Airline Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

Why Choose an Airline Credit Card?

Airline credit cards are co-branded cards issued by a bank and an airline, designed to reward spending with miles or points in that airline's loyalty program. For travelers loyal to a specific airline, these cards can be a convenient way to earn rewards on everyday purchases and enjoy perks like priority boarding or free checked bags (when available).

If you prefer to avoid recurring costs, there are several airline cards that charge no annual fee. Some of these cards also waive foreign transaction fees, making them useful for international travel. Understanding the trade-offs between no-fee cards and premium cards is key to choosing the right one for your travel habits.

Sources: NerdWallet

Top Airline Cards with No Annual Fee

Several airlines offer co-branded credit cards with no annual fee. Based on the latest available information, these include the United Gateway℠ Card, the JetBlue Card, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, and the LATAM Credit Card (issued for LATAM Airlines, an international carrier). All of these cards have a $0 annual fee, making them accessible to travelers who want to earn miles without a recurring fee.

It's important to note that no-annual-fee airline cards may have fewer premium perks than their fee-based counterparts. For instance, some may not include free checked bags or priority boarding. The value of the card depends on how well its rewards rates and welcome bonus align with your spending patterns.

Sources: WalletHub, CNN Underscored

Comparison and rewards

The table below summarizes the key features of the no-annual-fee airline cards covered in this guide, including their rewards rates. Rewards rates and welcome bonuses are based on the most recent data available. Foreign transaction fee information is included only for cards where it is explicitly documented in the sources; for others, terms may vary.

Note that welcome bonus offers can change, and spending requirements and timeframes apply. Always check the issuer's website for the most current terms.

Sources: WalletHub, NerdWallet

Participation in Airline Loyalty Programs

Each airline credit card is linked to the airline's loyalty program, such as United MileagePlus, JetBlue TrueBlue, American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, or LATAM Pass. This means the miles or points you earn from card spending are deposited directly into that program and can be redeemed for award flights, seat upgrades, or other program benefits.

The best card for you depends on which airline you fly most frequently. If you're loyal to a particular airline, a no-fee card from that airline allows you to accumulate miles without paying an annual fee, though you may miss out on elite-level perks offered by higher-tier cards.

Sources: NerdWallet

Foreign Transaction Fee Policies

Foreign transaction fees are charges applied by the card issuer when you make a purchase in a foreign currency. For international travelers, a card with no foreign transaction fee can save significant money.

Among no-annual-fee airline cards, the United Gateway℠ Card explicitly has a $0 foreign transaction fee. For other airline cards, foreign transaction fee policies are not consistently documented in available sources; check the card's terms with the issuer before traveling abroad.

Beyond airline cards, there are general travel credit cards, such as the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card, that also have no annual fee and may offer competitive rewards on travel purchases.

Sources: WalletHub, NerdWallet

How to Maximize Airline Card Rewards

To get the most from a no-annual-fee airline card, focus on the bonus categories where the card earns elevated miles. For example, the United Gateway℠ Card earns 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit.

Take advantage of the welcome bonus by meeting the minimum spending requirement in the allotted time. For instance, the United Gateway℠ Card offers 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, which can be a substantial head start toward a free flight.

Also consider pairing your airline card with a general travel card that has no foreign transaction fees, like the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card, to maximize earnings on categories not covered by your airline card.

Sources: WalletHub, NerdWallet

Potential Downsides

No-annual-fee airline cards often have fewer perks than cards with an annual fee. For example, many no-fee cards do not include free checked bags or priority boarding, which are common benefits on premium airline cards. Additionally, rewards rates may be lower, and some cards may have limited redemption options.

It's also important to be aware of foreign transaction fees. While some cards like the United Gateway℠ Card have no such fee, others may charge one, so check the card's terms before using it abroad. Finally, welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards can change, so always review the latest information before applying.

Sources: CNN Underscored

Evidence-Backed Comparison Matrix

The comparison matrix above is based on data compiled from financial sources as of September 2026. The cards listed are the primary no-annual-fee airline cards from major airlines. While this guide focuses on airline cards, general travel cards like the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card can also be worth considering if you prefer flexibility over a single airline.

Sources: WalletHub