Best Cards For Flights To Africa

This is near the top of our list for nearly everything due to its flexibility. If you are a regular user, we know you probably already have it, but we’d be remiss to leave it off. If you are working with a spouse, the Sapphire Preferred could be a better choice. Here's how you know.

The high bonus makes this card the gold standard for business cards. It is 2nd on our list because (1) not all people will qualify for this particular business card, and (2) it doesn’t get you 1.5 cents per point like the Sapphire Reserve. Other Ink cards would be great for Africa if you already have the Preferred or won’t qualify. They just have slightly lower bonuses.

We’ve found United and its Star Alliance partners have flights to most destinations in Africa. Depending on your situation, the business version might be a better option.

Delta has great options to major cities in Africa, but check your target destination before accumulating Delta points. You can’t get an ideal flight for a Kilimanjaro climb or a Serengeti Safari, for example. Because of Amex’s one card per lifetime rule, you probably want to get this card when they are having a limited time bonus. Also, if you already have this version, the Business version and the Gold versions are good options as well.

If you go to American Airlines' website, you’ll find very few options to fly to Africa using their points tool. Unfortunately with American, you have to call to book flights with points that include partner flights, which are most in Africa. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a good flight at a good value ... you’ll just have to do a little more homework.