If you travel often, elite status can quickly go from a nice-to-have perk to something you never want to travel without. Free checked bags, room upgrades, lounge access, late checkout and bonus points can make trips noticeably smoother. And depending on how often you travel, they can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.
The catch? Earning airline or hotel status the traditional way usually requires a lot of travel and spending. Many airline programs require thousands of dollars in annual spending, while hotel programs often expect dozens of nights per year before you unlock meaningful perks.
Fortunately, the right travel credit card can help fast-track your path to elite status. Some cards offer automatic status just for being a cardholder, while others let you earn elite-qualifying points or nights through everyday spending. This can greatly reduce the time, expense and effort needed to reach elite status.
These are the best credit cards for earning airline and hotel elite status.
The best credit cards for airline elite statusAirline credit cardsElite status benefits and earnings<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/10987?pid=10987&name=Atmos%E2%84%A2%20Rewards%20Summit%20Visa%20Infinite%C2%AE%20credit%20card&issuer=Bank%20of%20America" target="_blank">Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card</a></strong>Earn 1 status point per $2 spent<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/8103?pid=8103&name=Chase%20Air%20Canada%20Aeroplan%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card</a><br> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/8103?pid=8103&name=Chase%20Air%20Canada%20Aeroplan%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status, upgrade to 35K status by spending $75,000 a year on the card.<strong><a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/air-france-klm-mastercard-review">Air France KLM Visa Signature® Credit Card</a></strong>Earn 20 Experience Points every card anniversary. Earn an additional 80 XP after $15,000 in annual purchases, and up to 160 XP total after $25,000<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/11203?pid=11203&name=Citi%C2%AE%20%2F%20AAdvantage%C2%AE%20Executive%20World%20Legend%20Mastercard%C2%AE&issuer=Citi" target="_blank">Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/11203?pid=11203&name=Citi%C2%AE%20%2F%20AAdvantage%C2%AE%20Executive%20World%20Legend%20Mastercard%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on purchases <p>Earn 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000, 90,000, 165,000, and 240,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year</p><strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6573?pid=6573&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20American%20Express%20Card&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card</a></strong>Earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent <p>Cardmembers receive an MQD boost of 2,500 MQDs each qualification year</p><strong><a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-premier-card-review">JetBlue Premier Card</a><br> </strong>Earn 25 bonus Tiles every calendar year, plus 1 Tile for every $1,000 spent on the card.<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/credit-card-review-jetblue-plus-card/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JetBlue Plus Card</strong></a><strong><br> </strong>Qualify for the four tiers of <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/guide/what-is-jetblue-elite-status-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">JetBlue Mosaic elite status</a> through credit card spending<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6269?pid=6269&name=Southwest%20Rapid%20Rewards%C2%AE%20Priority%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/6269?pid=6269&name=Southwest%20Rapid%20Rewards%C2%AE%20Priority%20Credit%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Earn 2,500 tier-qualifying points for every $5,000 spent on purchases annually toward <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/guide/what-is-southwest-elite-status-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A-List status</a>. All points earned count toward <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/best-time-for-southwest-credit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Companion Pass eligibility</a>.<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6976?pid=6976&name=United%20Club%E2%84%A0%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">United Club℠ Card</a></strong> (see <a href="/tc/6976?pid=6976&name=United%20Club%E2%84%A0%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Earn 1 Premier qualifying point for every $15 you spend on the card, up to 28,000 PQP in a calendar year <p>Cardholders receive a 1,500 PQP bonus within eight weeks of Feb. 1 each year, starting in the calendar year following their account open date</p>The best credit cards for hotel elite statusHotel credit cardsElite status benefits and earnings<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7559?pid=7559&name=Hilton%20Honors%20American%20Express%20Aspire%20Card&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card</a></strong>Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6153?pid=6153&name=IHG%20One%20Rewards%20Premier%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/6153?pid=6153&name=IHG%20One%20Rewards%20Premier%20Credit%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status with the ability to earn Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 within a calendar year<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6396?pid=6396&name=Marriott%20Bonvoy%20Brilliant%C2%AE%20American%20Express%C2%AE%20Card&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card</a></strong>Complimentary Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits each calendar year<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6230?pid=6230&name=The%20World%20of%20Hyatt%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">World of Hyatt Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/6230?pid=6230&name=The%20World%20of%20Hyatt%20Credit%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Automatic Hyatt Discoverist Status, five qualifying night credits each calendar year and two additional night credits for every $5,000 spent each calendar year<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">American Express Platinum Card®</a></strong>Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Leaders Club Sterling Status from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required)<strong> <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/221211836?pid=221211836&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%C2%AE&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Chase Sapphire Reserve®</a> </strong> (see <a href="/tc/221211836?pid=221211836&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required) <p>Cardholders can unlock IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status and Hyatt Explorist status after spending at least $75,000 in a calendar year.</p>The information for the Air France KLM card, JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Premier Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers.
