11 airline credit cards that offer free checked baggage and can save you hundreds of dollars.

This year, the major U.S. airlines increased their checked baggage fees. Specifically, American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue now charge between $35 and $45 for a first checked bag on both domestic and short-haul international flights.

Several airlines offer free baggage checking to their customers. For example, those traveling in premium cabins or with elite status can usually check at least one bag for free. Additionally, Southwest allows all passengers to check two bags for free.

To avoid checked bag fees on most airlines, you can open a co-branded airline credit card that offers free checked bags as a perk. If you're not loyal to a single airline, general travel credit cards with statement credit offers can be used to cover checked bag fees. (Check out our methodology for more details on how we compiled this list.)

Best for American Airlines

This card is suitable for individuals who lack American Airlines elite status and wish to evade checked baggage fees on domestic flights.

The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select card provides a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation. This benefit can save you up to $70 to $80 per round-trip flight, as American Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag on domestic flights, but it's only $35 if you pay online.

This card is for American Airlines travelers who want free checked bags and other airline-specific perks.

Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard holders can save $70 to $80 per round trip per person by receiving a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for themselves and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation.

Best for Delta

What is the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for? The card offers several advantages that Delta flyers can easily take advantage of.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card members and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive a free first checked bag. To obtain the baggage fee waiver, ensure that the cardholder's Delta SkyMiles number is linked to the reservation. For domestic flights, Delta charges $35 per bag each way, meaning this benefit can save you hundreds of dollars on a single trip if you're traveling with a large group.

This card is suitable for Delta frequent travelers who want more than just free checked bags. If you're aiming for Delta elite status or need Delta Sky Club lounge access, this card is worth considering.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders receive a free checked bag for themselves and up to eight other people on the same reservation, resulting in a savings of $60 per person per round-trip flight.

Best for United

This card is ideal for United flyers who want to avoid a high annual fee. Despite its low cost, it offers numerous valuable benefits.

The United Explorer Card provides a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and a companion when using the card to pay for flights (or taxes and fees on awards flights). This benefit is waived for the first 90 days from account opening. United charges $40 for a first checked bag or $35 if prepaid online. Additionally, basic economy fares usually do not allow carry-ons, but cardholders are exempt.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is the premium United consumer card and its benefits are best suited for the most devoted United flyers, as it includes a United Club membership.

The United Club Infinite Card offers a free checked bag perk that extends to the first and second checked bags for the primary cardholder and one companion. This benefit can save you up to $180 per round trip on domestic flights, where the first bag typically costs $35 or $40 and the second bag costs $45 or $50. Additionally, cardholders are allowed a free carry-on bag when traveling on a basic economy ticket.

Best for Alaska Airlines

Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card suitable for Alaska Airlines devotees?

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card offers a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six companions when paying for flights with the card. This can save up to $70 on every round-trip flight, as Alaska Airlines charges $35 for the first checked bag.

This credit card is suitable for small business owners seeking to accumulate Alaska Airlines miles through their business expenditures.

The free checked bag benefit for Alaska Airlines cardholders allows them to save $35 each way for themselves and up to six companions when paying for flights with the card.

Best for JetBlue

If you reside near or frequently travel to a JetBlue hub, such as New York, Boston, or Fort Lauderdale, the JetBlue Plus Card is an excellent option.

The JetBlue Plus Card offers a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions when traveling on a JetBlue flight. This benefit can save you $70 to $90 round-trip per person, as the first checked bag costs $35 if paid more than 24 hours in advance, otherwise it's $45.

If you are a JetBlue fan with a small business or side hustle, the JetBlue Business Card may be suitable for you.

The JetBlue Business Card offers a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to three companions traveling on a JetBlue-operated flight, eliminating the hassle and extra cost of paying for checked bags within 24 hours of departure.

Best for any airline

What is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card intended for? This general travel credit card offers a range of premium perks, including airport lounge access and extensive travel protections.

The Sapphire Reserve does not offer a specific free checked bag benefit. Nevertheless, cardholders receive an annual travel credit of up to $300 that can be used towards checked bag fees. This benefit is straightforward and applies to all airlines. Simply pay the bag fee with your card and receive an automatic statement credit. Additionally, this card provides other perks such as baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.

More on our best credit cards that offer free checked bags

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® is a mid-tier co-branded American Airlines card that offers a generous welcome bonus and $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99. Its perks can make the annual fee worth it for anyone who travels with American Airlines more than once per year.

Rewards

• 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 2X miles at restaurants and gas stations
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After opening an account and spending $2,500 on purchases within the first three months, you will earn 50,000 bonus miles.

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99

Notable perks

American Airlines offers card members a range of perks, including a free first checked bag for themselves and up to four guests on the same reservation, preferred boarding (Group 5), and a 25% rebate on in-flight food and beverage purchases. Additionally, every year after spending $20,000 or more and renewing their card, cardmembers will receive a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount.

No foreign transaction fees and no cost for adding authorized users are features of this card.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is a mid-tier American Airlines credit card that offers a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99. This card stands out for its exceptionally easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

Rewards

• 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase within the first 90 days

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99

Notable perks

With this card, you can save on American Airlines in-flight Wi-Fi fees by earning up to $25 in statement credits annually. Additionally, you'll receive 25% back on in-flight food and beverage purchases and preferred boarding (Group 5).

If you spend $20,000 or more on your card during your membership year and keep it open for at least 45 days after your anniversary date, you will receive a $99 (plus taxes and fees) companion ticket for qualifying domestic economy flights.

This card has no foreign transaction fees.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card allows you to save money on Delta award flights, making your miles travel further as a cardholder.

Rewards

• 2X miles on Delta purchases
• 2X miles at U.S. Supermarkets
• 2X miles at U.S. restaurants
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After six months of opening an account, you will receive 70,000 bonus miles for every $3,000 spent on purchases.

Annual fee

The annual fee for the first year is $0, and after that, it is $150 (see rates and fees).

Notable perks

As a Delta cardholder, you'll receive a 15% discount on all Delta-operated award flights. Additionally, you can offset the annual fee with statement credit offers (see rates and fees). Every year, after spending $10,000 in purchases on your card, you'll receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit. You can also earn up to $100 in statement credits per year by booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.

Other benefits include:

• Priority boarding (Main Cabin 1)
• 20% back on in-flight purchases
• Baggage insurance
• Rental car insurance
• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta's most premium card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, is designed for frequent travelers who appreciate luxury perks. Additionally, this card provides valuable statement credits that can be used when not traveling.

Rewards

• 3X miles on Delta purchases
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After six months of opening the account, you will receive 100,000 bonus miles if you spend $6,000 on the card.

Annual fee

$650 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

This card's Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Headstart feature is valuable for anyone who values Delta elite status, as it provides 2,500 MQDs each Medallion Qualification Year. Additionally, you'll earn one MQD for every $10 in purchases made with the card.

The numerous advantages of this card make it a valuable possession to keep for an extended period.

• Each month, you can earn up to $20 in Resy credit, totaling up to $240 per year.
• Each month, you can receive up to $10 in rideshare credit, totaling $120 annually.
• Up to $200 in Delta Stays credit
• Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying with Delta
• American Express Centurion Lounge access when flying with Delta
• Priority boarding (Main Cabin 1)
• Every 4.5 years, you can receive up to $100 in application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• TakeOff15, save 15% on Delta award flights
• Annual companion certificate
• Hertz Presidents Circle Status
• 20% back on in-flight purchases
• Baggage insurance
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection
• Return protection

United℠ Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card offers limited United Club access and is a great choice for frequent United travelers.

Rewards

• 2X miles on United purchases
• 2X miles on dining
• 2X miles on hotels purchased directly with the hotel
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After opening an account, you can earn 60,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months.

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Notable perks

Priority boarding and other travel benefits are in addition to the free checked bag benefit for cardholders and their companions.

• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and NEXUS offer up to $100 in application fee credits.
• 25% back on in-flight and United Club premium drink purchases
• Two one-time United Club passes each year
• One free year of DoorDash DashPass (enroll by Dec. 31, 2024)
• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost Luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty coverage
• No foreign transaction fees

Earning United elite status is more achievable with this card, as you'll receive 25 Premier qualifying points (PQP) for every $500 spent (up to 1,000 PQP annually). Once you attain elite status, you and a companion will enjoy complimentary upgrades on award tickets.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is the most premium United card, offering unlimited access to United Club airport lounges and other high-end perks.

Rewards

• 4X miles on purchases from United
• 2X miles on all other travel purchases
• 2X miles on dining
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After three months of opening your account, you will earn 80,000 miles for every $5,000 spent on purchases.

Annual fee

$525

Notable perks

The most valuable advantage of the United Club Infinite Card is its United Club membership, which costs between $550 and $650 based on your United status level. If you would otherwise pay for a United Club membership outright, obtaining this card and paying its annual fee is a more affordable option.

On top of that, the card also has these benefits:

• Up to $100 in application fee credit for TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, or Global Entry.
• 25% back on United in-flight and United Club premium beverage purchases
• Save 10% on United Economy Saver Awards
• Priority check-in, baggage handling, security screening and boarding
• IHG One Rewards Platinum status
• Avis President's Circle status
• Complimentary year of DoorDash DashPass (enroll by Dec. 31, 2024)
• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost Luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Return protection
• No foreign transaction fees

As a cardholder, you can earn up to 10,000 PQP with this card, which would be enough to qualify for Gold status. While elite members are typically not eligible for complimentary upgrades on award flights, as a cardholder, you and one companion are eligible for free elite status upgrades on award flights.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Earning Alaska Airlines miles with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is a great way to take advantage of its valuable companion fare benefit.

Rewards

• 3X miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
• Eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services, and local transit purchases are available for 2X miles.
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After opening an account and spending $3,000 or more within the first 90 days, you can earn 70,000 miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) for a limited time.

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

When paying for Alaska flights with this card, cardholders receive priority boarding and $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership. Additionally, this card offers 20% back on in-flight spending with Alaska Airlines.

