Should I pay my flight with debit or credit?

For more information check out our Advertising Disclosure. This is always sound advice, but it's become crystal clear during the COVID-19 pandemic: Use a credit card to book flights, hotels, and any other travel reservations. Leave the debit card in your wallet.



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Using a debit card to withdraw local currency from an ATM in that country will always get you the best exchange rate possible. For all other aspects of travel – from booking the flight and lodging to planning excursions and tours, use a credit card. Your future traveling self will thank you.

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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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It is better to use a credit card than a debit card on vacation because credit cards are more secure and more likely to help you earn rewards while you're away from home.

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The reason why debit cards are not always accepted is due to the different laws covering payment guarantees and the possibility of fraud. In some cases, the card will be refused as the merchant may not be able to guarantee there are sufficient funds in the account to cover the cost of the purchase.

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Chargeback: If you paid with a debit card, the card issuer isn't legally obliged to refund your holiday but you might be able to make a 'chargeback' claim for services you didn't receive.

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Average domestic airfare price by day
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically.
  • Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally.
  • Book one to three months in advance.
  • Set a price alert.


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There's no sugarcoating it: Airfare is expensive. And while waiting until the last minute might sound like a good idea, it typically is cheaper to book your flights in advance. We are seeing fewer last-minute deals than in years past, especially when it comes to flights, a Kayak spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure.

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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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By taking advantage of the perks included with an airline credit card, you may be able to improve your travel experience.
  • Bonus miles offer. ...
  • Bonus earning categories. ...
  • Free checked bags. ...
  • Priority boarding. ...
  • Lounge access. ...
  • In-flight purchase discounts. ...
  • Travel protections. ...
  • Anniversary bonus.


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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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Yes. However, it's a good idea to let your bank know first if you're traveling outside the country. If not, you risk the card being shut down due to the stringent security measures in place to keep your account safe. Be on alert for potential pickpockets while on a trip.

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United accepts Visa®, and all other major credit cards, including MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover®, Diners Club® and JCB, for inflight purchases on all United and United Express® flights. Debit cards bearing Visa or MasterCard logos are accepted on board as well.

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First, debit cards lower the indirect transaction costs of accessing money in an account by facilitating more convenient access via a network of ATMs. Second, debit cards reduce the indirect cost of checking balances, which enables individuals to verify that banks are not unexpectedly reducing balances.

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