Best Cash Back Cards for Flights
Cash back cards ranked by effective return rate on flights purchases.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Flights, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Top Pick
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase
5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +No annual fee. Other listed credits: DoorDash (up to $10/qtr). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
MASTERCARDCore Rate
5.0¢
per dollar on flights
No annual fee
Welcome: $200 cash back
Runner-Up
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +5% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
- +$200 cash back bonus (~$200 value)
VISACore Rate
5.0¢
per dollar on flights
No annual fee
Welcome: $200 cash back
Also Great
U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card
U.S. Bank
4% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +4% cash back on Flights booked through the required portal
- +No annual fee. Other listed credits: $20 annual statement credit (up to $20/yr). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
VISACore Rate
4.0¢
per dollar on flights
No annual fee
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Applicable Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5% cash back Flights | 5.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| Chase Freedom UnlimitedChase | 5% cash back Flights | 5.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| U.S. Bank Shield Visa CardU.S. Bank | 4% cash back Flights | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| The AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®Barclays | 3% cash back Flights | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| TD Cash Credit CardTD Bank | 3% cash back Travel | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardU.S. Bank | 5% cash back Travel | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit CardBank of America | 3% cash back Travel | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Costco Anywhere Visa Card by CitiCiti | 3% cash back Travel | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| SoFi Everyday Cash RewardsSoFi | 3% cash back Travel | 1.8¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| SoFi Unlimited 2%SoFi | 3% cash back Travel | 1.8¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
More Options
#4The AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®No fee
3.0¢/$
#5TD Cash Credit CardNo fee
3.0¢/$
#6U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardNo fee
3.0¢/$
#7Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit CardNo fee
3.0¢/$
#8Costco Anywhere Visa Card by CitiNo fee
3.0¢/$
#9SoFi Everyday Cash RewardsNo fee
1.8¢/$
#10SoFi Unlimited 2%No fee
1.8¢/$
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Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
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