Chase offers Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, Chase United Club℠ Business Card, Chase United℠ Explorer Card, and many more credit cards that can be an ideal option for the frequent travellers to earn airline miles on several purchases and get lounge access as an additional perk which enhances their travel.
Table (TLDR)
Top 8 Chase Credit Cards for Airline Miles & Lounge Access [2025]
| Serial Number | Names of Credit Cards in USA for Airline Miles & Lounge Access | Best Known & Value for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Best Travel Credit Card Known For Complimentary Lounge Access |
| 2. | Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Best Credit Card Known For Southwest Airline Perks |
| 3. | Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | Best Credit Card Known For Southwest Airline Perks |
| 4. | Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Best Credit Card Known For Travel Benefits |
| 5. | Chase United℠ Explorer Card | Best Credit Card Known For Airline Miles |
| 6. | Chase United Gateway℠ Credit Card | Best Credit Card Known For Unlimited Miles |
| 7. | Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | Best Credit Card Known For Business Expenses |
| 8. | Chase United Club℠ Business Card | Best Credit Card Known For Luxury Travel |
Best Chase Credit Cards for Airline Miles & Lounge Access [March 2025]
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a valuable asset for frequent travelers looking to maximize their travel rewards. This credit card offers attractive rewards for both travel and dining purchases. It provides an annual travel credit, which enhances its overall value for users.
Travel Rewards
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Excellent
- Annual Fee – $550
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Sign-up Bonus – 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Balance Transfer – 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Best For – Frequent Travelers, High Spenders
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium card for frequent travelers that offers 3x points on travel and dining. It provides complimentary airport lounge access and top-tier travel protection. Applicants need excellent credit and a strong income.
The $550 annual fee is justified by a $300 travel credit, a Priority Pass membership, and high-end rewards. Users get premium travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and flexible point transfers.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Travel Rewards | 10x points on hotels & rental cars via Chase Travel | Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee |
| Dining Rewards | 3x points on dining & travel | Charges $550 Annual Fee |
| Lounge Access | 5x total points on flights | – |
| $300 Annual Travel Credit | – | – |
| Concierge Service | – | – |
| No International Transaction Fee | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Offers high rewards rate.
- It provides luxury perks.
- Complimentary lounge access
- Provides Transfer partners.
Cons
- Lacks an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers.
- Requires excellent credit.
Expert Advice
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a great travel card that offers premium travel perks, which is beneficial for people who travel more. It offers a 0% international transaction fee and an annual travel credit of $300. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card also allows travelers to earn various travel rewards points on travel purchases such as hotel bookings, car rentals, and many more along with rewards on dining at restaurants and takeout.
2. Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus credit card is a great option for those who fly often and travel with Southwest, as it allows you to earn unlimited rewards on all your spending. This card also provides several other perks, such as the Early Bird check-in, which automatically enrolls you for check-in to provide you with earlier access to overhead storage.
Travel Rewards
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.49%–27.49%
- Annual Fee – $69
- International Transaction Fee – 3%
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 20.49%–27.49%
- Sign-up Bonus – 30,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months + Companion Pass
- Best For – Occasional Flyers, Southwest Travelers
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card, issued by Chase, is designed for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. Cardholders earn 2x points for every dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 1x point for every dollar spent on other purchases.
Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card has an annual fee of $69 and offers a $75 annual travel credit for Southwest purchases. The credit limit is determined by your credit score, and applicants must have a good credit score to qualify. Additionally, the card features a referral program that allows users to earn extra points by referring friends and family.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Rewards | 2x points on Southwest purchases | Enjoy a free one-year DashPass membership for DoorDash and Caviar, which includes unlimited deliveries with no delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. |
| Southwest Perks | 2x points on car rental partners and Rapid Rewards® hotel | “Chase Pay Over Time” allows eligible Chase customers to divide credit card purchases into manageable payments. |
| Budget Travel | 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare | – |
| 10,000 Companion Pass® Qualifying Points Each Year | 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming | – |
| Bonus Points Every Year on Your Cardmember Anniversary | 1x points on all other purchases | – |
| 25% Back on Inflight Purchases | – | – |
| 2 EarlyBird Check-In® Each Year | – | – |
| Unlimited Reward Seats without Blackout Dates or Seat Restrictions | – | – |
| Lost Luggage Reimbursement | – | – |
| Baggage Delay Insurance | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Comes with anniversary bonus points that cover most of the annual fee.
