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There’s nothing beat first-class luxury. You can enjoy a spacious seating while sipping champagne. Normally, if you want to fly in the premium class, you can either pay the ticket in full or expect an upgrade.
First class flight upgrades are not as common as before, but it is still possible for people with elite airline status to reward their loyalty in conflicts with higher class. With a great travel credit card, it’s even easier to get these upgrades.
Here are some of the best credit cards for your first class upgrade.
Compare the best cards for flight upgrades
| Card name | It’s perfect for | Annual fees | Upgrade options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Skymiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Flyers | $650 |
|
| CITI® /AADVANTAGE® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | American Airlines Flyer | $595 |
|
| New United Quest Card* | United Airlines Flyers | $350 |
|
| Alaska Airlines VisaSignature® Credit Card | Alaska Airlines Flyers | $95 |
|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Southwest Flyers | $149 |
|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Frequent flyers to enjoy fine dining | $550 |
|
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Flexible flyer | $395 |
|
Top Card for Flight Upgrades
How to choose a credit card for your flight upgrade
If you want a more consistent way to upgrade to first class without relying on luck, your best bet is to earn elite status or cash out your rewards. However, they may ask for reward cards with high price tags. Here are some considerations.
- Determine co-branded airline cards and general travel cards. Airline cards can offer first class upgrades and smooth passes to elite status with airline-specific perks such as free check bags and companion passes. On the other hand, a typical travel card allows you to use rewards more freely on multiple airlines, but you cannot provide the same boost towards your airline’s elite status.
- Consider whether you spend enough money to reach elite status. Airline elite status has some great perks like free upgrades. As a result, revenue requirements are high. Most upper airline cards boost revenue, but you will need to spend thousands of money on your card to reach elite status.
- We will compare and consider the value of high-end perks against high annual fees. Are there any annual credits worth paying hundreds of dollars in lounge access, potential elite status, and annual fees for your card? For some people, the answer is yes. For more casual travelers, the answer may be no. You can choose a travel card with a lower annual fee. It may not offer the same possibility for flight upgrades.
Additionally, Bankrate credit card writer and frequent traveler Ryan Flanigan points out that the upgrades he has acquired may not be all in first class.
“If you get an upgrade via credit card or elite status, it could be just from the economy to the premium economy,” he says.
FAQ
What’s next?
Conclusion
A suitable travel credit card can take part in first class by achieving elite status, earning rewards, or paying it with annual travel credits. You just want to consider how often you fly through the airline and whether the annual fees on your credit card are worth it. You can also close out a first-class seat on such a full flight by asking the crew, but securing it in advance is a more reliable route.
If you choose to cross your fingers and expect an upgrade, Flanigan will advise you to keep your expectations realistic.
“My philosophy is not to go on a flight that expects an upgrade, but to be delighted and surprised if it happens,” he says.
Bank of America content was updated on March 25th, 2025.
*tInformation about his United Quest Cards is collected independently by Bankrate.com. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
