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Surprising fact: more than half of U.S. travelers pay baggage fees each year, and a simple card choice can erase that cost.
We created this guide to help families and frequent flyers pick an airline credit card that truly removes the checked bag pain. A good travel card can offer a free checked bag, priority boarding, and bonus points on everyday purchases.
We cover co-branded options, such as American Express cards and several general travel cards that offer statement credits or embedded baggage waivers. Expect notes on annual fee trade-offs, the value of the welcome bonus in the first year, and how miles and points compare.
Bottom line: choose a card that matches your airline habits and household travel patterns to turn regular spending into real savings on baggage and other travel fees.
Key Takeaways
- A single card can eliminate a common checked bag fee and add perks like priority boarding.
- We compare co-branded and general travel cards, including those from American Express.
- Compare annual fees with first-year value and welcome bonus offers.
- Some cards waive baggage at booking; others reimburse via statement credits.
- Points and miles earned on purchases help fund future trips and reduce travel costs.
Why free checked bags matter more in 2025
Small travel fees add up quickly, turning a single perk into real annual savings for families. Checked bag charges often run $60–$100 round-trip per person, so a waived bag can pay for an annual fee in one or two trips.
Rising baggage fees and traveler pain points
Rising ancillary fees affect all travelers. A household that flies two or three times a year with luggage can see hundreds in extra costs. That makes a free checked bag or similar benefit more than a nicety — it becomes a budgeting tool.
Earlier boarding and guaranteed overhead space are also valuable. Those perks reduce gate stress and the need to gate-check items, which can save time and protect fragile gear.
How the right card offsets airline costs
Several co-branded products still waive the first checked bag for cardholders and, in some cases, companions on the same reservation. Premium general travel cards offer airline credits that reimburse incidental charges.
- Built-in waivers apply at booking and stop fees for you and eligible companions.
- Statement credits require a qualifying purchase, then reimburse the fee after posting.
- Cards with larger annual airline credits can cover multiple bag fees in a year, especially for families.
Beyond fee avoidance, rewards points and miles earned on everyday purchases compound value. That means the right card can lower travel costs now and help fund future trips.
How we selected the best airline credit cards
We put every offering through the same rigorous checklist to separate marketing claims from real savings. Our goal is simple: show which options deliver clear value on everyday spending and travel outlays.
Evaluation pillars: value, welcome experience, fees, perks
We evaluate each option across four pillars: net value after fees, the clarity and achievability of the welcome bonus, the full fee profile including the annual fee, and tangible travel perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
What we measure:
- Net value per year after accounting for fees and typical benefits.
- How easy it is to hit minimum purchases and how quickly points post.
- Earn rates on travel and everyday categories and transfer partner flexibility.
- User-focused perks and realistic usage for average travelers.
Editorial independence and brand balance
We maintain strict editorial independence. American Express, Chase, Citi, bank-issued co-brands and smaller issuers are judged by the same standards.
If we would not recommend a specific product to a close family member, it does not appear in our top recommendations. That means our ratings reflect real-world value, not advertising relationships.
Editor’s top picks at a glance
We narrowed options to three cards that cover distinct traveler needs: loyalty, premium flexibility, and an entry-level value play.
Quick read: pick a co-branded card if you fly one airline most of the time. Choose a premium travel card if you want flexible airline credit and lounge access. Opt for the starter option when you need a simple free first bag and priority boarding without a hefty annual fee after year one.
Best overall for airline loyalists
United Explorer Card — Free checked bag for cardholder and one companion, priority boarding, two one-time United Club passes, no foreign transaction fees, and $0 first-year annual fee then $150. This card suits travelers who keep flights on a single carrier and want consistent perks plus solid miles on purchases.
Best premium for frequent travelers
Chase Sapphire Reserve — $300 annual travel credit usable toward baggage and other incidentals, top-tier lounge access, and strong dining and travel points. The high annual fee is offset by broad credit flexibility and transferable points for complex itineraries.
