Best Airline Miles Credit Cards of 2026

📋 Reviewed by WiseIQ Editorial Team · Updated April 2026 · Editorially independent

Discover the top airline miles credit cards of 2026. Earn valuable rewards for your travels with our expert picks, including Chase Sapphire Preferred, Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex, United Explorer, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus.

Quick Comparison: Best Airline Miles Credit Cards at a Glance

Card Name	Key Rate/Reward	Annual Fee	Min Credit Score	Best For
Chase Sapphire Preferred	5x points on travel via Chase Travel, 25% more value when redeemed for travel	$95	Good/Excellent	Flexible travel rewards & premium benefits
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex	2x miles on Delta, restaurants, U.S. supermarkets	$0 intro for 1st year, then $150	Good/Excellent	Frequent Delta flyers & everyday spending
United Explorer Card	2x miles on United, dining, hotels	$0 intro for 1st year, then $95	Good/Excellent	United loyalists & travel perks
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus	2x points on Southwest, gas, grocery	$69	Good/Excellent	Southwest frequent flyers & Companion Pass

Our Top Picks for Airline Miles Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for Flexible Travel Rewards

Rewards Rate

$95

Annual Fee

75,000

Bonus Points

Pros

Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM.
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption and baggage delay.
$50 annual hotel credit.

Cons

Requires a good credit score.
Annual fee not waived in the first year.

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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Best for Delta Frequent Flyers

Rewards Rate

$0 then $150

Annual Fee

70,000

Bonus Miles

Pros

First checked bag free on Delta flights for you and up to 8 companions.
$200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel with miles on Delta flights.
20% back on in-flight Delta purchases.

Cons

Annual fee after the first year.
Miles are specific to Delta and its partners.

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United℠ Explorer Card

Best for United Loyalists

Rewards Rate

$0 then $95

Annual Fee

70,000

Bonus Miles

Pros

First checked bag free for you and one companion on United flights.
Two United Club℠ one-time passes each anniversary.
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit.
10,000-mile award flight discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.

Cons

Annual fee after the first year.
Rewards are primarily tied to United Airlines.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Best for Southwest Frequent Flyers

Rewards Rate

$69

Annual Fee

50,000

Bonus Points

Pros

3,000 anniversary points each year.
Complimentary Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure.
Boarding benefit (Group 5 or earlier) for you and up to 8 companions.
Points count towards Companion Pass qualification.

Cons

Rewards are limited to Southwest Airlines.
Lower earning rate on general purchases.

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How We Chose the Best Airline Miles Credit Cards

Reward Earning Potential We evaluate the bonus categories, base earning rates, and potential for accelerated rewards to determine how quickly cardholders can accumulate airline miles or points.

Redemption Value and Flexibility We assess the value of points/miles when redeemed for flights, the ease of redemption, and the flexibility to transfer to various airline partners. Cards offering diverse and high-value redemption options are prioritized.

Annual Fees and Benefits We weigh the annual fee against the card's benefits, such as free checked bags, lounge access, travel credits, and insurance protections, to ensure the card offers significant value that offsets its cost.

Sign-up Bonuses A substantial sign-up bonus can provide a significant boost to your miles balance, so we consider the size and accessibility of these offers.

Who Should Apply?

The Avid Traveler Seeking Flexibility

If you frequently travel and value the ability to choose from a wide range of airlines and redemption options, a card with flexible transfer partners like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is ideal. These cards allow you to maximize your rewards by transferring points to the program that offers the best value for your specific travel plans.

The Brand-Loyal Flyer

For individuals who consistently fly with a particular airline, such as Delta, United, or Southwest, a co-branded airline credit card can offer significant advantages. These cards provide airline-specific perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and in-flight discounts, enhancing your travel experience with your preferred carrier.

The Everyday Spender Looking for Travel Rewards

Even if you don't travel constantly, you can still benefit from airline miles credit cards by using them for everyday purchases. Cards that offer bonus rewards on categories like dining, groceries, or gas can help you accumulate miles quickly, turning your daily spending into future travel opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are airline miles credit cards?

Airline miles credit cards are credit cards that allow you to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. These cards often come with travel benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and travel insurance.

How do I choose the best airline miles credit card?

Consider your travel habits, preferred airlines, and spending patterns. Look for cards that offer bonus rewards on categories where you spend the most, have valuable travel benefits that align with your needs, and offer a good redemption value for their points or miles.

Can I transfer points between different airline programs?

Some flexible travel rewards cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, allow you to transfer points to multiple airline loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. Co-branded airline cards typically earn miles specific to that airline's program.

Are airline miles credit cards worth the annual fee?

Many airline miles credit cards come with an annual fee. To determine if it's worth it, evaluate the value of the benefits you'll receive (e.g., free checked bags, travel credits, sign-up bonus) against the cost of the annual fee. For frequent travelers, the benefits often outweigh the fee.