Airline cards 'most popular'

Airline credit cards have overtaken cash-rebate credit cards as America's favorite, according to a new study.

Research conducted by Auriemma Consulting Group (ACG) for the Cardbeat report found that the number of people choosing airline cards rose between 2005 and 2006.

In 2006, 48 percent of people who used a reward-generating credit card said they preferred one affiliated with an airline - up from 41 percent in 2005.

Over the same period, the proportion of reward card-holders opting for a cash-rebate card fell from 53 percent to 39 percent.

"A year ago, the most frequently used rewards card was the cash-rebate card," Megan Bramlette, Managing Editor of Cardbeat, said. "Now airline cards take that title."

Despite this, the study revealed that consumers continue to perceive cash-back as being the most valuable type of credit card benefit even though such cards declined in popularity by 26 percent in the year in question.

A number of US airlines offer credit cards that allow holders to accrue air miles and other benefits, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Northwest Airlines.

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