When it comes to caring for its passengers, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines consistently get high marks. Case and point, Delta and Alaska ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively on NerdWallet's best airlines to fly during COVID-19. As travel resumes, you might want to prioritize flying these customer-friendly airlines. If so, you may be wondering if you should get a Delta or Alaska credit card.

Both airlines offer valuable perks to their credit cardholders — from free checked bags to lounge access. But, it's important to consider all aspects of a credit card before you sign up. So, let's dive into the best airline cards for those considering a Delta or Alaska credit card.

Alaska Airlines vs. Delta credit cards

Although both Delta and Alaska are major domestic U.S.-based airlines, the two airlines offer quite different credit card options.

Delta credit cards

Delta offers an expansive portfolio of four personal credit card options and three business credit cards through its partnership with American Express:

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card​: $0 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card​: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card​: $250 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card​: $550 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card​: $0 intro for the first year, then $99 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card​: $250 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card​: $550 annual fee.

Terms apply.

Alaska Airlines credit cards

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines offers just two credit cards through Bank of America®:

Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: $95 annual fee

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card: $70 for the company and $25 per card annual fee.

Notable differences in these offerings

Only Delta offers a premium card option

Alaska doesn't offer a direct comparison for Delta's premium cards. If you're looking for high-end perks, you want to get one of Delta's higher-end cards.

For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers afee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, an annual companion certificate on Delta and the opportunity to earn toward elite status through Delta's Status Boost, all for a reasonable $250 annual fee. Terms apply.

To score lounge access, you'll want the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card​. This $550-annual-fee card offers complimentary Delta Sky Club access and complimentary access to AmEx's Centurion Lounge or Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Parter when you fly Delta.