Individuals who spend over $6,000 on purchases during their card anniversary year are eligible for Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™, which allows them to book a flight for $99 plus taxes and fees from $23 on all Alaska Airlines flights through alaskaair.com.

Anyone with an eligible Bank of America bank account can receive a 10% bonus on all miles earned from card purchases.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card

Small business owners can enjoy many of the same benefits as consumer Alaska Airlines cardholders with the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card.

Rewards

• 3X miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
• Eligible gas purchases, EV charging station access, and local transit purchases are covered by 2X miles.
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After opening an account and spending $3,000 or more within the first 90 days, you will earn 50,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23).

Annual fee

$70 per company, plus $25 per card

Notable perks

If you have an eligible Bank of America small business account, you can earn a 10% rewards bonus on the miles you earn from purchases with this card.

Priority boarding is available when you pay for a flight with your card, and you'll also receive a 20% discount on in-flight purchases with Alaska Airlines and a $100 discount on an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership.

For every card anniversary year, when you spend $6,000 or more on purchases with your card, you get a companion fare that lets you bring a guest on an eligible Alaska Airlines flight for $99 plus taxes and fees.

JetBlue Plus Card

If you frequently fly with JetBlue, the JetBlue Plus Card is an excellent choice due to its exceptional rewards for JetBlue purchases.

Rewards

• 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases
• 2X points at restaurants
• 2X points at eligible grocery stores
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After spending $1,000 on the card and paying the annual fee in full within the first 90 days of opening the account, you will receive 60,000 bonus points.

Annual fee

$99

Notable perks

Earning 5,000 bonus points annually for keeping the card and a 10% rebate on award redemptions make JetBlue points more valuable.

The JetBlue Plus card offers a 50% discount on eligible in-flight purchases, as well as a $100 statement credit on an eligible purchase of a JetBlue Vacations package.

This card has no foreign transaction fees.

JetBlue Business Card

Frequent travelers to cities served by JetBlue can benefit from the JetBlue Business Card, which converts business expenses into JetBlue points.

Rewards

• 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases
• 2X points at restaurants
• 2X points at office supply stores
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn up to 60,000 bonus points: Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,000 on the card in the first 90 days, and receive an additional 10,000 points after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days.

Annual fee

$99

Notable perks

The card offers several advantages that can help cover its annual fee. For instance, you will receive 5,000 bonus points annually after your account anniversary. Additionally, cardholders are eligible for a 10% rebate on JetBlue award bookings.

You'll receive early boarding, a 50% statement credit for food and beverage purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and a $100 statement credit when you pay for a JetBlue Vacations package with the card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is justified by its numerous luxury perks and statement credits.

Rewards

• 10X points on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Chase travel portal*
• 10X points on Chase dining purchases
• Eligible Peloton purchases of $150 or more can earn up to 10X points, with a maximum of 50,000 points available through March 31, 2025.
• 5X points on flights purchased through the Chase travel portal*
• 3X points on travel
• 3X points on dining
• 1X points on all other purchases

*After the first $300 spent on travel purchases annually.

Welcome bonus

After opening an account and spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months, you will earn 60,000 bonus points.

Annual fee

$550

Notable perks

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an incredible list of benefits, including:

• Annual travel credit of up to $300
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• Every four years, you can receive up to $100 in application fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• You can enjoy two years of free Lyft Pink All Access membership by activating it before December 31, 2024.
• A one-year free DoorDash DashPass membership can be activated by December 31, 2024.
• Up to $15 in Instacart credits each month for one year, plus a year of free Instacart+.
• Primary rental car insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Emergency medical and dental benefit
• Emergency evacuation and transportation
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection
• Return protection

In addition to redeeming points for one cent each or booking travel through the Chase travel portal, you can transfer Chase points to 14 hotel and airline loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. This allows you to increase the value of your rewards by booking luxury hotels and premium cabin award flights.

Bottom line

The increasing checked bag fees are making airline credit cards even more valuable, especially for those who travel frequently. With the highest domestic baggage fees reaching $90 a bag roundtrip, it may be worth considering getting a credit card if you check bags on one or two trips a year.

Why trust CNBC Select?

Our mission at CNBC Select is to deliver top-notch service journalism and in-depth consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make well-informed decisions with their money. Our credit card best lists are the result of extensive research by our team of expert writers and editors, who possess a wealth of knowledge about credit card products. At CNBC Select, we take pride in our journalistic standards and ethics, and we ensure that all our content is created without any input from our commercial team or external third parties. To learn more about our methodology for selecting the best credit cards with a free checked bag benefit, please refer to our methodology page.

Our methodology

CNBC Select analyzed cobranded airline credit cards and travel cards with free checked bag benefits to determine which credit cards are best for free checked bags. We compared each card based on various features, including annual fees, authorized user fees, rewards, credit score requirements, welcome bonuses, APRs, and foreign transaction fees. Additionally, we considered additional perks and ease of redeeming points.

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To learn about the rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please visit this link.

To learn about the rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link.