through Chase, making points worth 1.25 cents each towards various travel expenses. Additionally, the ability to transfer points 1:1 to Chase's travel partners and access to perks such as a $50 annual credit for hotel bookings and travel protections further enhance its appeal.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for those new to airline rewards, featuring a $95 annual fee and a welcoming offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 in travel. With rewards including 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases, the card offers simplicity and flexibility, ideal for beginners.
Its recommended credit score is good to excellent, and its flat 2x rewards rate makes earning and redeeming miles straightforward, with miles valued at 1 cent each towards travel purchases. Additional perks such as a $100 fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, no foreign transaction fees, and travel protections make it even more appealing, while access to Capital One's travel partners further enhances its value.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express caters to frequent fliers with its $695 annual fee and enticing welcome offer of 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first 6 months. Boasting rewards such as 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, as well as 5x points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, the card targets individuals with good to excellent credit scores.
Its standout feature lies in its extensive range of benefits tailored for frequent travelers, including $200 in annual statement credits for airline fees, up to $189 in annual statement credits for CLEAR Plus membership, access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, and reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every four years. Additionally, cardholders enjoy up to $200 in annual Uber Cash, $200 in annual statement credits for eligible prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Travel, and more, making it a top choice for those who value premium travel perks and benefits.
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