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If you fly frequently, an airline card with a robust rewards program can save you a lot of money. But you want to make sure you pick a card that's a good match for your needs. Let's take a look at five cards and maybe you'll see one that works for your lifestyle.
Capital One® VentureOne (SM) Rewards Credit Card
If you travel overseas a lot, there's a lot to like about this card. For starters, there are no foreign transaction fees. You earn 1.25 miles per dollar spent. There are no limits on the number of miles you can earn and they never expire. You can fly on any airline, too.
You can also redeem your miles for rewards that aren't travel-related, such as cash, gift cards, and merchandise. The APR that ranges from 11.9-19.9 percent (V). There's no annual fee.
At publishing time, Capital One® VentureOne (SM) Rewards Credit Card is offered on Credit.com product pages and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for the card. However, this relationship does not result in ANY preferential editorial treatment.
United Mileage Plus® Signature® Visa Card
If you fly United most of the time, this card gives you a chance to rack up some decent rewards. It's a Visa Signature card and that means you get access to an array of exceptional rewards. After you spend $250 with your new card, you earn 25,000 bonus miles, which is enough for a Saver Award ticket to anywhere in the continental United States.
You get 1 mile per each $1 spent on net purchases. There's a 14.24 percent (V) APR on purchases. There's also a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and a $60 annual fee.
At publishing time, United Mileage Plus® Signature® Visa Card is offered on Credit.com product pages and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for the card. However, this relationship does not result in ANY preferential editorial treatment.
United Mileage Plus® Select® Visa Card
This card is an upgrade over United's Signature Visa. But it also comes with a $95 annual fee. On the plus side, you get triple miles for every dollar spent. And after you spend $250 with your new card, you earn 30,000 bonus miles and a $50 United discount travel certificate.
You also get 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas stations, grocery stores, and more. There's a 13.24 percent (V) APR on purchases and a 3 percent foreign transaction fee.
PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card
If you fly on different airlines and you're a member of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, take a look at this card. Along with the great service associated with credit unions, you get 5 points for every $1 you spend on airfare and 2 points for every $1 spent on other purchases. After making $650 in purchases, you earn 20,000 bonus points.
Special benefits include access to over 600 airport VIP lounges, 24/7 concierge service, and premium car rental privileges. You get a 13.24 percent (V) APR. There is a $50 annual fee, but there are no foreign transaction fees.
Special note: While the Pentagon Federal Credit Union is mostly geared toward military and related government workers, certain private contractors, members of the American Red Cross, and others, anyone can be eligible for membership with the PFCU by joining the nonprofit Voices for America's Troops (for a one-time $15 fee).
Citi® Gold / AAdvantage® World MasterCard®
If you prefer to fly on American Airlines, you can save money and earn free tickets with this card. After you spend $750 in purchases in your first four months, you earn 30,000 bonus miles, which is more than enough for a roundtrip domestic travel award.
You earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on purchases and they never expire. There's a 15.24 percent (V) APR and a 3 percent foreign transaction fee. There's also a $50 annual fee, but it's waived for the first 12 months of card membership.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.