Why Do Airline Credit Cards Suck at Earning Miles?

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So I spent the past few days making a chart of every single US Airline Co-branded credit card and I have realized just how much they suck at earning points. It seems in virtually every category there is a transferable currency card that can earn the same if not more than what the single airline-branded card can do. Funny enough you could then transfer those flexible points to that airline or their partner to book their flights. So in my opinion there are only 3 reasons to get an airline credit card and none of them actually involve spending non-airline purchases on them.

  1. Airline loyalists who travel heavy a lot. Many of the $99+ AF cards include free checked bags for you & your companions so if you are loyal to that airline you could save a good amount of money
  2. Alliance loyalists looking for lounge access when they fly with a specific alliance (OneWorld – AA Executive, Star Alliance – United Club Card, SkyTeam – Delta Reserve)
  3. Those who travel with a companion frequently and can make use of the companion vouchers.
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What are your thoughts? Do you actually put spend on your airline cards?

For reference, you can see my spreadsheet here.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SkHt5l1OlzQxs65EXxybZ7-u_XGLkHDtvszwre8ds2M/edit?usp=sharing

 


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