Maximize Flight Rewards: 15 Credit Cards with Up to 20% Back

Lisa Bakker · 2026-05-13

Planning a trip abroad is exciting, but the cost of flights can sting. What if you could earn back up to 20% of what you spend on airfare? We've rounded up 15 bank credit cards that offer serious rewards when you book your next getaway. ### How the Rewards Work Most of these deals are tied to specific airline partners or travel portals. You might need to book through a bank's online platform or use a certain card with a preferred airline. The 20% back often comes as statement credits or bonus points, so it's real money in your pocket. For example, some cards offer 5x points on travel purchases, which can be redeemed at a higher value for flights. Others give you a flat percentage back on all bookings. Always check the terms before you buy.  ### Top Cards for Flight Rewards Here's a breakdown of what some of the best cards offer: - **Chase Sapphire Preferred**: Earn 2x points on travel and dining. Points transfer to partners like United and Southwest at a 1:1 ratio. - **Capital One Venture Rewards**: Get 2x miles on every purchase. Use them to erase travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per mile. - **Citi Premier**: Earn 3x points on travel, including gas stations. Points transfer to airlines like JetBlue and Turkish Airlines. - **American Express Gold**: Earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. - **Bank of America Travel Rewards**: Earn 1.5x points on all purchases, with a 25-75% bonus for Preferred Rewards members. - **Wells Fargo Autograph**: Earn 3x points on travel, dining, and gas. No annual fee. - **U.S. Bank Altitude Connect**: Earn 4x points on travel and 2x on groceries. Includes a $100 annual travel credit. - **Discover it Miles**: Earn 1.5x miles on everything, and Discover matches all miles earned in the first year. - **Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red**: Earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and 1x on everything else. - **Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority**: Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases and 2x on other travel. - **Delta SkyMiles Gold**: Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and 1x on all other eligible purchases. - **United Explorer**: Earn 2x miles on United purchases and 1x on everything else. - **Marriott Bonvoy Boundless**: Earn 3x points on travel and 2x on all other purchases. - **IHG Rewards Premier**: Earn 5x points on IHG purchases and 2x on travel. - **Hilton Honors Surpass**: Earn 3x points on travel and 2x on all other purchases. ### Maximizing Your Rewards To get the most out of these cards, consider these tips: - **Stack bonuses**: Use a card that offers extra points on travel portals, then book through a site like Expedia or Booking.com. - **Watch for sign-up bonuses**: Many cards offer 50,000 to 100,000 bonus points after spending a certain amount in the first few months. - **Use travel credits**: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer a $300 annual travel credit that can offset fees. - **Book early**: Some cards have limited-time promotions that boost rewards on specific airlines or routes. ### Common Pitfalls to Avoid - **Annual fees**: Some cards charge $95 to $550 per year. Make sure the rewards outweigh the cost. - **Foreign transaction fees**: A few cards still charge 3% on purchases abroad. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees. - **Expiration dates**: Points and miles can expire if you don't use them for a while. Keep your account active. ### Final Thoughts Using the right credit card can turn a big expense into a rewarding experience. With 15 options offering up to 20% back, you're sure to find a card that fits your travel style. Just remember to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could eat into your savings. Happy travels, and enjoy the extra cash back!