For frequent flyers, choosing the right credit card is key to earning valuable rewards and enjoying travel perks. Airline miles credit cards are designed to help you earn miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits. In the USA, there are numerous options available, each offering unique benefits that suit different travel habits. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a jetsetter, the best airline miles credit cards can make your travel experience more rewarding and cost-effective.
Why Choose an Airline Miles Credit Card?
Airline miles credit cards come with a variety of perks designed to enhance your travel experience:
- Earning Miles: Every purchase you make helps you accumulate airline miles, which can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.
- Bonus Miles: Many airline miles cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses, often providing enough miles for a round-trip flight.
- Travel Perks: These cards often come with additional benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, airport lounge access, and more.
- Flexibility: Some cards are affiliated with specific airlines, while others are part of a broader rewards program that allows you to transfer points to multiple airline partners.
In this article, we’ll explore the best airline miles credit cards for USA travelers in 2025, each offering unique features that make them stand out.
Best Airline Miles Credit Cards for 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
While not directly tied to an airline, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best all-around options for travelers who want to earn miles and points with maximum flexibility. The card earns 2x points on travel and dining and 1x point on all other purchases. The points earned can be transferred to a wide range of airline partners through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, making it an excellent choice for frequent flyers.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).
Key Highlights:
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 60,000-point sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible points transfer to top airlines (like United, Southwest, and more)
2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
For those who frequently fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers excellent benefits. This card allows you to earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets. Additionally, you get a great sign-up bonus and the ability to earn miles toward Medallion Status.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Key Highlights:
- 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
- 70,000 miles sign-up bonus
3. United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card is one of the best choices for those loyal to United Airlines. This card allows you to earn 2x miles on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel. You’ll also enjoy premium travel perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and two one-time passes to United Club℠ airport lounges each year.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Key Highlights:
- 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- Free first checked bag and priority boarding on United flights
- Two United Club one-time passes per year
- 60,000 miles sign-up bonus
4. American Airlines AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The American Airlines AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is ideal for travelers who prefer flying American Airlines. This card earns 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, at restaurants, and at gas stations. Cardholders also enjoy a range of travel perks, such as free checked bags, preferred boarding, and discounts on inflight purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months.
Key Highlights:
- 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas stations
- Free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on domestic flights
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- 50,000 miles sign-up bonus
5. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
For travelers on the West Coast, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card is a great option. With this card, you earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1x mile on all other purchases. Additionally, you’ll receive a range of benefits, including a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a sign-up bonus that can help you get closer to a free flight.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 70,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Key Highlights:
- 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases
- Free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 companions
- 70,000 miles sign-up bonus
- Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights
6. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
If you’re loyal to Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers a great way to earn miles toward free flights and rewards. Cardholders earn 2x points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases, along with 1x point on all other purchases. Southwest offers a unique program where your points can be redeemed for both flights and vacation packages.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Key Highlights:
- 2x points on Southwest purchases and hotel/car rental partner purchases
- 40,000 points sign-up bonus
- 3,000 points on your account anniversary each year
- No blackout dates on Southwest flights
7. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a luxury card with significant travel rewards, including the ability to earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. These points can be transferred to a wide variety of airline partners, providing flexibility and value. Plus, the card offers numerous travel perks such as airport lounge access, concierge service, and travel insurance.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Key Highlights:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel
- Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- 100,000 points sign-up bonus
- Extensive travel and purchase protection benefits
Tips for Maximizing Airline Miles Credit Cards
1. Meet the Minimum Spending Requirement
To unlock the sign-up bonus, make sure to meet the minimum spending requirement within the specified time frame. Plan your spending wisely to reach this threshold without going over budget.
2. Take Advantage of Airline Partners
Many airline miles credit cards offer the ability to transfer points to a range of airline partners. This can help you get more value out of your miles by allowing you to book flights with multiple airlines or upgrade to better seating.
3. Use Airline Credit Cards for Frequent Purchases
Maximize your miles by using the airline credit card for all purchases related to travel, such as booking flights, hotel stays, and rental cars. Many cards offer bonus miles in these categories, helping you earn more rewards.
4. Keep Track of Expiration Dates
Some miles can expire after a certain period if there is no qualifying activity. Keep track of your miles and make sure to use them before they expire.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best airline miles credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering rewards, perks, and the ability to fly for free or at a reduced cost. Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or prefer flexibility with your points, there’s a credit card that suits your travel style. From generous sign-up bonuses to bonus miles on specific categories, these cards can help you reach your travel goals faster and more efficiently in 2025.