What Are Co-Branded Credit Cards?
6 Min Read | Published: December 22, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Curious about co-branded credit cards? Learn how they partner with airlines, hotels, and retailers to give you brand-specific rewards.
At-A-Glance
- Co-branded credit cards team up your favorite brand—like an airline, hotel, or store—with a trusted card issuer to bring you personalized perks.
- With every transaction, you can earn rewards tied to the brand, like free flights, room upgrades, or members-only discounts.
- A co-branded card can be ideal if you have a go-to brand, but a general rewards card may work better if you value spending flexibility over brand loyalty.
Picture this: You’re checking out with a credit card that shows off your favorite store or airline logo, and every swipe gets you a little closer to a discount, upgrade, or free trip from that brand. That’s the idea behind co-branded credit cards—they turn your everyday purchases into brand-specific perks, like cheaper online checkouts or hotel extras. Here’s how they work, and how to decide if one fits your spending style.
What Are Co-Branded Credit Cards?
A co-branded credit card means your favorite brand teamed up with a credit card issuer for a custom card program. Think airlines, hotel chains, or major retailers—the ones you already love. The card issuer usually manages the credit side—billing, payment processing, and account maintenance. The partner brand handles the rewards or loyalty benefits, usually through miles, points, credits, or cash back.
Plus, these cards often come with standard benefits, like travel insurance or purchase protection. But there are some important points to keep in mind before opting for a co-branded card:
- Co-branded credit cards can be open-loop—meaning you can use them anywhere that accepts cards—but some retail cards are closed-loop, meaning purchases are limited to the store’s locations.1
- If you’re a loyal traveler or frequent shopper, a closed-loop card can be a great way to rack up rewards with your preferred brand.
- If you like more spending flexibility, an open-loop card could offer greater everyday value.
Co-Branded Card Benefits
Whether you’re flying, checking in, or checking out, co-branded cards often come with perks that match how you already shop or travel.
Customized Brand Rewards
When you spend with the partner brand, you could turn regular purchases into faster progress toward something fun, like:
Extra miles on flights with your preferred airline
Bonus points on stays at your go-to hotel chain
Higher cash-back rates when shopping with your favorite retailer
Exclusive Co-Branded Perks
Some cards unlock little extras that make loyalty feel worth it, such as:
Free checked bags, seat upgrades, or early flight boarding on certain airlines
Complimentary room upgrades or late checkout at select hotels
Early access to sales or insider-only events from partner stores
Loyalty Programs
Co-branded loyalty cards can often plug right into existing rewards systems, so your spending works double-time by:
Earning elite status faster with hotel or airline programs
Combining points from your loyalty account and credit card for bigger redemptions
Keeping rewards in one place so you don’t need to juggle multiple programs
Did you know?
The Delta SkyMiles® American Express Platinum Card is like a two-for-one deal—it’s both a Delta loyalty card and a travel rewards card. That means every flight, upgrade, or airport coffee could help you rack up miles toward your next getaway.
When a Co-Branded Card Makes Sense
A co-branded card might be worth it if you’re already loyal to a specific airline, hotel, or retailer and want to make that spending go further—especially if you:
Regularly fly with the same airline and want an Airline Credit Card that fast-tracks you to upgrades or free checked bags
Stay at the same hotel often enough to use a Hotel Credit Card that makes free nights possible
Shop with one retailer so frequently that exclusive discounts add value to your existing spending
Prefer brand-specific perks over flexibility
Know that perks outweigh potential annual fees
On the flip side, if you prefer variety or switch brands often, a general travel or cash back cards might suit you better. The best fit usually depends on how—and where—you spend most.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a credit card that a financial institution issues in partnership with a brand—like an airline, hotel, or favorite store. The rewards you earn tie back to that brand, so every transaction can help you enjoy perks like free flights, upgrades, or member discounts.
That depends on how you spend. The best co-branded card for you usually links to the brand you already use most—like your go-to airline for weekend trips or the hotel chain you always book for business travel.
They can be great if you’re loyal to one brand since the perks often make your usual spending more rewarding. But if you prefer flexibility or like to shop around, a general travel or cash-back card might give you more practical value.
The Takeaway
Co-branded credit cards are like a shortcut to unlocking VIP treatment at brands you’ve come to love. If you already stick with one airline, hotel, or store, the right card can help your loyalty pay off through perks and rewards you’ll actually use. But if you prefer variety, you might get more everyday flexibility from a general American Express® Credit Card.
1 “What are co-branded credit cards?,” Bankrate
Liv Gillespie is a Philadelphia-based writer with a double M.A. in English Linguistics & Literature and Secondary Education. Her work focuses on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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