- Offers key benefits such as two free checked bags and two EarlyBird Check-Ins® each year.
- The signup bonus delivers strong value for a budget-friendly card.
Cons
- Not suitable for Southwest fans wanting better boarding options or quick elite status.
- No bonus miles for common spending categories such as groceries, gas, or dining.
- This card charges 3% international transaction fee, unlike similar cards.
Expert Advice
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus credit card is an excellent option for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, as it comes with a variety of attractive benefits. Cardholders can earn unlimited points on Southwest purchases, as well as on local transit, commuting expenses, internet services, and all other purchases. The card rewards users with rapid points on bookings made through hotel and car rental partners. For even more perks, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card provides 6,000 bonus points each year, along with 25% back on inflight purchases.
3. Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card®
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card is a fantastic option for those who travel frequently and prefer Southwest Airlines, as it enables you to accumulate unlimited points on every purchase. The card includes an Early Bird check-in feature that automatically registers you for better boarding and earlier access to overhead compartments.
Travel Card
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 21.24%–28.24%
- Annual Fee – $99
- International Transaction Fee – No Interational Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 21.24%–28.24%
- Sign-up Bonus – 30,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months
- Best For – Frequent Flyers, Southwest Travelers
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card, issued by Chase, offers 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. It benefits frequent Southwest travelers by providing valuable points and travel perks.
The card has an annual fee of $149 and offers a $75 Southwest annual travel credit. It provides a credit limit based on your credit score and requires a good credit score. The referral program allows you to earn additional points by referring others.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Rewards | 3x points on Southwest purchases | Simply tap to pay where you see the Contactless symbol for fast, easy, and secure checkout. |
| Travel Benefits | 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners | “Chase Pay Over Time” allows Chase customers to break up their credit card purchases into budget-friendly payments. |
| Southwest Perks | 2x points on Internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming | – |
| Early Bird Check-In Offer | 2x points on transit, commuting, and internet services | – |
| Earns Towards Southwest Companion Pass | 1x points on all other purchases made with the card | – |
| Unlimited Reward Seats without Blackout Dates or Seat Restrictions | – | – |
| Lost Luggage Reimbursement | – | – |
| Baggage Delay Insurance | – | – |
| Purchase Protection | – | – |
| 25% back on Inflight Purchases | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Cardholders earn an annual loyalty bonus of 6,000 points
- No cap on rewards
- Reward points don’t expire.
Cons
- Do not have any airline partners.
- Rewards redemption options are limited.
- Flies to a few international destinations.
Expert Advice
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card is an excellent option for those who frequently travel with Southwest, as it provides a range of benefits associated with both card usage and flying with the airline. It allows for unlimited points accumulation on Southwest-related purchases, local commuting expenses, internet services, and all other expenditures. This card grants rapid rewards for bookings with hotel and car rental partners. The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card provides 6,000 points each year on your card, along with a 25% discount on inflight purchases.
4. Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card is a great option for frequent flyers and Southwest travelers. With this card, you can earn unlimited points on all your purchases. It provides a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points each year.
Travel Card
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.49%–27.49%
- Annual Fee – $149
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 20.49%–27.49%
- Sign-up Bonus – 30,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months
- Best For – Frequent Flyers, Southwest Loyalists
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card, issued by Chase, offers 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. It benefits frequent Southwest travelers by providing valuable points and travel perks.
