Airline Credit Cards

Use our eligibility calculator before applying for a speedy check of which cards you're most likely to get – and protect your credit score

These are mostly credit cards, so you'll need to pass a credit score to get them. Most cards require you to have a reasonable credit history and a decent income. If that's not you, don't apply, but for more information, see our Credit Scores guide.

The only way to know if you'll be accepted is to apply, but each application marks your credit file. Some cards let you do a pre-application check to work out whether to go ahead, or you can use our airline card eligibility calculator, which shows your odds of getting almost every top card, so you can hone your choice to minimise applications.

Quick questions

Or join our Credit Club for a full credit health check, including free your Experian Credit Report, Affordability Score and Credit Hit Rate

The new MSE Credit Club is a game-changer. For years the credit market has been shrouded in mystery but our revolutionary tool brings together the key components to give you the full picture, and crucially, what it means for your acceptance chances and how to boost your creditworthiness.

A credit score alone isn't enough to borrow, as there are other factors at play (it's why many with perfect scores still get rejected). The new Credit Club shows you...

1. Free Experian Credit Report – your credit accounts and how you've managed them.
2. Free Experian Credit Score – how lenders rate your past credit behaviour.
3. MSE Affordability Score – how lenders assess if you can afford a product.
4. Your Credit Hit Rate – how likely you actually are to be accepted when you apply.
5. Credit Card and Loan Eligibility Calcs – what your odds are of getting specific top deals.
6. How to improve your credit profile – we show where your profile's strong and weak, and how to improve it.

If you can't repay in full every month, DON'T get an airline card

Card companies offer reward schemes because they want to encourage you to spend on the card so they can earn interest from it. If you don't repay IN FULL, the interest cost on all reward cards will dwarf any gain you get.

Always set up a direct debit to repay the card in full each month, so you'll never pay interest.

They work best for high spenders

Higher spenders can take advantage of the perks that some of these cards have, such as companion tickets and big intro bonuses, especially if you're willing to pay an annual fee.

For example, the BA Premium Plus Amex below gives you a companion ticket if you spend £10,000/year on the card, but you need to pay a huge £195 annual fee. The BA Amex is the fee-free version, though you'd need to spend £20,000/year to get a companion ticket.

These cards do work better if you're a high spender, but they also only work well if you'll use the points you earn through them. If you don't but want to get something back from your credit card, you may want to consider a cashback credit card.

You shouldn't aim to borrow or withdraw cash on these cards

They're a tool to get you rewards and we rate them based on that. If you need to borrow as well, you're far better off focusing on getting the lowest interest rates – that'll save you much more money. See 0% Credit Cards for Purchases and Best Balance Transfers for more info.

And when it comes to withdrawing cash the rule is simple – never, ever, ever use these cards for cash withdrawals. Do so and you'll often be charged a fee. Even if you pay the card off in full, you'll usually be charged some interest.

Quick question

You'll gain more if you've a companion (if you spend a lot)

A number of the cards include 'companion tickets' if you spend a large amount, ie, £20,000/year. They usually allow you to take someone with you on the same conditions as you – if you go long-haul business class, so do they.

While this is a boon in its own right, it has another advantage. If you earn miles or points another way, such as by frequently flying on an airline for work or other reward schemes, it effectively doubles their value too.

Quick question

Some schemes are Amex-only, which is more limited

Some of the top cards are American Express, which aren't as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard – so bear that in mind before opting for one card over another.

Choose the right frequent flyer scheme for you

The British Airways Avios scheme is one of the most popular and can be great value. Yet if you never fly BA or aren't likely to start flying where BA flies to, it's unlikely to be worth getting a credit card earning Avios points.

You might be better off with the Amex Gold which offers points for a variety of schemes.

Use these cards for ALL spending to max your point-earning potential

These cards are designed to encourage you to spend but obviously we'd never want you to spend more than you need. Instead, use the card for all normal day-to-day purchases, instead of debit cards, cash, cheques or other credit cards. Then set up a direct debit to repay in full each month and you'll soon see the miles adding up.

You could max it even further by using the card for expenses if you need to reclaim them. This can be a powerful way to earn more miles at no cost to you, provided you can cope with paying the bill in full each month. Check it's fine with your employer though, and there's a chance it could be seen as a taxable benefit (though you'll still be up even if it is).

For a host of other tips relating to the Avios scheme, including manipulating credit cards to earn over 85,000 Avios a year, see our Tricks to Boost and Max Avios guide.

Quick questions

Carefully consider getting one if you need other credit soon

You need to weigh up whether getting one is going to harm other more important credit applications you may have on the horizon – multiple searches on your credit file can damage your chances of getting future credit.

So if you think you'll need to apply for important credit soon, such as a mortgage, hold off applying as you'll need to spread out your applications.

As with all credit cards, you get Section 75 consumer protection

In a nutshell, this means that if you buy something costing between £100 and £30,000, here or abroad, and pay on a credit card, the card issuer's equally liable with the retailer if something goes wrong.

This protection only applies to credit cards, not debit cards or any other plastic, but it's hugely important. If you ordered something and the retailer went kaput, you'd still be able to claim your money back from the card company.

But, be aware of using PayPal to pay on a credit card, as you'll lose this valuable Section 75 protection. Read the full guides to Section 75 refunds and using PayPal to pay on a credit card.