Best Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags in 2025: Complete Guide by Airline
Checked bag fees have become one of the most frustrating aspects of modern air travel. With major airlines now charging $35-50 for your first bag, a family of four can easily spend $280-400 per round trip just to bring their belongings. But here's what the airlines don't want you to know: the right credit card can eliminate these fees entirely—not just for you, but often for up to 8 companions traveling with you.
Quick Answer for Smart Travelers
The best credit cards with free checked bags in 2025 are airline-specific cards that waive baggage fees for the cardholder plus multiple companions. Top picks include the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card (free bags for 9 people), Southwest Rapid Rewards cards (crucial after policy changes), and Alaska Airlines Visa (covers 7 travelers total). Annual fees typically range from $69-199, but most travelers save 2-4x that amount in avoided baggage costs.
Why Free Checked Bag Benefits Matter More Than Ever
Let's break down the real cost of baggage fees in 2025:
Individual Traveler:
- 3 round trips per year = $210-300 in baggage fees
- With companion = $420-600 annually
- Annual savings often exceed most credit card fees
Family of Four:
- Single vacation = $140-200 in baggage fees
- Two annual trips = $280-400 just for bags
- Premium card annual fees suddenly seem reasonable
The Southwest Game-Changer: As of May 28, 2025, Southwest ended their famous "two bags fly free" policy. This makes Southwest credit cards essential for the airline's passengers—and creates new opportunities for other carriers' cards. Learn more about Southwest's major policy changes and what they mean for travelers.
Southwest Airlines: Your Lifeline After Policy Changes
Southwest's elimination of free checked bags for all passengers represents the biggest airline policy change in recent memory. Here's how to navigate the new landscape:
Current Southwest Baggage Policy (May 2025)
- Everyone pays except specific groups (official Southwest policy)
- Southwest cardholders: 1 free bag + up to 8 companions
- A-List Preferred & Business Select: 2 free bags
- A-List members: 1 free bag
For more details on Southwest's complete transformation, read our guide to Southwest's new assigned seating system.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Annual Fee: $69
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 8 companions (1 bag each)
Best For: Occasional Southwest flyers
Key Benefits:
- Lowest annual fee among Southwest cards
- 3,000 anniversary bonus points
- 2 EarlyBird Check-In credits annually
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
The Math: If Southwest charges $35 per bag (industry standard), this card pays for itself with just one round trip for two people ($140 in savings vs. $69 fee).
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Annual Fee: $149
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 8 companions (1 bag each)
Best For: Regular Southwest travelers
Key Benefits:
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit (effectively reduces fee to $74)
- 7,500 anniversary bonus points
- 4 upgraded boarding positions annually
- Same generous baggage benefit as Plus card
Advanced Strategy: The travel credit alone cuts your effective annual fee nearly in half, making this the best value for travelers who fly Southwest 2+ times per year.
Pro Tip: If you frequently travel with checked bags, consider investing in quality luggage from Samsonite that fits airline size requirements and maximizes your packing efficiency.
Delta Air Lines: The Most Generous Coverage
Delta's partnership with American Express delivers the industry's most generous checked bag benefits, covering up to 9 people total (cardholder + 8 companions).
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual Fee: $150 (waived first year)
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 8 companions
Best For: Families and group travelers
Delta charges $35 per bag each way on domestic flights, making this benefit extremely valuable for group travel.
The Numbers:
- Family of 4 round trip = $280 in baggage savings
- Large group (9 people) round trip = $630 in savings
- Break-even point: Just 2 people on a round trip
Additional Benefits:
- Priority boarding (Zone 5)
- $100 annual Delta Stays hotel credit
- 20% back on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Annual Fee: $350
Free Bags: Same generous coverage (you + 8 companions)
Best For: Regular Delta flyers who want premium perks
Why Upgrade:
- Companion certificate (annual domestic ticket for ~$250 in taxes)
- Delta Sky Club discounted guest passes
- 2x miles on Delta purchases (vs. 1x on Gold)
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Annual Fee: $650
Free Bags: Same coverage as other Delta cards
Best For: Delta loyalists and luxury seekers
Premium Perks:
- Delta Sky Club membership
- 15 visits to Centurion Lounges annually
- Companion certificate for First Class/Delta Comfort+
- Airport restaurant credits
Pro Tip: Delta's baggage benefit activates simply by linking your SkyMiles number to the reservation—you don't need to purchase the ticket with your Delta card. For comprehensive lounge access across multiple airlines, also consider Priority Pass membership, which many premium cards include.
If you're interested in maximizing your airport experience, check out our guide to the best credit cards for Priority Pass access.
American Airlines: Multiple Paths to Savings
American offers credit cards through two different issuers (Citi and Barclays), providing various options for different traveler types.
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Cards
Annual Fee: $99 (waived first year)
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 4 companions
Available: Personal and business versions
American charges $40 for the first checked bag on domestic flights, making this benefit valuable for frequent AA travelers.
Key Features:
- Free first checked bag (domestic flights only)
- Priority boarding (Group 5)
- 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases
- 2x miles on American Airlines purchases
Important Note: Your AAdvantage number must be linked to the reservation at least 7 days before travel to receive the baggage benefit (American Airlines official policy).
For those interested in broader travel benefits beyond just baggage, explore our comprehensive guide to the best credit card travel perks.
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Annual Fee: $450
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 8 companions
Best For: Frequent American flyers who want premium perks
Premium Benefits:
- Admirals Club membership
- 2 free checked bags (vs. 1 on Platinum cards)
- $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Priority check-in and screening access
Barclays Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
Annual Fee: $99
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 4 companions
Unique Feature: No spending requirement for welcome bonus
Why Consider Barclays:
- 70,000 AAdvantage miles after first purchase
- Same baggage benefits as Citi Platinum
- Different issuer allows you to hold both cards
United Airlines: Hub Airline Excellence
United's credit card lineup offers solid baggage benefits, though with stricter requirements than some competitors.
United Explorer Card
Annual Fee: $95 (waived first year)
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + 1 companion
Best For: Occasional United flyers
Key Benefits:
- Free first checked bag on United flights
- 2 United Club passes annually
- Priority boarding
- 25% back on United purchases
Critical Requirement: Unlike some airlines, United requires you to both link your MileagePlus number to the reservation AND purchase the ticket with your United credit card to receive the baggage benefit.
United Quest Card
Annual Fee: $250
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + 1 companion (2 bags each)
Best For: Regular United travelers
Enhanced Benefits:
- Free second checked bag
- 2x miles on all purchases
- $125 United purchase statement credit
- Expanded award availability
United Club Infinite Card
Annual Fee: $525
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + 1 companion (2 bags each)
Best For: United loyalists wanting premium perks
Premium Features:
- United Club membership
- Priority Pass Select membership
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Premier Gold-level benefits
Alaska Airlines: West Coast Champion
Alaska offers some of the most generous companion coverage in the industry, making their cards excellent for group travelers.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
Annual Fee: $95
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 6 companions
Best For: West Coast travelers and group trips
Alaska charges $35 for the first checked bag on all flights, making this benefit valuable even for occasional travelers.
Generous Coverage: With 7 total people covered, this card can save over $400 on a single round trip for a large group.
Additional Perks:
- Companion fare annually ($121 + taxes/fees)
- 20% back on Alaska Airlines purchases
- Free checked bag benefit also applies to Hawaiian Airlines flights (Alaska Airlines baggage policy)
Smart Packing: Alaska's generous coverage makes it perfect for adventure travelers. Consider durable Osprey travel gearfor your outdoor adventures, especially when flying to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest.
Alaska Airlines Visa Business Card
Annual Fee: $70 company + $25 per card
Free Bags: Same generous coverage (cardholder + 6 companions)
Best For: Business travelers and small teams
Business Advantages:
- Expense tracking and management
- Same personal benefits
- Potential tax advantages for business expenses
JetBlue: The Customer-Friendly Choice
JetBlue's approach balances reasonable fees with solid benefits, making their cards attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
JetBlue Plus Card
Annual Fee: $99
Free Bags: Primary cardholder + up to 3 companions
Best For: Domestic travelers who value customer service
JetBlue charges $35 for the first checked bag, making this benefit worthwhile for couples and small families.
Key Benefits:
- 5,000 TrueBlue points annually
- No foreign transaction fees
- 10% points back on TrueBlue purchases
- Access to preferred boarding
The Math: A couple taking 2 round trips annually saves $280 in baggage fees vs. $99 annual fee = $181 net savings.
Luggage Optimization: Since JetBlue covers your first bag, invest in a quality Nomatic travel backpack that doubles as both carry-on and personal item for maximum flexibility.
Frontier Airlines: Budget Airline Perks
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
Annual Fee: $89
Free Bags: Primary cardholder only
Best For: Solo Frontier travelers
Benefits Package:
- Free carry-on and checked bag on Frontier flights
- Priority boarding
- Free seat selection
- Kids fly free companion certificate
Important Note: Unlike most airline cards, Frontier's baggage benefit only covers the primary cardholder, not companions.
Multi-Airline Strategies: Ultimate Flexibility
For travelers who don't have airline loyalty or prefer booking based on price and convenience, premium travel cards offer flexible baggage fee coverage.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual Fee: $550
Baggage Benefit: Up to $300 annual travel credit (covers any airline)
Best For: Flexible travelers who want premium perks
How It Works:
- Pay baggage fees with your card
- Receive automatic statement credit up to $300 annually
- Works with any airline, any route (Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits)
- Additional benefits include Priority Pass lounge access and 3x points on travel
For more strategies on maximizing flexible travel rewards, see our guide on why transferable points beat airline miles.
