Are Mid-Tier Airline Credit Cards Still Worth It in 2025?

When it comes to airline credit cards, most major issuers follow a familiar three-tiered model:

• $0 annual fee cards with few frills.

• Premium cards costing $400+ a year, packed with high-end perks.

• And sitting right in the middle: mid-tier cards, typically priced around $95–$150 a year.

For many travelers, mid-tier airline cards have long been the “just right” option — offering solid value, like free checked bags and priority boarding, without the steep cost of a premium card.

But in 2025, the landscape is shifting.

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📈 Mid-Tier Fees Are Rising

Not long ago, most mid-market airline cards charged around $95 per year. Now, some of the most popular ones have bumped their fees up to $149 or $150 — a more than 50% increase in some cases.

So is it still worth it?

👉 Short answer: Maybe. But only if you’re maximizing the perks.

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💳 When a $150 Annual Fee Might Make Sense

1. You’re Loyal to One Airline

Airline cards reward frequent flyers with:

• Bonus miles on airline bookings

• Free checked bags

• In-flight discounts

• Priority boarding

• Status boosts

If you consistently fly with a specific airline, these perks can more than offset a $150 fee — especially if you travel with companions.

2. You’ll Actually Use the New Benefits

Many airlines are justifying higher fees by adding new features. Let’s take a look:

🟦 Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

• New annual fee: $149 (as of July 2025)

• Perks added:

  • 15% flight discount annually

  • Priority boarding

  • 2 free checked bags (as always)

🟥 United℠ Explorer Card

• New annual fee: $0 intro, then $150 (as of March 2025)

• Perks added:

  • Credits for rideshare, rental cars, public charter flights, grocery delivery, and more

🟨 Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• New annual fee: $0 intro, then $150 (as of February 2024)

• Perks added:

  • 15% off award travel

  • $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000/year

  • $100 Delta Stays hotel credit per year
    (Terms apply)

🎯 Bottom line: If you’ll use even half of these new perks, the card can still be a great value.

3. You Travel with Friends or Family

Baggage fees are typically $35 per checked bag (one way). If you fly once a year with a companion and each check a bag, that’s $140 round trip — almost equal to a $150 card fee.

Travel a second time or bring more people? You’re easily in the green.

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💸 When You Might Want to Skip the Fee

1. You Fly on Multiple Airlines

Airline cards work best when you’re committed to one carrier. If you shop for the best deals across multiple airlines, a general travel card may offer better value and flexibility.

2. You Don’t Want to Track Statement Credits

Many cards offer annual credits for specific categories (like hotels, rideshares, or in-flight food). But using them often requires:

• Tracking eligible categories

• Meeting spending thresholds

• Redeeming credits in short time windows

If all that feels like a hassle, you might prefer a card with a simpler, flat-rate rewards structure.

3. You Rarely Check Bags

Light packers won’t benefit much from the most valuable mid-tier perk: free checked baggage. If you’re always team carry-on, you may not get your money’s worth from the annual fee.

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💰 Best Airline Cards Under $100

If you’d rather keep annual fees low, these options still deliver solid travel value:

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🧳 Or Consider a General Travel Rewards Card

Prefer flexibility over airline loyalty? These general-purpose cards cost the same (or less) and offer broad travel rewards, often with airline transfer partners:

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✈️ Final Thoughts from Creditvana

Mid-tier airline cards have gotten pricier — but not necessarily worse. For the right traveler, that $150 annual fee can still offer great value in baggage savings, elite perks, and annual credits.

✅ If you’re loyal to an airline and fly a few times a year, it’s likely worth it.
❌ But if you’re airline-agnostic, carry on only, or don’t want to manage a long list of credits — look elsewhere.

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Need help choosing between an airline card and a general travel card? Creditvana can help match you with the best card for your travel style and budget. Let us know your habits, and we’ll do the rest.