The Best Airline Credit Card Rewards

• Several credit cards provide airline rewards. Derek E. Rothchild/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  Finding the best airline credit card rewards will ultimately depend on several personal factors, including which airline you fly the most and whether you're looking to redeem your miles for award travel, use the miles for an upgrade or simply use them to partially offset the cost of your air travel. Individuals thinking of obtaining a credit card that provides airline rewards in the form of mileage accumulation on everyday purchases should consider those offered by financial institutions in conjunction with some of the largest U.S. airlines, including United Air Lines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

United Mileage Select Visa

• As of 2010, one of United's top mileage earning credit cards comes with an introductory offer whereby cardholders may earn 30,000 miles as well as a $50 travel certificate redeemable with the airline after their first $250 in purchases. The card earns three miles on every $1 spent on United purchases and two miles for every $1 spent on gas, home improvement purchases, groceries, dining and Star Alliance purchases; all other purchases earn one mile for every $1 spent. The card costs $95 per year.

Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express

• As of 2010. Delta's most expensive card comes with an opportunity to earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles after the first purchase with the card. The benefit means that such miles can be used to attain elite status within the airline's frequent flier program. Card members may earn two miles for every $1 spent on Delta and one mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

  The card costs $450 per year, in part because it enables the cardholder and two guests to access the airline's lounge when traveling on Delta. Less expensive cards are available from American Express for Delta's frequent flier program.

Citi Platinum Select /AAdvantage World MasterCard American Airlines

• American Airlines, in conjunction with Citibank, allows customers to earn one mile for every $1 spent on the platinum card. Additionally, cardholders may redeem fewer miles to travel to select destinations as determined by American Airlines. The card cost $85 as of 2010, but the annual fee is waived for the first year.