American Express Platinum Cards
Annual Fee: $695
Baggage Benefit: Up to $200 annual airline credit (choose one airline)
Best For: Premium travelers with preferred airlines
Airline Credit Strategy:
- Select one qualifying airline each year
- Credit covers baggage fees and other incidental expenses
- Automatic statement credit for eligible purchases
- Stack with other Amex travel benefits
Capital One Venture X
Annual Fee: $395
Baggage Benefit: Use miles for any travel expense at 1¢/mile
Best For: Flexible travelers who want earning power
Flexible Approach:
- Earn 2x miles on all purchases
- Redeem miles to cover baggage fees on any airline
- $300 annual travel credit offsets annual fee
- No airline restrictions or calendar year limits
Advanced Strategies: Maximizing Your Savings
The Loyalty Decision Matrix
Choose Airline-Specific Cards If:
- You fly one airline 75%+ of the time
- You live in an airline hub city
- You value elite status benefits
- You want the highest baggage savings per dollar
Choose Multi-Airline Cards If:
- You book flights based on price/convenience
- You value flexibility over maximum savings
- You want broader travel benefits beyond baggage
- You travel internationally frequently
Family Optimization Strategies
Large Families (5+ people): Delta cards offer the best value with coverage for up to 9 people total.
Split Strategy: Consider having different family members hold different airline cards to maximize coverage across multiple carriers.
Business Travel: Business versions of airline cards often provide identical benefits with better expense tracking and potential tax advantages.
The Credit Card Stacking Approach
Advanced travelers often hold multiple airline cards to maximize coverage:
- Primary Card: Your most-flown airline's card
- Secondary Card: Regional carrier or alternative route card
- Flexible Card: Multi-airline premium card for irregular travel
This strategy requires careful annual fee management but can eliminate baggage costs across all your travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Activation Requirements
- Always verify requirements: Some cards need ticket purchases, others just frequent flyer numbers
- Timing matters: Some airlines require linking accounts days before travel
- Read the fine print: Domestic vs. international coverage varies by card
Weight and Size Limits
- Free bag benefits typically cover standard 50-pound limit (TSA baggage guidelines)
- Overweight and oversized fees are usually separate charges
- Sports equipment may have different rules
Packing Tip: Invest in a reliable luggage scale from Samsonite to avoid surprise overweight fees at the airport.
Companion Coverage Details
- "Up to X companions" means same reservation, not separate bookings
- Some cards require the primary cardholder to be traveling
- Group size limits are strictly enforced
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to buy my ticket with the credit card to get free checked bags? A: This varies by airline. United requires ticket purchase with the card, while Delta only needs your frequent flyer number linked to the reservation. Always check your specific card's terms.
Q: Can I get free checked bags for companions on separate reservations?
A: No, companions must be on the same reservation as the primary cardholder to qualify for free checked bags.
Q: Do free bag benefits work on international flights? A: Most airline cards limit free checked bag benefits to domestic flights only. Check your card's terms for international coverage.
Q: What happens if I cancel my credit card mid-year? A: You'll lose baggage benefits immediately upon card closure, even for flights booked while the card was active.
Q: Can I combine multiple credit card baggage benefits? A: No, you can only use one card's benefit per reservation. However, different passengers can use different cards' benefits on the same reservation.
Q: Are there spending requirements to maintain baggage benefits? A: Generally no—as long as your card account remains open and in good standing, baggage benefits continue regardless of spending. For tips on maximizing your card spending, check our guide on meeting credit card minimum spending requirements.
Q: Do business credit cards offer better baggage benefits than personal cards? A: Usually the benefits are identical, but business cards may offer better expense tracking and potential tax advantages.
Q: How do baggage benefits work with award tickets? A: Most cards provide baggage benefits on award tickets as long as you meet the card's other requirements (frequent flyer number, ticket purchase, etc.).
The Bottom Line: Your Baggage Fee Freedom Strategy
The math is clear: credit cards with free checked bag benefits can save most travelers $200-500+ annually while often providing additional valuable perks. The key is matching your card choice to your actual travel patterns.
Quick Decision Guide:
Southwest Travelers: Get a Southwest card immediately (policy change makes it essential)
Delta Families: Delta Gold Card offers unbeatable group coverage
Flexible Travelers: Chase Sapphire Reserve provides maximum flexibility
Budget Conscious: JetBlue Plus or Alaska cards offer solid value at reasonable fees
Premium Seekers: American Executive or Delta Reserve cards for luxury travelers
Action Steps:
- Track your current baggage costs for 6-12 months
- Identify your most-flown airlines and route patterns using tools like Going.com for flight tracking
- Calculate annual savings vs. card annual fees
- Consider companion coverage for family and group travel
- Apply for your optimal card before your next trip
For comprehensive packing strategies that work with free checked bags, see our guide to essential carry-on packing tips.
Remember: The best credit card is the one that saves you the most money while fitting your travel patterns. With baggage fees continuing to rise, the right card strategy becomes more valuable every year.
Verify all terms and benefits with card issuers, as offers and policies can change. Information current as of January 2025.
Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to products in this article. This helps support our research and writing, but doesn't influence our recommendations.
