Best Credit Cards for Earning Free Flights
At a Glance
In a world where wanderlust knows no bounds, the idea of traveling for free might sound too good to be true. However, with the strategic use of credit cards, you can unlock a world of possibilities for free flights and other travel perks. Let’s delve into the strategies, benefits, and potential drawbacks of leveraging credit cards to travel without draining your wallet.
$380
The average cost of a round trip domestic flight in 2023.
Comparing the top credit cards for free flights
| Credit Card | Flight benefits | Welcome offer |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or transferred to various airline and hotel partners. | 60,000 bonus points |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Miles can be redeemed for travel through Capital One Travel or transferred to various airline and hotel partners. | 75,000 bonus miles |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights or transferred to select hotel and rail partners. Cardholders get a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year. | 50,000 bonus points |
| United℠ Club℠ Infinite Card | Miles can be redeemed for United flights or for flights on several Star Alliance partners. | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners. | 60,000 bonus points |
Updated as of October 2023
A closer look at the best credit cards to earn free flights
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 points on dining, online grocery, and streaming, 2 points per dollar on travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $95
Intro APR: None
Regular APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
Signup bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that can be used to earn points for free flights on a variety of airlines. The signup bonus is generous, and the annual fee is reasonable for the benefits.
Pros:
- Points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, with the potential to get multiple free flights
- Generous signup bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- $50 annual hotel credit
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95
- Rewards rate on non-travel and dining purchases is lower
Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate: 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
Annual fee: $95
Intro APR : None
Regular APR: 21.24% – 29.24% variable
Signup bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Our verdict: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another excellent all-around travel rewards card that can be used to earn miles for free flights on a variety of airlines.
Pros:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases
- Miles can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners
- Generous signup bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95
Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Rewards rate: 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, and 2 points per dollar on hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.
Annual fee: $149
Intro APR: None
Regular APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
Signup bonus: 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Our verdict: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a great option for travelers who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. Cardholders get a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year – plenty to cover the cost of a flight.
Pros:
- 7,500 anniversary points
- $75 Southwest travel credit
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee of $149
- Rewards rate on non-Southwest purchases is lower
- Points can only be redeemed for Southwest flights or transferred to a select few partners
Apply now: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
United℠ Club℠ Infinite Card
Rewards rate: 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on travel and dining purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $525
Intro APR: None
Regular APR: 21.74%–28.74% variable
Signup bonus: 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Our verdict: The United℠ Club℠ Infinite Card is a great option for travelers who frequently fly United Airlines. The United Club membership benefit easily offsets the annual fee. Plus, get free checked bags and premier travel services.
Pros:
- United Club membership, which gives you access to United Clubs worldwide and a variety of other benefits
- First and second checked bags are free for you and a companion
- Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee of $525
- Rewards rate on non-United purchases is lower
- Points can only be redeemed for United flights or transferred to a select few partners
Apply now: United℠ Club℠ Infinite Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards rate: 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining worldwide, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $550
Intro APR: None
Regular APR: 22.49%–29.49% variable
Signup bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards card that offers a variety of valuable benefits, including a generous signup bonus, a high rewards rate on travel and dining, and a $300 annual travel credit.
Pros:
- Points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners
- Generous signup bonus
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select membership
- Airport lounge access through Chase Club℠ Lounges
- Up to $1,200 in value from partner benefits, like Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
Cons:
- Annual fee of $550
- Rewards rate on non-travel and dining purchases is lower
Apply now: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
These are just a few of the best credit cards for free flights. When choosing a credit card, it’s important to consider your individual spending habits and travel goals. Be sure to compare different cards before applying to ensure you get the best deal.
How to travel for free with a credit card?
1. Unveiling the power of rewards points
Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to accumulate points with every purchase. These points can later be redeemed for various travel-related expenses, including flights, hotel stays, and rental cars. To maximize your earning potential, consider using a travel rewards credit card with bonus points for specific spending categories such as dining, travel bookings, and more.
2. Sign-up bonuses: your gateway to free travel
One of the most enticing features of certain credit cards is the sign-up bonus. These are often substantial reward points awarded to new cardholders after meeting a minimum spending requirement within a specified timeframe. By planning your larger purchases around the sign-up bonus requirements, you can quickly amass enough points for a free flight or even more.
Is an airline credit card worth it?
Airline credit cards, co-branded with specific airlines, offer unique benefits for frequent travelers. These cards usually provide perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, airport lounge access, and more. However, their actual value depends on your travel habits and preferences.
1. Assessing your travel patterns
Before diving into an airline credit card, evaluate your travel frequency and preferred airlines. If you frequently fly with a specific airline, the perks provided by their co-branded credit card might align perfectly with your needs. On the other hand, if you tend to fly with different airlines or don’t travel often, a general travel rewards credit card might offer more flexibility.
2. Weighing annual fees
Keep in mind that many airline credit cards come with annual fees. While the card’s benefits can often offset these fees, it’s important to assess whether you’ll truly take advantage of the perks provided. The annual fee might outweigh the benefits if you’re not a frequent traveler.
Learn more: Should You Get an Airlines Credit Card?
Methodology
The methodology for choosing the best credit cards for free flights is based on many factors, including:
- Rewards rate: The rewards rate is the amount of points or miles you earn per dollar spent on purchases. The higher the rewards rate, the more points or miles you can earn, and the faster you can redeem them for free flights.
- Signup bonus: Many credit cards offer a signup bonus, a large number of points or miles you earn after meeting a spending requirement in the first few months of account opening. Signup bonuses can be a great way to get a head start on earning free flights.
- Annual fee: Some credit cards charge an annual fee, while others do not. Annual fees can range from $0 to $500 or more. It’s important to weigh the benefits of a credit card against the annual fee to decide if it’s right for you.
- Transfer partners: The transfer partners of a credit card are the airlines and hotels to which you can transfer your points or miles. If you have a preferred airline or hotel, you’ll want to choose a credit card with transfer partners that interest you.
- Other benefits: Many credit cards offer other valuable benefits, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and free checked bags. When choosing a credit card, be sure to consider the other benefits that are important to you.
FAQs
Aside from credit card rewards, other strategies for earning free flights include frequent flyer programs, shopping portals, and referral bonuses. You can accumulate miles over time by signing up for airline loyalty programs and staying engaged with their promotions. Additionally, some credit cards offer shopping portals that give you bonus points for making online purchases through their platforms.
The amount you need to spend to earn free flights varies depending on the credit card and rewards structure. Sign-up bonuses often require a minimum spend within the first few months of card ownership. To achieve this spending threshold, consider using your credit card for everyday expenses, but only if you can pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Using a credit card to purchase flights can offer benefits beyond rewards points. Many credit cards provide travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and rental car insurance when you use the card to pay for travel expenses. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions of these benefits and understand any restrictions that may apply.
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