Owais Crawford
Airport bonus cards are credit cards that offer bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount of money within a specific time frame, often within the first few months of opening the account. These bonus points or miles can be redeemed for travel-related perks, such as airport lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, or reimbursement for travel purchases. The specific bonuses and benefits vary depending on the card issuer and the cardholder's spending habits. Some popular examples of airport bonus cards include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Platinum Card® from American Express, and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. These cards provide benefits like Priority Pass membership, bonus points or miles, and access to exclusive airport lounges, enhancing the travel experience for frequent flyers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $300-$695 |
| Rewards | Bonus points, bonus miles, travel credits, lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, etc. |
| Requirements | Spend a certain amount within the first 3-6 months of card opening |
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What You'll Learn
Bonus points for purchases
Credit cards with bonus points for purchases can be a great way to gain access to airport lounges. Here are some examples of credit cards that offer bonus points for purchases and their associated benefits:
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is often regarded as the best credit card for airport lounge access. It offers comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership with enrolment and access to select airline lounges, as well as the exclusive Centurion Lounge network. However, with a $695 annual fee, it is not the most budget-friendly option.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel credit card that offers bonus points for purchases. Cardholders can earn 5x to 10x points on travel and dining, and the points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel booked through Chase. The card also provides access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, and offers a $300 annual travel credit.
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
This credit card offers 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening. It provides access to American Airlines' network of Admirals Club airport lounges and offers benefits such as a checked bag, priority boarding, and reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is perfect for loyal Delta flyers, offering an array of premium benefits. Cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months. The card provides access to Delta Sky Club lounges and Amex Centurion lounges, and offers statement credits, discounts on eligible Delta award flights, and elite status boosts.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a lower annual fee than other high-end cards. It offers bonus miles for purchases, including 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals. Cardholders can access 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations, and receive a $100 experience credit for hotel and vacation rental bookings.
These are just a few examples of credit cards that offer bonus points or miles for purchases, which can be redeemed for airport lounge access and other travel benefits. It's important to consider your travel habits and priorities when choosing the best credit card for your needs.
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Annual travel credits
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to the card each account anniversary year. This credit effectively covers more than half of the card's $550 annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for dedicated travellers. Similarly, the Citi Prestige card offers up to $250 in travel credits each year, which can be used towards a wide range of travel-related expenses.
Some cards provide annual travel credits in the form of statement credits for specific travel-related expenses. For instance, the Bank of America Premium Rewards card offers up to $100 in statement credits for airline incidentals like checked bags, seat selection, or upgrades each year. The Amex Gold card provides up to $120 in Uber Cash each calendar year, delivered monthly as $10 credits that can be used on Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases.
In addition to annual travel credits, many travel rewards cards offer bonus rewards on travel purchases, airport lounge access, priority boarding, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, and other premium benefits. These perks can enhance your travel experience and provide added value to your credit card.
When choosing a travel rewards credit card, it is important to consider the annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, redemption options, and other benefits offered to ensure you select the card that best aligns with your travel needs and preferences.
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Points for flights, hotels and car rentals
When it comes to earning points for flights, hotels, and car rentals, there are several credit cards that offer rewards and benefits. These cards can enhance your travel experience, providing perks such as airport lounge access, rental car insurance, statement credits for travel purchases, and more. Here are some examples:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is known for providing access to a vast network of airport lounges worldwide. In addition, cardholders can enjoy exclusive benefits with Delta SkyMiles, including Delta SkyClub lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, and fast-track to elite Medallion flying status with Delta. This card is ideal for high-budget business owners who frequently fly with Delta.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
This card offers 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles when you spend $7,000 within the first three months. It provides Admirals Club® membership for the cardholder and access for up to two guests or immediate family members travelling with them. Additional benefits include a free checked bag for domestic American Airlines itineraries, priority boarding, and reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers strong rewards on travel and dining, ranging from 3 to 10 points per dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for travel booked through Chase or transferred to various hotel and airline partners. Cardholders also receive a $300 annual travel credit and reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. This card is recommended for dedicated travellers due to its significant annual fee.
