Best credit card for airline miles

[Tauwillow]

We have not had credit cards for the last 12 years, and have been really happy with that status. Now, however, my 14 year old son will be going away to UNCSA for high school in their ballet program on partial scholarship.

Knowing that he will be coming and going out of state regularly, we're considering opening a credit line to building up miles for him to fly to and from school.

Does anyone have any recommendations for us? I have never shopped for a card before and I'm eager for advice.

 

[akcire]

The Southwest Card has the fastest rewards. If you are interested in getting one I got a mailing recently to refer new people and they get a free ticket. Send me a PM if you are interested.

 

[GoofItUp]

Consider the airlines that you will most want to fly, too. We use an American Airlines card because they are 1 of only 2 airlines that fly in/out of our small regional airport. Plus, their main hub is Dallas which means we can go just about anywhere once we take the hopper from the regional airport the DFW.

BTW -- congrats on your son's success with his ballet.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I would suggest getting a card with cash rewards rather than airline rewards. All the airlines are cutting reward travel by making it more difficult to fly using it. In the end, it just isn't worth it and certainly isn't cost effective anymore. The cards that offer cash back rewards end up being a lot better because you don't lose out for not being loyal and can use it for more than airlines! Good Luck!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would look at which airline you would expect to be using the most and get that airline's card.

I have an American Express Gold Premier card which gives triple points for airlines, double points for gas and groceries, and one point on everything else. It coordinates with about 20 airlines and several hotel chains. I can transfer points to Delta miles, for example, on a one to one basis.

 

[disneymomjcs]

We love Southwest cc. We charge everything and pay in full when the bill is received. We have earned 3 free airline tickets in the last year. Easy to redeem online and you can make changes for free.

Congratulations to your son. I have a daughter who is 13 and loves to dance she is always at the studio.

 

[Saraheg2107]

I would agree with the others about seeing which airline would work best for you. I used to fly to and from Philadelphia practically monthly, since that is/was a USAir hub, I got a card that earned me USAir miles. I would also add, those miles can add up pretty quickly, they paid for our trip to Europe a few years ago.

 

[Friendly Frog]

I know that a lot of people do not like Chase, but we have a Chase card that gives us points on any airline, which allows us to shop for the best fare deal.

 

[Tauwillow]

Thank you for the suggestions and the congratulations. We're very proud of how far DS has come, and want to support him as much as we are able.

I looked up the Southwest card, and I do worry about the blackout dates, since DS would be traveling specifically for the school holiday breaks.

I haven't looked up the other cards yet and I will definitely have to weigh a cash reward card over the airline perks. It just feels safer to have the rewards specifically for flights, so that we don't use the cash for another "emergency".