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.
- 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
- Alliance loyalists looking for lounge access when they fly with a specific alliance (OneWorld – AA Executive, Star Alliance – United Club Card, SkyTeam – Delta Reserve)
- Those who travel with a companion frequently and can make use of the companion vouchers.
What are your thoughts? Do you actually put spend on your airline cards?
For reference, you can see my spreadsheet here.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SkHt5l1OlzQxs65EXxybZ7-u_XGLkHDtvszwre8ds2M/edit?usp=sharing