Jetsetter's dilemma: Do I need more than one airline credit card?

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It's a question many frequent travelers face: Do you need multiple airline credit cards, or is just one enough? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your travel habits and what you want from your card.

Having multiple airline cards is smart if you're a globetrotter who frequently flies with different airlines. Each card often has unique perks like priority boarding, lounge access, or free checked bags. With multiple cards, you can maximize your benefits, enhancing your travel experience.

But most airline cards come with annual fees. If you don’t fly frequently or are mostly loyal to one airline, juggling multiple annual payments or many cards may not make sense.

Here’s how to make sure your credit card portfolio aligns with your jet-setting lifestyle.

How airline credit cards work

When you make a purchase using an airline credit card, you earn rewards in the form of airline miles or points. The number of miles or points you earn typically depends on your spending. Some cards offer bonus rewards for specific categories like airline purchases, dining, or hotel stays.

When you rack up enough rewards, you can redeem them for discounted or free flights, upgraded seats, or free checked bags, depending on your card. Most airline credit cards are co-branded with a major credit card issuer, like American Express, Chase, or Capital One.

Some airline cards allow you to transfer rewards to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs. This gives you more flexibility in how you redeem rewards.

The best travel credit cards often provide additional perks and benefits. These include priority boarding, free checked bags, access to airport lounges, travel insurance, concierge services, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

The best airline credit cards

When it comes to choosing the best airline credit cards, there are a few top options worth considering.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: While not specifically an airline credit card, it offers valuable travel rewards. You can transfer points to numerous airline partners, making it flexible for frequent flyers.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®: This card is ideal for American Airlines loyalists. It offers benefits like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and accelerated mileage earning on American Airlines flights.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Designed for Delta travelers, this card comes with perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
• United℠ Explorer Card: This card is tailored for United Airlines flyers. It offers benefits such as a free checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club one-time passes per year.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: If you frequently fly Southwest Airlines, this card can be a great choice. It provides benefits like earning Rapid Rewards points, anniversary bonus points, and a generous sign-up bonus.

Why you may want multiple airline credit cards

Having multiple airline credit cards makes sense for frequent travelers who want to maximize rewards. This is especially true if you’re not loyal to a specific airline or fly to lots of different destinations.

1. You can maximize your overall rewards

Each airline credit card comes with its own set of perks and benefits. Multiple cards allow you to enjoy various benefits across different airlines. This could include priority boarding, access to airport lounges, free checked bags, or companion passes. Having multiple cards ensures you can take advantage of these benefits regardless of which airline you're flying with.

2. You can earn rewards faster

If you're a frequent traveler, having multiple cards can accelerate your reward accumulation. Each card typically earns miles or points specific to that airline's loyalty program. By diversifying your card portfolio, you can earn rewards across different programs and have more options for redeeming them for flights, upgrades, or other travel-related expenses.

3. You can get multiple sign-up bonuses

Many airline credit cards offer enticing sign-up bonuses to attract new customers. With multiple cards, you can take advantage of multiple bonuses and earn many bonus miles or points. This gives your rewards balance a substantial boost right from the start.

4. You’re not restricted to one airline

When you use one airline credit card, you're limited to where that airline flies. Different airlines have unique strengths, routes, alliances, and partnerships. With multiple cards, you can tap into a broader network of airlines and leverage their specific advantages. This flexibility can be useful when one airline has limited availability.

5. You have some protection against devaluation

Loyalty programs and their redemption values can change over time. With multiple cards, you reduce the risk of any single program changing or reducing its rewards. If one program devalues its miles or points, you can rely on the rewards from other programs to maintain their value and flexibility.

Why you may not want multiple airline credit cards

If you’re not a frequent flier, you may not understand the point of having many different airline credit cards. Here are some reasons you may be better off with just one airline credit card

1. You’re loyal to one airline

If you have a preferred airline you consistently fly with, having their credit card may be enough to meet your needs. Plus, having multiple airline credit cards means spreading your loyalty across different airlines. This means it could take longer to reach status with multiple airlines than if you just focused on one airline. By focusing your loyalty on one airline and its credit card, you can accumulate more significant rewards within a single program. This concentrated loyalty can lead to higher-tier status and more valuable perks.

2. You don’t travel very often

An airline credit card probably doesn't make sense if you spend more on groceries and gas than flights. Most airline cards offer elevated rewards on travel spending and lower rewards for everyday purchases. Instead, opt for a versatile rewards credit card geared toward daily spending.

3. You don’t want to pay annual fees

Some — not all — travel credit cards charge annual fees. If you have multiple cards, you'll be responsible for paying multiple fees. Unless you can fully use the benefits and rewards of each card, these fees can quickly add up and outweigh the value you get.

4. You don’t want to manage a bunch of credit cards

Keeping tabs on all your cards can be time-consuming. Each card has its own payment due dates, terms, and reward structures. Keeping track of multiple accounts can be stressful and increase the risk of missing payments. If simplicity is important to you, sticking with one airline credit card might be better.

How to manage multiple airline cards to maximize your rewards

No matter how many airline cards you have, there are a few ways to maximize your rewards.

• Understand how to earn rewards: Different cards may offer bonus categories, such as dining, gas, or travel purchases, where you can earn extra miles or points. Use each card strategically for purchases that will earn you the most rewards. Here’s what you should consider before getting a travel credit card.
• Plan your spending: Take advantage of sign-up bonuses by meeting the spending requirements within the specified period. Be mindful of each card's annual fee and the spending thresholds to maintain specific benefits or elite status.
• Consolidate rewards: If you have multiple cards from the same airline, check if you can combine or transfer rewards between the cards. This can make it easier to redeem for flights or upgrades.
• Leverage partner programs: Many airlines partner with other airlines, hotels, or rental car companies. You can earn miles or points with partner purchases and potentially redeem them for flights or other travel-related expenses.
• Keep track of expiration dates: Airline rewards may expire after a certain period of time. Plan your redemptions accordingly to avoid losing your hard-earned rewards.
• Utilize transfer options: Some airline credit cards allow you to transfer rewards to partner airlines or hotel loyalty programs. This can provide more flexibility and options for redeeming your rewards.
• Monitor your credit score: Having multiple credit cards means managing multiple accounts. Ensure you stay within a healthy credit utilization ratio and make timely payments to maintain a strong credit score.

Remember, responsible financial management is crucial when managing credit cards. Keep track of payment due dates, set spending limits, and avoid carrying a balance to lower the risk of accumulating debt.

The bottom line

Having multiple airline credit cards allows you to maximize benefits, earn rewards faster, enjoy exclusive sign-up bonuses, and get flexibility in travel options. Just make sure to consider the costs and manage your cards responsibly and carefully.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.