Credit card benefit guide
How to use airline fee credits
Updated July 13, 2026
Quick answer: To use an airline fee credit, first select an airline if your card requires it, then pay the airline directly for an eligible incidental charge. Airfare usually does not qualify. Save the receipt and verify the statement credit before the benefit resets. This guide covers 4 cards with airline fee or incidental credits.
Airline fee credits are usually narrower than general travel credits. They may cover incidental charges such as checked bags or seat selection while excluding airfare, award taxes, and purchases processed by third parties.
How to use Airline fee credits
- 1
Read the card-specific eligible-charge rules
Confirm the credit amount, covered airlines, and eligible incidental categories before spending.
- 2
Select an airline when required
Some issuers require an airline selection before the charge. Make or change that selection only through the official benefit page.
- 3
Buy an eligible incidental directly
Pay the airline directly with the eligible card for a covered fee such as baggage or seat selection.
- 4
Save the receipt and watch the statement
Merchant coding can vary. Keep the receipt until the issuer posts the reimbursement.
- 5
Use the remaining balance before reset
Check the calendar-year or cardmember-year deadline and do not assume unused value carries forward.
Which cards include Airline fee credits?
This guide covers 4 cards with Airline fee credits.
American Express
Business Platinum Card
$895 annual fee
Airline Fee Credit
Up to $200Up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees, lounge passes, seat upgrades on one qualifying airline.
American Express
Platinum Card
$895 annual fee
Airline Fee Credit
Up to $200Up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees, lounge passes, seat upgrades, and more on one qualifying airline you select.
Bank of America
Premium Rewards Card
$95 annual fee
Airline Incidental Credit
Up to $100Up to $100 per year as a statement credit toward airline incidentals such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases.
Bank of America
Premium Rewards Elite Card
$550 annual fee
Airline Incidental Credit
Up to $300Up to $300 per year in statement credits for qualifying airline purchases (upgrades, baggage, lounge fees, in-flight).
What should you watch for?
Airfare usually does not count
A credit labeled “airline fee” or “incidental” usually covers a narrower set of charges than a general travel credit.
Selected-airline rules can block reimbursement
Complete any required airline selection before making the purchase, and verify when changes are allowed.
Merchant coding controls the result
Charges from travel agencies, airport vendors, and third parties may not be processed as an eligible airline fee.
Frequently asked questions
What purchases count for an airline fee credit?
Common examples include checked bags, seat selection, and some onboard charges, but coverage varies by issuer. Airfare and third-party purchases are often excluded.
Which cards have airline fee credits?
This guide covers 4 cards with an airline fee or incidental credit, including American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Platinum Card, Bank of America Premium Rewards Card, and Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card. Check the issuer terms for the card you hold because enrollment, purchase, and reset rules differ.
Do you have to choose an airline first?
Some cards require an airline selection before a charge can qualify, while others do not. Check the issuer benefit page before spending.
Do airline fee credits roll over?
They generally expire at the end of the applicable calendar-year or cardmember-year period. Verify the exact reset date for your card.
Benefit information is educational and may change. Enrollment, merchant coding, purchase eligibility, and reset rules are controlled by the issuer. Verify current terms before relying on a credit.
Keep the next deadline visible
Add your cards and record benefit usage manually on Free. With Pro, the browser extension can import issuer-reported activity for supported cards after you sign in on the issuer website and remind you before eligible benefits reset.
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