Airline miles for business cards
Quick insights
- Airline-affiliated credit cards are designed to let you earn miles on flights and other purchases with a specific airline.
- These cards may include perks like priority boarding and access to airport lounges.
- Travel business credit cards might be preferable for business owners who want the flexibility to book flights with multiple airlines.
Looking for a business credit card that earns miles? Airline-affiliated business credit cards could help you get more value from your rewards when booking flights and may offer perks to enhance the travel experience. Understanding the rewards structure, fees, offers and other terms of these cards can help you find the right card for your business.
In this article, we’ll discuss how airline business credit cards can benefit your business. Additionally, we’ll examine other business credit cards that earn travel rewards that can be used to book flights.
How airline business credit cards work
Airline business credit cards—typically credit cards cobranded by an airline and bank—are designed for business owners who frequently fly with a specific carrier. This type of credit card can be a strategic choice for earning and redeeming your airline miles.
Cobranded airline cards may let you earn miles at an accelerated rate on purchases made directly with the airline. They’re often integrated with the airline’s loyalty program, helping you reach elite status faster and unlock additional benefits.
Beyond the opportunity to earn miles, other perks may include:
- Priority boarding
- Complimentary checked bags
- Airport lounge access
- Companion tickets
Anyone with a business, including sole proprietors who may not have an employee identification number (EIN), can apply for a business credit card.
Advantages and disadvantages of business credit cards with airline miles
Business owners who travel frequently may have several business credit card options that could help maximize rewards. As you assess the right business credit card for you, it may be helpful to understand the advantages and disadvantages of airline business credit cards.
Advantages
- Airline-specific perks which could include things like complimentary lounge access and checked bags.
- Generally, you earn miles at an accelerated rate when you book flights or make other purchases with the airline and its partners.
- Using the credit card may help you meet the spending threshold to qualify for elite status, depending on the airline’s loyalty program.
- Some business travel cards may come with travel protection benefits or travel credits.
Disadvantages
- Although miles can usually be redeemed for hotel stays, car rentals or even flights with other airline carriers, the value of these options can vary compared to using them directly with the airline.
- Limiting rewards to a single airline can be restrictive for some businesses, especially if the airline doesn’t cover all the desired routes or flight times.
- If the airline faces operational challenges or reduces service, you may find it difficult to use your accumulated rewards effectively.
Some businesses choose to open multiple business credit cards to maximize reward capabilities in different areas.
Other business credit cards for travel
If you and your employees travel frequently, airline business credit cards aren’t the only way to maximize your travel rewards. Another option for frequent flyers is a travel rewards business credit card. Unlike airline credit cards that earn miles, these cards generally provide points or cash back.
Travel rewards business credit cards may be appealing due to their flexible redemption options, which allow you to choose convenient and cost-effective flights. They also typically offer rewards on travel-related expenses, such as hotels and dining.
However, if you’re loyal to a single airline, you may accumulate rewards more slowly than you would with that airline’s credit card. Plus, you may not get any airline-specific perks such as complimentary checked bags and priority boarding.
Ultimately, the best business credit cards for travel may come down to your business’s needs.
In summary
Airline-affiliated credit cards generally enable you to earn additional rewards when booking with a specific airline and often include perks designed to streamline travel. Plus, these cards could help you achieve elite status.
For business owners who frequently fly with one airline, these credit cards may be valuable. However, some business owners may prefer not to have their rewards tied to a single airline. In these instances, travel rewards business credit cards could offer a flexible alternative for redeeming rewards.
