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Best Credit Cards for Airlines 2026

Updated February 16, 2026·CardStack Data Team
Quick Answer

The best credit card for airlines in 2026 is the American Express® Gold Card ($325/yr annual fee). We compared 10 cards across rewards rates, fees, and benefits to find the top picks.

Top 10 Cards Compared
#CardFeeRateBonusNetwork
#1American Express® Gold Card
AMERICAN_EXPRESS		$3251.0X60,000 pointsvisa
#2Frontier Airlines World
BARCLAYS		$891.0XN/Avisa
#3Hawaiian Airlines World Elite
BARCLAYS		$991.0XN/Avisa
#4Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business
BARCLAYS		$991.0XN/Avisa
#5LATAM Airlines
FIRST		$01.0XN/Avisa
#6LATAM Airlines World Elite
FIRST		$991.0XN/Avisa
#7Platinum
AMERICAN_EXPRESS		$8951.0XUp to 175,000 pointsvisa
#8Sapphire Preferred
CHASE		$951.0X75,000 pointsvisa
#9Sapphire Reserve
CHASE		$7951.0X125,000 pointsvisa
#10Venture X
CAPITAL_ONE		$3951.0X75,000 milesvisa
RelatedAmerican Express® Gold Card vs Frontier Airlines World·American Express® Gold Card Review·Frontier Airlines World Review·Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Review·Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business Review·LATAM Airlines Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for airlines in 2026?
Based on our analysis of 10 cards, the top pick for airlines is the American Express® Gold Card with a $325/yr fee.
How did you choose the best airlines credit cards?
We analyze data from 35+ verified sources including official card terms, rewards rates, annual fees, and benefits. Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence.
Are there no-annual-fee options for airlines?
Yes, many airlines cards come with no annual fee. Check the fee column in our comparison table above to find $0/yr options.
How often are these rankings updated?
Our rankings are updated regularly as card terms change. Last verified: February 16, 2026.
This ranking draws on data from 35+ independent sources. Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence on placement. Last verified on February 16, 2026. Full methodology: cardstack.co/methodology.