The card has an annual fee of $149 and offers a $75 Southwest annual travel credit. It provides a credit limit based on your credit score and requires a good credit score. The referral program allows you to earn additional points by referring others.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Rewards | 3x points on Southwest purchases | Gain immediate access to your card by adding it to a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay. |
| Southwest Perks | 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners | Get a year of free DashPass for DoorDash and Caviar, offering unlimited deliveries with no delivery fees. |
| No International Transaction Fee | 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services, and streaming | – |
| Annual $75 Southwest Travel Credit | 2x points on local transit and commuting purchases | – |
| Travel Benefits | 1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Cardholders earn an annual loyalty bonus of 7,500 points
- Offers 25% back on inflight purchases
- Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually.
Cons
- Charges annual fee
- Rewards redemption options are limited.
- Doesn’t offer any luxury perks such as lounge access or statement credits.
Expert Advice
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card is a great choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines which offers a variety of benefits that are designed for travelers. Cardholders earn unlimited points on Southwest purchases, local commuting expenses, internet services, and all other purchases. The card also allows users to accumulate rapid points through partnerships with hotels and car rental services. Each year, cardholders receive 7,500 bonus points and 25% back on in-flight purchases, making it an excellent option for dedicated Southwest travelers.
5. Chase United℠ Explorer Card
The Chase United℠ Explorer Card is an ideal option for those who travel frequently, particularly for United Airlines passengers. It offers a wide range of travel benefits, including the ability to earn rewards on various purchases, such as hotel bookings, gas, and transit. Cardholders can accumulate unlimited miles, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their travel experience through valuable airline rewards and perks.
Travel Rewards
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good to Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 16.49% to 23.49% Variable APR
- Annual Fee – $95 (waived first year)
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee – $10 or 5%
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Best For – Frequent Travelers, Lifestyle
Issued by Chase, the United Explorer Card is a top pick for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers two miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotels, plus a free first checked bag. It also includes two one-time United Club passes annually.
The annual fee is $95 (waived in the first year). A good to excellent credit score is recommended. The card provides priority boarding and trip protection benefits. It also has a referral program where users can earn bonus miles for referring friends.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Rewards | 5x miles on United as a MileagePlus member | “Chase Pay Over Time” allows eligible Chase customers to split credit card purchases into manageable payments. |
| Travel Perks | 2x miles on United purchase with the United Explorer Card | MileagePlus members can redeem miles to book any United-operated flight at any time without restrictions or blackout dates. |
| Free First Checked Bag | 4x miles on hotel stays booked through United Hotels | – |
| 2 United Club One-Time Passes Per Year | 2x miles on hotel stays | – |
| 25% Back as a Statement Credit | 2x miles on dining | – |
| $120 as a Statement Credit For Global Entry, TSA Precheck® | 1x mile on all other purchases | – |
| Free First Checked Bag – Save Up to $160 Per Roundtrip | – | – |
| Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Enjoy a free checked bag and priority boarding when you book your flight with your card, and experience smoother travel.
- Earn unlimited miles with no restrictions. Every purchase brings you closer to your next trip.
- Redeem your miles anytime with no blackout dates.
Cons
- The rewards or perks are not useful if the cardholder does not fly with United.
- Some United cards offer higher earning rates for specific purchases.
Expert Advice
The Chase United℠ Explorer Card is a great choice for United travelers and frequent flyers seeking to earn unlimited rewards on their travel expenses, whether for booking flights, hotels, or other transportation options. With the United℠ Explorer Card, cardholders receive unlimited miles for every purchase made with United. This card is also packed with valuable perks, including 25% back as a statement credit, a Free First Checked Bag (which can save up to $160 per round trip), and Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets, among many others.
6. Chase United Gateway℠ Credit Card
The Chase United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers and United travelers looking to have travel perks, airline rewards, and unlimited miles. This card provides rewards on hotel bookings, gas, transit, and other purchases.
