These 27 credit cards can get you free checked bags on your next flight
Checked bag fees have become a routine part of flying, and the cost can climb fast if you travel often or with companions. One of the easiest ways to avoid these charges is having the right credit card in your wallet.
Many airline-branded cards include a free checked bag benefit for the cardholder and, in some cases, several companions on the same reservation.
Below, we break down the credit cards that can help you skip checked bag fees, how these benefits typically work and what to keep in mind before booking your next flight.
The best cards for free checked bags
| Airline | Credit cards |
|---|---|
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/doxqlPF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alaska Airlines</a></strong> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/ymS6UMu" target="_blank">Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/lbQPfxF" target="_blank">Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/RNCMkIQ" target="_blank">Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card</a></li> </ul> |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/BLSqIGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>American Airlines</strong></a> | <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/card-review-citiaadvantage-platinum-select/">Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®</a>*</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/2LXDMGO" target="_blank">Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®</a> (see <a href="/tc/221410949?pid=221410949&name=Citi%C2%AE%20%2F%20AAdvantage%C2%AE%20Executive%20World%20Elite%20Mastercard%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/pXmAWLE" target="_blank">Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®</a> (see <a href="/tc/22146206?pid=22146206&name=Citi%C2%AE%E2%80%AF%2F%20AAdvantage%20Business%E2%84%A2%E2%80%AFWorld%20Elite%20Mastercard%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> </ul> |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/j4bcUQk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta Air Lines</a></strong> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/bw5WUcn" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/KsHGOqc" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/muPnAYM" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/SzmO1J0" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/dKNPSum" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card</a></li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/XAWImF4" target="_blank">Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card</a></li> </ul> |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/uLtboDB" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Frontier Airlines</strong></a> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/HJUzkFg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®</a>*</li> </ul> |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/Vvxe0nL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hawaiian Airlines</a></strong> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/YkNDjP2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®</a>*</li> </ul> |
| <a href="https://ift.tt/cy1u7PM" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JetBlue</strong></a> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/1oM9taP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JetBlue Plus Card</a>*</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/1aBegxf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JetBlue Premier Card</a>*</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/QvRiKcO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JetBlue Business Card</a>*</li> </ul> |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/ruoQBqR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southwest Airlines</a></strong> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/cjIMhYK" target="_blank">Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/22125792?pid=22125792&name=Southwest%20Rapid%20Rewards%C2%AE%20Plus%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/kTx5UAX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card</a>*</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/7zTYuxP" target="_blank">Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/6269?pid=6269&name=Southwest%20Rapid%20Rewards%C2%AE%20Priority%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/xTKho8r" target="_blank">Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/6157?pid=6157&name=Southwest%C2%AE%20Rapid%20Rewards%C2%AE%20Premier%20Business%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/NmSbF7P" target="_blank">Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/6703?pid=6703&name=Southwest%C2%AE%20Rapid%20Rewards%C2%AE%20Performance%20Business%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> </ul> |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/nBzw1CG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Airlines</a></strong> | <ul> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/tDVNmhI" target="_blank">United℠ Explorer Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/22035884?pid=22035884&name=United%E2%84%A0%20Explorer%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/25SMtIw" target="_blank">United Quest℠ Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/7752?pid=7752&name=United%20Quest%E2%84%A0%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/0sOLNH9" target="_blank">United Club℠ Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/6976?pid=6976&name=United%20Club%E2%84%A0%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/saOtr2K" target="_blank">United℠ Business Card</a> (see <a href="/tc/6874?pid=6874&name=United%E2%84%A0%20Business%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://ift.tt/6PXHTVo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Club Business Card</a>*</li> </ul> <p> </p> |
*The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select, Frontier Airlines World Mastercard, the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard, the JetBlue Plus Card, the JetBlue Premier Card, the JetBlue Business Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and the United Club Business 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.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines charges $35 for the first checked bag on all its flights.
But if you have the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card ($395 annual fee), Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card ($95 annual fee) or the Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card ($70 for the company and $25 per card in annual fees), you're in luck. You can check the first bag for free for yourself and up to six additional passengers (seven people total) on the same reservation on both Alaska and Hawaiian flights.
Note, however, that you must purchase your Alaska or Hawaiian flight with your Atmos card in order to receive this benefit.
American Airlines
American Airlines charges $35 if purchased online ($40 if purchased at the airport) for a first checked bag on domestic itineraries and flights to neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico.
There are three cobranded options that offer a first free checked bag on domestic itineraries:
- Citi /AAdvantage Platinum Select ($99 annual fee; $0 introductory annual fee)
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite ($595 annual fee)
- Citi / AAdvantage Business ($99 annual fee; $0 introductory annual fee)
The Platinum Select and Business cards extend this free checked baggage benefit to you and up to four traveling companions on your reservation.
Meanwhile, the Executive World Elite offers the same free checked bag benefit, but it extends to up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation.
Keep in mind, there are route restrictions for these baggage benefits.
Related: Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
Delta Air Lines
Delta charges $35 each way for a first checked bag on flights within the U.S.
However, most of the carrier's consumer and business credit cards offer one free checked bag for the cardmember and eight others traveling on the same itinerary. To use this benefit, just attach your Delta SkyMiles number to your reservation.
Here are the six Delta cards that offer this perk:
- Delta Gold ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150; see rates and fees)
- Delta Gold Business ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150; see rates and fees)
- Delta Platinum ($350 annual fee; see rates and fees)
- Delta Platinum Business ($350 annual fee; see rates and fees)
- Delta Reserve ($650 annual fee; see rates and fees)
- Delta Reserve Business ($650 annual fee; see rates and fees)
Related: Best Delta credit cards
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines charges varying prices for checked bags depending on how and when you buy them. It is generally cheapest to prepay for checked baggage at the time of booking.
