The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Newark-Based Flyers

Serving more than 160 nonstop destinations worldwide, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest airports on the East Coast.

Newark provides excellent coverage within the U.S., but its specialty is transatlantic travel with nonstop service to more than 40 destinations around Europe, Africa, and Asia. It also does a thorough job of serving the Caribbean. Its most popular routes include Orlando (MCO), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and London (LHR).

If you do most of your flying from Newark, holding the right airline credit card can make a huge difference in both the quality of your travel experience and the money/miles you pay. Here’s what you need to know about the best travel rewards credit cards for Newark-based flyers.

What should Newark travelers consider for their credit card strategy

Dozens of airlines fly to Newark, but the airport is dominated by United Airlines, accounting for more than 67% of the market share. Spirit and JetBlue rank a distant second and third, accounting for a combined 11% of air traffic. From Newark, United offers nonstop travel to more than 150 destinations in 45 countries.

Travelers with EWR as their preferred airport will almost certainly find themselves on a United Airlines flight from time to time. That’s why opening a United Airlines credit card is our top recommendation for those who frequent Newark.

Top credit cards for Newark-based travelers

The best credit cards for Newark-based travelers tend to be credit cards that offer United benefits. United Airlines credit cards earn valuable United miles while also providing money-saving perks, like free checked bags and discounted award fares (including in business class).

Some non-United credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, are also valuable for United travel, as their strong travel benefits complement the needs of a United flyer.

United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card is a balanced airline credit card with a reasonable annual fee and a litany of money-saving perks. You’ll get the first checked bag free (when you pay the cash portion of your ticket with your card), award flight discounts, and even two complimentary United Club passes annually.

Plus, the United Explorer Card’s annual fee is waived the first year, so you can try it out for a year before you’re obligated to pay for it.

United Club℠ Card

The United Club℠ Card is the most powerful way to elevate your United Airlines travel. With hundreds of dollars in annual hotel, rideshare, and United credits, Premier Access (including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling), free checked bags, and more, it’s the ideal workhorse for any United loyalist. Those with elite status will earn additional points on United flights — 7-11x points for every dollar spent, depending on status tier. 

Perhaps the best part is its complimentary United Club membership, which provides you with unlimited access to United Club airport lounges when flying an eligible airline.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The ultra-premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® doesn’t don the United logo, but it’s still one of the best credit cards for the occasional United Airlines flyer. It comes with hundreds of dollars in annual travel credits to offset airfare, top-tier travel insurance, and access to more than 1,800 airport lounges.

And get this: The card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards, which can be transferred to more than a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs — including United Airlines, JetBlue, and other carriers that serve Newark.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns the same rewards currency as the Chase Sapphire Reserve but with a lower annual fee and slightly different bonus categories. You won’t get as many sprinkles and rainbows with this card, though it does still offer annual travel credits and excellent travel insurance. But the average Sapphire Preferred cardholder can almost certainly rack up more rewards for everyday expenses than if they funneled the same purchases through a United Airlines credit card.

Why United cards are recommended for Newark travelers

United Airlines credit cards are recommended for Newark travelers because of United’s prominence at the airport. Because the vast majority of flights are on United metal, perks like preferred boarding, discounted award inventory, and free checked bags are a big deal for most travelers.

Alternative airlines and credit cards from Newark

It’s possible to rarely fly United even when living near a fortress hub like Newark. The majority of U.S. carriers fly there.

For example, JetBlue flies between EWR and multiple airports across Florida. If you fly mostly to cities like Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), you may routinely book JetBlue flights — in which case a card like the JetBlue Plus Card would better fit your travels. It comes with great perks, like the first checked bag free, 5,000 bonus miles after each cardmember anniversary, and a fast track to elite status.

If you fly out of major Delta hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Minneapolis (MSP), or Detroit (DTW), you’ll likely patronize Delta more than United. You’ll do better with a card like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. It offers the first checked bag free, as well as preferred boarding, Delta Sky Club access, and a valuable single-use companion certificate each year.

The best cards for airport lounge access in Newark

United Club lounges

United manages over 45 Club airport lounges around the world. Three of them are located in Newark Airport — one in Terminal A (upper level, near Gate A27) and two in Terminal C (upper Level, near Gate C74 and on the mezzanine level near Gate C123). These lounges offer amenities such as free food and alcohol, comfy seats, free Wi-Fi, and more.

You can enter these lounges with:

• United Club℠ Card

• United℠ Explorer Card (2 passes per cardmember year)

Frequently asked questions

Are United credit cards worth it if I only fly 2-3 times per year?

United credits can be worthwhile even for those who only fly two or three times per year. For example, if you and a travel buddy routinely check bags, a United credit card could save you $140 per round-trip. Value like that can add up quickly.

What's the best strategy for earning United miles in Newark?

The best strategy for earning United Airlines miles in Newark is to use a United Airlines-earning credit card. We typically recommend a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred over a cobranded United credit card for earning rewards quickly, as its bonus categories are often more practical — and its points instantly transfer to United Airlines at a 1:1 ratio.

What are the main perks of a United credit card? 

The main perks of a United credit card are free checked bags, preferred boarding, and discounted award seats. Premium United Airlines credit cards offer features like airport lounge access and statement credits for United Airlines purchases.

What’s the main difference between the United Club Card and the United Explorer Card?

The main difference between the United Club Card and the United Explorer Card is benefits like United Club membership, statement credits, and Premier Access travel services. The premium United Club Card offers these perks, while the United Explorer Card does not. The tradeoff is that its annual fee is much more palatable.