Airline credit cards are not created equally, especially if you travel with a family. In a perfect world, traveling families would want an airline credit card that provides perks (such as waived bag fees) that will work for the whole crew, has built-in money-saving perks and offers the ability to earn award miles that are easy to use for family vacations.
Thanks to transferable points programs, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards, the days when earning 1 mile per dollar on an airline credit card was the only option to get closer to an airline award redemption are long gone.
These days, competition is fierce, and an airline credit card needs to offer tangible benefits and savings to make it into my wallet. With the needs of a family and valuable wallet real estate in mind, here are our 10 best picks for airline credit cards for families.
How we choose the best airline credit cards for families
While many of the popular airline credit cards generally considered best in class for all consumers will also be the same top cards for families to consider, families have needs that differ a bit from those without children.
For example, families who travel by air often may spend more money in certain purchase categories and need more flexible rewards.
To determine the best credit cards for families, we looked for:
- Cobranded cards from major domestic airlines
- The most flexible, valuable and easy-to-use rewards
- Lucrative welcome bonuses
- Cards that offer families benefits when flying
- Cards that earn extra cash back or bonus points in categories where families frequently spend money
The best credit cards for family air travel
Here are our 10 picks for the best credit cards for family air travel:
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The information for the American Express Green, Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and JetBlue Plus cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Having the right card can help you maximize your earnings on airfare and broader travel in general. Most cards on this list have an annual fee under $100, but we included a premium card with lounge access.
The welcome offer values mentioned below are based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card
Companion passes are a great way to reduce the cost of a family trip. With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card, your family can receive a companion pass with the welcome offer and each cardmember year thereafter.
Current welcome offer: New applicants can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days. Plus, new cardholders can buy one ticket and get one ticket for just the cost of taxes and fees ($0 fare, plus taxes and fees from $23).
Welcome offer value: $775
Standout benefits: You’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent elsewhere.
Cardholders get a free checked bag on Alaska-operated flights for themselves and up to six others on the reservation. Additionally, cardholders get a companion pass every account anniversary after spending $6,000 in the prior anniversary year. The companion certificate allows you to bring a friend or family member on a round-trip Alaska-operated flight in economy for taxes and fees starting from $23.
Annual fee: $95
Why we like it: I particularly love the Companion Fare certificate that comes with this bonus and at each card renewal (after meeting the relevant spending requirements). It is pivotal in making some cash trips affordable — both parents could get an Alaska card and use the Companion Fares to bring two kids along on vacation.
Additionally, you can book award flights starting at just 4,500 miles, making Alaska miles useful for all types of family travelers.
To learn more, read our full review of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card.
Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card
American Express Green Card
Often overlooked in favor of its higher-end siblings, the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Amex Green is worth considering if your family spends a lot on travel.
Current welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases with the card in the first six months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $800
Standout benefits: Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, transit and at restaurants and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. You’ll also earn up to $199 for a Clear Plus membership and an up to $100 Lounge buddy credit every calendar year. Enrollment is required, and terms apply.
Annual fee: $150
Why it’s worth it: You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on an extremely broad travel category, including flights, rental cars, hotels, parking, local transit and commuting.
The Amex Green also has annual statement credits of up to $199 for Clear Plus and up to $100 for Lounge Buddy. Both of these perks can come in handy when traveling with your family.
It’s also worth noting that children under 18 can access Clear for free when traveling with an adult with a membership, adding further value to this perk. Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply. Membership Rewards points you earn on the card can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners.
Learn more: American Express Green
Bilt Mastercard
If your family rents your home, the Bilt Mastercard (see rates and fees) is right up your alley.
Current welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0
Standout benefits: Earn points on rent with no annual fee. Cardholders earn 3 Bilt Points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases (including rent payments).
These points can be transferred to one of Bilt’s 16 airline and hotel partners to get great redemption value. This card also comes with various travel protection and Cellular Telephone Protection.
Why it’s worth it: Families who rent can earn points without any fees. These points can be used to book flights with Bilt’s transfer partners, like United and Southwest. No other card lets you pay rent without any fees.
The Bilt Mastercard’s rewards and benefits are excellent for a card with no annual fee. Bilt also has a rent day bonus on the first of the month, during which you can earn double points on all purchases except rent (up to 1,000 points).
To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Mastercard.
TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Apply here: Bilt Mastercard
Capital One Venture X Credit Card
While it does have a higher annual fee than other cards we’ve picked, the Capital One Venture X makes up for it with outstanding benefits.
Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Welcome offer value: $1,388
Standout benefits: Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
This card provides an up to $300 annual Capital One travel portal credit, lounge access, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $120) and 10,000 miles every account anniversary. It also has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees)
Why it’s worth it: The Venture X earns miles that are very flexible — you can redeem them against travel purchases you’ve made or transfer to 15-plus airline and hotel partners.
While there are no domestic transfer partners, families can utilize select partners to book award flights on domestic partners like family favorites Air Canada’s Aeroplan (with great lap-infant award prices) and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, saving you a ton of miles when flying partner carriers. The $300 annual travel credit is easy to use and can save your family money on airfare.
Plus, this card gets your family lounge access for you and up to two guests. One parent could be a cardholder and add their partner as an authorized user for no additional cost, meaning you could bring four guests when traveling. You can add up to four authorized users to your card and they would all get the lounge access benefit (see rates and fees).
To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Card.
Apply here: Capital One Venture X
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Sapphire Preferred is one of our most recommended cards, and for good reason.
Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Welcome offer value: $1,230
Standout benefits: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through March 2025), 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar spent on all travel not booked through Chase Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
Cardholders enjoy a 10% anniversary points bonus each year, a complimentary DashPass membership with DoorDash (activate by Dec. 31, 2027), an annual $50 hotel credit and a plethora of travel protection in case something goes wrong during your family’s next trip.
