Best Airline Credit Cards of 2026

Loyal to one airline or want maximum miles flexibility? These cards earn bonus miles on flights, include free checked bags, and offer priority boarding perks.

How We Rank

Cards are scored using category-specific metrics - not just the generic reward rate. Each card earns points for relevant category rewards, perks, signup bonuses, fees, and benefits that matter most for this use case. Cards from any issuer or category can qualify if they score well.

#1

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards

by Capital One

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards is a dining card from Capital One with no annual fee, $200 bonus after $500 in 3 months, and fair to good credit.

Why it's #1

  • 5.0% on travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $250 signup bonus*
  • No annual fee
Annual FeeNone
Base Rate1.0%
Signup Bonus$200 bonus after $500 in 3 months
Credit Score670-850
Regular APR18.49% - 28.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#2

Chase Sapphire Preferred

by Chase

Chase Sapphire Preferred is a travel card from Chase with a $95 annual fee, 75,000 bonus points after $5,000 in 3 months, and good to excellent credit.

Why it's #2

  • 5.0% on travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $938 signup bonus*
Annual Fee$95
Base Rate1.0%
Signup Bonus75,000 bonus points after $5,000 in 3 months
Credit Score700-850
Regular APR19.24% - 27.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#3

Capital One Venture Rewards

by Capital One

Capital One Venture Rewards is a travel card from Capital One with a $95 annual fee, 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months, and good to excellent credit.

Why it's #3

  • 5.0% on travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $750 signup bonus*
Annual Fee$95
Base Rate2.0%
Signup Bonus75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months
Credit Score700-850
Regular APR19.49% - 28.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#4

Chase Freedom Unlimited

by Chase

Chase Freedom Unlimited is a cashback card from Chase with no annual fee, $200 bonus after $500 in 3 months, and fair to good credit.

Why it's #4

  • 5.0% on travel
  • $200 signup bonus*
  • No annual fee
Annual FeeNone
Base Rate1.5%
Signup Bonus$200 bonus after $500 in 3 months
Credit Score670-850
Regular APR18.24% - 27.74%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#5

Chase Freedom Flex

by Chase

Chase Freedom Flex is a cashback card from Chase with no annual fee, $200 bonus after $500 in 3 months, and fair to good credit.

Why it's #5

  • 5.0% on travel
  • $200 signup bonus*
  • No annual fee
Annual FeeNone
Base Rate1.0%
Signup Bonus$200 bonus after $500 in 3 months
Credit Score670-850
Regular APR18.24% - 27.74%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#6

Chase Ink Business Preferred

by Chase

Chase Ink Business Preferred is a business card from Chase with a $95 annual fee, 100,000 bonus points after $15,000 in 3 months, and good to excellent credit.

Why it's #6

  • 3.0% on travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $1250 signup bonus*
Annual Fee$95
Base Rate1.0%
Signup Bonus100,000 bonus points after $15,000 in 3 months
Credit Score720-850
Regular APR17.74% - 26.74%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#7

Citi Strata Premier Card

by Citi

Citi Strata Premier Card is a travel card from Citi with a $95 annual fee, 60,000 thankyou points after $4,000 in 3 months, and good to excellent credit.

Why it's #7

  • 3.0% on travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $750 signup bonus*
Annual Fee$95
Base Rate1.0%
Signup Bonus60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 in 3 months
Credit Score700-850
Regular APR19.49% - 27.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#8

American Express Gold Card

by American Express

American Express Gold Card is a dining card from American Express with a $325 annual fee, up to 100,000 membership rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months, and good to excellent credit.

Why it's #8

  • 3.0% on travel
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $1250 signup bonus*
Annual Fee$325
Base Rate1.0%
Signup BonusUp to 100,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months
Credit Score700-850
Regular APR19.49% - 28.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#9

Capital One Venture X Rewards

by Capital One

Capital One Venture X Rewards is a travel card from Capital One with a $395 annual fee, 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months, and excellent credit.

Why it's #9

  • Airport lounge access
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $750 signup bonus*
Annual Fee$395
Base Rate2.0%
Signup Bonus75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months
Credit Score740-850
Regular APR19.49% - 28.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →
#10

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

by Capital One

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is a cashback card from Capital One with no annual fee, $200 bonus after $500 in 3 months, and fair to good credit.

Why it's #10

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $200 signup bonus*
  • No annual fee
Annual FeeNone
Base Rate1.5%
Signup Bonus$200 bonus after $500 in 3 months
Credit Score640-850
Regular APR18.49% - 28.49%
Apply Now →Full Review →