CardRewardsEditorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.
Ranked by effective value per dollar at airlines-related merchants.
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. The Platinum Card from American Express ranks #1 here at 9.0¢ per dollar, with a $895 annual fee. The list below orders cards by net value to you, factoring in welcome offers, redemption value, and ongoing rewards.
Amex
Ranked by effective value per dollar at airlines-related merchants.
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. The Platinum Card from American Express ranks #1 here at 9.0¢ per dollar, with a $895 annual fee. The list below orders cards by net value to you, factoring in welcome offers, redemption value, and ongoing rewards.
Amex
Ranked by effective value per dollar at airlines-related merchants.
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. The Platinum Card from American Express ranks #1 here at 9.0¢ per dollar, with a $895 annual fee. The list below orders cards by net value to you, factoring in welcome offers, redemption value, and ongoing rewards.
Amex
Capital One
Chase
Wells Fargo
Chase
All 10 cards ranked by effective value per dollar.
| Card | Flights Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmex | 5x Membership Rewards | 9.0¢/$ | $895 | $697.50 | amex |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Venture Miles | 9.3¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $518 | visa |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 4x Wells Fargo Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | $30 | mastercard |
| Quicksilver Secured RewardsCapital One | 5% cash back | 5.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.5¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| American Express Green CardAmex | 3x Membership Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature CardUsbank | 4x Usbank Altitude Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $495 | $100 | mastercard |
Want to filter by spend amount, network, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Capital One
Chase
Wells Fargo
Chase
All 10 cards ranked by effective value per dollar.
| Card | Flights Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmex | 5x Membership Rewards | 9.0¢/$ | $895 | $697.50 | amex |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Venture Miles | 9.3¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $518 | visa |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 4x Wells Fargo Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | $30 | mastercard |
| Quicksilver Secured RewardsCapital One | 5% cash back | 5.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.5¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| American Express Green CardAmex | 3x Membership Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature CardUsbank | 4x Usbank Altitude Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $495 | $100 | mastercard |
Want to filter by spend amount, network, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Capital One
Chase
Wells Fargo
Chase
All 10 cards ranked by effective value per dollar.
| Card | Flights Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmex | 5x Membership Rewards | 9.0¢/$ | $895 | $697.50 | amex |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Venture Miles | 9.3¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $518 | visa |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 4x Wells Fargo Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | $30 | mastercard |
| Quicksilver Secured RewardsCapital One | 5% cash back | 5.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.5¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| American Express Green CardAmex | 3x Membership Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature CardUsbank | 4x Usbank Altitude Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.0¢/$ | $495 | $100 | mastercard |
Want to filter by spend amount, network, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →