Best Credit Cards with Priority Boarding and Rewards

If you're a frequent flyer, you know how frustrating it can be to wait in line for boarding. That's why credit cards with priority boarding are a game-changer. These cards offer perks like expedited security lines, lounge access, and of course, priority boarding.

Some credit cards offer priority boarding as a standard benefit, while others require you to meet certain spending requirements or have a specific tier level. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers priority boarding on United flights after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.

With priority boarding, you'll get to settle into your seat before the general boarding process begins, and often enjoy other perks like extra legroom or priority check-in. It's a great way to make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Cards like the Citi Premier Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also offer priority boarding as a benefit, but with varying requirements and airline partnerships.

If you're a frequent flyer, you're in luck because many credit cards offer priority boarding as a benefit. This can be a huge time-saver, especially during peak travel seasons.

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers priority boarding, along with many other benefits, including access to the Admirals Club and a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles. If you're a frequent traveler, this card is definitely worth considering.

The United℠ Explorer Card also offers priority boarding, as well as a free first checked bag and a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles. Plus, you'll pay no annual fee for the first year, making it a great option for those who want to try out the benefits before committing to the $95 annual fee.

Here are some of the best credit cards for priority boarding:

If you're a Southwest loyalist, you'll want to consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. This card offers four upgraded boardings per year, depending on availability, which can be a huge perk.

You'll earn 3X points on Southwest purchases, making it a great choice for frequent flyers. Plus, you'll get 2X points on Southwest Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 2X points on local transit, commuting, and internet services.

One of the standout benefits of this card is the $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This can save you time and hassle when traveling. You'll also get a $75 travel credit per year, automatically applied after purchasing eligible travel through the airline.

This card is perfect for those looking to gain elite status or earn enough points for the Companion Pass. If you're not a frequent traveler, however, you might want to look elsewhere.

If you're a dedicated United traveler, you're in luck because the United Explorer Card is a top choice for priority boarding benefits. The card offers a first-year annual fee waiver, making it a no-brainer to try out.

You'll earn 2X miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases. The card also comes with a 50,000 bonus miles sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

One of the standout features of this card is the ability to earn up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This can be a huge time-saver for frequent travelers.

Here are some of the key benefits of the United Explorer Card:

Just keep in mind that the annual fee is $95 after the first year, and there are limited redemption options.

American Airlines has a complex boarding process with nine groups, plus special preboarding options. If you're an American Airlines credit cardholder, you can get priority boarding, but the exact group you'll be in depends on your card.

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard gets you into Group 4, which includes AAdvantage Gold and Oneworld Ruby elite members, AirPass members, premium economy passengers, and other perks.

You'll also get priority boarding with the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, but it's one group behind the Executive card, in Group 5. This group includes Main Cabin Extra passengers and other AAdvantage credit card holders.

Here are some American Airlines credit cards that offer priority boarding:

Keep in mind that you only need to hold one of these cards to get priority boarding, and you don't have to purchase your ticket with it.

If you're a Delta Air Lines passenger, you're in luck because they offer nine boarding groups, including preboarding for customers who need extra assistance.

Preboarding is reserved for customers needing assistance or additional time to board, active-duty U.S. military personnel with ID, and Delta 360 members.

Delta cobranded credit cards can help you move into the fifth group, which is the best you can hope for as a non-elite passenger.

However, it's worth noting that having a Delta credit card won't get you any earlier boarding than those with the same card, regardless of the price tag.

Here's a breakdown of the boarding groups:

The JetBlue Business card is a great option for those who frequently fly with JetBlue. This card offers Group A boarding on all JetBlue-operated flights, which is a big perk for travelers who value getting on the plane quickly.

JetBlue's boarding groups include Preboarding for customers with mobility restrictions, Mosaic and Mint passengers, Group A for Even More Space customers and JetBlue Business cardholders, Courtesy Boarding for active military members and customers traveling with small children, General Boarding for Groups B, C, D, E and F, and Final Call for all remaining customers.

If you hit Mosaic status through flying or credit card spending, you'll move up to the second overall boarding group and have overhead space basically guaranteed. This status also comes with other benefits, such as increased points earning and bonus points on purchases.

To determine if the JetBlue Business card is right for you, consider your travel habits and how often you fly with JetBlue. If you're a frequent flyer, this card could be a great choice for you.

If you're looking for a credit card that offers priority boarding, there are several notable options to consider. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers priority boarding, as well as other benefits like 3X miles on Delta flights and 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants.

The United℠ Explorer Card also offers priority boarding, and it's a great option for frequent United travelers. With this card, you'll earn 2X miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases, and you'll get a free first checked bag.

Some other credit cards with priority boarding benefits include the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and the Frontier Airlines Credit Card. However, it's worth noting that these cards have higher annual fees and may not be the best option for casual travelers.

The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a top choice for American Airlines travelers. This card offers a range of benefits, including priority boarding, which can make traveling much smoother.

One of the key benefits of this card is its priority boarding, which gets you onto the plane early. In fact, Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard members are in Group 4, which is a significant advantage over other AAdvantage credit card holders.

As a cardholder, you'll also enjoy other perks like 2X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1X AAdvantage miles on all other purchases. Plus, you can earn an impressive sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

Another perk of the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is its access to the Admirals Club. Here, you'll have access to travel assistance, snacks, a business center, and more – a value of up to $650.

The card also offers a range of other benefits, including a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (every five years), a first checked bag free on domestic itineraries for you and up to eight travel companions, and access to American AAdvantage dining program.

However, it's worth noting that the card has a high annual fee of $450. Additionally, you'll only earn boosted rewards on American Airlines travel, which may not be suitable for travelers who use other airlines.

If you're a frequent traveler who wants to make traveling as easy and smooth as possible, the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is definitely worth considering.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a top pick for frequent Delta flyers. This card offers a generous welcome offer of 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account opening.

You'll earn 3X miles on Delta flights, Delta Vacations purchases, and transactions made directly with hotels. That's a great way to rack up rewards fast, especially if you're a frequent traveler. With this card, you'll also earn 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, and 1X miles on all other purchases.

One of the standout benefits of this card is the priority boarding benefit, which allows you to board the plane first. You'll also get access to Delta Sky Club, which is a great perk for travelers. And, you'll get a free first checked bag, which can save you money on checked bag fees.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card:

The annual fee for this card is $250, which may be a drawback for some travelers. However, if you're a frequent Delta flyer, the benefits of this card may be well worth the cost.

When choosing a credit card with priority boarding, it's essential to consider the specific airline you frequently fly with.

Delta Air Lines offers this benefit with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.

United Airlines offers a similar perk with the United Explorer Card.

If you're loyal to American Airlines, the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is a good option.

Frontier Airlines also offers a credit card with priority boarding benefits.

If you're unsure which card to choose, consider the following options: