What is the best airline credit card for companion tickets?

One of the best credit cards for companion tickets is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card. This card offers a companion ticket every year on your account anniversary if you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the previous year. Plus, you can earn 80,000 points and a $99 companion fare ticket after spending $4,000 in the first 120 days.

Generally, companion tickets are a way to add a travel companion to your flight reservation without paying full price for the second fare. This type of benefit is included with many travel credit cards, though the specific terms differ. So, make sure to choose a credit card that suits your spending habits.

6 Best Credit Cards for Companion Tickets in 2025

How to get the companion ticket: You can receive 80,000 points and a $99 companion fare ticket after spending $4,000 in the first 120 days. You also get a companion ticket every year on your account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the previous year.

How to use it: To use the Alaska Airlines Card companion ticket, log in to your Alaska Airlines account, navigate to the "Discount and companion fare codes" section, and click the "Shop" button.

When you make a reservation, your Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines companion fare code will be automatically applied. You’ll see it reflected in your shopping cart and on the "Available Flights" page. That said, the fare won’t technically be redeemed until you click "Purchase" and review your reservation. Make sure you redeem your companion ticket within 12 months of when it’s issued.

Who should get this card: Apply for Alaska Airlines Card if you fly with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines frequently and the card’s ongoing rewards match your spending habits. This card is available to people with good credit or better.

Annual fee: $95

How to get the companion ticket: You can receive a Delta Main round-trip companion certificate to select destinations each year upon renewal of your card. Taxes and fees are not included. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.

How to use it: You will receive the companion certificate the same month as your account anniversary. It will be automatically added to your Delta account in the form of an eCredit. When you book a round-trip coach flight, the certificate allows you to book the same itinerary for your travel companion. You get the companion certificate after each account anniversary, and each certificate is valid for 1 year.

Who should get this card: Apply for Amex Delta Platinum if you have good credit or better and its rewards suit your spending habits. This card is best suited for frequent Delta flyers.

Annual fee: $350

If you are a frequent traveler, you may want to consider the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card as well. It offers a companion certificate after you renew your account each year that you can use on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations (taxes and fees are not included). The fee annual fee is pretty high, but the card’s rewards and perks can make it worthwhile.

Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.

How to get the companion ticket: You will receive a companion ticket after each account anniversary, when you renew your account for another year. The companion certificate gets you a round-trip, main-cabin domestic flight for only $99, plus taxes and fees.

How to use it: The American Airlines companion certificate will be deposited to the primary cardmember’s AAdvantage account 8-10 weeks after it's earned. It will be valid until the expiration date noted on the certificate.

After you receive the certificate, you must redeem it through American Airlines Meeting Services. You can do so by calling (800) 433-1790 and providing your flight information.

Who should get this card: Apply for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® if you have good credit or better and you fly frequently with American Airlines.

Annual fee: $350

How to get the companion ticket: You will receive a companion ticket after your first purchase and after each account anniversary.

How to use it: To use your companion certificate, you must call the Miles & More phone number at (866) 461-5399. All taxes and fees must be paid upon booking, and you need to use the companion certificate the same calendar year you earn it.

Who should get this card: Apply for Lufthansa Credit Card if you have good credit or better and you travel frequently with Lufthansa.

Annual fee: $89

How to get the companion ticket: This card offers a Travel Together Ticket to customers who make $30,000 in purchases on their British Airways Credit Card in a calendar year. The ticket is valid for two years after you earn it.

How to use it: Each time you book a flight using your British Airways Credit Card Avios, the Travel Together Ticket allows you to book another fare on the same itinerary (and in the same cabin) and only pay taxes and fees. Alternatively, you can use it for a 50% discount on the Avios price you pay when booking a solo reward flight.

Who should get this card: Apply for British Airways Credit Card if you fly with British Airways frequently and its ongoing rewards match your spending habits. This card is available to people with good credit or better.

Annual fee: $95

How to get the companion ticket: With the Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card, you’ll receive two companion-fare discounts. First, you'll receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for a round-trip coach ticket between North America and Hawaii after approval for an account. Plus, you'll receive an annual $100 companion discount on a round-trip ticket between Hawaii and North America after each account anniversary.

How to use it: The companion discounts will be posted to your Hawaiian Airlines account, in the form of E-Certificates. You can use both these companion discounts upon booking round-trip tickets between Hawaii and North America. The companion discounts are valid for up to 13 months.

Who should get this card: Consider applying for this card if you have good credit and you’re planning to fly between Hawaii and North America.

Annual fee: $99

What You Need to Know About Companion Tickets

Companion tickets are among the most underrated perks airline credit cards offer. Depending on the airline, the card, and how you redeem your companion ticket, it could be worth thousands of dollars. That can easily offset any annual fees and make it well worth renewing your card year after year.

However, there are a few things you should be aware of when it comes to companion tickets. For instance, they usually expire within a year or two. Plus, they won’t cover any fees or taxes. So, to maximize the full potential of this benefit, do your research and be aware of the fine print.

From what I’ve seen, this is a two-horse race between Southwest and Alaska. So go with whichever of those you like most.

Southwest’s Companion Pass is the VIP treatment - unlimited uses, just $5.60 in taxes per flight, and no blackout dates. I’ve taken my plus-one to Hawaii, Mexico, and back without ever worrying about fare classes. Delta’s pass? Good luck finding a flight where it’s even usable.