Baggage fees are everywhere. Here’s how to use a credit card to get around them.

Travelers collect their baggage after their arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., on May 12, 2025. When Southwest Airlines ended its free checked-bag policy in May, it joined the other major U.S. carriers — and most airline passengers began paying at least $35 for their first checked bag. (Bryan Anselm/The New York Times)

By Nia Decaille

Southwest Airlines was the last big holdout. When the carrier ended its free checked-bag policy in May, it joined the other major U.S. carriers — and most airline passengers began paying at least $35 for their first checked bag.

Of course, there are ways around the fees: You can spend enough with an airline to earn a loyalty status that includes a waiver, upgrade your fare to include baggage, or pack light enough to need only a carry-on. And then there’s the option recommended by most travel enthusiasts: a credit card that comes with perks.

Typically, travelers have two options: a general credit card used to earn rewards in various categories, including travel, or an airline-specific credit card.

Here’s what to know about rewards cards and how they can help offset the cost of checked baggage fees.

Option 1: General travel credit cards

The biggest utility of a general credit card, which allows customers to accumulate points that they can redeem for discounts on travel, is flexibility. Cardholders, particularly ones looking for a deal, are not beholden to a particular airline to find the most efficient or cost-effective routes. Customers can also use general rewards cards to earn points at grocery stores, gas stations and other eligible partners.

“If your goal is to earn more valuable rewards that you could use toward free flights down the line and other travel, you’re better off with a general travel rewards card just because those rewards are a lot more flexible,” said Benji Stawski, the content director of the Daily Drop, a travel newsletter.

Premium travel credit cards, which often have big fees, are all the rage when it comes to accruing rewards points and earning perks. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for example, comes with a hefty $795 annual fee and includes a $300 travel credit per year that can be applied to baggage fees, among other perks. American Express Platinum, which has a $695 annual fee, offers a similar benefit with a $200 flexible travel credit.

Jess Bohorquez, who uses the TikTok moniker @PointsbyJ, suggested travelers compare each card’s benefits with its annual fee. American Express Platinum’s flexible travel credit, for instance, could cover the minimum fee for a checked bag on at least five one-way flights, while Chase Sapphire Reserve’s flexible travel credit adds up to more than a third of its annual fee.

Option 2: Airline-specific credit cards

The cost of loyalty to an airline depends on the traveler’s needs and how often they tend to travel (and with whom).

Most airline credit cards guarantee one checked bag for free, which takes some of the guesswork out of how to compare the credit with that offered by general rewards cards. Airline cards incentivize spending with a specific carrier, which can limit travel options, but they could be ideal for frequent travelers with more luggage and anyone who lives near a particular airline’s hub and would be more likely to be a regular customer.

The free baggage guarantee can also be advantageous for cardholders with families or group travelers. “The benefit is that perk then extends to other people on your same reservation. So let me stress that if you’re traveling as a family that’s often checking bags, that could be a huge savings,” Bohorquez said.

Here’s a breakdown of annual fees from the major airline credit cards that offer at least one free checked bag:

— Southwest ($35 first checked bag, $45 second checked bag)

Rapid Rewards Plus card comes with a $69 annual fee and offers a free checked bag for up to eight people, early check-in twice a year as well as ways to earn double points on hotels, ride shares and car rentals. The Rapid Rewards Premier Card, with a $99 annual fee, and the Rapid Rewards Priority card, with a $149 annual fee, offer additional perks.

— JetBlue ($40 first checked bag, $60 second checked bag during peak season and prepaid more than 24 hours before departure )

JetBlue Plus card comes with a $99 annual fee and includes a free checked bag for up to four travelers on JetBlue-operated flights. The JetBlue Premier card, which carries a $449 annual fee, offers other benefits too.

— United Airlines ($40 first checked bag, $50 second checked bag)

Mileage Plus Explorer customers pay an annual fee of $150 after any promotional offers, which includes a free checked bag. Other perks include priority boarding, a $100 airline credit and two passes to the United Club lounge. The Mileage Plus Quest card has a $350 annual fee and includes two free checked bags, while the Mileage Plus Club card bear a $695 fee with the same bag perk as the Quest card, along with additional benefits.

— Delta ($35 first checked bag, $45 second checked bag)

Delta SkyMiles Gold cardholders pay a $150 annual fee after promotions. Cardholders will also receive a free checked bag waiver for a maximum of nine people on the same reservation for a Delta operated flight. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card, which has a $350 annual fee, and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, which has a $650 annual fee, include the same bag benefits as well as additional perks.

— American Airlines ($40 first checked bag, $50 second checked bag)

AAdvantage Platinum Select carries a $99 annual fee after promotions, and cardholders are allowed one free checked bag for up to four guests for domestic flights. The AAdvantage Admirals Club has a $595 annual fee and includes the same perk as well as other benefits.