Airline Debit Cards
Airline credit cards are widely advertised. On the other hand, airline debit cards are less well-known. Here are some examples:
1. Alaska Airlines Debit Card from Bank of America
The Alaska Airlines debit card from Bank of America is unfortunately going to be discontinued, but it still exists as of March 2014. It earns 1 mile per $2 spent and has a $30 annual fee. It's half the rewards earned with an Alaska Airlines credit card, but also half an annual fee.
2. Delta SkyMiles Debit Cards from Suntrust
The "Classic" has a $20 annual fee while the "World" has a $55 annual fee. The World version sort of gives you the same rewards as the Delta SkyMiles credit cards, which is one point per dollar on regular spending and 2 points per dollar on Delta purchases. When applying for these debit cards through Suntrust Bank, keep in mind that this debit card is officially only available in certain states (which are mostly in the South). So, if you don't live in Suntrust's region, it's better to go to a physical Suntrust branch to open an account and get the debit card, rather than open one online. By doing this, you have a better chance of keeping your debit card and not getting shut down by Suntrust.
3. American Airlines Debit Card from UFB Direct
You can open an account with UFB Direct, which appears to be a bank with no physical locations. Earn 1 mile per $2 spent, and there appears to be no annual fee. Unfortunately, with this debit card, you can only earn up to 120,000 miles per calendar year. Also, there's a daily spending limit of $1,500.
Please note, however, that some debit card reward programs are being discontinued. As stated above, the Bank of America Alaska Airlines debit card will soon be discontinued, and so will the Suntrust Delta debit card. For the Suntrust Delta card, you should hurry and sign up for that debit card fast, before they stop accepting new applications for the debit card (which will likely be a few months from now).
Airline credit cards are widely advertised. On the other hand, airline debit cards are less well-known. Here are some examples:
1. Alaska Airlines Debit Card from Bank of America
The Alaska Airlines debit card from Bank of America is unfortunately going to be discontinued, but it still exists as of March 2014. It earns 1 mile per $2 spent and has a $30 annual fee. It's half the rewards earned with an Alaska Airlines credit card, but also half an annual fee.
2. Delta SkyMiles Debit Cards from Suntrust
The "Classic" has a $20 annual fee while the "World" has a $55 annual fee. The World version sort of gives you the same rewards as the Delta SkyMiles credit cards, which is one point per dollar on regular spending and 2 points per dollar on Delta purchases. When applying for these debit cards through Suntrust Bank, keep in mind that this debit card is officially only available in certain states (which are mostly in the South). So, if you don't live in Suntrust's region, it's better to go to a physical Suntrust branch to open an account and get the debit card, rather than open one online. By doing this, you have a better chance of keeping your debit card and not getting shut down by Suntrust.
3. American Airlines Debit Card from UFB Direct
You can open an account with UFB Direct, which appears to be a bank with no physical locations. Earn 1 mile per $2 spent, and there appears to be no annual fee. Unfortunately, with this debit card, you can only earn up to 120,000 miles per calendar year. Also, there's a daily spending limit of $1,500.
Please note, however, that some debit card reward programs are being discontinued. As stated above, the Bank of America Alaska Airlines debit card will soon be discontinued, and so will the Suntrust Delta debit card. For the Suntrust Delta card, you should hurry and sign up for that debit card fast, before they stop accepting new applications for the debit card (which will likely be a few months from now).