Unlock the Secret: 28 Credit Cards That Let You Fly Free with Checked Bags—Stop Paying Airline Fees Today!
Ever found yourself at the baggage claim, anxiously watching your suitcase appear while silently cursing those pesky checked bag fees? You’re not alone—it’s one of travel’s little annoyances that somehow manages to drain your wallet faster than you’d expect. But what if I told you that the right credit card could turn this dreaded moment into a carefree breeze, letting you stroll past those fees entirely? Yes, you heard me right. From coast to coast, and even on those international getaways, certain credit cards quietly offer the magic trick of free checked bags—not just for you, but often for your travel companions too. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual vacationer, understanding which cards unlock this perk can save you more than just a few bucks; it can reshape your entire travel experience. So, ready to pack smarter and pay less? Let’s dive into the 28 best credit cards that put those checked bag fees behind you. LEARN MORE
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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don’t cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don’t cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG’s credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
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Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
also contributed to this story
October 19, 2026 • 13 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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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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Checked bag fees can add up quickly, especially if you travel frequently or with companions.
Fortunately, many airline credit cards offer a free checked bag for the primary cardholder and, in some cases, several travelers on the same reservation.
Here’s a look at the cards that can help you avoid checked bag fees, how their benefits work and what to know before booking your next flight.
The best cards for free checked bags
*The information for the 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’ first checked bag fee starts at $45. A second checked bag costs $55.
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 $45 for a first checked bag when purchased online ($50 at the airport) on domestic itineraries and flights to neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. The second checked bag is $55 if purchased online ($60 at the airport).
There are four cobranded options that offer a first free checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries:
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 Globe and Executive World Legend cards offer the same free checked bag benefit, but it extends to up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation.
Keep in mind that there are route restrictions on these baggage benefits.
Delta Air Lines
Delta charges $45 each way for a first checked bag on flights within the U.S. A second checked bag costs $55.
However, most of the carrier’s consumer and business credit cards offer two free checked bags on eligible flights.
Eligible Delta cardholders receive a free first checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
On domestic U.S. flights, primary cardholders also receive a free second checked bag. However, companions only receive this benefit if they hold their own eligible Delta credit card as a primary cardholder.
To receive these benefits, make sure your Delta SkyMiles number is included in your reservation.
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 Denver International Airport (DEN) to Washington National Airport (DCA) in mid-January, starting at $69 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.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second checked bag on flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. For interisland travel, the first checked bag is $30 and the second checked bag is $40.
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders receive two free checked bags (when they use the card to purchase tickets directly from Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines); however, travel companions aren’t included in this benefit. The card comes with a $99 annual fee.
Eligible Atmos Rewards cardholders may also receive a free first checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines flights, as outlined above.
JetBlue
First checked bags on JetBlue start at $39 for the first bag and $59 for the second bag on domestic flights. For transatlantic flights, first checked bags start at $64 and second checked bags start at $109. These prices can vary depending on whether the flight is during off-peak or peak season.
Thankfully, you get a free first checked bag with the JetBlue Plus or JetBlue Business (both with a $99 annual fee) when flying on JetBlue-operated flights. You can also receive this benefit with the JetBlue Premier, which charges an annual fee of $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.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest, once famously known for its “bags fly free” policy, now charges $35 for the first checked bag. A second bag will cost $45.
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:
United Airlines
United charges at least $50 for the first checked bag on all domestic flights and $60 ($55 if prepaid) for the second checked bag.
- 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.
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 offset your checked bag charges:
What you should know about checked bags
Free baggage benefits don’t stack
A common misconception is 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.
Be careful when booking large groups
Some credit cards offer free checked bags for multiple companions. This 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.
Bottom line
Flights can be costly on their own, not to mention when checked bag fees are added.
Thankfully, there are several ways to avoid these costs. In fact, some 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.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click .
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click .
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click .
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