I’m at the point of getting a new airline CC but have never had it. I usually pay with cards and pay everything off each month to take advantage of perks without accruing debt.

Figured I try switching from cash back to airfare credit.

I recommend a CASH BACK Card from Bank of America - the Red one -

Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card

$200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening — plus choose how you earn rewards.
No annual fee†
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, drug stores, home improvement & furnishings, dining or travel and automatic 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%.
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

https://www.bankofamerica.com/