Air miles credit cards are travel-centric cards that offer value-back in the form of air miles. These miles can be used to book free flight tickets or upgrade travel class. For people who travel frequently, these cards can offer significant savings and premium travel experiences.
Most air miles credit cards are co-branded with popular airlines, but some cards offer miles as a reward currency that can be redeemed across multiple airline and hotel partners. In addition, certain premium rewards credit cards also allow reward points to be converted into air miles.
However, these cards usually fall under mid-range or premium categories. They often come with higher annual fees and stricter eligibility requirements. So, are they really worth it? Let’s understand in detail.
Air miles credit cards reward users with air miles instead of regular cashback or reward points.
Key features include:
These cards are designed mainly for frequent travellers.
Air miles credit cards work in two stages: earning miles and redeeming them.
With an air miles credit card, you earn miles every time you spend using the card.
Earning structure usually includes:
Some cards offer reward points that can be converted into airline miles. Co-branded airline cards directly credit miles into the airline’s loyalty program.
For example, Indigo co-branded credit cards offer airline-specific reward points instead of generic air miles.
The earning rate varies based on:
Travel-focused spends like flights and hotels usually earn higher miles.
Air miles are redeemed against flight bookings or class upgrades.
Important points to understand:
Depending on the journey, miles may fully cover a short flight or only partially reduce the fare for longer routes.
Different airlines require different miles for the same journey.
General observations:
You can use miles to either book tickets or upgrade from economy to business class. Redemption can be done through the airline website or the credit card issuer’s travel portal.
Some air miles credit cards are not linked to a single airline.
These cards allow:
This flexibility can help users find better redemption value based on availability and route preference.
Choosing the right card is crucial to maximise value.
Since many air miles cards are co-branded, airline loyalty matters.
Common co-branded options include:
If you regularly fly with a specific airline, a co-branded card offers better value.
For example:
Travellers who do not stick to one airline should consider airline-agnostic cards.
Such cards offer:
However, transfer ratios may differ between partners. Some airlines offer better value than others, so comparing ratios is essential.
Not all air miles cards offer full fare redemption.
Things to check include:
Some cards allow only partial ticket payment using miles, with the rest paid in cash.
Premium air miles cards often include extra travel perks.
These may include:
These benefits significantly increase the overall value of the card.
Air miles credit cards are ideal for specific user groups.
Best suited for:
Frequent travellers can accumulate miles faster and redeem them effectively.
These cards may not suit everyone.
Not ideal for:
Such users may benefit more from cashback or all-rounder reward cards.
Compared to regular reward cards:
Regular cards offer broader category benefits but lower travel value.
Air miles credit cards can be extremely rewarding if used correctly. They offer excellent value to frequent flyers who plan their travel and redemption smartly.
However, for infrequent travellers, the high annual fee and complex redemption structure may not justify the benefits. The key lies in matching the card to your travel habits.
Air miles credit cards are a smart choice for frequent flyers who can maximise earning and redemption opportunities. They offer premium travel benefits, flight savings, and upgrade options that regular cards cannot match.
Before applying, always evaluate your travel frequency, airline preference, and spending pattern. When chosen wisely, air miles credit cards can significantly reduce travel costs and enhance your flying experience.