Posted by We have taken out time to thoroughly research and compile a list of the Best Credit Cards for Free Flights. Our passion is to give you and your company the best business tips, ideas, consultancy and strategic business reviews that will help your business reach its biggest height. As we all know big business owners travel a lot to engage with partners across the globe. We have put together this mouthwatering blog post to help you plan and reduce the cost of your flight by acquiring any of the credit cards we are going to discuss below. Free flight credit cards,
Why Choose a Credit Card for Free Flights?
Before going into the specifics, it is important to understand why you might need a credit card focused on free flights. These cards come with generous sign-up bonuses, rewards points on everyday purchases, and exclusive travel incentives like lounge access, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. Similarly, using these cards strategically, you can accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights, significantly reducing your travel expenses for a long time. Businessanthem
Credit Cards for Free Flights in 2024
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- You will earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 2x points on travel and dining, 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee of $95
- No foreign transaction fees, travel protection, and access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for easy point redemption.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is regarded as one of the best Credit Cards For Free Flights for all-around travel rewards cards on the market. With its generous sign-up bonus and high earning potential on travel and dining, it appeals to frequent travellers and foodies alike. The points earned can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, including United, Southwest, and British Airways, offering tremendous flexibility. Furthermore, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal allows you to book travel directly, often at a higher redemption value.
The card also offers extensive travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and lost luggage reimbursement. These features can provide peace of mind when travelling, knowing you are covered in case of unexpected events.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- This card offers 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- 2x miles on every purchase.
- Annual Fee of $95
- No foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the Best Credit Cards For Free Flights, an ideal for travellers who want a simple yet powerful rewards program. The 2x miles on every purchase means you don’t have to worry about rotating categories or special spending requirements. This flat-rate earning structure ensures you are always maximizing your reward potential.
One of the standout features of this card is the flexibility in redeeming miles. You can use them to book travel directly through Capital One’s portal or erase travel purchases from your statement, making it easy to find flights that fit your schedule and preferences. The ability to transfer miles to travel partners adds another layer of versatility, allowing you to find the best redemption value.
The card’s travel benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees and travel accident insurance, make it a reliable companion for international travel. The $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can also enhance your travel experience by speeding up your time through airport security.
American Express® Gold Card
- American Express offers 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months.
- 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x points on other purchases.
- Annual Fee of $250
- $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees.
The American Express® Gold Card stands out amongst the Best Credit Cards For Free Flights for its exceptional rewards on dining and supermarket purchases. For those who frequently dine out or shop for groceries, this card can quickly accumulate a significant number of points. The 4x points on dining and supermarkets can add up, especially if you hit the $25,000 annual cap on supermarket spending.
Membership Rewards® points are highly valued due to their flexibility. They can be transferred to numerous airline partners, including Delta, British Airways, and Emirates, allowing you to find the best deals on flights. This transferability can be particularly valuable for international travel, where finding the best redemption options can save you thousands of dollars.
This card also provides valuable travel and dining credits. The $120 dining credit can be used at select restaurants, while the $100 airline fee credit can cover incidental airline charges. These credits help offset the card’s annual fee, making it a more economical choice for frequent travellers and food enthusiasts.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- This card offers 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
- 2x miles at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases, 1x mile on other purchases.
- Annual Fee of $99 (waived for the first 12 months)
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, preferred boarding, and no foreign transaction fees.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. The sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles is a substantial incentive and can be enough for a round-trip flight within the continental U.S. The 2x miles on gas, dining, and American Airlines purchases provide additional earning opportunities in everyday spending categories.
One of the most valuable incentives of this premium card is the free checked bag on domestic flights. This benefit alone can save you up to $60 per round trip. Preferred boarding ensures you get on the plane earlier, giving you access to overhead bin space and allowing you to settle in comfortably.
The waived annual fee for the first year makes this card an attractive option for new cardholders and frequent travellers. This gives you the chance to test out the benefits without an initial financial commitment. For loyal American Airlines customers, this card offers a combination of earning potential and travel incentives that can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- This card offers you 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1x points on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee of $149
- $75 Southwest travel credit each year, 7,500-anniversary points, four upgraded boardings per year, and 20% back on in-flight purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is perfect for travellers who prefer flying with Southwest Airlines. The sign-up bonus of 40,000 points is relatively easy to achieve and can be redeemed for multiple short-haul flights. The 3x points on Southwest purchases and 2x points on local transit and commuting expenses make it easy to accumulate points quickly.
The $75 Southwest travel credit helps offset the annual fee, making this card more pleasurable and affordable. The 7,500-anniversary points you receive each year can be enough for a one-way flight, adding significant value to the card. Additionally, the four upgraded boardings per year can enhance your travel experience by giving you early access to preferred seating.
Southwest’s unique policies, such as no change fees and free checked bags, combined with the card’s benefits, make this an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers who value flexibility and convenience.
Additional Credit Cards to Consider
While the above cards are among the best for earning free flights, there are other options worth considering based on your specific travel needs and spending habits:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- This card offers 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
- 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets; 1x mile on all other purchases.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- First checked bag free, priority boarding, 20% savings on in-flight purchases.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers, offering valuable incentives such as a free checked bag and priority boarding. The 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and supermarkets make it easy to earn miles on everyday expenses.
United Explorer Card
- You will earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays; 1x mile on all other purchases.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- First checked bag free, priority boarding, two United Club passes per year.
The United Explorer Card offers a substantial sign-up bonus and valuable travel incentives for United Airlines passengers. The first checked bag free and priority boarding can enhance your travel experience, while the two United Club passes provide access to airport lounges.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards
- Ensure you can comfortably meet the spending requirements to earn the sign-up bonus without overspending.
- Maximize your rewards by using the card for routine expenses like groceries, dining, and gas.
- Transfer points to airline partners to take advantage of better redemption rates and availability.
- Focus your spending on the card’s bonus categories to earn points faster.
- Keep an eye out for special promotions and offers that can boost your earning potential.
- Regularly check your statements and rewards balance to ensure you’re maximizing your benefits and not missing out on any opportunities.
- Some rewards programs allow you to pool points with family
- Many airlines have online shopping portals where you can earn extra miles on purchases made through their links.
- Redeeming points for free flights often requires flexibility, and booking early can give you better options and availability.
- Evaluate whether the benefits of a card outweigh its annual fee. Often, the perks and rewards can justify the cost, but it’s essential to do the math.
Choosing the right credit card for free flights can significantly enhance your travel experiences and save you money. Each card offers unique benefits and reward structures, so consider your spending habits and travel preferences when making your decision. With the right card, you’ll be well on your way to earning free flights and exploring new destinations.