How to Avoid Bag Fees With These Travel Credit Cards (2020)

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Nobody likes paying to check bags, except the airlines and their stockholders. Most airlines are so addicted to bag fees that it’s unlikely that they’ll ever go away. And one of the reasons that bag fees are so profitable is because it drives business to their co-branded credit cards that offer free checked bags.

Avoid Checked Baggage Fees With These Travel Credit Cards

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express and Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express

These cards offer a complimentary checked bag for yourself and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation. Since Delta now charges $30 per checked bag, each way, that can be a savings of up to $240 for a family of four on a round-trip. New applicants receive 30,000 bonus miles after using their card to spend $1,000 within three months of account opening, plus a $50 statement credit when you make a Delta purchase within the same three months. There’s a $95 annual fee that waived the first year. (see rates and fees for Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express and Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express)

Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card

This card also offers you a complimentary checked bag for yourself and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation. But it includes many other benefits such as priority boarding, an annual companion certificate, and a Sky Club membership. You also receive an annual companion certificate that’s valid for one round-trip, domestic (lower 48 states) ticket in economy or first class each year upon renewal of your card (taxes and fees apply). There’s a $450 annual fee for this card that increases to $550 for applications received after January 30^th, 2020. (see rates and fees)

Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express

This card also offers you a complimentary checked bag for yourself and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation. You also receive an annual companion certificate that’s valid for one round-trip, domestic (lower 48 states) ticket in economy class only, each year upon renewal of your card (taxes and fees apply). There’s a $195 annual fee for this card that increases to $250 for applications received after January 30^th, 2020. (see rates and fees)

United℠ Explorer Card

This card offers a complimentary checked bag to the cardholder and one companion, so long as they remember to pay for their tickets with this card. And if you’re booking an award flight, then you need to use your card to pay for the taxes and fees. Other benefits include priority boarding, up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit and two United Club passes each year. There’s a $95 annual fee for this card that’s waived the first year.

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