Airlines merchants: where each card earns
Browse 36 merchants and sub-categories, then see which cards earn the most at each brand.
36 merchantsBy CardRewards.ai EditorialData as of November 13, 2026
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
Airlines groups 36 merchants — including the brands most readers ask about. Browse sub-categories and brands first; Chase Sapphire Reserve is the current top pick at 14.4¢ per dollar, with a $795 annual fee.
Top 5 cards for Airlines
- 1Chase Sapphire ReserveChase8x Ultimate Rewards on Flights booked through the required portal · $795 annual fee
- 2Chase Sapphire Preferred CardChase5x Ultimate Rewards on Flights booked through the required portal · $95 annual fee
- 3The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express5x Membership Rewards on Flights · $895 annual fee
- 4Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One5x Capital One Miles on Flights booked through the required portal · $395 annual fee
- 5Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo4x Wells Fargo Rewards on Flights booked direct · $95 annual fee
Top brands across Airlines
Other categories like Airlines
Frequently asked
- What credit card has the highest cash back on airlines?
- Chase Sapphire Reserve ranks #1 in our scoring for airlines at 14.4¢ per dollar — $795 annual fee. The ranking factors in earn rate, welcome offer value, and redemption flexibility, net of the fee.
- Are there no-annual-fee cards good for airlines?
- Yes — Chase Freedom Flex earns 5.0¢ per dollar on airlines with no annual fee. It's the highest-ranking no-fee card in our scoring for this category.
- How are these cards ranked?
- Effective value per dollar — earn rate × points value (cents per point), plus amortized welcome offer value and credit offsets, net of the annual fee. Numbers reflect typical redemptions, not best-case outliers.
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