Quick Overview

  • Most major U.S. airlines offer co-branded credit cards, allowing you to earn airline miles through sign-up bonuses and everyday spending.
  • These cards often provide perks similar to elite status, including free checked bags, lounge access, companion passes, and more.
  • Co-branded airline cards excel at earning miles on purchases like airfare, in-flight services, and upgrades made directly with the airline.
  • Many airlines partner with major U.S. credit card rewards programs, which are often the best option for earning miles on non-airline purchases.
  • If you’re loyal to a specific airline, having a co-branded credit card can save you money and enhance your travel experience.

Explore our list of co-branded airline credit cards and use our miles calculators to estimate your airline miles and card value based on your monthly spending, card benefits, and annual fees.

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Co-branded Airline Credit Cards: Perks and Drawbacks

Co-branded airline credit cards are designed to enhance the travel experience, offering a host of benefits that appeal to frequent flyers. Here’s a closer look at their advantages and potential downsides.

Benefits of Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards

  • Welcome Bonuses: Many co-branded cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, often enough for a free round-trip flight after meeting the initial spending requirement within the first few months.
  • Free Checked Bags: Enjoy complimentary checked baggage on domestic and sometimes international flights. For frequent travelers, this perk alone can easily offset the cost of the card’s annual fee.
  • Priority Boarding: Cardholders often receive early boarding privileges, allowing them to secure overhead bin space and settle in comfortably before the general boarding rush.
  • Companion Tickets: Some cards provide annual companion passes, enabling you to bring a travel partner at a discounted rate or even for free—perfect for couples or families.
  • Travel Perks and Discounts: Get access to in-flight discounts, such as reduced prices on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, making your journey more enjoyable and cost-effective.
  • Airport Lounge Access: Premium co-branded cards frequently include access to exclusive airport lounges, offering a quiet and comfortable space to relax, complete with amenities like snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

Drawbacks of Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards

  • Lower Earning Rates on Non-Airfare Purchases: While these cards offer excellent rewards for airline purchases, everyday spending categories often earn at lower rates. To maximize your rewards, consider pairing your airline card with a card offered by a transfer partner.
  • Restrictive Rewards: Points or miles earned are typically tied to a specific airline, which may limit your options if the airline’s routes or schedules don’t meet your travel needs.
  • High Annual Fees: Premium cards often come with steep annual fees, sometimes exceeding $450. However, the benefits—such as lounge access and companion passes—can outweigh the fee for those who travel frequently.
  • High Interest Rates: Like many credit cards, co-branded airline cards often carry high interest rates. To avoid eroding your rewards, it’s crucial to pay off your balance in full each billing cycle.

Is a Co-Branded Airline Credit Card Right for You?

For frequent flyers, the perks of a co-branded airline card can deliver significant value. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the costs and ensure the card aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.

What's The Best Airline Credit Card For You?

Not sure which airline credit card to go for? Search our U.S. Rewards Credit Card Directory of over 200 cards and use our tool to calculate rewards and compare card value.

Customize spend categories, add values to key card benefits, enter how much you value different rewards, specify authorized users, and much more!

Rewards Credit Card Directory & Calculator Tool

List of Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards

Below is a list of all the co-branded airline credit cards featured on this site. Click on any card to explore its benefits in detail.

Each card includes a rewards calculator, enabling you to estimate how many points or miles you can earn based on your monthly spending. The calculator also helps you assess the card’s overall value by factoring in rewards earned, card benefits, and annual fees.

American Airlines Credit Cards

Alaska Airlines Credit Cards

Allegiant Credit Cards

Delta Airlines Credit Cards

Frontier Credit Cards

Hawaiian Airlines Credit Cards

JetBlue Credit Cards

Southwest Credit Cards

Spirit Credit Cards

United Credit Cards

Aer Lingus Credit Cards

Aeroplan Credit Cards

Air France-KLM Flying Blue Credit Cards

British Airways Credit Cards

Cathay Pacific Credit Cards

Emirates Credit Cards

Iberia Credit Cards

Korean SKYPASS Credit Cards

Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Cards