Airline elite statusNo credit card currently available to new applicants automatically provides elite status with any of the major U.S. airlines (though some cards will give you status with foreign carriers). However, many allow cardholders to earn incremental credits toward status. They might just be the boost you need to jump into the elite ranks or reach a higher tier.
Depending on how much you spend on your card, you may be able to earn status without ever setting foot on a plane. Below, we look at airline credit cards that fall into this camp.
Alaska and Hawaiian AirlinesAtmos Rewards is Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines' joint loyalty program with a family of three cobranded cards. The best pick for earning elite status is the Atmos Rewards Summit card.
Atmos Rewards Summit Card
Annual fee: $395
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
THE POINTS GUYElite status: Receive 10,000 status points every card anniversary. This points boost puts you halfway to earning Atmos Rewards Silver status. You can also earn Atmos Rewards Silver status (equivalent to Oneworld Ruby status) by spending $20,000 on your card or earn Gold status (equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire) by spending $60,000.
Analysis: The Atmos Rewards Summit is an excellent pick for frequent Alaska and Hawaiian flyers. It offers perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, two Alaska lounge passes per calendar quarter and the ability to earn Global Companion Awards. Plus, you'll earn an unrivaled 3 points per dollar spent on all foreign transactions.
To learn more, read our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit.
Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card
Air CanadaAir Canada is Canada's largest airline, and it's a Star Alliance member. Its loyalty program, Aeroplan, can be intriguing for American travelers for reciprocal elite status benefits on United or Canadian expats in the U.S. who travel back to Canada often. This card was revamped it to include elite status benefits beyond the first year of holding the card.
Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Card
Annual fee: $195
Welcome offer: Earn up to 115,000 bonus Aeroplan points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening.
THE POINTS GUYElite status: You get automatic Aeroplan 25K status every year, just for holding the card. That gives you priority check-in, Zone 2 boarding, an extra free checked bag, Star Alliance recognition, and 5 eUpgrade credits. Plus, you can upgrade to Aeroplan 35K status by spending $75,000 per year on the card in a calendar year.
Analysis: This card is a good option if you travel with Air Canada or other Star Alliance carriers often, as you get automatic elite status with no spending requirement. Plus, the card's two included $50 flight vouchers and 15% off eligible award flights can help offset the card's annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Card.
Apply here: Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card
Air France and KLMAir France and KLM have a shared loyalty program called Flying Blue. Both airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance, so some status benefits are shared across member airlines like Delta Air Lines. The program has a U.S. cobranded credit card that fast-tracks you to elite status.
Air France KLM Visa Signature card
Annual fee: $89
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 100 Experience Points (XP) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
Elite status: Every account anniversary, you'll earn 20 XP and 5,000 bonus miles automatically. Plus, you'll earn more when you spend: hit $15,000 in purchases within your anniversary year for another 80 XP, and $25,000 gets you 160 XP total for the year. That's nearly enough for mid-tier Flying Blue Gold status, and more than enough for Silver status.
