Is it better to use credit card for flights?

The Best Credit Cards for Travel Purchases When it comes to booking travel, it's best to use a credit card that will get you additional travel insurance like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or the Platinum Card from American Express.



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Every time you purchase an airline ticket with your credit card, you could earn valuable bonus points or miles toward your next award trip. And you can't forget about the perks that make your flights go smoother and protect you when things go wrong, such as airport lounge access and trip delay reimbursement.

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Credit cards typically provide better exchange rates than what you'll get from ATM machines and currency stands. Depending on your card issuer, your purchases might automatically qualify for insurance. This coverage doesn't simply apply to consumer goods — it also covers travel delays and lost luggage.

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The main negative aspect of airline credit cards is the lack of redemption options. Since you'll only earn a single frequent flyer currency, you can only redeem miles with that specific airline and its partners.

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The Best Airline Credit Cards
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best Overall.
  • United Club? Infinite Card: Best For United Flyers.
  • Chase Freedom Flex?: Best No Annual Fee Card for Flights.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best For Travel Partners.
  • Aeroplan® Credit Card: Best Mid-Tier Airline Card.


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Using a credit card to book travel is one of our top tips for booking travel now – and always. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself against the uncertainty of travel.

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Many premium travel rewards credit cards offer complimentary, unlimited access to thousands of airport lounges worldwide. Priority Pass is one of the most popular airport lounge memberships, and it's the most common lounge membership you'll see featured as a credit card benefit.

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While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

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It's always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller cafes and restaurants, some public transport options, and taxis who may not accept credit card payments. We once visited the same restaurant 5 years in a row, only to discover each time that their card machine was out of order!

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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You may think you need a credit card to purchase an airline ticket. But a debit or prepaid card will work just as well. And your options may even expand to cash and checks if you book your flight through a travel agent or if you purchase your ticket at an airport ticket counter.

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On top of that, the issuer often rebates the usual merchant processing fees when the customer makes a purchase from the airline. So co-branded cards carry precious few costs while bringing in easy revenue. Considering that, an airline would almost be foolish not to offer one or several.

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