Bogdan Roberts, Credit Cards Moderator
@bogdan_roberts
The best credit card to buy airline tickets with is Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, thanks to its initial bonus of 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $750 in travel booked through Chase (including airfare). Plus, you get 1 - 5 points per $1 spent on purchases.
The card’s rewards are enough to offset its $95 annual fee, but you need to have at least good credit to get it. Chase Sapphire Preferred also gives you flexibility by allowing you to transfer points to leading airline loyalty programs.
Best Credit Cards for Airline Tickets
- Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardChase Sapphire Preferred® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 5 points per $1 spent on purchases
Annual Fee: $95
Min. Credit Required: Good
- Travel Rewards: American Express® Green CardAmerican Express® Green CardLearn MoreLearn More
Initial Bonus: 40,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 3 points per $1 spent on purchases
Annual Fee: $150
Min. Credit Required: Good
- Rates & FeesGas & Travel: Citi Premier® CardCiti Premier® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: 60,000 points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 3 points per $1 spent on purchases
Annual Fee: $95
Min. Credit Required: Good
- No Annual Fee: HSBC Premier World Credit CardHSBC Premier World Credit CardLearn MoreLearn More
Initial Bonus: 35,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 2 points per $1 spent on purchases
Annual Fee: $0
Min. Credit Required: Excellent
- Airline Rewards: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 2 points per $1 spent on purchases
Annual Fee: $69
Min. Credit Required: Good
- Business: Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardInk Business Preferred® Credit CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: 100,000 points for spending $8,000 in the first 3 months
Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 3 points per $1 spent on purchases
Annual Fee: $95
Min. Credit Required: Good
For your convenience, we'll recap our selections below.
2023’s Best Credit Cards to Buy Airline Tickets With
- Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Travel Rewards: American Express® Green Card
- Gas & Travel: Citi Premier® Card
- No Annual Fee: HSBC Premier World Credit Card
- Best Airline Credit Card: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Business: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
You can either choose a credit card that offers more flexibility with rewards for general airfare spending or you can see if the airline you fly with most frequently has a credit card. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a good option in that regard, but there are others offering attractive rewards and various perks for other airlines as well.
Valerie Prine, Member
@prinev
My personal favorite would be Chase Sapphire Reserve. 50 thousand points, and the Ultimate Rewards travel are definitely worth the requirement.
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