Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. Rates and bonus offers checked as of December 19, 2024.
It's prime time for holiday vacation planning, so we’ve gathered the best airline credit card bonuses and companion fare offers to help get you started. These two travel rewards cards provide solid benefits and value relative to their annual fees.
If you already have an airline rewards card, you’re not alone. One in four U.S. households has one, according to a recent polling study by Airlines for America. Their research also found that in 2022, a whopping 63% of all frequent flyer points or miles earned by consumers came from airline credit cards.
What are the best airline credit card bonuses?
Here is a summary of two cards that will give new cardholders a solid boost in frequent flyer points or miles. Each card also comes with a free or discounted companion fare and other perks.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How do the cards' perks and fees compare?
Both cards offer solid miles bonuses to new cardholders. Your decision to sign up for one card over another may be based on which airline you use most frequently and whether you need access to a wide variety of partner airlines.
Hot tip: if you already hold a Bank of America or American Express Card, it's worth considering an airline card by the same issuer. In some cases, you may be able to share or transfer the points or miles from one card to another.
Perk | Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
Number of bonus miles | 90,000 | 60,000 |
Estimated cash value of bonus according to Bankrate.com | $720 | $660 |
Free or near-free companion fare? | Yes | Yes |
Issuer | American Express | Bank of America |
Black-out dates | None on Delta | None on Alaska Airlines |
Airline partner alliance | Yes, though no major US carriers | Yes, extensive, including American Airlines. Partners with One World Alliance. |
At least one free bag check per flight | Yes | Yes |
Priority boarding | Yes | Yes |
What additional perks do the cards offer?
Both cards provide a companion fare for every card anniversary. However, Alaska Airlines is facing some serious challenges that may make you pause before hitching your vacation strategy to its frequent flyer program. Recently, Alaska Airline's flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to go on strike and a door plug of a Boeing Max plane detached during an Alaska Airlines flight.
Hot tip: Check out our reviews of the other airline credit card tiers offered by the Delta SkyMiles cards. You may find a card with annual fees and perks that are better for you than the cards profiled here.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Delta SkyMiles Platinum | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
Benefit 1 | 15% discount on award travel on Delta flights | Get $100 off an annual Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your card |
Benefit 2 | $100 discount on Delta Stays, up to $120 rideshare credit for U.S. rideshare purchases (enrollment required) and up to $120 Resy credit at U.S. Resy restaurants | Bank of America customers get a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned by the card |
Benefit 3 | $50 discount on flights for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com | Get 20% back on Alaska in-flight purchases |
What are the card rates and fees?
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Delta SkyMiles Platinum | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature |
Annual Fee* | $350 | $95 |
Interest Rates* | 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR for purchases; see rates and fees* | 20.74% to 28.74% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
*Delta SkyMiles Platinum rates and fees.
Airline cards dos and don'ts
As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, the top annual fee of $350 should be offset if you travel enough to benefit from card perks.
Reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely. However, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to meet the required spending amount for a given offer.
If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.
Other travel cards to consider
- Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches $1,050 Bonus Offer
- Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth over $650
- Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic DreamHere's how to retire in Finland as a US retiree. It's ideal for those who value natural beauty, low crime and good healthcare.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and FriendsWhat starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement SavingsThinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid OffLife insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
-
7 Rules Frequent Flyers Swear ByFrom dodging long lines to avoiding bad coffee, these clever travel rules can help you save time, stay healthy and reduce stress every time you fly.
-
My Professional Advice: When It Comes to Money, You Do YouThis is how embracing the 'letting others be' and 'learning to surrender' mindsets can improve your relationship with money.
-
Five Smart Moves for Retirement Healthcare: From HSAs to Medigap PoliciesUnchecked health care costs in retirement could blow a hole in your savings. Here’s how to avoid that.
-
Capital One Venture X Lounge Access Rules Are Changing – What Cardholders Should Do NowYour Capital One Venture X lounge access perks won’t be quite as generous as they used to be. Here’s what’s changing.