Travel Card
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% for 12 months
- Regular APR – 21.24%–28.24%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – No International Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 21.24%–28.24%
- Sign-up Bonus – 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in 3 months
- Best For – Frequent Flyers, United Travelers
The Chase United Gateway℠ Card is a no-annual-fee travel credit card designed for United Airlines flyers. It offers 2X miles on United purchases, gas, and transit, making it a solid entry-level airline rewards card.
This card requires a good credit score. Benefits include no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, rental car insurance, and extended warranties. It does not have a referral program but offers United perks such as priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Rewards | 2x miles on United, gas, transit | Enjoy a free one-year DashPass membership for DoorDash and Caviar, which includes unlimited deliveries with no delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. |
| No Annual Fee | 5x miles on fare from United as a MileagePlus member | “Chase Pay Over Time” allows eligible Chase customers to divide credit card purchases into manageable payments. |
| Travel Perks | 2x miles on the entire United purchase with the United Gateway Card | – |
| Unlimited Miles | 3x miles on hotel stays booked through United Hotels | – |
| No International Transaction Fee | 1x miles on all other purchases | – |
| 5000 Bonus Miles After Adding an Authorized User to Your Account | – | – |
| Earning MileagePlus miles | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- No annual fee is charged.
- Offers bonus categories
- Provides bonus offers to new cardholders.
- Provides premium travel protection.
Cons
- Requires good- excellent credit score.
- No free checked bags
- It limits the reward flexibility.
Expert Advice
The Chase United Gateway℠ Card is an ideal option for United travelers and frequent flyers looking to earn unlimited rewards and benefits on their travel expenses, whether it’s for booking flights, hotels, or other transit options. With the United Gateway Card, cardholders earn unlimited miles on every United purchase. This card comes packed with a range of additional perks, such as receiving 25% back on premium drinks purchased during United Inflight and Club services, access to United Card Events offered by Chase, exclusive United MileagePlus events, and no foreign transaction fees.
7. Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business credit card is an excellent choice for frequent flyers who travel with Southwest, as it enables you to earn unlimited rewards on all your purchases. This card also offers various benefits, including Early Bird check-in, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, and many more.
Travel Rewards
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Excellent (700+)
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.49%–27.49
- Annual Fee – $99
- International Transaction Fee – 3% Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – $5 or 5%
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – 60,000 Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Best For – Business Owners
This Chase-issued card provides 3 points for every dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 2 points for spending on transit, dining, and business categories. It is an excellent option for business owners who often fly with Southwest Airlines.
The card has an annual fee of $99 and requires a good credit score of 700 or higher. Benefits include a 6,000-point anniversary bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and tier-qualifying points toward A-List status for frequent travelers.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | 3x points on Southwest Airlines® purchases | “Chase Pay Over Time” enables eligible Chase customers to split credit card purchases into manageable payments. |
| Business Expenses | 2 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases | Simply tap to pay wherever you see the Contactless symbol for a fast, easy, and secure checkout. |
| 2 Earlybird Check-In® Each Year | 2 points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services | – |
| 25% Back on Inflight Purchases | 1x Point on all other purchases | – |
| Unlimited Tier Qualifying Points | – | – |
| $500 Fee Credit for Points Transfers | – | – |
| Baggage Delay Insurance | – | – |
| Lost Luggage Reimbursement | – | – |
| Contactless – Just Tap to Pay | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- The card offers a generous welcome bonus, which provides an attractive incentive for new users.
- It features a high reward rate for various travel methods that allow travelers to maximize their benefits.
- Allows cardholders to enjoy lost luggage and trip protection benefits, offering peace of mind during their journeys.
Cons
- The redemption options are exclusively available for Southwest Airlines.
- Travel insurance covers baggage issues, including lost, damaged, or delayed luggage during travel.
Expert Advice
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business credit card is an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, as it offers a range of attractive benefits. Cardholders can earn unlimited points on Southwest purchases, as well as on local transit, commuting expenses, internet services, and all other purchases. The card also rewards users with additional points for bookings made through hotel and car rental partners. Furthermore, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business credit card provides sign-up bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, along with 25% back on in-flight purchases.
