Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
Nobody likes paying checked bag fees. Originally introduced in 2008 during the height of the recession, they quickly became standard procedure and have stuck around since. Most domestic airlines charge $35 for the first checked bag, so the cost can add up fast, especially if you’re traveling with others.
Fortunately for travelers, there are plenty of ways to avoid checked bag fees. One of the easiest methods is by getting a credit card that offers free checked bags — and many of these will also waive the bag fee for your companions on the same reservation, too.
Insider’s Featured Rewards Credit Cards
Earn unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1x points on other purchases.
Limited time offer of 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (offer expires 01/10/2023)
Earn 3x ThankYou® points at restaurants and supermarkets. Earn 3x ThankYou® points at gas stations, air travel, and hotels. Earn 1x ThankYou® points on all other purchases.
80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Whether you’re a business traveler or only make one family pilgrimage a year, the money you’ll save can make these cards more than worth it.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Airline credit cards with free checked bags
Plenty of airlines offer credit cards with a free checked bag, but those cards often offer other benefits too. These include priority boarding, discounts on inflight purchases, and even a fast track to elite status.
American Airlines credit cards
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
This is a terrific card for frequent American Airlines flyers who can take advantage of its included Admirals Club membership and other day-of-travel perks to offset the high annual fee. Authorized users also get Admirals Club access, so there’s extra value to be had there, too. However, it’s not the best card for earning AA miles on everyday spending, and the lack of travel protections isn’t ideal for an airline credit card.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% – 29.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
American Airlines AAdvantage is partnered with two different banks to offer co-branded American Airlines credit cards for every type of traveler.
To get a free first checked bag with American Airlines credit cards, you don’t need to pay for your flight with the card, but it must have been opened (and your AAdvantage number attached to your reservation) at least seven days prior to departure.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® — One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select review)
- CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® — One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select review)
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
— One free checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation (read our Citi AAdvantage Executive review) - AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
— One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard review) - AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®
— One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our AAdvantage Aviator Red card review) - Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® (not open to new applicants) — One free checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation
American Airlines’ free checked bag benefit only applies to domestic itineraries — though that list includes the US, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the US Virgin Islands.
Delta credit cards
American Express offers several different Delta credit cards for both personal and business customers. There’s no need to pay for your ticket with your card to get your free checked bag; you’ll just need to have your Delta SkyMiles number attached to your reservation.
United Airlines credit cards
There are five different United credit cards available that offer free checked bags. Unlike Delta and American airlines, you do have to pay for your ticket (or the taxes and fees on an award ticket) with your credit card in order to get a United free checked bag.
This benefit applies to flights operated by United and United Express.
Other airline credit cards
If your domestic travel is frequently on airlines other than the “big three” above, you can still manage free checked bags with the following airline cards:
- Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card
: One free checked bag for you and up to six companions on your reservation (read our Alaska Airlines Signature Visa Card review) - JetBlue Plus Card
— One free checked bag for you and up to three companions (read our JetBlue Plus credit card review) - Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® — One free checked bag for the primary cardholder
Credit cards with annual travel credits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
If you’re not especially loyal to any one airline, it may make more sense for you to get a card that offers annual travel credits instead of a co-branded airline credit card.
Some, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer a broad credit that can be applied across most travel purchases, including airline fees. Others, like The Platinum Card® from American Express
, require you to choose a specific airline each year in order to receive your fee reimbursement**.
Credit cards with free checked bags frequently asked questions (FAQ)
There are a handful of ways to get free checked bags. The easiest way is by opening a credit card that reimburses or waives these charges. You can also buy a business or first-class seat, which often comes with free checked bags.
You’ll usually receive a free checked bag with US airlines when flying internationally, but not domestically or to areas like the Caribbean. However, you can receive at least one free checked bag by holding various airline credit cards which waive this fee.
Southwest is famous for offering two free checked bags for all passengers. However, it’s possible to get up to two free checked bags with other airlines, as well. For example, if you pay for your United Airlines flight with a card like the United Quest℠ Card, you and one companion on your reservation will each get your first and second checked bags for free.
With most airlines, you will receive free checked bags just for holding a qualifying cobranded credit card. However, United Airlines will not waive your checked bag fees unless you pay for the cash portion of your ticket with a qualifying United Airlines card.
