Should you get an airline card to offset baggage fees? We did the math

TO offset increased fuel surchargesUS airlines recently increased checked baggage fees. So now, for a round trip flight, you can expect to pay around $100 extra per person for each checked bag.

As someone who doesn’t have elite status for being loyal to a specific airline and likes to book basic economy for the least expensive flight itineraries, I can say from experience that paying almost $100 in baggage fees, if not more, can really derail a traveler’s cost-saving plans.

While I know you may be thinking, “Just don’t check luggage,” it’s not a feasible solution for every getaway. Additionally, as a points and miles enthusiast, I’m also now weighing the fact that some airlines have placed restrictions on earning rewards on basic economy flights.

Basically, I want to have my cake and eat it too, without paying a ton of extra money.

That’s why I’ve invested in several co-branded cards, and if you plan to travel at least twice a year, especially with one or two specific airlines that operate out of your hometown airport, it may make sense for you, too.

Here are the airline cards with the lowest annual fee which include a checked bag which may be worth considering.

Related: The highest fares are here: What it means to book spring and summer flights

Save on American Airlines checked baggage fees

American baggage rates for standard fares:

• $50 for your first checked bag ($45 if you pay in advance online)
• $60 for your second checked bag ($55 if you pay in advance online)

American baggage rates for basic economy:

• $55 for your first checked bag ($50 if you pay in advance online)
• $65 for your second checked bag ($60 if you pay in advance online)

Recommendation: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter
• Card checked baggage benefit: First checked bag free for you and up to 4 travel companions; only on domestic flights
• Basic Economy Fare Earning Fee: Earn 0 AAdvantage miles
• Basic Economy Fare Earning Rate with AAdvantage Platinum Select: 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible US flights
• Main Cabin Fare Earning Fee for Non-Elite Members: 5 miles for every $1 spent on American flights

Final thoughts: If you fly roundtrip at least once a year, you’ll pay $100 per person to check your luggage when you book a basic economy fare ($100 if you pay in advance online). This card has an annual fee of $99 (starting in your second year of cardholdership), which is less than the cost of checking your luggage. Plus, you can enjoy additional travel benefits like earning 2 miles for every $1 spent on U.S. flights in basic economy, priority boarding, and more.

For more information, see our AAdvantage Platinum Select Card Review.

Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select information has been compiled independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Save on United Airlines checked baggage fees

United Baggage Fees:

• $50 for your first checked bag ($45 if you pay in advance online)
• $60 for your second checked bag ($55 if you pay in advance online)

Recommendation: United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees):

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter
• Card checked baggage benefit: The main cardholder plus one companion can check one bag for free
• Basic Economy Fare Earning Fee: Earn 0 United MileagePlus miles
• United Explorer Card Basic Economy Fare Earning Rate: 3 miles per $1 spent on United flights
• Standard rate mileage accrual for non-elite members: 3 miles for every $1 spent

Final thoughts: If you plan to fly United at least twice a year (round trip) and check a bag, which would cost $200 or $180 if you pay in advance online, the United Explorer Card might be a good option for you. Plus, as a cardholder, you’ll earn the same amount of miles (3 miles per $1 spent on United flights) when you book basic economy with this card as travelers who book standard fares without MileagePlus status. Plus, you can enjoy other travel benefits like two United Club lounge passes per year.

For more information, see our United Explorer Card review.

Save on Delta Air Lines checked baggage fees

Delta Baggage Fees:

• $45 for your first checked bag
• $55 for your second checked bag

Recommendation: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter (see rates and fees)
• Card checked baggage benefit: Free first checked bag on Delta flights for you and up to eight traveling companions (must be on the same cardholder’s reservation)
• Basic Economy Fare Earning Fee: 0 Delta SkyMiles
• Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Basic Economy Earning Rate: 2 miles for every $1 spent on Delta flights
• Accrual of miles with standard rate (Main Classic) for non-Elite members: 5 miles for every $1 spent on Delta flights

Final thoughts: If you fly roundtrip at least twice a year with Delta, this card will offset the $180 checked baggage fee. Plus, you’ll earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Delta basic economy flights, instead of earning 0 Delta SkyMiles when you book this fare. Cardholders also receive other benefits, such as 15% discount on award flights and up to $100 in statement credit each calendar year for Delta Stays (the airline’s hotel travel portal; you must use your card to book).

For more information, see our Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card Review.

Save on Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

South West Baggage Fees:

• $45 for your first checked bag
• $55 for your second checked bag

Recommendation: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)

• Annual fee: $99
• Card checked baggage benefit: Free first checked bag on Southwest flights for you and up to eight traveling companions (must be on the same cardholder’s reservation)
• Basic Fare Earning Fee: 2 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest flights
• Basic Fare Earning Rate with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 4 points for every $1 spent on Southwest flights

Final thoughts: Southwest’s old “two checked bags fly free” policy no longer exists. So, if you plan to take at least two round-trip flights a year with the airline, it may be worth investing in the $99 annual fee card. In addition to the free checked baggage benefit (for up to eight traveling companions), cardholders can also select their seat up to 48 hours before departure. Since selecting a seat now comes with an additional cost, a new policy (and a hot topic for the airline), Southwest travelers may find value with this card.

For more information, check out our review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Save on Alaska Airlines checked baggage fees

Alaska Baggage Fees:

• $45 for your first checked bag
• $55 for your second checked bag

Recommendation: Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card

• Annual fee: $95
• Card checked bag benefit: First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to six travel companions (must be on the same cardholder’s reservation)
• Basic Rate Earning Rate (Saver): 30% of miles flown (number of Atmos Rewards points you will earn)
• Base Rate Earning Rate with the Atmos Rewards Ascent Credit Card: 3 points per $1 spent on flights to Alaska and Hawaii
• Standard fare (main cabin) mileage accrual for non-Elite members: 1 point per 1 mile flown (based on distance)*

*Coming soon in 2026, Atmos Rewards will change the way members earn points.

Final thoughts: If you plan to check a bag with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines at least twice a year, this card will pay for itself. In addition to free checked bags, cardholders will earn 3 Atmos Rewards points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights and can enjoy travel benefits like priority boarding and 20% cash back on eligible inflight purchases.

For more information, check out our review of the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card.

In a nutshell

Even taking into account all the additional travel benefits of the cards and their welcome bonus offersThese low annual fee co-branded cards can save you money if you plan to fly with one airline and check a bag at least once or twice a year. And, if you always travel with a companion, co-branded airline cards can save you a significant amount of money if both you and your companion plan to check bags.

Even if fuel surcharges eventually go down, don’t expect airlines to drop prices on your checked bags. Unfortunately, this has become the new travel norm.

As a regular traveler, I personally have credit cards from Southwest, American Airlines, Delta, and Atmos (United is not a major carrier at my hometown airport). Although I don’t use each of these cards regularly, they stay tucked away in my wallet, mostly for when I have to book a flight and want to take advantage of the card’s benefits, like free checked bags for my partner and me.

For more information on how to save on additional fees, check out our complete list of Credit cards that offer a free bag as a benefit..

For Delta Gold Amex rates and fees, click here.