Several airline credit cards let you board ahead of general boarding. This guide lists what each issuer's own card page says as of October 16, 2026, and whether the perk is worth paying a fee for.
What the Card Pages Say
- United Explorer Card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. Chase lists Group 2 priority boarding, with the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation invited to board United-operated flights before general boarding. The first checked bag is free for the cardmember and one companion.
- Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. Amex lists Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights, plus a free first checked bag.
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: $350 annual fee. Zone 5 Priority Boarding, a free first checked bag on Delta flights worldwide and a free second bag on domestic Delta flights.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: $650 annual fee, with the same Zone 5 Priority Boarding and the same bag benefits as the Platinum.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Priority: $149 and $229 annual fees. Chase lists Group 5 boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 8 passengers on the same reservation, or an earlier group if the cardmember qualifies for one through status, fare type or seat. The first checked bag is free for the cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers on the reservation. It applies to Southwest-operated flights, and authorized users aren't eligible.
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: Citi's page lists an Admirals Club membership, a free first checked bag on domestic American itineraries and preferred boarding. Our Admirals Club card guide compares it with the other American cards.
What Boarding Early Gets You
American Express describes the Delta benefit as a chance to "board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner." Chase markets Southwest's Group 5 as earlier access to overhead bins, and Chase puts a value of $48 per person per round trip on United's Group 2 boarding.
Is It Worth Paying For?
I wouldn't pay an annual fee for priority boarding alone. It helps most when you bring a carry-on, because overhead space is what boarding earlier protects, and it matters less when you check a bag or travel light.
The perk is better treated as a bonus on a card you'd hold anyway. On every card above, it comes alongside a free checked bag, and that bag benefit is the one to price first. Check who's covered before you count on it. United and Southwest extend boarding to companions on the same reservation, and Southwest's authorized users aren't eligible. Each benefit is tied to that airline's own flights.
For lounges, fee credits and the other perks cards bundle, see our guide to the best credit cards for airport perks.
