Best cards for Flights
Airfare and airline purchases.
Last updated
- 1Chase8.0%value back ⓘApply
- 2Chase8.0%value back ⓘApply
- 3BarclaysJetBlue Plus
6× points · at 1.3¢/ptcategory bonus
7.8%value back ⓘApply - 4CitiCiti Strata Elite
6× points · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus
6.0%value back ⓘApply - 5CitiCiti AAdvantage Executive
4× miles · at 1.4¢/ptcategory bonus
5.6%value back ⓘApply - 6ChaseUnited Club Infinite
4× miles · at 1.3¢/ptcategory bonus
5.2%value back ⓘApply - 7ChaseSouthwest Performance Biz
4× points · at 1.3¢/ptcategory bonus
5.2%value back ⓘApply - 8American Express5.0%value back ⓘApply
- 9Capital OneVenture X
5× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus
5.0%value back ⓘApply - 10American Express5.0%value back ⓘApply
- 11Capital OneVenture X Business
5× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus
5.0%value back ⓘApply - 12BarclaysFrontier Mastercard
5× miles · at 1.0¢/ptcategory bonus
5.0%value back ⓘApply
“Value back” = earn rate × the card's baseline point value (cpp) — a conservative, like-for-like estimate. Transferable points (Amex, Chase, Capital One) are often worth more than baseline. Category bonuses may be capped; see each card. All categories
How these numbers are calculated, and where every fact comes from: How we know this.
Frequently asked
What is the best credit card for flights in 2026?
By effective value back, Sapphire Reserve leads at about 8.0% on flights (Booked through Chase Travel portal). Your own spend and whether you'll use the card's other perks can change the best pick.
Do I need a card with a flights bonus?
Not always. If you don't spend much on flights, a flat 2% card can net more after annual fees. Compare the value-back figures against your spend — the For-You tool does the math for you.
How is value back calculated?
Effective value back = the earn rate × the card's baseline point value (cents per point). Cashback cards are worth 1¢ per point; transferable points are often worth more. Category spend caps are factored in.