best air miles credit cards, cc

Best air miles, travel rewards credit cards 2012.
Top airlines credit cards with bonus miles, points and free flights.


Some credit card companies are offering unique reward programs that let you earn air miles redeemable for flights in US and even internationally. You usually earn one mile for every dollar you spend using your credit card. The best of these offers allow you to pay for flights with your miles on ANY airline with no blackout dates. On the list below you can find travel rewards credit cards from Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Choose the best air miles and travel rewards credit card and apply via online secure application.

Best airlines travel rewards credit cards

British Airways Visa Signature Card®
by Chase

  • You will get 50,000 bonus Avios after your first purchase
  • 25,000 bonus Avios after you make $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening
  • Plus an additional 25,000 bonus Avios after you make an additional $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening
  • That's enough Avios for one roundtrip business class reward ticket
  • New: Smart Chip Technology allows you to use your card for chip based purchases in Europe & beyond, while still giving you the ability to use your card as you do today at home.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
  • In addition to the bonus, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 15.24% Variable 15.24% Variable Point $95 Excellent

United MileagePlus® Explorer
by Chase
United Millage credit card review
  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free, a $95 value*
  • First checked bag is free for you and a companion when you fly United flights, up to a $50 value
  • Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges
  • Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value
  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United and 1 mile per $1 for everything else
  • Your miles don't expire and there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 15.24% Variable 15.24% Variable Miles $95 Excellent

Gold Delta SkyMiles(R) Credit Card from American Express
by American Express
Amex Gold Delat Sky Miles review
  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • Check your first bag FREE — for up to 9 people on your reservation — on every Delta flight
  • Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent
  • Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 15.24% - 19.24% Variable 15.24% - 19.24% Variable Miles $0 for the first year, $95 after that Excellent

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card – FREE FLIGHT
by Chase

  • NOW! Earn a FREE FLIGHT after your first purchase
  • Get 3,000 Points every year on your Card member Anniversary - that can be redeemed for a $50 Wanna Get Away® Fare
  • Now you can redeem for International Travel, Hotels, Gift Cards and more.
  • Earn unlimited FREE FLIGHTS - 2 Points per $1 Spent on Southwest Purchases and 1 Point per $1 Spent on EVERYTHING else
  • Your Bags Fly FREE! No Blackout Dates, Points Don't Expire, and Unlimited Reward Seats!
  • No Change fees - if you need to change your flight, you won't be charged a fee
  • September 11th Security Fee Applies
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 15.24% 15.24% Point $69 Excellent

Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 15.24% N/A* Miles $85* Excellent

Best travel reward credit cards with 2X miles/points

Escape by Discover® Card
by Discover
DiscoverEscape Discover Escapre review
  • Earn up to $250 in travel rewards--1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first 25 months
  • Double Miles on every $1 you spend
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 16.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
  • Travel Insurance benefits, including primary car rental, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, and trip cancellation when you book with your Escape by Discover card
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% for 6 months 10.99% - 16.99% Variable 0% for 6 months Miles $60 Excellent

Chase Sapphire PreferredSM
by Chase
Chase Sapphire Preffered review
  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $500 toward travel rewards!
  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate Rewards(SM)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned - even on points already redeemed
  • 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs
  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime
  • No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 15.24% Variable 15.24% Variable Point $0 first year, $95 after that Excellent

Best air miles and travel rewards deals with no annual fee

Miles by Discover® Card
by Discover
DiscoverMiles Discover Miles review
  • Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles with every $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months – up to 20,000 Bonus Miles
  • 1 Mile on every $1 you spend - Plus flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable purchase APR of 10.99% - 15.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Travel benefits include secondary collision damage insurance when you rent a car with your Miles by Discover card
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A 10.99%-15.99% (V)* 0% for 12 months Miles $0 Excellent

Blue Sky from American Express(SM)
by American Express
Amex Blue Sky review
  • 7,500 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within 3 months – redeemable for a $100 statement credit.
  • No annual fee.
  • Travel rewards with no blackout dates or travel restrictions. Redeem with any airline, any car rental, any hotel – anytime.
  • Pay your bill all at once, or over time. It's up to you.
  • Blue Savings Program®: big deals on big brands, all the time.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.

Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% for 12 months 17.24% - 22.24% Variable 17.24% - 22.24% Variable Point $0 Good - Excellent

Best travel reward credit cards with 3X points on airfare

American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
by American Express
Amex Premier Rewards Gold review
  • Membership Rewards® bonus: 25K points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $250, when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of card membership.
  • Membership Rewards® points multiply fast! Earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, 1X points on everything else.
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Destinations and events – Enjoy special travel packages and amenities at hotels worldwide, as well as select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more, nationwide.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A* N/A* N/A* Point $0 for the first year, $175 after that Excellent

Best VIP benefits travel credit cards

PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card
by Pentagon Federal Credit Union
  • No annual fee
  • 5x points on airfare purchases and 1x points on all other purchases
  • 20,000 bonus points upon spending $650 in the first 3 months
  • Complimentary concierge service
  • Exceptional travel offers and discounts
  • VIP airport lounge access with $15,000 in annual spend
  • You must be a Pentagon Federal Credit Union member to apply. Not a member? It’s easy to join. Click here to learn more.
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 13.99% V* 4.99% for 24 months* Point $0 Excellent

The Platinum Card® from American Express
by American Express
Amex Platinum card review
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership.
  • Global Travel Benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in-flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of those points back every time.
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A* N/A* N/A* Point $450 Excellent

Visa® Black Card™
by Barclays Bank Delaware
Visa Black review Visa® Black Card review
  • Limited Membership
  • 24-Hour Concierge Service
  • Unlimited VIP airport lounge visits
  • Exclusive rewards program; 1% cash back or airfare on any airline - no blackouts or restrictions
  • Luxury gifts
  • Accepted globally; zero liability protection against unauthorized purchases
  • Made with carbon, not just another piece of plastic
Intro Purchase APR Regular APR Balance Transfer APR Type of Reward Annual Fee Credit Needed
None 14.99% 0% for 15 billing cycles Cash back $495 Excellent





The article was updated on 4/13/2012. Some information may have changed since that date. We strongly suggest that you carefully read the Terms and Conditions statement that accompanies credit card applications.

Best Credit Cards Online has financial relationships with some of the cards mentioned here, and Best Credit Cards Online may be compensated if consumers choose to apply for these links in the content, and ultimately sign up for them. We are not compensated for the positive reviews.


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