Best Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags
Airline cards that save $35-70+ per round trip with complimentary checked luggage.
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 this category. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
United Quest Card
Chase
- +Free First and Second Checked Bags
- +Up to 90,000 miles bonus in stages (~$800 value counts the first 80,000 miles)
- +Est. $448.98/yr in usable credits could cover the $350 fee — actual value depends on use and eligibility
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
American Express
- +First Checked Bag Free
- +Est. $290/yr in usable credits could cover the $150 fee — actual value depends on use and eligibility
FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard
Barclays
- +FREE CHECKED BAGS
- +50,000 miles bonus (~$500 value)
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Quest CardChase | 1x MileagePlus | 1.0¢/$ | $350 | $448.98 | visa |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express CardAmerican Express | 1x SkyMiles | 1.0¢/$ | $150 | $290 | amex |
| FRONTIER Airlines World MastercardBarclays | 1x Frontier Miles | 1.0¢/$ | $99 | — | mastercard |
| JetBlue Premier CardBarclays | 1x TrueBlue | 1.0¢/$ | $499 | $556 | mastercard |
| United Gateway CardChase | 1x MileagePlus | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Aeroplan® CardChase | 1x Aeroplan | 1.0¢/$ | $195 | $65 | mastercard |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit CardChase | 1x Rapid Rewards | 1.0¢/$ | $99 | $60 | visa |
| United Explorer CardChase | 1x MileagePlus | 1.0¢/$ | $150 | $160 | visa |
| Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MastercardCiti | 1x AAdvantage | 1.0¢/$ | $99 | $90 | mastercard |
| Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature CardBank of America | 1x Atmos Rewards | 1.1¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
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