Are you planning your next trip abroad? If yes, it is crucial to understand how to manage finances abroad which can feel overwhelming with the currency exchange cost and the unexpected costs. The solution is an airline credit card! It is a financial tool issued by banks that allows you to borrow money to make a purchase, pay bills, or withdraw cash up to a pre-approved credit limit.
Moreover, you can repay the borrowed amount later at the end of the billing cycle instead of pre-loading instantly. The airline credit cards offer several benefits like cashback on transactions, reward points, travel insurance, and travel perks like lounge access that make them a wonderful option to manage the expenses effortlessly.
Here is a quick guide to the top 5 credit cards for international travel from US along with other useful information:
What are Travel Credit Cards?
Travel credit cards are a different kind of credit card that are made for frequent flyers and offer various benefits that cater to their travel needs. Moreover, these cards often come with wonderful features like earning points & miles on travel-related purchases, and airport lounge access along with travel insurance protections. You can even accumulate travel credit that can be redeemed for flights, car rentals, and hotel stays through these airline credit cards that make your travel experience affordable.
Types Of Airline Credit Cards: You Must Know
There are various types of airline credit cards available that cater to different travel needs and preferences:
- General Travel Credit Cards: These are very beneficial credit cards that can be used for various expenses related to travel like flights and hotels, along with rental cars.
- Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards: These credit cards provide benefits and rewards tailored to the particular airlines that are offered in partnership with certain airlines. Likewise, the benefits may include free checked bags, earn miles on ticket purchase, discounts on in-flight purchases, and priority boarding.
- Co-Branded Hotel Credit Cards: These cards are offered in partnership with certain hotel chains. Along with, someone with Co-Branded Hotel Credit Cards can enjoy rewards and benefits specific to that hotel chain. Moreover, the perks may include earning points on hotel stays, room upgrades, free nights, and late check-outs.
Note: A person can choose the best airline credit card that best aligns with their travel preferences and also maximizes their rewards when they have the information on different credit cards.
Know The Travel-Friendly Features Of Airline Credit Cards
The best airline credit card can make a world of difference when it comes to travelling. Travel-enhancing features from additional security to exclusive benefits, can make your trip memorable and allow you to enjoy peace of mind. Move your attention to the given key features that help you to know why airline credit cards are essential for travellers.
- PIN and Chip Technology: These cards offer additional security for global transactions. It is accepted by merchants. It can be used on the ATM’s worldwide and reduce the risk of fraud.
- Travel Insurance Coverage: The comprehensive protection for trip cancellations and lost luggage along with medical emergencies. It offers peace of mind throughout the journey and even ensures financial protection against uncertain situations.
- Airport Lounge Access: An individual with airline credit cards can get access to the airport lounges worldwide along with the premium facilities. It allows flyers to relax and make the most of their travel.
- Concierge Services: The key features of travel credit cards also include dining reservations, personalised assistance for travel arrangements, and even tickets. It adds support and convenience during the whole journey which provides relief to travellers from the burden of logistics.
- Virtual Credit Cards on Banking Apps: Secure online transactions with additional protection against fraud. These credit cards are usually generated and used for online purchases. It offers secure and seamless payment solutions for travel reservations.
Top Airline Credit Cards For International Travel (2025)
Travellers have various options for airline credit cards as most major airlines provide their credit cards along with amazing benefits to make the travel journey memorable. Here is the overview of some of them:
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
- The Barclays issued FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard® allows travellers who are flying with Frontier to earn miles on a daily basis.
- Benefits include two checked baggage for free, free carry-on baggage, a preferred seat assignment, and the ability to earn credit for elite status.
- Enjoy the perks like Elite Gold status for 90 days after the first purchase with Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®.
- A person usually need a credit score of around 700 or higher to qualify for an airline credit cardl like the one from Frontier Airlines. This means you should have a good credit history to increase your chances of being approved.
- It is the only branded credit card that is currently available.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Cards
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is known as a keeper card as it helps you earn a companion pass and you get travel credits each year.
- You can select your preferred seat at the time of reservation for free based on the availability of seats.
- Enjoy unlimited upgrades to additional legroom within 48 hours to take off for free when available.
- First checked baggage is free for the cardmembers and a maximum of 8 additional passengers on the reservation.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
- You can earn miles when you use your card to buy flight tickets on Alaska Airlines. Returns, purchases, credits, and adjustments to this card will be deducted from purchases.
- The primary cardholder’s account must be open with the charging privileges to be eligible for a companion fare code after spending $6,000 on their card billing statement by their card anniversary.
- The anniversary will coincide with the month in which the annual fee is paid with the exception of special account status.
- If you are not a current Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member, the airline will enroll you in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program once you become a cardholder.
- Additionally, the cardholders will get $100 off an annual Alaska lounge+ membership purchased with their airline credit card.
