Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Can You Buy An Airline Ticket with A Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, using a credit card is the standard and most widely accepted method for purchasing airline tickets.
Should You Buy An Airline Ticket With A Credit Card?
Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards for booking flights.
Benefits of Using a Credit Card
- Rewards and Miles: Many cards offer points, miles, or cash back on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for future flights or other rewards.
- Travel Protections: Premium travel cards often include built-in insurance for trip cancellations, interruptions, lost luggage, and rental cars.
- Fraud Liability: Credit cards provide robust fraud protection, limiting your liability for unauthorized charges if your card details are compromised.
- Purchase Protection: If an airline goes out of business before your flight, you may be able to dispute the charge and get your money back.
Drawbacks of Using a Credit Card
- Interest Charges: If you don't pay your balance in full by the due date, high interest rates can significantly increase the total cost of your ticket.
- Annual Fees: Travel rewards cards with the best perks often come with substantial annual fees, which can offset the value of the rewards earned.
- Potential for Debt: The convenience of credit can lead to overspending, making it easy to accumulate debt if not managed carefully.
- Surcharges: Some budget airlines or third-party booking sites may add a processing fee for credit card payments.
How to Buy An Airline Ticket With A Credit Card
Purchasing flights with a credit card is a smart way to earn rewards and enjoy travel perks. Follow these general steps to ensure a smooth and secure booking process.
- Find Your Flight: Use an airline's official website or a trusted third-party booking platform to search for and select your desired flights, dates, and times before proceeding to checkout.
- Choose the Right Card: To maximize benefits, use a card that offers travel rewards or airline miles. If you need help finding the best option, Kudos' explore cards tool can help you compare options based on your needs.
- Enter Payment Information: On the secure payment page, carefully enter your credit card details. This includes the card number, expiration date, CVV security code, and the billing address associated with the account.
- Review and Confirm Booking: Before finalizing the purchase, thoroughly review all flight details, passenger information, and the total cost. Once everything looks correct, confirm the booking and save your confirmation number and e-ticket.
- Verify the Transaction: After booking, it’s good practice to check your credit card's recent transactions online to confirm the charge from the airline is accurate and has been processed correctly.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card to purchase an airline ticket can affect your credit score in several ways, both positively and negatively. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind before you book your flight.
- Credit Utilization Ratio: A pricey ticket can increase your credit utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score. Paying off the balance quickly helps mitigate this temporary dip and keeps your credit healthy.
- Payment History: Consistently making on-time payments for your ticket purchase will positively impact your payment history. This is the most significant factor in determining your overall credit score.
- New Credit Inquiries: Applying for a new travel card for the purchase results in a hard inquiry on your report. This can cause a small, temporary drop in your credit score.
Alternative Ways To Buy An Airline Ticket
Payment Without a Credit Card
While credit cards are a popular choice, they are not the only option for purchasing flights. Most airlines and online travel agencies accept debit cards linked directly to a bank account. Digital payment platforms like PayPal also provide a secure alternative, enabling you to complete the transaction using your bank or stored balance without disclosing card information to the airline.
Flexible Booking and Payment Options
Consider using "buy now, pay later" services like Affirm or Klarna, which many booking sites now integrate to let you pay in installments. Another effective method is redeeming frequent flyer miles or loyalty points to cover all or part of the ticket cost. For those who prefer cash, purchasing a ticket in person at an airline's airport counter or a travel agency remains a viable option.
Choose the Right Card to Buy An Airline Ticket
Picking the perfect credit card for booking flights can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be a guessing game. With thousands of cards on the market, the key is to find one that aligns with your specific travel habits and spending patterns. Using a data-driven tool can help you sift through the noise, compare top contenders side-by-side, and pinpoint the card that will maximize your rewards on airfare. Take the time to find your credit card match and ensure your next ticket purchase earns you the most valuable perks.
If you want to squeeze more value from your credit cards, Kudos is the premier free shopping assistant for your online purchases. We're also giving you $20 back after your first qualifying purchase—just sign-up for free with code GET20 and buy from a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a credit card for flights?
You can earn rewards like miles or cashback and often receive valuable travel protections against unforeseen issues.
Are there any extra fees for using a credit card?
Most major airlines don't charge extra, but some budget carriers or third-party booking sites may add a small surcharge.
Can I use someone else's credit card to book my flight?
Yes, but the airline might require authorization from the cardholder, so always check their specific policy beforehand.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos 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.
