Top Airline Rewards Cards Compared
Airline credit cards earn bonus miles on flights, offer free checked bags, and provide priority perks that save time and money at the airport. Here are the top picks for domestic and international flyers.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express | United Explorer Card Chase |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $95 |
| APR | 21.49% - 29.49% | 21.49% - 28.49% |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 40,000 miles after $2,000 spend in 6 months | 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Base Rewards | 1x on all purchases | 1x on all purchases |
| Top Categories | 2x Delta, 2x restaurants, 2x supermarkets | 2x United, 2x dining, 2x hotel |
| Foreign Tx Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Good (670+) | Good (670+) |
Pros & Cons
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Pros
- +Free first checked bag ($60 value/flight)
- +Priority boarding
- +2x at restaurants
- +No foreign transaction fees
- +Main Cabin 1 boarding
Cons
- -$150 annual fee
- -SkyMiles devaluations
- -Only 1x on most purchases
United Explorer Card
Pros
- +Free first checked bag
- +Priority boarding
- +Two United Club passes/year
- +25% back on inflight purchases
Cons
- -$95 annual fee
- -Only valuable on United flights
- -No lounge membership
Our Recommendation
The Delta SkyMiles Gold is the best value for occasional domestic flyers. For international travelers, the United Explorer or an Amex card with transfer partners offers more flexibility.