8. Chase United Club℠ Business Card
The Chase United Club℠ Business Card is a great choice for regular travelers, especially for those who fly with United Airlines, because it allows you to earn unlimited rewards on all purchases with United. This card provides a range of perks, such as Employee Cards at no extra cost, Premier Access® Travel Services, and much more.
Luxury Travel Card
- Issuer – Chase
- Payment Gateway – Visa, MasterCard
- Credit Score – Excellent (700+)
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.99%–27.99%
- Annual Fee – $450
- International Transaction Fee – 3% Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – $15 or 5%
- Balance Transfer APR – 20.99%–27.99%
- Sign-up Bonus – 75,000 Miles
- Best For – Business Owners
The premium business travel card issued by Chase is specifically designed for frequent travelers of United Airlines. It includes benefits such as access to United Club lounges, priority boarding, free checked bags, and 2x miles on United purchases, which makes it an excellent choice for business travelers.
This card has an annual fee of $450 and requires a good to excellent credit score (700 or higher). Additionally, it offers no preset spending limit, allows for employee cards at no extra cost, and provides enhanced travel insurance benefits.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | 5x miles on fare from United as a MileagePlus member | Experience the benefits of a United Club membership, valued at up to $650 annually, as long as you continue your Cardmember status. |
| Lounge Access | 2x miles on entire United purchase with the United Club Business Card | “Chase Pay Over Time” allows qualified Chase customers to break down credit card purchases into more manageable payment plans. |
| Free First and Second Checked Bags | 3.5x total miles on hotel stays booked through United Hotels | – |
| United Club℠ Membership – up to $650 Value Per Year | 2x Miles on United Purchases | – |
| 25% Back as a Statement Credit | 1.5x Miles on other purchases | – |
| Employee Cards at No Additional Cost | – | – |
| Premier Access® Travel Services | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Offers luxury travel benefits, including Premier Access.
- The award inventory has been expanded to include a wider range of options.
- MileagePlus miles do not expire, which provides a lifetime to use them for flights and more.
Cons
- Rewards come with certain restrictions and may lack the flexibility that some users expect.
- Please note that this package does not come with automatic elite status or travel credits.
Expert Advice
The Chase United Club℠ Business Card is a great choice for United travelers and frequent flyers seeking to earn unlimited rewards on their travel expenses, whether for booking flights, hotels, or other transportation options. With the United Club℠ Business Card, cardholders receive unlimited miles for every purchase made with United. This card is also packed with valuable perks, including 25% back as a statement credit, a Free First Checked Bag, Employee Cards at No Additional Cost, and Premier Access® Travel Services, among many others.