Related Post
Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
Nobody likes paying checked bag fees. Originally introduced in 2008 during the height of the recession, they quickly became standard procedure and have stuck around since. Most domestic airlines charge $35 for the first checked bag, so the cost can add up fast, especially if you’re traveling with others.
Fortunately for travelers, there are plenty of ways to avoid checked bag fees. One of the easiest methods is by getting a credit card that offers free checked bags — and many of these will also waive the bag fee for your companions on the same reservation, too.
Insider’s Featured Rewards Credit Cards
Earn unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1x points on other purchases.
Limited time offer of 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (offer expires 01/10/2023)
Earn 3x ThankYou® points at restaurants and supermarkets. Earn 3x ThankYou® points at gas stations, air travel, and hotels. Earn 1x ThankYou® points on all other purchases.
80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Whether you’re a business traveler or only make one family pilgrimage a year, the money you’ll save can make these cards more than worth it.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Airline credit cards with free checked bags
Plenty of airlines offer credit cards with a free checked bag, but those cards often offer other benefits too. These include priority boarding, discounts on inflight purchases, and even a fast track to elite status.
American Airlines credit cards
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
This is a terrific card for frequent American Airlines flyers who can take advantage of its included Admirals Club membership and other day-of-travel perks to offset the high annual fee. Authorized users also get Admirals Club access, so there’s extra value to be had there, too. However, it’s not the best card for earning AA miles on everyday spending, and the lack of travel protections isn’t ideal for an airline credit card.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% – 29.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
American Airlines AAdvantage is partnered with two different banks to offer co-branded American Airlines credit cards for every type of traveler.
To get a free first checked bag with American Airlines credit cards, you don’t need to pay for your flight with the card, but it must have been opened (and your AAdvantage number attached to your reservation) at least seven days prior to departure.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® — One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select review)
- CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® — One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select review)
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
— One free checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation (read our Citi AAdvantage Executive review) - AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
— One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard review) - AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®
— One free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation (read our AAdvantage Aviator Red card review) - Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® (not open to new applicants) — One free checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation
American Airlines’ free checked bag benefit only applies to domestic itineraries — though that list includes the US, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the US Virgin Islands.
Delta credit cards
American Express offers several different Delta credit cards for both personal and business customers. There’s no need to pay for your ticket with your card to get your free checked bag; you’ll just need to have your Delta SkyMiles number attached to your reservation.
United Airlines credit cards
There are five different United credit cards available that offer free checked bags. Unlike Delta and American airlines, you do have to pay for your ticket (or the taxes and fees on an award ticket) with your credit card in order to get a United free checked bag.
This benefit applies to flights operated by United and United Express.
Other airline credit cards
If your domestic travel is frequently on airlines other than the “big three” above, you can still manage free checked bags with the following airline cards:
- Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card
: One free checked bag for you and up to six companions on your reservation (read our Alaska Airlines Signature Visa Card review) - JetBlue Plus Card
— One free checked bag for you and up to three companions (read our JetBlue Plus credit card review) - Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® — One free checked bag for the primary cardholder
Credit cards with annual travel credits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
If you’re not especially loyal to any one airline, it may make more sense for you to get a card that offers annual travel credits instead of a co-branded airline credit card.
Some, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer a broad credit that can be applied across most travel purchases, including airline fees. Others, like The Platinum Card® from American Express
, require you to choose a specific airline each year in order to receive your fee reimbursement**.
Credit cards with free checked bags frequently asked questions (FAQ)
There are a handful of ways to get free checked bags. The easiest way is by opening a credit card that reimburses or waives these charges. You can also buy a business or first-class seat, which often comes with free checked bags.
You’ll usually receive a free checked bag with US airlines when flying internationally, but not domestically or to areas like the Caribbean. However, you can receive at least one free checked bag by holding various airline credit cards which waive this fee.
Southwest is famous for offering two free checked bags for all passengers. However, it’s possible to get up to two free checked bags with other airlines, as well. For example, if you pay for your United Airlines flight with a card like the United Quest℠ Card, you and one companion on your reservation will each get your first and second checked bags for free.
With most airlines, you will receive free checked bags just for holding a qualifying cobranded credit card. However, United Airlines will not waive your checked bag fees unless you pay for the cash portion of your ticket with a qualifying United Airlines card.
