Airline Credit Cards

Its quite a number of years now since airlines introduced their first frequent flyer programs. However, a more recent development is the introduction or airline credit cards that allow you to build up those miles even faster, even if you don't often fly on any particular airline.

How Airline Credit Cards Work

Most airline credit cards are linked to their frequent flyer programs. These allow you to earn miles each time you fly as well of for other services such as hotel stays.

You can also earn miles when you use your credit card. The most common rate is to get 1 mile for every $1 spent on the card, although you may find that cards often have special offers to receive bonus miles.

These miles can then be used to get free flights with the associated airline and or often with a number of partner airlines. As an example, flights within the US usually start at around 25,000 miles for an economy ticket. You should remember that if there are any additional fees or taxes associated with the ticket, you will usually have to pay these on top of the frequent flyer mileage you use.

Other Miles Credit Cards

A number of banks and credit card issuers are also now offering miles cards that can be used on a wider number of airlines. We talk about and give comparisons of these on our Travel Rewards Credit Cards page.

Are Airline Miles Cards Worth It?

Most airlines credit cards charge an annual fee and this might lead you to ask if they are worth it. It can really depend on what you plan on using your miles for and how often you use your card.

If you don't put much on your credit card each month, it could take a long time to save up enough miles even for a short flight. This can mean that with the annual fee each year you're not really saving much money by using the card.

If, on the other hand you use your card a lot, the miles can quickly add up and you can be getting those free flights in no time.

Also consider the cost of the tickets you might purchase compared to the amount you have to spend. For example, to get a free flight costing 25,000 miles, you will probably have to spend around $25,000 to get those miles. If you compare it to say a cash back credit card that gives you 1% cash back the same $25,000 spend would earn you $250 - is the flight you intend to use the miles for worth more than that $250?

It can often be a better deal if you plan to use your miles for business or first class tickets. These often use only twice the number of miles as an economy ticket, but the value is much higher.