Table of Comparison
Best Chase Credit Cards for Airline Miles & Lounge Access
| Name of the Card | Payment Gateway | Best For | Credit Score | Annual Fee | Annual Percentage Rate | Regular APR | Balance Transfer | Sign in Bonus | Decision Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Visa | Frequent TravelersHigh Spenders | Excellent | $550 | N/A | 21.49% – 28.49% Variable | 21.49% – 28.49% Variable | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | Ideal for high spenders aiming for premium travel rewards and benefits. |
| Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Visa | Occasional FlyersSouthwest Travelers | Good-Excellent | $69 | N/A | 20.49%–27.49% | 20.49%–27.49% | 30,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months + Companion Pass | The low annual fee and Companion Pass make it ideal for occasional Southwest travelers looking for value. |
| Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | Visa | Frequent FlyersSouthwest Travelers | Good-Excellent | $99 | N/A | 21.24%–28.24% | 21.24%–28.24% | 30,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months | Offers higher rewards and travel perks for frequent Southwest flyers at a reasonable fee. |
| Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Visa | Frequent FlyersSouthwest Travelers | Good-Excellent | $149 | N/A | 20.49%–27.49% | 20.49%–27.49% | 30,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months | Includes additional benefits like travel credits and upgraded boarding for frequent Southwest users. |
| Chase United℠ Explorer Card | Visa | Frequent TravelersLifestyle | Good-Excellent | $95 (waived first year) | N/A | 16.49% to 23.49% Variable APR | 16.49% to 23.49% | 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months | Waived first-year fees, lounge passes, and travel protections make it great for United travelers seeking flexibility and perks. |
| Chase United Gateway℠ Credit Card | Visa | Frequent FlyersUnited Travelers | Good-Excellent | $0 | 0% for 12 months | 21.24%–28.24% | 21.24%–28.24% | 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in 3 months | No annual fee and introductory APR make it perfect for budget-conscious United flyers or occasional travelers. |
| Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | Visa | Business Owners | Excellent (700+) | $99 | N/A | 19.24% to 29.24% Variable APR | 19.24% to 29.24% | 60,000 Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months | Designed for business owners who frequently fly Southwest with higher rewards on business expenses. |
| Chase United Club℠ Business Card | Visa | Business Owners | Excellent (700+) | N/A | N/A | 20.99%–27.99% | 20.99%–27.99% | $75,000 Points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months | Offers United Club membership, providing unlimited access to United Club lounges, ideal for frequent United flyers. |
Methodology
Choosing the best Chase credit card for airline miles and lounge access depends on rewards, fees, and benefits.
This guide helps travelers find the right card for their needs:
- The selection of top Chase credit cards for airline miles and lounge access is based on multiple factors, including expert reviews, cardholder feedback, and available information.
- The focus is on cards that provide airline miles, points redeemable for air travel, and/or lounge access.
- The considered cards belong to the Sapphire, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and United Explorer families, ensuring a variety of options for different travelers.
- A detailed analysis of selected credit cards is conducted based on key features relevant to frequent travelers.
- The analysis includes factors such as:
- Reward rates for travel and dining purchases.
- Annual fees associated with the card.
- Travel credits offered by the card.
- Lounge access benefits, such as Priority Pass membership.
- Sign-up bonuses available to new cardholders.
- Additional travel benefits, including free checked bags.
- Information sources for this analysis include:
- Chase’s official website.
- Cardholder agreements.
- Reputable financial news sources.
- The ranking and comparison of cards are done based on their overall value for individuals looking for airline miles and lounge access.
- The ultimate goal is to help travelers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and travel preferences.
Does Chase Credit Cards offer Airline Miles & Lounge Access?
Yes, Chase offers credit cards that provide airline miles and access to airport lounges, which makes them beneficial for frequent travelers, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase United Gateway℠ Credit Card, and the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, among others.
These credit cards serve different needs, from frequent flyers with specific airline preferences to those seeking general travel rewards.
Earning Airline Miles with Chase Cards
Chase provides several credit cards for accumulating airline miles, either through direct partnerships with airlines or via the flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
- Direct Airline Partnerships: Several Chase cards are co-branded with specific airlines which allows cardholders to earn miles directly into that airline’s loyalty program. Examples include the Southwest Rapid Rewards cards and the United℠ Explorer Card.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards (Plus, Premier, Priority, Premier Business): These cards earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points on all purchases, with bonus points for Southwest purchases and hotel/car rental partners. They are best for loyal Southwest flyers.
- United℠ Explorer Card: Cardholders can earn United MileagePlus miles, with increased miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. They can also get benefits such as a free checked bag and priority boarding on United flights.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Certain Chase cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be later transferred to a variety of airline partners who offer flexibility in choosing the better airline to redeem these rewards.
Lounge Access with Chase Cards
Select Chase cards provide access to airport lounges, which enhance the travel experience with comfortable spaces to relax and enjoy amenities.
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | United Club℠ Business Card |
|---|---|
| This premium card includes a Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to a broad network of airport lounges worldwide. | This card offers a United Club membership to the cardholder by giving access to United Club lounges. |
Choosing the Best Chase Credit Cards for Airline Miles & Lounge Access?
