If you’re a frequent flyer, or anyone who just likes to travel on the cheap, you may be wondering, “What’s the best credit card for airline miles?” Identifying this can deliver some serious benefits in the long run. These cards provide the opportunity to fly around the world for little to no money, with perks like priority boarding, airport lounge access, free checked baggage, and in-flight wifi.
Air miles work just like rewards points on other credit cards: points accumulate by making purchases, and the points can be redeemed for free or discounted products and services. In this case, your points go toward travel rewards like free flights and hotel stays. Read on for our picks for some of the best credit cards for airline miles on the market today. We’ll also offer some tips on how to rack up those miles.
Best Credit Cards with Airline Miles
We reviewed some of the best air miles and travel credit cards currently available and chose our top picks based on the rewards earning potential, APR, annual fees, and overall benefits to you.
3 Ways to Rack Up Airline Miles
Once you’ve found your preferred credit card for airline miles, it’s important to know how to use the card to get the most out of those high-flying benefits. There are a few ways consumers can really maximize perks and fly off into the sunset sooner than later.
1. Take Advantage of Bonuses
Cards with big sign-up bonuses are an easy way to accumulate a lot of points quickly. By spending a certain amount within an allotted time frame — usually 3 months or so — you can earn as many as 50,000 bonus miles.
2. Look for Special Offers
Sometimes issuers offer extra miles for using your card at certain times like holidays or for making purchases at places like gas stations or supermarkets. Some issuers even offer air mile bonuses for adding an authorized user to the account. Opt in to the credit company’s newsletter so you’ll know about the offers when to take advantage of them.
3. Utilize Partnership Deals
Many issuers have partnerships with companies and will reward you with points if you utilize their services. This includes insurance quotes, car rentals, hotel stays, monthly subscriptions like magazines, newspapers, and even Netflix. Check with your issuer to see which companies they partner with so you can earn bonus miles on things you may already be paying for or need.
The perks of each card vary, so choosing the best credit card for airline miles is really up to you. Evaluate the rewards and match them to your spending and travel habits. You can then choose the right card for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Airline miles credit cards — and really any type of rewards cards — are best for consumers who are able to pay their bill in full each month and not carry a balance. Otherwise, the interest you’re paying can make it so that the earned rewards might as well have been paid for.
Other than that, it’s easy: use the card, pay the bill, earn rewards, and enjoy the free ride.
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