Which Credit Cards Are Friendliest to Frequent Fliers?

Credit card issuers and travel suppliers are fighting more aggressively for consumers who use loyalty cards, analysts and executives said, because typical loyalty program members spend a lot of money and pay off their debts. So with airline profits scarce, it is not surprising that some carriers have been offering better deals.

For example, in May, Continental's World MasterCard, which is issued by Chase Manhattan Bank, began offering new cardholders a 5 percent discount on fares they buy on Continental.com during the first year. In addition, the company now offers an enrollment bonus of 15,000 miles, compared with 10,000 miles for the Platinum.