Travel
Best Airline Credit Cards of 2026
Free checked bags, companion tickets, and bonus miles — here are the top co-branded airline cards for every major US carrier.
CardCompare TeamMarch 15, 2026Updated Mar 20268 min read
Airline co-branded credit cards earn miles in a specific airline's program and come with flying perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and companion tickets. If you're loyal to one airline, these cards can save hundreds per year.
Best for Each Airline
Delta Air Lines
Best Delta credit cards
Key Benefits
Delta Air Lines purchases2x
Dining2x
U.S. Supermarkets2x
Everything else1x
$150/yr$700 bonusNo FTF
Key Benefits
Delta Purchases3x
Restaurants2x
Supermarkets2x
Everything else1x
$350/yr$900 bonusNo FTF
The Gold ($150/yr) is the value pick: free checked bag saves $60/round trip. The Platinum ($350/yr) adds a domestic Companion Certificate — worth $300+ if you fly with a partner.
United Airlines
Best United credit cards
The Explorer ($95/yr) offers a free checked bag and 2x on dining. The Quest ($250/yr) adds award flight rebates (up to 10K miles back, twice/year) and two free checked bags.
American Airlines
Best American Airlines credit cards
Key Benefits
American Airlines2x
Restaurants2x
Gas Stations2x
Everything else1x
$99/yr$500 bonusNo FTF
The Aviator Red has the easiest sign-up bonus in credit cards: 60,000 miles after just one purchase. The Citi AAdvantage has broader 2x categories and a first-year-free option.
Southwest Airlines
Best Southwest credit cards
Key Benefits
Southwest Airlines3x
Rapid Rewards Hotel Partners2x
Rapid Rewards Car Rental Partners2x
Everything else1x
$149/yr$700 bonus
Southwest cards are essential for pursuing the Companion Pass. The Priority card's $75 credit and 7,500 anniversary points make it the better long-term hold.
Airline Card vs. General Travel Card
Airline cards excel for loyal flyers who want bag fee savings and airline status. But for flexible travelers, a general card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred (transferable to 14+ airlines) often provides more value per dollar spent.
The Bag Fee Test
If you check a bag on 4+ round trips per year on one airline, the free checked bag perk alone ($240+) justifies most airline card annual fees ($95-$150). That's before counting any miles earned.
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