- Keep in mind that this is not combinable with other Alaska Lounge+ membership discounts.
American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card
Travel credit cards offer a range of benefits that can enhance your journeys. Here are some key advantages you can enjoy with travel credit cards in US :
- Collect reward points whenever you make a purchase and use these points later to get wonderful gifts or book air tickets.
- Enjoy a comfortable experience at premium lounges if you find yourself waiting at the airport. This makes your wait much more pleasant!
- This card allows you to gather Membership Rewards points each time you use it. It’s not just about Earn points: it also comes with various perks.
- enjoy as many as 8 free visits to airport lounges in US every year, with a maximum of two visits every three months.
- By using this card, you get a complimentary membership to Priority Pass, which usually requires a fee, but it’s free for you!
- Your American Express Card brings along a host of exclusive benefits and services to make your experience even better.
- Get a special welcome gift when you first get the American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card. Remember to pay the annual fee and spend within the first 90 days to be eligible for the gift.
- Overall, travel credit cards provide valuable rewards and a more enjoyable travel experience!
United℠ Explorer Card
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months with your account with the New United℠ Explorer Card.
- Someone won’t have to pay any annual fee for the first year. However, there will be a $150 fee which is an increase from the previous fee of $95 in the initial second year,.
- An individual will receive a $100 travel credit for United flights when they spend $10,000 within a year by United℠ Explorer Card.
- Additionally, enjoy up to $50 in travel credit for rentals from Avis or Budget each year.
- Earn $25 in travel credit for your first and second rentals booked through a specific United website, paid for with your card.
- Acquire 25% back on the cost of food, drinks, and Wi-Fi on the plane when fly with United or United Express.
- The money you spend will show up as a credit on your card statement and get back to you.
Know About The Charges
There are some charges that you need to know when you are planning to use the airline credit cards:
- Annual & joining Fees: You must pick a credit card that offers benefits that can outweigh the fee for movie tickets or lounge access.
- Foreign Exchange Markup Fees: This can range between 2% to 3% for the international purchases unless you buy the forex-free card.
- Interest Rates: In case you are unable to pay off your balance, you might need to pay interest rates from 2% to 4% every month. It is suggested to pay this amount in full each month to avoid it.
- Redemption Charges: Some airline credit cards may charge a nominal fee when you wish to redeem reward points for flight ticket purchases or other travel benefits. So, keep an eye out!
Key Advantages To Look For in Airlines Credit Cards
When it comes to choosing a credit card for international travel, do not forget to focus on the following essential features:
- Zero or low forex markup fees: Someone with airline credit cards can save up to 2-3.5% on each international purchase.
- Global Lounge Access: Get access to global lounge access at the airport for international and domestic travel.
- Airlines Loyalty Program: A person can earn air miles and accelerated reward points.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Enjoy the cost coverage for flight delays, lost baggage, and medical emergencies.
- Wide International Acceptance: MasterCard, Visa, or AmEx networks for global usability.
- Ease of Security & Usage: An airline credit card offers advanced security features to prevent misuse. It also comes with additional perks like contactless payment gateways, global acceptance, and fraud liability security.
Note: An individual must provide specific documents to apply for an airline credit card for international travel. These documents are proof of identity, income proof, proof of address, and credit score.
Final Thoughts!
The perfect airline travel credit card is one that turns your international trip into a rewarding experience rather than a costly one. The best credit card for international travel offers a great balance of comfort and peace of mind for frequent flyers as well as travellers who are planning a few holiday trips each year. The card is very beneficial for travellers, from premium lounge access to forex markup. Contact us at gethumandesk.com Call Us : +1-833-923-5122 to book your upcoming international vacations/trips through your preferred airline credit card.
There are various airlines that offer credit cards, which are best in the USA and can be used for international travel. These cards are:
Best in Airline and Rewards Credit Cards. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. 3.9
Chase Freedom Unlimited® 4.1
Best in Travel Credit Cards.
The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
American Airlines offers various credit cards, but some are the best ones. It may include American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, and Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card offers various benefits to an individual. With this, you can earn up to 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new credit card in your initial 6 months of card membership.
United Airlines is a popular carrier that offers various credit cards for the convenience of its passengers. These cards are:
The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best for Most United flyers.
The New United Club℠ Card: Best for VIP lounge access.
The New United Quest℠ Card: Best for Elevated benefits.
The New United Gateway℠ Card: Best for no annual fee.
The luxury card airline credit is a very popular card that offers various benefits to its users. Similarly, the cardmembers get up to $200 annually air travel credit for flight purchases like baggage fees, airline tickets, upgrades, and more. Similarly, the luxury cards apply the credit to your account directly for your convenience.
If you are planning to buy a travel credit card, then you can choose the most prestigious credit cards which are as follows:
American Express Platinum card
IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite credit card
6E Rewards XL Indigo HDFC credit card
Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Sapphiro credit card
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