What is the best airline credit card for companion tickets?

The best credit card for companion tickets is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card. This card offers a companion ticket every year on your account anniversary after spending $6,000 on purchases within the previous year. Plus, you can earn $100 statement credit, 50,000 miles and a companion fare ticket for spending $2,000 in the first 90 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 2023

How to get the companion ticket: You can receive $100 statement credit, 50,000 miles and a companion fare ticket for spending $2,000 in the first 90 days. You also get a companion ticket every year on your account anniversary after spending $6,000 on purchases within the previous year.

How to use it: To use the Alaska Airlines Credit 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 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. 

Who should get this card: Apply for Alaska Airlines Credit Card if you fly with Alaska 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 companion ticket each anniversary year if you spend $20,000 on purchases and your account remains open for 45 days after your anniversary date.

How to use it: This benefit can be used on a domestic economy fare only. The American Airlines companion certificate will be deposited to the primary cardmember’s AAdvantage account after 1-2 weeks of being earned. 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 American Airlines Aviator Red Card if you have good credit or better and you fly frequently with American Airlines.

Annual fee: $99

How to get the companion ticket: You can receive a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card. Taxes and fees are not included.

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.

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: $250

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 book your ticket along with your companion ticket, you must call the Miles & More phone number at (866) 461-5399. All taxes and fees must be paid upon booking.

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 annual purchases on their British Airways Credit Card. The ticket is valid for two years after earning 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.

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.

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.