It is important to consider what airlines are present at the airports you will use the most. It is not enough just to think about the departure airport, but destination airports must also be considered. The airline branded credit cards are only valid for that particular airline, but you can also choose a bank sponsored miles program, which allows for miles to be used at most major airlines. Selecting the bank sponsored card means that you will probably lose some of the savings that the airline card could provide, but you gain a lot in flexibility if that is one of your requirements.

Many cards include generous sign up bonuses that will get you at least half way towards a free flight, but you should also consider how many miles are needed to redeem a free flight. Miles often have an expiration date and they can expire as soon as in one year, but some cards will give you miles that never expire and can be a good deal for the people that do not travel frequently.

Your purchases will also allow you to earn miles. Not just the purchases at the airline, but all purchases generally earn you 1 mile per dollar spent and often more if you do end up using the card with the airline.

You also need to think about the interest rate. IF you are unable to pay your statement balance in full each month, maybe an airline credit card is not the right choice. These cards often have a higher APR than regular cards and the interest you would have to pay would erase the benefits you get from the rewards program.

Compare credit cards and find the best airline credit card that will earn you miles with every purchase towards free flights. Consider low interest credit cards instead if you do not pay the credit card bill in full each month.