Venture X Card
The Venture X card from Capital One provides unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals. Cardholders can access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and transfer miles to a wide range of travel loyalty programs. Additionally, they receive a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with hotel and vacation rental bookings from the Premier Collection.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card allows members to book hotel stays, car rentals, packages, and flights using a simple points conversion system. Avion Premium and Elite members can convert points to other loyalty or frequent flyer programs, offering flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards. This card is ideal for those who value the ability to redeem points across different programs.
When choosing a credit card for earning points on flights, hotels, and car rentals, it's important to consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and the specific benefits that align with your priorities. Compare the rewards and annual fees to determine the best value for your needs.
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Lounge access
Airport bonus cards are credit cards that provide cardholders with complimentary access to airport lounges in the country or across the globe. These cards are designed for frequent travellers, providing them with a respite from the often hectic airport environment. Cardholders can enjoy amenities like comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and even shower and spa facilities. Some airport lounges also offer duty-free shopping and dining options.
One of the key benefits of airport lounge access credit cards is the ability to earn bonus air miles when booking tickets using the card. These bonus miles can be used to avail special waivers on flight prices or other perks. Additionally, some cards offer added benefits such as accident cover and insurance for damaged goods.
When choosing an airport bonus card, it's important to consider which lounges you want access to, as not all cards provide entry to every lounge. The Platinum Card from American Express, for example, offers access to a wide range of lounges, but it's always best to check the specific lounges you're interested in. Some credit card issuers have their own airport lounges, such as Capital One, which has lounges at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
It's also worth noting that some airlines sell single-entry or day passes to their lounges, which can be a good option if you don't travel frequently. However, for those who fly often, an airport bonus card with lounge access can provide significant savings and an enhanced airport experience.
Overall, airport bonus cards with lounge access can offer a convenient and luxurious way to improve your travel experience, especially if you're a frequent flyer.
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TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS application fee credits
Airport bonus cards are credit cards that offer bonus points or miles for purchases, especially those made at airports or for travel. These points can be redeemed for rewards, such as airport lounge access, travel credit, or discounts.
Some credit cards also offer TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fee credits as a benefit to their customers. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS are trusted traveller programs that provide expedited security screening at airports. The application fees for these programs are typically non-refundable and cost $120 for a five-year membership.
Here's how the fee credit works:
- The credit card company will provide a statement credit of up to $120 as reimbursement for the application fee.
- To receive the credit, cardholders must pay the application fee using their eligible credit card through an authorized enrolment provider.
- The reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit within two months.
- Most cards offer reimbursement for only one fee, either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and only once every four to five years.
Some examples of credit cards that offer this benefit include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- American Express® Cards: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, and more.
It's important to note that the availability and specifics of the fee credit may vary depending on the credit card company and the terms of their rewards program. Additionally, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS have specific eligibility requirements, such as being open only to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport bonus card is a credit card that offers bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount of money within a specific time frame, usually within the first few months of opening your account. These bonus points or miles can often be redeemed for travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels, or car rentals.
When choosing an airport bonus card, consider your travel habits and the specific benefits offered by the card. Some cards provide access to airport lounges, while others offer rewards or points that can enhance your travel experience, such as free checked bags or priority boarding. Determine which perks are most valuable to you and select a card that aligns with your travel preferences.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is often recommended for its comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership and access to select airline lounges. Other options include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offers unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges and travel rewards, and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which provides access to American Airlines' Admirals Club® lounges.
Yes, airport bonus cards often come with additional perks. For example, some cards offer reimbursement for travel purchases, statement credits, or discounts on specific airlines. Certain cards may also provide elite status boosts, priority boarding, or free checked bags. It's important to review the specific benefits offered by each card to make an informed decision.