Best low-fee starter option
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card — First checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta, $0 introductory annual fee the first year then $150, and a 50,000-mile welcome bonus after $2,000 in purchases in 6 months. It’s an approachable choice for those building status and earning useful miles on everyday purchases.
| Card | Key perks | Intro annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Explorer Card | Free bag (cardholder + companion); priority boarding; 2 Club passes | $0 first year | Good for loyal United flyers; no foreign transaction fee |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $300 travel credit; lounge access; high travel/dining points | $795 | Best for frequent travelers who want flexibility and premium perks |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | First bag free; priority boarding; 50,000-mile bonus | $0 first year, then $150 | Strong starter card for Delta loyalists with quick return on purchases |
2025’s Best Airline Credit Cards for Free Checked Bags
Choosing the right travel card can turn a routine baggage charge into a simple, repeatable saving.
Free checked can mean two things. It is either an automatic airline-operated bag waiver tied to your reservation or a statement credit that refunds the charge after it posts to your account.
Co-branded vs general travel card approaches
Co-branded cards often attach an airline-operated waiver directly to your ticket. That usually requires booking under your frequent flyer number and paying with the co-branded card. Examples include the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, and United Explorer Card.
General travel cards like The Platinum Card from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve use an airline credit or travel credit to reimburse fees. These do not change airline rules at check-in but give flexible coverage across carriers.
- Verify eligibility: some waivers require the card to be open a minimum number of days before travel.
- Companion rules: Co-branded waivers often cover one companion on the same reservation; please confirm the terms when booking.
- Watch booking channels: third-party sites can break waiver links—book directly when possible.
Beyond fee avoidance, earning points and miles on everyday purchases adds value. We recommend pairing a co-branded bag card with a flexible premium card if you fly multiple airlines.
| Approach | How it works | When to pick |
|---|---|---|
| Co-branded | Airline-operated waiver at booking; often covers companion | When you fly one carrier most of the time |
| General travel card | Statement or travel credit reimburses baggage fees after charge | When you need multi-airline flexibility |
| Paired strategy | Use co-branded for primary carrier + premium card for others | For mixed itineraries and maximum coverage |
Delta cards that include free checked bags
Delta offers two clear co-branded options that pair waived bag charges with airport perks. We outline how each fits different traveler habits so you can pick the right mix of savings and comfort.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: free bag and priority boarding
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card waives the first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation. It also provides Zone 5 priority boarding and a 15% discount on Delta award travel.
The introductory annual fee is $0 the first year, then $150. A 50,000-mile bonus posts after $2,000 in purchases in six months. This makes the card a strong value for families and groups who want immediate savings.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: lounge access plus first free bag
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3x miles on Delta activity and includes complimentary Sky Club visits (up to 15 per year) and access to Centurion Lounges. It adds an annual companion certificate and robust upgrade perks.
The higher annual fee of $650 targets frequent flyers who value lounges, earn greater points on Delta spend, and enjoy richer elite-like perks that help offset travel costs.
When Delta flyers should consider Gold vs Reserve
- Gold: Pick this if you fly Delta occasionally and want a simple free checked bag and boarding perks with a modest fee.
- Reserve: Choose Reserve if you travel often with Delta, use lounges, and want extra miles and upgrade tools.
“Add your SkyMiles number at booking and pay with the Delta card to ensure the waiver appears on your itinerary.”
| Feature | Gold | Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | Cardholder + up to 8 companions | Cardholder (companion policies vary) |
| Boarding | Zone 5 priority boarding | Priority boarding plus upgrade tools |
| Annual fee | $0 first year, then $150 | $650 |
| Miles / welcome | 50,000 miles after required purchases | 100,000 miles after required purchases |
United Explorer Card: free checked bag and no foreign transaction fees
For travelers who lean toward United, a mid-range card offers practical perks that pay off quickly. The United Explorer card combines mileage earn rates, airport benefits, and a useful welcome bonus aimed at frequent flyers.
Free bag for you and a companion on the same reservation
First checked bag free for the primary cardholder and one companion applies when your MileagePlus number is on the booking and you pay with the Explorer card. That waiver often covers a round-trip fee that would otherwise hit your wallet.
Priority boarding and United Club one-time passes
The priority boarding perk helps secure overhead space and reduces gate stress. You also receive two United Club one-time passes each year — handy for long connections or when you want a quiet place to work.
- Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels; 5x on prepaid United Hotels.
- A 60,000-mile welcome bonus is available after making the required purchases, which is useful for award travel or upgrades.
- No foreign transaction fees, which saves on overseas purchases and other transaction fees.
- $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150 — redeemable quickly with a single waived bag or partner credits.
“Add your MileagePlus number at booking and pay with the card to ensure the waiver appears on your itinerary.”
We recommend adding the frequent flyer number early and confirming the waiver before check-in. Use partner credits and the bonus points on routine purchases to offset the recurring annual fee and make the most of this airline-focused card.
American Airlines loyalists: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
If you fly American frequently, one co-branded option simplifies travel costs and status progress. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard pairs a reliable travel perk with solid earning on everyday spending.
Free checked bag on domestic flights and preferred boarding
This card grants a first checked bag free on domestic itineraries for the cardholder and provides preferred boarding. Add your AAdvantage number and pay with the card at booking to ensure the waiver posts.
Earning miles and Loyalty Points toward status
Earn 2x miles on American, dining, and gas; 1x on other purchases. You also earn one Loyalty Point for every AAdvantage mile earned, which accelerates elite qualification.
- Annual fee: $0 the first year, then $99.
- Welcome bonus: 50,000 miles after $2,500 in purchases in three months.
- Use off‑peak awards and partner redemptions to stretch miles into more travel value.
| Feature | What you get | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bag waiver & boarding | First free bag; preferred boarding | Saves typical round‑trip bag fees and cuts gate stress |
| Earn rates | 2x on American, dining, gas; 1x elsewhere | Build miles and Loyalty Points from everyday purchases |
| Fees & bonus | $0 first year; $99 after; 50k bonus | Fast payback for frequent flyers; low entry cost first year |
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card: free bag and companion value
Alaska’s Visa Signature pairs practical savings with a recurring companion perk that can change your annual travel math. The card earns 3x miles on Alaska purchases, 2x on gas, streaming, and transit, and 1x on all other purchases.
First checked bag free for the cardholder plus priority boarding saves the typical round‑trip fee immediately. Cardholders also get 20% savings on in-flight purchases, which adds up on snack, Wi‑Fi, and seat upgrades.
Companion Fare and no foreign transaction fees
The annual Companion Fare allows you to purchase a second ticket for approximately $99, plus taxes (starting at $23), after making qualifying purchases. When stacked with fare sales or long-haul routes, that perk can outweigh the $95 annual fee many times per year.
No foreign transaction fees make this card sensible for cross‑border trips to Canada and partner itineraries. Add your Mileage Plan number at booking and pay with the card to trigger the checked bag waiver reliably.
- Maximize value: use Companion Fare on higher fares or longer routes to multiply savings.
- Redemption tips: redeem miles within Mileage Plan partners for good award value on transpacific routes.
- Welcome offer path: reach the 60,000‑mile bonus and Companion Fare by hitting $3,000 in purchases in three months with targeted spending.
“Add your Mileage Plan number at booking and pay with the card to ensure the waiver appears on your itinerary.”
General travel cards that can cover baggage fees
Some high-end cards refund baggage and other incidental charges through automatic credits—no single airline loyalty required. We compare two popular premium options and explain when a general travel solution outperforms co-branded picks.
The Platinum Card from American Express: $200 airline fee credit
The Platinum Card from American Express offers a $200 airline credit per calendar year for one selected airline. That credit can reimburse incidental charges, such as a checked bag, when you charge them to the American Express card. The card also offers broad lounge access, elite hotel benefits, and substantial spending credits, accompanied by a $695 annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: $300 annual travel credit flexibility
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that posts automatically as travel purchases are made. This credit is flexible and often covers baggage fees across carriers. It includes Priority Pass access, strong travel and dining earn, and fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The annual fee is $795.
When a premium card beats a co-branded pick
- Pick a premium if you fly many airlines and want wide coverage from a single card.
- Consider the value of lounges, transfer partners, and how credits apply to non-airline purchases.
- Enroll and designate an airline on Amex, and confirm merchant coding so airline credit triggers.
