Do you want to travel more on a budget? The best credit card for airline miles are exactly what you need to earn miles and enjoy exclusive benefits on your next trips.
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We have selected the best credit card for airline miles options and we will detail the points you can accumulate, the welcome offers, the annual fees and the advantages of each card, so that you can choose the perfect alternative for your traveler profile.
In a few minutes, you will literally understand everything about the best credit card for airline miles available, and you can decide with peace of mind.
1. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ (Best credit card for airline miles)

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is an option for those seeking travel benefits through the accumulation of points. The points work as follows:
- 5x points in hotels
- 4x on airlines
- 3x on other types of trips and restaurants
- 1x on other purchases.
In addition, there is an initial bonus of 60,000 points (equivalent to $600 in travel credit) when you spend $4,000 in the first three months.
However, to take advantage of these benefits, it is important to be aware of the annual fee of US$ 95 and also to be aware of the variable APR, which can reach 29.24%.
Furthermore, to obtain this card it is necessary to have a credit score considered good to excellent, between 690 and 850 points. Your score is bad and you see that you can’t get that card? If this is your case, understand how managing debt and credit scores.
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The card offers protections for travelers, such as:
- Insurance against trip cancellation;
- Luggage cover;
- Cell phone protection;
- Waiver of damage on vehicle rental.
However, there are limitations such as the absence of domestic transfer partners and the non-refund of the TSA PreCheck fee can weigh on some profiles.
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2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Choosing the ideal credit card is difficult, especially for those who want to accumulate points and plan trips more economically.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an option for those who fly frequently on Southwest Airlines.
Especially because, with it, you accumulate 3x points on purchases made at the airline, in addition to 2x points on local transport, mobility services and streaming platforms. The other purchases yield 1x point per dollar.
The welcome offer is attractive, earning 50,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months.
In addition to 7,500 annual points as a birthday bonus. There’s also a $75 annual credit for Southwest tickets, helping offset the $149 annual fee.
However, we recommend that you carefully evaluate your travel objectives before applying for it, as the card does not offer a fee waiver for the first year and the company has limited international reach.
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® (Best credit card for airline miles)
Before choosing the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, you should understand how it fits into your travel profile and financial planning.
At first, the card has a very interesting points program managing to receive:
- 3x for purchases on Alaska Airlines;
- 2x for spending on local transportation, gas stations, streaming services, and electric vehicle chargers;
- 1x for other purchases.
In addition, there is an initial bonus of 60,000 miles and a 30% discount on a flight, when spending US$ 3,000 in the first three months.
However, the card charges an annual fee of US$ 95 from the first year and does not cover all US states, which may prevent the request.
4. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a smart choice, especially for those who frequently fly with American Airlines.
Firstly, it can accumulate; 2x miles on expenses with the airline, restaurants and gas stations, in addition to 1x mile on other purchases.
In addition, for each mile purchased, you will earn 1 Loyalty Point, which contributes to advancement in the company’s status categories.
It is worth mentioning that the card also offers benefits that favor comfort when traveling, the main ones are:
- Free checked baggage for up to five people from the same booking;
- Priority boarding;
- Exemption from fees in international transactions.
In addition, the annual fee of US$ 99 is exempt for the first year, making the card even more attractive.
5. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (Best credit card for airline miles)
Before opting for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, it is essential to evaluate the company’s benefits and requirements. Let’s look at all the details about it now.
Initially, know that you’ll earn 2x miles on purchases at Delta, U.S. grocery stores and restaurants around the world (including U.S. delivery), and 1x mile for other spending.
You can still earn 50,000 miles by spending $2,000 in the first six months.
In addition, the annual fee is free in the first year and, from the second year onwards, it is US$ 150 (per year) an important point to consider.
Above all, you will have a 5% discount on the redemption of miles for tickets via the Delta website or app, US$ 200 in flight credit when you reach US$ 10,000 in annual spending, priority boarding and free checked baggage.
6. The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is an interesting option for those who travel frequently on United Airlines. Its main benefit is the points, with it you get:
- 2x miles on purchases with United®, restaurants and accommodations made directly with hotels;
- 1x mile on other expenses.
As soon as you join, the card offers 80,000 bonus miles upon meeting a minimum spend (not disclosed). In addition to exemption from the annuity in the first year – which becomes US$ 150 from the second.
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for offering flexibility and high point value. As a rule, you may accumulate:
- 5x points on trips purchased via Chase Travel℠;
- 3x points in restaurants, streaming services and online supermarkets;
- 2x points on other travel expenses;
- 1x point on other purchases.
In addition, there is an initial bonus of 100,000 points when spending $5,000 in the first three months, which can earn you up to $1,250 on trips.
The card also offers some advantages related to account security, the main ones being:
- Insurance for trip cancellation and vehicle rental;
- $50 credit on hotel bookings made via Chase Travel℠;
- Free access to DashPass for food delivery.
Although it does not offer priority boarding or free checked baggage, the card is a great option, mainly because of the bonus and the wide variety of points offered.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card to accumulate airline miles will completely change your travel experience, bringing more savings, practicality and even comfort on flights.
By analyzing the points you accumulate, the welcome offers, the annual fees and the extra benefits, you can make your decision.
Here’s the tip! Before applying, always evaluate your spending, your favorite airlines, and your travel goals. Thus, the right card can be an ally to travel more, spending much less.