11 Airline Loyalty Benefits That Actually Pay Off

8. Co‑branded credit card statement credits & companion certificates

Co‑branded cards frequently include statement credits and companion certificates that can offset annual fees or significantly reduce the cost of a second passenger. These benefits are highly tangible: a companion certificate for a round-trip domestic fare can save a traveler the price of a second ticket, making the card useful for couples or family travel. Statement credits reduce ancillary costs like in-flight purchases, lounge day passes, or checked baggage—credits that add up across the year. The key is checking terms carefully: certificates often have fare class and routing restrictions, and credits may require enrollment or specific merchant categories. If you can use the certificate at least once or two credits across a year, the card’s annual fee can be justified quickly. For households planning seasonal trips together, stacking a card with a companion certificate and a card that waives bags is a pragmatic way to reduce travel spend while enjoying immediate value from the benefits offered.