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Using a credit card with travel perks is one of the best ways to stretch your money further and see even more of the world. However, choosing the right credit card can take time and effort, with so many options on the market.
Luckily, J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study aims to make that decision easier.
The study rates credit cards across several categories, including co-branded cards (i.e., an airline partnering with a bank), credit cards with or without an annual fee, and overall credit card issuers.
Southwest’s cards by Chase sweep the top spots for airline co-branded credit cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card, which has a $99 annual fee, ranked No. 1, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card, which has a $149 yearly fee, snagged the No. 2 spot.
These credit cards are so popular because of the airline’s Companion Pass, which allows pass holders to bring a buddy onboard for free.
Credit cards without an annual fee are always popular among travelers because they offer easy access. The Apple Card ranks first for co-branded cards without an annual fee, with the Hilton Honors American Express card coming in second.
The latter card comes with perks such as 7X points per $1 spent at a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio, 5X points per $1 spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3 points per dollar for other purchases. Cardholders also enjoy Hilton Silver Elite status and purchase and travel insurance.
They based the study on customers’ satisfaction across seven factors: account management, benefits, customer service, new account, rewards earning, rewards redeeming, and terms.
The study surveyed 38,852 credit card customers between June 2023 and June 2024.
Beyond the popularity of different credit cards, the study also found that cardholders are frustrated with automated customer service interactions and favor the cash-back perks versus using points and miles.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
