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Choosing and Using the Right Airline Reward Credit Cards

You may have already experienced the benefits of airline reward credit cards. They help save you more for every flight you take. As the basic idea of most airline reward credit cards is allowing you to earn points and redeem for your next vacation, you gain more if you are a frequent flier. And you savvy travelers must know that there are basically two types of airline reward credit cards: airline-sponsored credit cards and bank sponsored credit cards.

If you have a dominant airline in your region, you can make the most of your money from these airline-sponsored credit cards. They are designed to gain customer loyalty and reward them by many means. In this case, you should consider your brand loyalty before applying such kind of credit card. If you consistently fly with certain airlines, these will benefit you with bonus miles, free airline tickets and extra class upgrades, etc.

As customer loyalty is always priceless, almost every major airlines offer their own credit cards. Here, we list some examples for your consideration.

United Airlines Mileage Signature Visa Card

• The first year is free for you to use (a $60 value).
• After you spend $250, new customers get 25,000 bonus.
• You earn 1 mile per $1 spent, up to 60,000 per calendar year.
• Other features include no pre-set spending limit, travel accident insurance, up to $3,000 lost luggage insurance and so on. Some airline companies even offer term life insurance that provides death benefit and may also cover ground transport among others.

See Card website for additional terms and conditions.

They totally offer four versions: Mileage Plus Visa, Mileage Plus Gold Class Visa, Mileage Plus Platinum Class Visa and Mileage Plus Visa Check Card. The above are the basic benefits you will get from Mileage Plus Visa and surely you get more from the other three versions.

Delta American Express SkyMiles

• They offer no annual fee the first year and thereafter, the annual fee is $40 if you are an American Express Consumer Charge Card holder. Or, the annual fee will be $90.
• New customers gain 10,000 SkyMiles after your first purchase and earn more bonus miles by many means like staying at participating hotels, paying for premium room at participating resorts and even shopping & investing, etc.
• Every year, you fly once on any Delta service or gain miles through one of the program partners, then you can make sure those miles you've earned will never expire.

See Card website for additional terms and conditions.

British Airways Visa Signature Card

• After applying for a British Airways Visa Signature Card, you automatically become the British Airways Executive Club member.
• The annual fee is $75 and after a 4.9% five-month introductory APR, a 13.99% variable APR will be charged.
• They generously offer 15,000 bonus BA Miles at your first use of this card.
• You earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on BA purchases and 1 mile for $1 everywhere else. These miles are unlimited.
• Also with this British Airways Visa Signature Card, you enjoy many kinds of special discounts.

See Card website for additional terms and conditions.

Bank-sponsored airline credit cards or just generic airline credit cards are more flexible. They can be used on many airline companies and the rewards are usually more than just miles. If you are a frequent flier who don't focus on certain airlines, a bank-sponsored airline credit card is your better choice.

The following is a selection of the most recommended bank-sponsored airline credit cards to give you an idea before your application. Do not apply in haste. Make sure you fully understand the terms and requirements.

Capital One No Hassle Miles (SM) Rewards - Excellent Credit

• To top Capital One No Hassle Miles (SM) Rewards - Excellent Credit here, it has no annual fee as many of you just hate to pay annually. The APR for purchase or transfer is 13.9%.
• You earn 1.25 miles for every $1 spent on purchases, about 25% more than regular mile credit cards. And there is no limit to the miles you can gain and neither do they expire.
• Redeeming your miles by phone or online is also convenient. The mean of redeeming is in your choice. You can choose to fly for free on the next travel, turn it to cash for next purchase or donate your miles for charity, etc.

See Card website for additional terms and conditions.

Blue Sky Card by American Express

• Blue Sky Card by American Express is another airline reward credit card without annual fee. And for up to 12months, there is no Intro APR.
• You earn one point for every $1 spent. Redeem points for airline tickets, hotels, cruise or car rental and feel free to make reservations.
• This unique credit card also allows you to travel anytime as there is no blackout dates or restrictions.
• Another benefit is that your earned miles have no limit and neither do they expire.

See Card website for additional terms and conditions.

Citi Premier Pass MasterCard

• Here is another no-annual-free airline credit card. And the annual interest rate of Citi Premier Pass MasterCard is 11.99%.
• After $300 in purchases, you earn 10,000 bonus ThankYou Points. With Citi Premier Pass MasterCard you also earn 1 point for $1 spent on certain purchases or 3 miles you fly or anyone else who fly on certain airlines.
• You can redeem points for flight tickets, booking hotels, car rentals, gift cards and more.
• They also offer no blackout dates so you can travel whenever you want.

See Card website for additional terms and conditions.