Which Are the Best Airline Credit Cards Right Now?

Airline credit cards continue to be one of the easiest ways to earn travel rewards, free flights and priority travel perks. With so many options, the real question most travelers ask is simple: Which are the best airline credit cards right now, and which one truly fits my travel style?

This guide breaks down the best airlines miles credit cards, highlights the top airline mileage credit cards, and also compares no annual fee options and international travel-friendly cards so you can make a confident decision.

What Makes an Airline Credit Card Worth It?

Before choosing, keep these simple criteria in mind:

• How often do you fly and with which airline
  
  

• Whether you want free checked bags, lounge access or priority boarding
  
  

• The value of the miles you earn
  
  

• The annual fee you are comfortable paying
  
  

• Whether you fly domestic or need the best airlines credit cards for international travel
  
  

Once you know this, picking the right card becomes much easier.

The Top Airline Credit Cards To Consider in 2025

Below are the strongest working cards as of 2025. All are active, widely used and supported by major airlines or flexible travel programs.

1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

Best for: Frequent West Coast and US travelers who want high-value miles and a companion ticket

Alaska Airlines consistently ranks high because its miles are worth more than many other programs. The card offers:

• Free checked bag for you and up to six companions
  
  

• Annual companion fare
  
  

• Strong earning on Alaska flights
  
  

• Access to Alaska and oneworld partner redemptions
  
  

If you want one of the best airlines mileage credit cards with excellent redemption flexibility, Alaska stands out.

2. United Explorer Card

Best for: Travelers who want a mix of rewards and practical perks

United’s network is strong for both domestic and long-haul international flights, making this card useful for most travelers.

Key highlights:

• Free first checked bag
  
  

• Priority boarding
  
  

• Two United Club day passes each year
  
  

• Bonus miles on dining, hotels and United purchases
  
  

If you want one of the best airline credit cards right now that balances value and perks, the Explorer card is reliable.

3. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express

Best for: Regular Delta flyers and occasional international trips

Delta remains one of the most dependable US airlines, and its Gold card is ideal if you want solid rewards without a premium fee.

Benefits include:

• Free checked bag
  
  

• Priority boarding
  
  

• 3x miles on Delta purchases
  
  

• Good bonus offers depending on promotions
  
  

For travelers looking for the best airline miles credit cards with practical travel benefits, Delta Gold is a strong everyday pick.

Also Read: Delta Airlines Credit Card - How It Is Beneficial

4. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express

Best for: Premium travelers who want lounge access and elite-style perks

If comfort matters more than cost, the Reserve card is built for you.

You get:

• Delta Sky Club lounge access
  
  

• Status boosts
  
  

• Higher earning rates
  
  

• Better upgrade priority
  
  

It is one of the top airline credit cards for frequent or business travelers flying long haul.

5. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card

Best for: Families and domestic travel lovers

Southwest is loved for its simplicity and no-change-fee policy. The Priority card offers:

• Annual Southwest travel credit
  
  

• 4x points on Southwest purchases
  
  

• Upgraded boarding
  
  

• Rapid Rewards points with strong redemption value
  
  

Since Southwest has no blackout dates on points, this is one of the easiest airline cards to use.

6. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

Best for: Travelers who want a no-fee airline card

This is one of the best airline credit cards with no annual fee, especially if you want to earn miles without paying yearly charges.

Benefits include:

• 2x AA miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
  
  

• 2x on groceries
  
  

• Easy entry into the world of frequent flyer rewards
  
  

Perfect for beginners or occasional flyers.

7. Capital One VentureOne

Best for: International travel and airline flexibility

Even though it is not tied to one airline, the VentureOne card is extremely useful if you fly different carriers.

What makes it stand out:

• No annual fee
  
  

• Transferable miles to multiple airline partners
  
  

• Simple 1.25x earning on everything
  
  

• No foreign transaction fees
  
  

This card ranks high among the best airlines credit cards for international travel because it gives you flexibility to redeem on many airlines instead of being locked into one program.

Best Airline Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

If avoiding fees is your priority, your top working choices in 2025 are:

• American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp
  
  

• Delta SkyMiles Blue Card
  
  

• Capital One VentureOne
  
  

All three help you earn miles at zero yearly cost, making them great starter cards.

Which Airline Credit Card Should You Choose?

Here is a simple breakdown based on travel style:

• Frequent US traveler: Alaska Airlines Visa or United Explorer
  
  

• Premium comfort seeker: Delta SkyMiles Reserve
  
  

• Budget and family traveler: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
  
  

• Beginners: AA MileUp or VentureOne
  
  

• Frequent international traveler: VentureOne or Delta for long-haul routes
  
  

No matter your flying pattern, one of these options will fit your needs among the best airline credit cards right now.

Choose the Best one

Choosing an airline credit card is not about the biggest bonus or the fanciest perks. It is about how well the card matches your personal travel rhythm.

If you fly one airline repeatedly, pick their co-branded card. If you travel across different airlines or internationally, a flexible card like VentureOne may offer better long-term value.

This list focuses only on working, credible and actively issued cards so you can confidently pick the right one without confusion.