Analysis: If you fly with Air France or KLM often, this card could be a great way to get benefits before your next flight. The current welcome offer includes Flying Blue Silver status after you meet the minimum spending requirement, which includes benefits like an extra free checked bag, priority check-in and baggage handling, free seat selection and bonus points on flights.
To learn more, read our full review of the Air France KLM Visa Signature card.
American AirlinesThe Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard is our top pick for earning status with American Airlines, but it isn't your only option.
If you want to keep your annual fee costs lower and still earn Loyalty Points toward elite status, consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees). These cards have lower annual fees than the Citi AAdvantage Executive card, but considerably fewer benefits as well.
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard
Annual fee: $695
Welcome offer: For a limited time, earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.
THE POINTS GUYElite status: For every mile you earn on a cobranded American Airlines credit card, such as this one, you'll earn 1 elite-qualifying Loyalty Point. This means that you can essentially spend your way to status and to Loyalty Points Rewards.
Unfortunately, credit card welcome bonuses and category multipliers are not eligible for Loyalty Points. Cardholders earn a bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. They will receive another bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 90,000, 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
Analysis: Having this card is much like having elite status — without the rare first-class upgrades. You get free checked bags, priority access on the ground (when available) and lounge access. Plus, spending on the card will help you earn Loyalty Points toward earning actual American Airlines elite status.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AA Executive World Legend Mastercard.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard
Delta Air LinesDelta offers a variety of cobranded American Express credit cards — four personal and three business — but choosing the best one for you can be difficult.
If you want the most from a Delta card, you're better off going for its most premium products: the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, which is geared toward business travelers.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)
Welcome offer: Earn two domestic round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates (valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. A 21+ day advance purchase is required; up to $80 per person in taxes and fees apply. Other restrictions apply.
THE POINTS GUYElite status: Delta Reserve Amex cardmembers earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent, with no limit on how many MQDs can be earned through credit card spending. They also receive a 2,500 MQD boost each Medallion Qualification Year.
Analysis: The Delta Reserve is excellent for Delta flyers, as it offers access to the most valuable perks of elite status — such as space-available complimentary upgrades, lounge passes and priority boarding — right off the bat.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
JetBlueJetBlue offers three personal and one business credit card through Barclays, all of which offer a pathway to status through spending. Plus, the premium JetBlue Premier Card offers a guaranteed 25 Tiles every year.
JetBlue Premier Card
Annual fee: $499
Welcome offer: 90,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days from account opening.
Elite status: 25 bonus Tiles every calendar year, plus 1 Tile for every $1,000 spent on the card.
Analysis: The real benefit of this card is spending towards Mosaic — 25 Tiles is a good head start, and earning an additional Tile for every $1,000 spent means you can earn Mosaic 1 with just $25,000 in spend. However, if you apply now, your first 25-Tile boost won't arrive until early 2027 since this is a new benefit. Other card perks include a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, access to BlueHouse lounges, Group 3 boarding, and a free checked bag.
To learn more, read our full review JetBlue Premier Card.
JetBlue Plus Card
Annual fee: $99
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days from account opening.
THE POINTS GUYElite status: You can qualify for the four tiers of JetBlue Mosaic elite status purely through credit card spending — from $50,000 for Level 1 to $250,000 for Level 4, both based on calendar-year spending.
Analysis: While earning Mosaic status purely through spending with this card is nice, it's an expensive option. Mosaic Level 1 status can be achieved by earning 50 Tiles, which requires $5,000 in JetBlue spending or $50,000 in JetBlue credit card spending, or a combination of the two.
To learn more, read our full review of the JetBlue Plus Card.
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest offers frequent flyers several options for credit cards. With three personal cards and two business cards, it can be hard to decide which card is right for you. However, if you're after A-List status and a Southwest Companion Pass, then the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the card for you.