If you’re looking for a credit card to earn rewards on travel, you’ll likely come across two main types: airline credit cards and general travel credit cards. While both types of cards can help you save on flights and other travel expenses, they differ in rewards structures, redemption options and perks — factors that can significantly impact your choice.
With so many options available, choosing the right card can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key differences between airline cards and travel credit cards, helping you determine which type of card is right for you.
Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards
Generally speaking, both airline cards and travel cards can bring value to your wallet. Before diving into each type of card, here is a general overview of what sets them apart.
| Airline credit card | Travel credit card |
|---|---|
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|
What is an airline credit card?
Airline credit cards are cobranded cards offered by the issuer and a partner airline that provide benefits for flying with that specific airline. Airline credit cards earn miles associated with the airline’s frequent flyer program, which you can redeem for flights on that carrier or its partner airlines.
The annual fee for airline credit cards can range from no annual fee to over $600. While annual fee-free options can add value to your wallet, the benefits typically aren’t as lucrative as those with a higher annual fee. Higher annual fee cards can include valuable perks such as complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, airline status and statement credits.
For example, the United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and offers 2 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases and the ability to earn two checked bags after spending $10,000 per calendar year.
The United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees), on the other hand, has an annual fee of $350 and offers 3 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, a complimentary first and second checked bag for the cardholder and a companion, priority boarding and other impressive benefits.
Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?
Pros and cons of airline credit cards
There are several factors to consider when deciding if an airline credit card is right for you. Although not an exhaustive list, the following table highlights the pros and cons of airline credit cards.
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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When does an airline credit card make sense?
Generally speaking, an airline credit card makes the most sense if you frequently fly with an airline, or plan to in the near future. Airline-related perks such as complimentary bags, airline status and seat upgrades can set airline cards apart from general travel cards, but you can only redeem such perks if you fly with the airline. So, consider how often you fly when selecting an airline card.
Your location also plays a factor when deciding whether or not to have an airline card. If you live near an airport with a hub for a specific airline and book flights regularly, having a card could make sense to maximize your benefits.
For example, if you live near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is a Delta hub, you might want to consider a Delta credit card, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, to take advantage of lounge access, complimentary checked bags and priority boarding.
If you don’t live near an airline hub and/or aren’t committed to a particular carrier, an airline credit card might not be your best option.
Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status
What is a travel credit card?
A travel credit card earns rewards on all purchases, including bonus-earning categories. You can use your rewards to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. A travel credit card earns rewards within the issuer’s own ecosystem rather than through a specific airline frequent flyer program.
Examples of credit card programs include American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Miles.
Annual fees for travel credit cards can range from $0 to nearly $600+, corresponding to the card’s perks and benefits. While you can receive valuable benefits with travel cards that have no annual fee, cards with higher annual fees tend to have more valuable benefits, and vice versa.
Annual fees can be partially or fully offset by a card’s perks. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees) but offers benefits that can more than cover the cost of the annual fee. Benefits include:
- Annual $200 hotel credit (up to $200 back in statement credits each year)
- Annual $200 airline fee credit (up to $200 in statement credits each year)
- Annual $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases)
- Annual $199 Clear Plus credit (up to $199 back in statement credits per calendar year)
Enrollment is required.
By utilizing these types of credits, you can help reduce the cost of your annual fee while maximizing your card’s benefits.
Travel credit cards can offer other travel-related perks, such as complimentary travel insurance*, including emergency travel medical, trip delay or cancellation**, and baggage insurance***.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Related: The best time to apply for these 10 popular travel credit cards, based on offer history
Pros and cons of travel credit cards
Based on your personal preferences, travel credit cards may be more appealing than airline cards. Although not an exhaustive list, consider the following travel credit card pros and cons before you apply.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Travel credit cards maximize flexibility for cardholders thanks to their ability to earn transferable currency points. In addition to not being limited to one airline, you can often redeem your points toward hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more.
As cards become more premium, so do their benefits, which translates to high annual fees.
When does a travel credit card make sense?
If you are flexible about the airline carriers you choose to fly with, a travel credit card makes sense. You’ll benefit from bonus points for travel-related purchases, such as airfare, hotels, rental cars and sometimes parking meters and tolls.
When contemplating between travel and airline credit cards, remember that travel credit cards won’t help you earn elite status, unlike some airline cards like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees).
The biggest benefit of a travel credit card is the flexibility you get when redeeming your points or miles. Unlike an airline credit card, travel credit cards have a variety of transfer partners you can use to book your next adventure.
Related: How many credit cards should I have?
Should you get both?
There are benefits and drawbacks for both airline card and general travel cards. For example, it pays to have an airline credit card if you regularly check bags for domestic flights, especially considering the increase in checked bag fees across numerous carriers. Meanwhile, travel credit cards offer various travel insurance coverages that can provide peace of mind while traveling.
One TPG staffer opted for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®* because he found value in the American Airlines award chart and had several American flights lined up for the year that he planned checking bags for.
Soon afterward, he opened a Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) for its lounge access, transfer partners and annual travel credit.
Nowadays, he uses both cards. However, since he has elite status with American, the Citi card’s free checked bag is less important. That said, he still holds onto the card to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
*The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards offer benefits. They can offset travel costs and provide perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access and various statement credits. We recommend choosing a card based on your travel needs and circumstances. You may even benefit from holding both types of cards, as long as you’re maximizing the perks.
Related: How to choose an airline credit card
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
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