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Best Credit Cards to Avoid Baggage Fees (Updated August 2025)

  • Writer: Points By J
    Points By J
  • Aug 6
  • 5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Baggage fees are getting steeper every year, but the best credit cards can help you avoid them entirely. The right card for you will depend on your habits:


Fly multiple airlines or want flexibility?

Go for a travel card with an annual travel credits that cover bag fees no matter what airline you fly.

Fly the same airline often or travel with family?

Choose a co-branded airline card for free checked bags per person and perks like priority boarding.


🧳 General Travel Cards (Best for Flexibility)

If you don’t stick to one airline, you might be better off with a general travel card that includes more flexible travel credits. These are perfect for covering bag fees, seat selection, and more — without locking you into a single carrier. Plus, these premium cards come stocked with travel perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and more.


Personal Cards

  • $200 annual airline fee credit (pick your airline at the beginning of each year and use the credit for bag fees, seat assignments, and more)

  • $695 annual fee (see rates and fees)

 

  • $300 annual travel credit (automatically applies to almost any travel purchase, including airline fees)

  • $795 annual fee


Business Cards

(the business version of the above cards also offer the same travel credits!)


✈️ Co-Branded Airline Cards (Best for Airline Loyalty)

If you usually fly with the same airline or travel with family and want to cover multiple people’s bags, these cards are worth it. Most of them give you one free checked bag per person on your reservation.


Delta Airlines


My POV: Unless Delta Sky Club access is a top priority for you, I'd go for Platinum (personal or business) because the companion certificate makes it easy to come out ahead of the annual fee.


United Airlines


My POV: If you fly United at least a few times every year and are open to a business card, The New United℠ Business Card gives you an amazing value for the $150 annual fee. Beyond bag perks, you'll get 2 annual Club visits, complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets, and award discounts.


Southwest Airlines

My POV: You'll get baggage and seat selection perks with any of these cards! So, I'd likely go for the Plus (personal) or Premier Business to keep annual fees low while earning those benefits. However, if you're a frequent Southwest flyer or using the card to earn status, one of the higher-end options is a better fit.  


American Airlines


My POV: I'd keep annual fees as low as possible, unless you're hoping to get Admirals Club access as a perk!


Alaska Airlines


My POV: The business card makes it easy to come out ahead, even if you only fly once roundtrip with a checked bag!


JetBlue

  • Personal Cards

    • JetBlue Plus Card – Free first checked bag for you + up to 3 companions on the same reservation; Annual fee: $99

    • JetBlue Premier Card – Free first checked bag for you + up to 3 companions on the same reservation; Annual fee: $499

  • Business Cards

    • JetBlue Business Card – Free first checked bag for you + up to 3 companions on the same reservation; Annual fee: $99


My POV: Given the baggage fees are the same across the board, I'd go for the Plus and use another card to gain lounge access (if that was a priority!)


💡 Final Tips

  • If you check bags more than 1–2 times a year, one of these cards could more than pay for itself.

  • Many co-branded airline cards offer the bag benefit only when you use that card to pay for the flight. So don’t forget to double-check and book it with the right one!

  • If you’re a points collector, using a flexible travel card to book with transferable points and using a credit to offset bag fees gives you the best of both worlds.


If you do apply for a card, I hugely appreciate it if you apply through my affiliate referral links. That's how I'm able to create more free resources, just like this.


Best credit cards to avoid baggage fees

*Each Benefit requires enrollment via their website, terms apply to American Express Benefits and offers. visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

***The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select, AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ Mastercard®, Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card, Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card the JetBlue Plus Card, the JetBlue Premier Card, the JetBlue Business Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Points By J. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers.

Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

 
 
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I'm J. I've helped hundreds of thousands of people to travel more for free. I created Points By J to consolidate my biggest financial revelations and game changing lessons. 

 

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed financial advisor. All of the information found on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice.

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