Of the three major benefits that credit cards confer on air travelers—earning mileage, getting free companion tickets, and providing a faster track to elite status—the last one is the least-known, even by many road warriors. But you still have to know which card puts you on the fast track and how best to deploy it. Here’s a quick guide.

1. Get an elite-status, fast-track card if you can’t earn an elite card without it, or if it can get you to a higher level you wouldn’t otherwise reach. If you already earn elite status year in and year out, you don’t need the card. Stick with the best card for earning miles.
2. Once you’ve earned the elite-status level using the card, put it in your desk drawer for the rest of the year and go back to using a card that earns you the most miles.

United’s Platinum Visa nets up to 15,000 EQMs

At first purchase: Earn 5,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs)

Annual spend bonus: Earn another 5,000 EQMs when you spend $35,000 each year using the card

Online purchases: Earn up to another 5,000 EQMs for ticket purchases at united.com (1 mile per $1)

Redeemable miles sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 redeemable bonus miles upon first use of the card (enough for a domestic one-way upgrade or a one-way international upgrade with a B fare)

Annual fee: $140

Details: http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webcgi/webserve.cgi?partner_dir_name=united_signature_3_20k_v2&page=cont&mkid=6SJS

(While not tied to a credit card, the airline offers another elite fast track offer through an Economy Plus Bonus Tip: Purchase promotion. Visit: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51328,00.html for details.)

US Airways Dividend Miles Premier World MasterCard and Business Card

At first purchase: 15,000 bonus miles

Annual spend bonus: Earn 10,000 EQMs

Annual fee: $79

Details: http://www.mostmiles.com/app/japply/lp/domains/mostmiles_aep.jsp?source=dmcontent

US Airways Visa Signature or Platinum Plus Card

At first purchase: 25,000 bonus miles

Key provision: Make $25,000 or more in net purchases each calendar year and 10,000 of the Dividend Miles earned will be counted as Preferred Miles

Annual fee: $90 Visa Signature

Details: https://www1.bankofamerica.com/creditcards/application/index.cfm?requesttimeout=500&offer_id=ECOMM0901BBZ00406800121999EN000&appnew=y&referralid=&adlink=000002005i1000FABOYT&headerType=&newapp=y&state=undefined

Delta Platinum SkyMiles Amex

At first purchase: 20,000 bonus SkyMiles, 5,000 of which are Medallion Elite Qualification Miles

Annual spend bonus: Earn up to 20,000 EQMs towards Medallion status each year based on your spending

Annual fee: $150 ($95 for qualified American Express Cardmembers)

Details: http://www.delta.com/skymiles/ways_to_get_miles/earning_miles_partners/credit_card_partners/index.jsp

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