If you’re a frequent traveler, choosing the best credit card for airline miles and hotels can help you earn valuable rewards, enjoy free flights, and receive hotel perks. Whether you prefer Delta, or American Airlines, or need a no-annual-fee option, there’s a card for you. Let’s explore the top picks!
What Makes a Good Airline Miles Credit Card?
- Generous Rewards: High miles on purchases like travel, dining, or everyday expenses.
- Sign-up Bonuses: Large introductory bonus miles after meeting spending limits.
- Travel Benefits: Airport lounge access, priority boarding, and free checked bags.
- Hotel Perks: Discounts, free stays, or elite hotel status.
Top Credit Cards for Airline Miles in 2025
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Overall airline miles and hotels | $95 | 2x on travel, dining, and more. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | Flat-rate miles and balance transfer | $95 | 2x miles on every purchase. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express | Best for Delta Airlines miles | $0 (first year) | 2x miles on Delta purchases. |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select | Best for American Airlines miles | $99 | 2x miles on AA and dining. |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Best business card for airline miles | $95 | 3x points on business purchases. |
| Amex Gold Card | Accumulating airline miles with dining | $250 | 4x on dining and 3x on flights. |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards | Best for no annual fee | $0 | 1.5x points on all purchases. |
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
This card is the best all-rounder for airline miles and hotel rewards.
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards:
- 2x points on travel, dining, and select purchases.
- 1x points on everything else.
- Benefits:
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
- Travel insurance and rental car coverage.
- Annual Fee: $95.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Great for flat-rate miles and balance transfer benefits.
- Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
- Rewards:
- 2x miles on all purchases.
- Benefits:
- Redeem miles for flights, hotels, or travel statements.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Annual Fee: $95.
3. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Perfect for Delta Airlines flyers.
- Sign-up Bonus: 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards:
- 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and grocery stores.
- Benefits:
- First checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Priority boarding and 20% in-flight savings.
- Annual Fee: $0 (first year), then $99.
4. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Best card for American Airlines miles.
- Sign-up Bonus: 50,000 American Airlines miles after spending $2,500 in 3 months.
- Rewards:
- 2x miles on AA flights, dining, and gas stations.
- Benefits:
- First checked bag free.
- Preferred boarding on AA flights.
- Annual Fee: $99 (waived for the first year).
5. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Top pick for businesses earning airline miles.
- Sign-up Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards:
- 3x points on business purchases (travel, shipping, ads).
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Benefits:
- Points transfer to airline partners.
- Cell phone protection.
- Annual Fee: $95.
6. American Express® Gold Card
Ideal for accumulating airline miles through dining and travel.
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 6 months.
- Rewards:
- 4x points on dining.
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines.
- Benefits:
- Flexible points transfer to airlines and hotels.
- Annual Fee: $250.
7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The best choice for a no-annual-fee option.
- Sign-up Bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
- Rewards:
- 1.5x points on all purchases.
- Benefits:
- No blackout dates or expiration on rewards.
- No annual fee.
How to Choose the Right Card for Airline Miles
To pick the best airline miles credit card, consider:
- Airline Preference: Delta, American Airlines, or flexible options.
- Annual Fee: Are the benefits worth the cost?
- Rewards: Cards with 2x or more on travel and dining maximize points.
- Sign-up Bonuses: Look for high-mile bonuses to jumpstart your rewards.
Whether you fly frequently, run a business, or want a no-annual-fee option, there’s a credit card tailored to your travel needs. The best credit card for airline miles and hotels will help you accumulate miles faster, enjoy perks like free checked bags, and save money on flights and stays.
