If you’re thinking about signing up for a new credit card with travel perks, you usually have two options. You could get an airline credit card or a general bank credit card – such as a Visa or MasterCard. Either way, you could enjoy free or discounted flights and other travel benefits.
There are many factors to consider when selecting which airline credit card will likely work the hardest for you. For example, if you live in a city that’s a hub for United Airlines, it probably wouldn’t make sense to sign up for an American Airlines loyalty card.
More options than you could shake a stick at
Choosing a credit card these days is no simple matter. With approximately 1,000 options to choose from, where do you even begin? Sometimes airline cards are best for earning free travel, but other times bank cards are better. The type you choose should not only depend on your travel habits, but you also need to consider your spending patterns.
To save time, you should immediately eliminate the ones that don’t offer points on the airlines you fly.
Choose an airline card if…
…you are a frequent traveler and want to earn free trips on a specific carrier. Other things to consider include sign-up bonuses and the APR if you don’t pay your balance in full every month.
The points are generous
As a rule, airline cards may not always be generous in terms of points. But opening one could be worthwhile if it offers a nice upfront bonus. However, you should beware of any blackout dates or other constraints that could prevent you from getting the most out of your rewards.
Choose a travel rewards bank credit card if…
…you tend to choose flights based on price. This type of card can be a better deal if you are enrolled in multiple frequent flyer programs. Just make sure the card you choose doesn’t have excessive blackout dates.
By having the freedom to use your points on any airline, you could be able to select the best deal available. And since the points you spend are generally associated with the ticket’s price, you will typically need to use less to book a flight.
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Let’s compare airline credit cards to bank airline cards
Forbes Advisor made a list of the July 2023 Best Airline Travel Cards versus General Purpose Travel Cards. Be sure to look at the big picture before making your decision.
Below are Forbes Advisors’ picks for Best General Purpose Travel Cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred(R) Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 60,000 points
- Annual Fee – $95
- APR – 21.24% – 28.24%
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 75,000 points
- Annual Fee – $395
- APR – 21.74% – 28.74%
Chase Sapphire Reserve(R)
- Sign Up Bonus – 60,000 points
- Annual Fee – $550
- APR – 22.24% – 29.24%
The Platinum Card(R) from American Express
- Sign Up Bonus – 80,000 points
- Annual Fee – $695
- APR – “Pay Over Time” enables eligible cardholders to pay eligible charges of $100 or more over time with interest
These are Forbes Advisors’ picks for Best Airline Travel Cards:
United Club(SM) Infinite Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 80,000 points
- Annual Fee – $525
- APR – 21.49% – 28.49%
Aeroplan(R) Credit Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 50,000 points
- Annual Fee – $95
- APR – 21.49% – 28.49%
United Quest(SM) Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 70,000 points
- Annual Fee – $250
- APR – 21.49% – 28.49%
British Airways Visa Signature(R) Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 75,000 points
- Annual Fee – $95
- APR – 21.24% – 28.24%
Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card
- Sign Up Bonus – 60,000 points
- Annual Fee – $149
- APR – 20.99% – 27.99%
As you can see from the information above, there is a lot to digest before choosing the travel card that is right for you. Be aware that making your selection based solely on a sign-up bonus could work against you. A high annual fee could negate the rewards you earn. And you should avoid higher APRs if you don’t typically pay the balance in full every month.
If you are struggling with credit card debt, National Debt Relief may help you resolve it for less than you owe. We will support you every step of the way and can guide you toward the travel credit card that can best fulfill your needs.
