Best Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags 2026
A checked bag costs $35–$45 each way on most major airlines. If you fly 3–4 times per year, that is $210–$360 in baggage fees alone. The right airline credit card can eliminate that cost entirely — and often pays for its annual fee in a single round trip. Here are the best cards for free checked bags in 2026.
How Airline Credit Cards Save You Money
Co-branded airline credit cards typically offer a checked bag fee waiver as a core benefit. When you pay for your flight with the card, the airline waives the first checked bag fee for you and — on many cards — for companions on the same reservation.
Most of these cards have annual fees ranging from $69 to $550. The key question is whether the bag fee savings plus other perks (priority boarding, lounge access, travel credits) justify the annual fee. For most travelers who fly 2+ times per year, the answer is yes.
Top Cards Compared
| Card | Annual Fee | Free Bags | Companions Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex | $150 | 1st bag free | Up to 8 |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex | $350 | 1st bag free | Up to 8 |
| Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select | $99 | 1st bag free | Up to 4 |
| United Explorer | $95 | 1st bag free | 1 companion |
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature | $95 | 1st bag free | Up to 6 |
| Southwest Priority | $149 | 2 bags free* | N/A (all get free bags) |
| JetBlue Plus | $99 | 1st bag free | N/A (cardholder only) |
* All Southwest passengers get 2 free checked bags regardless of payment method.
1. Delta SkyMiles Cards (Amex)
Delta offers two personal Amex cards with a checked bag benefit. The Delta SkyMiles Gold ($150 annual fee) is the best value: you get the first checked bag free on Delta flights for yourself and up to 8 companions on the same reservation. That means a family of four saves $140 per round trip on checked bags alone.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum ($350 annual fee) adds a $200 Delta flight credit each year plus lounge access (at a reduced rate). The checked bag benefit is the same as the Gold card. See Delta's current baggage fees →
2. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card ($99 annual fee, waived first year) offers a free first checked bag on American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to 4 companions. It also includes priority boarding and a 25% discount on in-flight food and drink purchases.
For American loyalists, this is the best value card. With an annual fee of just $99, you recoup the cost after a single round trip (saving $70 on two checked bags). The Citi AAdvantage Executive card at $595/year adds Admirals Club lounge access but the bag benefit is the same. See American's baggage fees →
3. United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card ($95 annual fee, waived first year) provides a free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation. It also includes two one-time United Club passes per year, priority boarding, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
The companion coverage is more limited than Delta or American cards, but the lower annual fee and TSA PreCheck credit make it a solid value for solo travelers or couples. See United's baggage fees →
4. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card ($95 annual fee) offers a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 companions. It also includes a companion fare each year ($99 + taxes for a second ticket on any Alaska flight), which alone can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Alaska's bag fee waiver extends to passengers on the same reservation, making it one of the best cards for group travel on the West Coast. See Alaska's baggage fees →
Which Card Should You Choose?
- Fly Delta most often? — Get the SkyMiles Gold Amex. The $150 fee is justified by bag fee savings after just 1 trip with a companion.
- American loyalist? — The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select at $99/year is the best value in airline credit cards for free bags.
- United flyer? — The United Explorer at $95/year covers you and one companion. Add TSA PreCheck credit and it is a no-brainer.
- West Coast traveler? — The Alaska Visa Signature at $95/year is unbeatable with the companion fare + bag fee waiver for up to 6 people.
- Want a general travel card? — The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year) does not offer free bags but does transfer to United, Southwest, and JetBlue at 1:1.
The Bottom Line
The best airline credit card for free checked bags depends on which airline you fly most. All the major co-branded cards offer a checked bag waiver that can save you $70–$140 per round trip. If you fly at least twice a year, the savings from checked bag fee waivers alone justify the annual fee — and you get priority boarding, travel credits, and bonus points as added value. Compare all airline baggage fees →