"Airline cards" refers to credit cards that are specifically designed for a particular airline, offering benefits and rewards related to air travel, such as frequent flyer miles, discounted flights, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges.
Full definition
Again, the bonus categories for spending are generally similar
for airline cards, but other benefits will vary greatly.
Most
airline cards offer rewards on all purchases but bump up the rewards for purchases made through the airline, such as flight tickets.
It also sets itself apart from
most airline cards by offering a modest bonus on everyday purchases, such as groceries.
The opportunity to achieve elite status faster than you can with
other airline cards is an especially attractive benefit.
People with average or fair credit may enjoy the best rewards from travel cards such
as airline cards.
Many airline cards offer benefits like free baggage, priority boarding and award discounts.
Sign - up bonuses
on airline cards typically range between 30,000 and 50,000 miles — enough for one or two round - trip domestic tickets.
Whether this card is right for you will depend on whether you would use the bonuses that other
airline cards give you.
Most other hotel cards work
like airline cards — you accumulate points based on purchases then use them for upgrades.
Also, if your concern is the annual fee, some premium cards offer travel statement credits to offset these fees to compete with some of the fee waivers you get
from airline cards.
It is interesting how the sexy promise of travel gets people to
use airline cards instead of getting cash back.
And if you're a very frequent traveler, then you should consider going all - in on a $ 450
premium airline card.
This card is different from many
airline cards because its point value does not change based on how they are redeemed.
Beware that a lower - tier, no -
fee airline card might not include free checked bags.
Many
airline cards also allow any companions traveling on the cardholder's itinerary to also check a bag for free.
The primary concern in choosing
among airline cards often has nothing to do with the features of the card itself.
And
airline cards typically carry high interest rates, so you'll want to pay your credit card bill in full every month.
This card also might not be good for international travelers, as it comes with a 3 % foreign transaction fee, something that
airline cards often do not charge.
Some basic
airline cards even provide access to airport lounges — access ordinarily restricted to those with elite frequent flyer status, a paid membership or a premium credit card.
I think I've had about every
major airline card out there and don't recall ever keeping one beyond the first year.
As I mentioned earlier, you're probably better off using this card than many
airline cards since the value of miles can fluctuate so much.
But if you want the most value, hybrid
airline cards let you earn points that you can then transfer to airline frequent flyer partners.
When looking at all the available
airline card options, you should focus on the airline you like to fly, then check the terms for the cards affiliated with that airline.
While this is not as generous as some of the
top airline cards, it's still a nice perk for loyal card members.
You also get the standard
airline card perks, including a free checked bag, priority boarding and in - flight discounts.
I'm assuming you're into travel or you wouldn't be so keen on acquiring miles, but flights aren't the only way
airline cards reward travel purchases.
While it may
seem airline cards are more valuable, once the first year is up the annual fees on the cards tend to play a big role in their net value.
Use our cheat sheet to zero in on what matters for your
next airline card and start comparing the ones below.
But if you want the most value,
hybrid airline cards let you earn points that you can then transfer to airline frequent flyer partners.
That's as good or better than what
comparable airline cards offer on purchases made on flights with the partner airlines.
If you're thinking about getting your
first airline card, you'll probably want to start with the cheapest option.
Phrases with «airline cards»