Best Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers in 2024- Maximize Your Rewards

Flying frequently comes with its perks, from priority boarding to lounge access. But the right credit card can take those benefits to new heights. As a frequent flyer myself, I’ve researched the top options to maximize rewards and travel privileges. Whether you’re looking for luxury perks or simple earning potential, here are my picks for the Top 10 Credit Cards for frequent flyers in 2024.

The Premium Pick: Capital One Venture X Rewards

Frequent flyers who want premium travel rewards should consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It offers a mountain of perks, including:

• Earn unlimited 2x miles on all purchases
• 10x miles on Capital One hotel and car bookings
• Up to $300 back annually on bookings like Uber, Airbnb and more
• Enjoy access to over 1,300 airport lounges with Priority Pass
• Redeem miles for any travel purchase or transfer to airline partners

The Venture X really shines if you spend a lot on hotels, rental cars and rideshares. With a $395 annual fee, it’s best for frequent travelers who can maximize the statement credits and lounge access.

The All-Around Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred

For exceptional flexibility and rewards across spending categories, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns points that can transfer to airline and hotel partners or redeem for 25% more travel booked through Chase. You’ll earn:

• 2x points on all travel and dining purchases
• 1x point per dollar on other purchases
• Valuable trip delay, cancellation and interruption coverage
• No foreign transaction fees

With just a $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred works for all types of travelers. The signup bonus alone currently offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

The Airfare Specialist: Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx

For those loyal to Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers plenty of perks:

• Earn 2x miles at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and Delta purchases
• First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
• Main cabin 1 priority boarding
• 20% savings on in-flight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

There’s a $99 annual fee for this card, but benefits like an annual $100 Delta flight credit help offset the cost. If you check bags and fly Delta frequently, this card can pay for itself easily.

The Hotel Maven: World of Hyatt Credit Card

For hotel stays, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is a top contender, with up to 9 points per dollar on Hyatt purchases:

• 9x points on Hyatt stays and experiences
• 2x points on dining, flights, transit and fitness clubs
• 1 free night every year after cardmember anniversary
• Additional free night with $15k in annual spending
• Elite status tier upgrades, 10% points rebate and more

With a $95 annual fee, this card packs a punch for Hyatt loyalists. The anniversary free night perk alone can outweigh the annual cost.

The No Annual Fee Option: Wells Fargo Propel AmEx

For a no annual fee card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card offers strong earning in key categories:

• 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, flights, hotels, homestays and car rentals
• Cell phone protection against damage or theft
• $100 annual airline fee credit
• Generous sign-up bonus worth up to $300 cash rewards

As a no annual fee card, the Propel AmEx is fantastic for maximizing rewards on everyday and travel spending alike.

The Family Travel Card: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

For families, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card provides travel perks like upgraded boardings, inflight discounts, and a $75 annual Southwest travel credit. You’ll earn:

• 3x points on Southwest purchases
• 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
• 7,500 anniversary bonus points each year

With a $149 annual fee, this card’s perks make Southwest travel with kids and family so much smoother.

The Luxury Hotel Card: Hilton Honors AmEx Aspire

If you want luxury hotel perks, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers stellar benefits like:

• 14x points on Hilton purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Diamond status
• $250 Hilton resort statement credit
• $250 airline fee credit
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge access

The $450 annual fee is steep but can pay for itself with credits and free night rewards alone. For pampering and premium treatment at Hilton properties, this card hits the spot.

The Cash Back Approach: Citi Double Cash

For flat-rate cash rewards on all purchases, the Citi Double Cash Card earns easy-to-redeem rewards:

• 2% cash back – 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay it off
• $0 annual fee
• Balance transfer offers with 0% intro APR

As a Mastercard, the Citi Double Cash also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a flexible, fee-free option for frequent jet-setters.

The Rental Car Warrior: United Quest Card

For rental car rewards, the United QuestSM Card packs a punch by letting you earn 2x on not just United purchases but also dining and select streaming services. You’ll also enjoy:

• Up to $125 annual United purchase credit
• Two 5k-mile anniversary award flight credits
• First and second free checked bags for you and one companion
• Premium cabin upgrades and rental car elite status

With a $250 annual fee, this card makes renting cars and flying United exceptionally rewarding.

The Green Card: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards

For an eco-friendly card option, PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers robust travel and dining rewards with a focus on sustainability:

• 4x points on travel and EV charging
• 3x points on dining, streaming and groceries
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credits
• Annual $100 travel incidental statement credit

As a Visa with no foreign transaction fees, this card makes for a strong green choice to earn and redeem rewards responsibly.

The Bottom Line

Whether you want luxury perks, family benefits, or simple earning potential, selecting the right credit card boosts your frequent flyer experience. Evaluate spending categories, brand loyalty benefits and annual fees to choose a card that optimizes rewards. Any of these top 10 picks will help you make the most of life in the air. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 10 Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers In 2024” article helpful.