Here is an example of Frontier checked bag fees on a flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in early August, starting at $44 each:
Luckily, if you hold the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard ($99 annual fee), you'll receive two free checked bags on all Frontier Airlines-operated flights when you pay with your card. Checking a bag on just one round-trip itinerary can cover the card's annual fee.
Related: Why the Frontier Airlines Mastercard became the newest credit card in my wallet
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian charges $40 for the first checked bag on flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii and $30 for interisland travel.
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders receive two free checked bags (when they use the card to purchase tickets directly from Hawaiian Airlines); however, travel companions aren't included in this benefit. The card comes with a $99 annual fee. This card also provides free checked bags on Alaska Airlines flights.
Note that the business version of this card does not come with free checked bags.
JetBlue
Checked bags on JetBlue start at $35 for domestic flights and $60 for transatlantic flights. These prices can vary depending on whether the flight is during off-peak or peak season.
Thankfully, you can avoid these charges if you carry the JetBlue Plus or the JetBlue Business — both with a $99 annual fee — or the JetBlue Premier, which charges $499.
The free first-checked-bag benefit extends to you and up to three travel companions on your reservation. Keep in mind, the flight must be booked on your eligible JetBlue card to receive this benefit.
Related: The best credit cards for JetBlue flyers
Southwest Airlines
Southwest, once famously known for its "bags fly free" policy, now charges $35 for the first checked bag.
A-List elite status members receive one complimentary checked bag, and A-List Preferred members, Business Select passengers and those traveling on Choice Extra fares receive two complimentary checked bags.
If you hold any of the following five cards, you and up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation will receive one free checked bag each:
- Southwest Plus ($99 annual fee)
- Southwest Premier ($149 annual fee)
- Southwest Priority ($229 annual fee)
- Southwest Premier Business ($149 annual fee)
- Southwest Performance Business ($299 annual fee)
Related: Southwest unveils big credit card refresh: 50% fee hikes, but new seating and boarding perks
United Airlines
United charges at least $35 for the first checked bag on all domestic flights.
However, you can apply for one of five Chase cards to avoid checked bag fees:
- United Explorer ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150) and United Business ($150 annual fee): One bag for you and a companion on your reservation
- United Quest ($350 annual fee), United Club and United Club Business (both with a $695 annual fee): Two bags for you and a companion on your reservation
However, there's a big caveat here: For the perk to apply, you must have your MileagePlus number on your reservation and purchase your ticket with the applicable card. So, if you use a different card with a better earning rate on airfare, you may miss out on the free checked bags.
Related: Best United Airlines credit cards
Other cards worth considering
While opening any of the airline credit cards above is a great way to save on checked bag fees, what happens if you fly with multiple carriers throughout the year?
If you prioritize price or convenience over sticking with one particular airline, it may not be worth applying for a cobranded credit card that offers perks solely on that one carrier.
An alternative is to apply for a credit card that comes with more general travel benefits and can reimburse you for checked bag charges:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795 annual fee; see rates and fees): Receive up to $300 in statement credits for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($895 annual fee for each; see rates and fees for the Platinum and the Business Platinum): Receive up to $200 in statement credits for incidental charges on one selected qualifying airline (enrollment is required; terms apply).
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee), Capital One Venture X Business ($395 annual fee), Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee) and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (no annual fee): Cover recent travel purchases on your statement by using your miles at a rate of 1 cent each.
What you should know about checked bags
Free baggage benefits don't stack
There's a myth that your credit card will offer an additional free checked bag because of elite status, your ticket class or an international itinerary. Unfortunately, these cards' fee waivers don't usually apply if you already get a free checked bag due to your elite status, class of service or travel to an overseas destination.
Therefore, you will not receive an additional free checked bag beyond your existing allowance just for holding a credit card that offers this benefit. Some airlines make exceptions, but check your airline's policy before assuming an additional bag will be covered.
Use the right card to purchase your flight
With most of these offers, you only have to attach your frequent flyer number to your reservation to be given the free checked bag benefit.
The exceptions are Alaska and United, which require that you to purchase your ticket (or pay taxes and fees on an award ticket) using your airline credit card in order to get free checked bags
Be careful when booking large groups
Some credit cards offer free checked bags for multiple companions, which sounds great, but there's a potential downside.
When you search for flights, airlines usually show one fare class for the entire reservation, not a mix of cheaper and more expensive seats. That means if only three seats are available at $300 and the next fare is $400, booking four people on one reservation will price all four tickets at $400.
In that scenario, paying an extra $100 per person just to save $70 per round-trip checked bag clearly isn't worth it.
Before booking group travel, compare prices by searching individually or in smaller groups and weigh the savings against any baggage benefits.
Book this Southwest fare
If you book a Choice Extra fare flight on Southwest Airlines, you will get two free checked bags. Any other fare class will charge you for bags, unless you have a Southwest card or elite status.
Bottom line
Flights can be costly by themselves, not to mention when checked bag fees are thrown into the mix.
Thankfully, there are several ways to avoid these costs. In fact, many of the cards on this list that offer a free checked bag carry annual fees under $100.
Even if you fly with a specific airline just a few times a year, it can be easy to justify paying the ongoing annual fee, and that's not even factoring in any welcome bonuses or other perks the cards offer.
Related: How to choose an airline credit card
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
Updated 02/06/2026
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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