“Pair a premium general travel card with a co-branded card when you alternate carriers—get broad coverage plus a specific bag waiver.”
| Card | Annual Fee | Annual Travel Credit | Top Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | $695 | $200 (selected airline) | Centurion & partner lounges, hotel status, transfer partners |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | $300 (broad travel) | Priority Pass, strong travel/dining points, Global Entry credit |
| Strategy | — | Use credits for baggage & incidentals | Pair with a co-branded bag waiver for max coverage |
Key fees and perks to compare before you apply
Start by comparing what you actually get in year one versus ongoing annual costs. A quick checklist helps us see if a card’s perks will offset the fee based on our typical travel and spending.
Annual fee and first-year value calculus
Many co-branded options advertise a $0 first-year annual fee, then move to $99–$150. We measure value by adding welcome points, the immediate savings from a waived bag, and everyday bonus rates on purchases.
Premium general cards carry higher annual fees (Amex Platinum: $695; Chase Sapphire Reserve: $795), but include large travel credits that can offset much of that cost in a single year.
Foreign transaction fees for international trips
No-FTF cards matter if you travel abroad. Several co-brands and premium cards advertise no foreign transaction fees, which lowers costs on overseas purchases and cashless spending.
Compare issuer policies to avoid hidden transaction fees when using a card overseas.
Lounge access, priority boarding, and partner credits
Decide how much you value lounge entry and priority boarding. These perks translate to time savings and comfort on busy itineraries.
We also weigh partner credits and statement credit rules. Read the fine print so lounge passes, bag waivers, and credits are easy to use without surprises.
- Map your travel calendar for the year to exhaust any airline or travel credits.
- Compare net value: fee minus credits and realistic baggage savings.
- Use a short list to compare cards side by side before applying.
“Measure first-year bonuses and real recurring savings to know whether a card earns its keep.”
| Item | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 intro vs ongoing | Determines whether perks and credits justify the cost |
| Travel credits | $200 airline credit (Amex); $300 travel credit (Chase) | Offsets high fees quickly when used fully |
| Foreign transaction fees | No-FTF vs standard % | Affects overseas spending and total trip cost |
How to maximize your free checked bag benefit
A smart checkout routine often makes the difference between a waived fee and an unexpected charge at the gate.
Start by linking your frequent flyer profile to every booking and paying with the correct card at checkout so the waiver is posted. Co‑branded issuers usually require both steps for the free checked bag to appear on your itinerary.
Adding companions on the same reservation often extends the benefit. Confirm companion rules before you buy and include everyone under one PNR so the waiver covers eligible travelers.
Stacking credits and in‑flight savings
Premium cards may offer an airline credit or statement reimbursement that refunds baggage charges after they post. Use that credit, then apply any in‑flight discounts or percentage refunds to lower the total outlay.
- Allow a few days after card approval before booking, so the benefits are active.
- Time category bonuses and points-earning purchases to match promotions and accelerate miles.
- Run an annual audit to use credits per year and companion perks before they expire.
“Always add your frequent flyer number at booking and pay with the associated card to ensure the waiver appears on your itinerary.”
Quick checklist: verify fare class, avoid third‑party sites that break card recognition, and carry the physical card for manual verification at the counter. When benefits differ by airline, do a brief cost comparison to decide whether to switch carriers that day.
Conclusion
Matching travel patterns to card benefits is the fastest way to cut fees and boost points.
If you check luggage a few times a year, the right mix of airline credit cards and a flexible credit card can pay for itself. Our top co‑branded picks — Delta SkyMiles, the United Explorer card, and Citi’s World Elite AAdvantage option — deliver reliable waivers and priority perks.
For wider coverage, pair a premium credit card, such as American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, to capture lounge access and travel credits. Alaska’s Companion Fare and Southwest’s included a two‑bag policy shift, with value toward annual credits and earn rates.
Final checklist: run the math on the annual fee, match benefits to your travel calendar, and time purchases to hit welcome milestones. With this approach, you’ll lower out‑of‑pocket fees, earn more miles, and travel with less stress. Revisit this guide as programs change to keep your wallet optimized.
