Best Airline Credit Card For Domestic And International Travel
Do you love traveling? Do you find yourself flying domestically or internationally multiple times per year? If so, an airline credit card may be just what you need to make your travel experience even better. Not only can you earn miles for each purchase, but you also can enjoy various travel benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
In this article, we will introduce you to the best airline credit cards for domestic and international travel. We will cover the benefits they offer, as well as their fees and drawbacks, so you can pick the one that suits your needs.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is not an airline credit card per se, but it is one of the best options for frequent travelers. This card offers 2x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining and travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
You can redeem the points for travel through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program or transfer them to one of their airline or hotel partners. Plus, if you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening the card, you can earn 60,000 bonus points, which is equivalent to $750 in travel rewards.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. Additionally, it does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travelers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is an excellent option for domestic travelers, especially those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. This card offers 2x Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, as well as 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
You can redeem the points for Southwest flights, gift cards, and merchandise. Additionally, if you spend $1,000 within the first three months of opening the card, you can earn 40,000 bonus points, which is equivalent to $600 in travel rewards.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has a $69 annual fee, and it charges foreign transaction fees, so it is not the best option for international travel. However, it offers several travel benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and anniversary bonus points.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is an ideal option for frequent Delta Airlines flyers. This card offers 2x miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, as well as 1x mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
You can redeem the miles for Delta flights, upgrades, and merchandise. Additionally, if you spend $1,000 within the first three months of opening the card, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles, which is equivalent to $500 in travel rewards.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a $99 annual fee, which is waived for the first year, as well as several travel benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounted Delta Sky Club access. However, it charges foreign transaction fees, so it may not be the best option for international travel.
United Explorer Card from Chase
The United Explorer Card from Chase is a great option for frequent United Airlines flyers. This card offers 2x miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, as well as 1x mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
You can redeem the miles for United flights, upgrades, and merchandise. Additionally, if you spend $2,000 within the first three months of opening the card, you can earn 60,000 bonus miles, which is equivalent to $600 in travel rewards.
The United Explorer Card from Chase has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year, as well as several travel benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and United Club access. However, it charges foreign transaction fees, so it may not be the best option for international travel.
Conclusion
Choosing the best airline credit card for domestic and international travel requires careful consideration of your travel habits and preferences. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option for flexible travel rewards, while the other cards we introduced are ideal for frequent flyers of specific airlines.
Be sure to read the fine print and understand the fees, rewards, and benefits offered by each card before making your decision. With the right airline credit card, you can earn miles, enjoy travel perks, and make your travel experience even more enjoyable.