Choosing the best Chase credit card for airline miles and lounge access involves travel flexibility and loyalty, lounge access, annual fee and benefits, earning and redemption rates, and many other criteria:
Criteria for Choosing the Best Chase Credit Cards
1. Lounge Access
Chase cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve provide access to lounges via the Priority Pass network and Chase Sapphire Lounges, which makes them perfect for individuals who appreciate lounge amenities.
2. Annual Fees and Benefits
Consider the annual fee and whether the benefits justify the cost. Cards with higher fees often provide more premium benefits, such as airline miles, lounge access, and many more travel perks.
3. Travel Flexibility vs. Loyalty
- Loyalty: If you frequently travel with a specific airline, a co-branded airline credit card might be better. These cards offer bonus miles for purchases made with the partner airline and often include perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
- Flexibility: There are several Chase cards, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offer flexibility that can be beneficial for individuals who are frequent flyers. These cards earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be converted to various airline partners at a 1:1 exchange rate.
4. Earning and Redemption Rates
Evaluate how quickly you can earn miles or points and the redemption value. Some cards offer higher earning rates for specific categories or when booking directly with the airline.
5. Additional Travel Perks
While choosing a credit card for travel purposes, you must select those cards that offer additional benefits such as travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and concierge services. These features can significantly enhance the overall travel experience.
6. Sign-up Bonuses
Consider the sign-up bonus offered by the card, as it can provide a significant boost to your initial rewards balance.
Benefits of Chase Credit Cards Work for Airline Miles & Lounge Access
Chase credit cards offer several benefits for earning airline miles and accessing lounges, which can enhance your travel experience.
Here are some key benefits and considerations:
Benefits of Chase Credit Cards for Airline Miles
Maximize travel rewards with Chase’s airline credit cards, earning miles faster, enjoying flexible redemptions, in-flight perks, and higher loyalty status for an enhanced flying experience.
| Faster Mileage Accrual | Flexibility in Redemption | In-flight Perks | Higher Status in Loyalty Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase’s co-branded airline credit cards allow you to earn miles faster, especially when booking with a partner airline. This can lead to a quicker accumulation of miles for redemption. | Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve offer Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to multiple airline partners, which provides flexibility in redemption. | Many airline credit cards offer in-flight perks such as complimentary seat upgrades, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight services. | Premium airline credit cards can help you achieve higher status levels in airline loyalty programs, leading to additional benefits, such as priority boarding and more space on flights. |
Benefits of Chase Credit Cards for Lounge Access
Enjoy luxury travel with Chase’s airline credit cards, offering complimentary lounge access, travel credits, priority boarding, and baggage benefits for a seamless airport experience.
| Complimentary Lounge Access | Travel Credits and Perks | Priority Boarding and Baggage Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| There are many cards, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve, which provide access to lounges in the Priority Pass network, and Chase Sapphire Lounges, which enhance the airport experience of the cardholder. | Some cards offer travel credits that can be used towards lounge access or other travel expenses, further enhancing your travel experience. | Many airline credit cards offer benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding, which can be valuable when accessing lounges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Chase credit cards offer the best airline miles rewards?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers high rewards on travel and dining. Southwest Rapid Rewards cards (Plus, Premier, and Priority) are great for Southwest flyers, while the United Explorer Card is best for United Airlines miles.
Which Chase credit card gets you into airport lounges?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best known for complimentary airport lounge access through a Priority Pass membership. The United Explorer Card also offers two United Club one-time passes annually.
What airlines does Chase partner with?
Chase partners with airlines such as Southwest (Southwest Rapid Rewards cards) and United Airlines (United Explorer Card).
How many miles for a free flight?
The number of miles needed for a free flight varies. With United MileagePlus, members can redeem miles to book any United-operated flight without restrictions or blackout dates.