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

To offset rising fuel surcharges, U.S. airlines have recently raised checked bag fees. So now, for a round-trip flight, you can expect to pay about $100 extra per person for each checked bag.

As someone who doesn't have elite status from staying 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 bag fees — if not more — can really dampen a traveler's cost-saving plans.

While I know you might be thinking, "Just don't check a bag," it's not a feasible solution for every getaway. Plus, 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 cash.

That's why I've invested in several cobranded 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 lowest-annual-fee airline cards that include a checked bag that may be worth considering.

Related: Higher fares are here: What it means for booking spring, summer flights

Save on American Airlines checked bag fees

American bag fees for standard fares:

• $50 for your first checked bag ($45 if prepaid online)
• $60 for your second checked bag ($55 if prepaid online)

American bag fees for basic economy:

• $55 for your first checked bag ($50 if prepaid online)
• $65 for your second checked bag ($60 if prepaid online)

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

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter
• Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free for you and up to 4 travel companions; only on domestic flights
• Basic economy fare earning rate: Earn 0 AAdvantage miles
• Basic economy fare earning rate with the AAdvantage Platinum Select: 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American flights
• Main cabin fare earning rate for non-elite members: 5 miles per $1 spent on American flights

Final thoughts: If you fly round-trip at least once per year, you will pay $100 per person to check your bag when you book a basic economy fare ($100 if prepaid online). This card has an annual fee of $99 (starting in your second cardholder year), which is less than the cost of checking your bag. Plus, you can enjoy additional travel perks, such as earning 2 miles per $1 spent on American flights in basic economy, Preferred boarding and more.

To learn more, check out our review of the AAdvantage Platinum Select card.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected 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 bag fees

United bag fees:

• $50 for your first checked bag ($45 if prepaid online)
• $60 for your second checked bag ($55 if prepaid online)

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

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter
• Checked bag perk with card: Primary cardmember plus one companion can each check a bag for free
• Basic economy fare earning rate: Earn 0 United MileagePlus miles
• Basic economy fare earning rate with the United Explorer card: 3 miles per $1 spent on United flights
• Standard fare mileage earning for non-elite members: 3 miles per $1 spent

Final thoughts: If you plan to fly with United at least two times per year (round-trip) and check a bag, which would cost $200 or $180 if you prepay online, the United Explorer Card could be a good match for you. Plus, as a cardholder, you'll earn the same number of miles (3 miles per $1 spent on United flights) when booking basic economy with this card as travelers who are booking standard fares with no MileagePlus status. Additionally, you can enjoy other travel perks, such as two United Club lounge passes per year.

To learn more, check out our review of the United Explorer Card.

Save on Delta Air Lines checked bag fees

Delta bag 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)
• Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free on Delta flights for you and up to eight travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
• Basic economy fare earning rate: 0 Delta SkyMiles
• Basic economy fare earning rate with the Delta SkyMiles Gold card: 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights
• Standard fare (Main Classic) mileage earning for non-elite members: 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights

Final thoughts: If you fly round-trip at least two times a year with Delta, this card will offset the $180 checked bag fees. Plus, you'll earn 2 miles per $1 spent on basic economy Delta flights as opposed to earning 0 Delta SkyMiles when booking this fare. Cardholders also receive other perks, such as 15% off award flights and up to $100 in statement credit every calendar year for Delta Stays (the airline's hotel travel portal; you must use your card to book).

To learn more, check out our review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card.

Save on Southwest Airlines checked bag fees

Southwest Bag 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
• Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free on Southwest flights for you and up to eight travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
• Basic fare earning rate: 2 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest flights
• Basic fare earning rate with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest flights

Final thoughts: Southwest's former "two checked bags fly free" policy is long gone. So, if you plan to take at least two round-trip flights per year with the airline, investing in the $99 annual fee card may be worth it. Aside from the free checked bag benefit (for up to eight travel companions), cardholders also get to select their seat up to 48 hours prior to departure. With selecting a seat now costing extra, a new-ish policy (and a hot topic for the airline), Southwest flyers may find value with this card.

To learn more, check out our review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Save on Alaska Airlines checked bag fees

Alaska bag fees:

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

Recommendation: Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card

• Annual fee: $95
• Checked bag perk with card: First free checked bag for cardholder and up to six travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
• Basic fare (Saver) earning rate: 30% of miles flown (number of Atmos Rewards points you'll earn)
• Basic fare earning rate with the Atmos Rewards Ascent credit card: 3 points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian flights
• Standard fare (Main cabin) mileage earning for non-elite members: 1 point per 1 mile flown (distanced-based)*

*Coming later in 2026, Atmos Rewards will be changing 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. Aside from the free checked bag, cardholders will earn 3 Atmos Rewards points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights and can enjoy travel perks such as preferred boarding and 20% back on eligible inflight purchases.

To learn more, check out our review of the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card.

Bottom line

Not even taking into account all of the cards' additional travel benefits and their welcome bonus offers, these low-annual-fee cobranded cards can save you money if you plan to fly with a carrier and check a bag at least once or twice a year. And, if you're always traveling with a companion, cobranded airline cards can save you significant money if you and your companion both plan to check bags.

Even if fuel surcharges do eventually go down, don't expect airlines to lower their checked bag prices. This, unfortunately, has become the new travel norm.

As a regular traveler, I personally have Southwest, American Airlines, Delta and Atmos credit cards (United is not a major operator at my hometown airport). Though I don't use each of these cards regularly, they stay tucked away in my wallet, mainly for when I have to book a flight and want to take advantage of the card perks, like a free checked bag for my partner and me.

To learn more about how to save on additional fees, check out our full list of credit cards that offer a free bag as a perk.

For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.