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s worth it: Although it doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of the similar (but more expensive) Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is still a great pick for earning bonus points on travel and dining while enjoying some solid travel protections.
In fact, the Sapphire Preferred is still my most frequent recommendation to those new to points and miles.
In addition to transferring points to partners such as United and Southwest, you can redeem them directly through Chase Travel for 1.25 cents apiece. Families can also earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel.
This is a nice feature for flights where you find a great cash deal. Plus, you can use your points to save money at theme parks like SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Families can also receive great value on hotels by utilizing Chase transfer partner Hyatt.
This card is the little brother of the Sapphire Reserve and is a solid option with a much lower annual fee and solid earnings. This is a great card for beginners in the points and miles space.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
If your family prefers American Airlines but you don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount on an annual fee, consider the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select.
Current welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases during your first four months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $1,275
Standout benefits: You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations. All other spending earns 1 mile per dollar spent.
You’ll also receive a 25% discount on inflight purchases, a free checked bag for you and up to four companions and a $125 American Airlines flight discount when you spend $20,000 in a cardmember year.
Annual fee: $0 the first year, then $99 thereafter
Why we like it: I like that this card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all American purchases and gas. The Platinum Select can be a great option if your family doesn’t have a dedicated gas card.
With this card, you can receive up to five free checked bags, so most families can fly without paying a dime for checked bags.
Learn more: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Credit Card
Families who prefer Delta will appreciate the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex‘s solid benefits and reasonable annual fee.
Current welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $460
Standout benefits: You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made with Delta, at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Cardmembers receive a free checked bag for them and up to eight companions, priority boarding, a $100 Delta Stays credit (Delta’s hotel platform) and 15% off award flights.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Why we like it: This card has a modest annual fee and provides perks for families traveling on Delta, like a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions, priority boarding and 20% off inflight purchases.
Additionally, families can use the Delta Stays credit when traveling. The 15% discount off award flights can also go a long way when booking award flights for your family.
Delta is a TPG favorite airline and has great onboard products, and its periodic SkyMiles discounted awards can make using Delta miles pretty rewarding.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
JetBlue Plus Card
JetBlue is a great airline for families on a budget. If your family frequently flies this airline, the JetBlue Plus Card is the right choice.
Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days of opening an account.
Welcome offer value: $650
Standout benefits: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
Cardholders get a free first checked bag (and so do up to three companions on the same reservation), a 5,000-point bonus after your account’s anniversary each year, 50% back on inflight purchases, a 10% rebate on points redeemed for award flights and a $100 statement credit each year after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package worth $100 or more.
Annual fee: $99
Why it’s worth it: The JetBlue TrueBlue program allows family members to pool their points together to earn award flights faster.
The onboard JetBlue experience is top-notch for families, as it offers complimentary assigned seats, the most economy legroom among U.S. airlines, a free snack basket and both free DirecTV and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi for all passengers, which is sure to help keep your little ones entertained.
Families that want to take advantage of JetBlue’s family-friendly programs and policies will benefit from having a JetBlue Plus credit card, both for the points it earns and the savings it can provide families on JetBlue award flights, bag fees and onboard purchases. You can also work toward JetBlue Mosaic elite status by spending on the card throughout the year.
Learn more: JetBlue Plus Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
If Southwest is your airline of choice, the Southwest Priority card has plenty of great perks for your family to utilize.
Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Welcome offer value: $700
Standout benefits: The Southwest Priority Credit Card offers the most perks for families of all the Southwest cards, including 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards points at each account anniversary, a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 25% back on inflight drinks, Wi-Fi, messaging and movies and four Upgraded Boardings in the A1-A15 position each year (subject to availability).
Annual fee: $149
Why we like it: Southwest Airlines is one of our favorite airlines for family travel, partly because its Rapid Rewards program is extremely straightforward for families to use.
If your plans change, you can redeposit your award without penalty, making the points earned by the Southwest credit cards extremely useful for families tied to school schedules or with plans that may change.
Everyone gets free checked bags when traveling with Southwest, which is huge for families and can greatly reduce air travel costs.
To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card.
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card
United Explorer Card
Families who frequently fly with United should strongly consider the United Explorer Card.
Current welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Welcome offer value: $675
Standout benefits: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all United purchases, hotel stays and dining and 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else.
Cardholders receive a free checked bag for you and one companion, Group 2 priority boarding, two United Club passes per year, 25% off inflight United purchases and a complimentary one-year DoorDash DashPass membership (enrollment required by Dec. 31).
Additionally, cardholders receive expanded award availability to book United award tickets — even if it’s the last seat on the plane — and may see economy award seats requiring fewer miles when you log in to your MileagePlus account than members without the card.
Annual fee: $0 in the first year, then $95 thereafter
Why we like it: The United Explorer Card provides primary card holders and one other individual on the reservation with a first free checked bag on United-operated flights and priority boarding. (They must use the card to pay for the tickets.)
This can also help families when flying on basic economy fares, as cardholders can also bring a full-size carry-on, even on basic economy tickets.
The United Explorer Card also provides 25% back on onboard purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi when swiped on United flights, along with two annual one-time United Club day passes.
The potential for discounted award flights, combined with its other benefits, makes this card a great option for its annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer card.
Apply here: United Explorer Card
Bottom line
The best airline credit card for your family will depend on your travel patterns and needs. Truth be told, I don’t put a ton of our everyday spending on my airline credit cards (other than my United Club℠ Infinite Card), but I do hold on to them for some built-in perks that help us save money and enjoy a more comfortable inflight experience.
If your family flies even a couple of times per year, an airline credit card is worth it.
To learn more, read our guide on the best credit cards.
Related: The top credit cards for families
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Amex Gold card, click here.
