Airline credit cards: $150 and under – your ticket to perks
Tired of exorbitant annual fees for airline credit cards? You’re not alone. A growing number of options offer a surprising amount of travel benefits for under $150 a year, opening up a world of free checked bags, priority boarding, and inflight discounts.
Decoding the mid-range card landscape
Forget the sky-high annual fees of premium cards packed with luxury perks. The sweet spot now lies in cards offering a solid return on investment – a reasonable price tag for tangible benefits that actually enhance your travel experience. We've sifted through the options to bring you the five best airline cards available with annual fees of $150 or less, perfect for the occasional flyer or anyone seeking smart travel value.
The top picks – breakdown & benefits
Let’s dive into specifics. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (currently $95) stands out for its annual companion fare – a truly compelling offer, worth approximately $1,120 according to TPG valuations. It earns 3 points per dollar on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases, and a generous 50% flight discount code.
Citi / aadvantage platinum select world elite mastercard
At $0 introductory, then $99 after the first year, the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select provides 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500. This card delivers 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants, gas stations, and on American Airlines purchases, plus a free first checked bag.
Delta skymiles gold american express
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express, with a $0 introductory fee for the first year followed by $150 annually, is an excellent choice for Delta loyalists. It offers up to 80,000 bonus miles after $2,000 in spending, alongside perks like Zone 5 priority boarding and a $100 annual statement credit for Delta stays.
Jetblue plus card
For JetBlue enthusiasts, the JetBlue Plus Card (at $99) boasts 70,000 bonus points after $1,000 in spending. It provides 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points on dining and grocery stores, and a free first checked bag.
United explorer card
Rounding out our list is the United Explorer Card, offering a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, followed by $150. It earns up to 80,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in spending, including a companion bonus and benefits like free checked bags and Global Entry credit.
Ultimately, choosing the right airline card depends on your travel habits and preferred airline. But with these options under $150, maximizing your travel rewards just got a whole lot easier.