American Airlines Credit Cards Review
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Dealing with airline credit cards is a very complicated business, as all the offers are very different from each other and each one has its own set of benefits and rewards. The American Airlines credit card is one of the most popular among those chosen by many frequent flyers and even ordinary people who fly occasionally, as their benefits greatly enhance the travel experience. Not only do these cards allow you to earn miles on every daily spend, but they also offer a variety of benefits that will come in handy for travelers using American Airlines services.
In this article, we compared the benefits and tried to decide which is the most rewarding among the various American Airlines credit cards available and tried to decide which of them gives the most value, given different user profiles. From someone considering the very first credit card application to someone contemplating a change from another airline’s program, this guide has every information needed in making an informed decision.
Overview of American Airlines Credit Cards
Additionally, AAdvantage Aviator credit cards are co-branded and issued by American Airlines with Citi or Barclays, respectively, depending on the customer’s preference. It is a reward for loyalty in every bit of travel and, in many ways, perks that make the flying experience go over and beyond. Common key features among all these and any other American Airlines credit cards are the cardholders’ ability to earn miles on their AAdvantage account with every purchase made. Miles earned are redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. There is also a preferred boarding benefit, free checked bags, and discounts available on purchases during the flight.
The specific cards available under the American Airlines umbrella include:
- Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard
- Citi Business / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
- AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard (offered by Barclays)
- AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard (offered by Barclays)
Each of these cards has its own set of benefits and earning structures, designed to accommodate different types of travelers from casual tourists to business professionals. In the next sections, we’ll compare these cards in detail, highlight the best options for various user groups, discuss current offers, and delve into the additional benefits of being part of the American Airlines Credit Union.
Compare American Airlines Credit Cards
When it comes to selecting an American Airlines credit card, it’s important to compare the features and benefits each card offers to find the one that best suits your travel and spending habits.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Rewards | Sign-Up Bonus | Notable Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard | No annual fee | 2x on American Airlines, restaurants, gas stations; 1x on other purchases | 15,000 miles after spending $500 in 3 months | 25% inflight purchase discount; includes early boarding privileges; ability to add authorized users and earn miles for their purchases |
| Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard | $99 (waived first year) | 2x on American Airlines, restaurants, gas stations; 1x on other purchases | 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in 3 months | First checked bag free, preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees |
| Citi Business / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard | $99 (waived first year) | 2x on American Airlines, select business categories; 1x on other purchases | First checked baggage free on AA domestic routes + 4 travel companions in one booking; Companion certificate for after purchases of $30,000 or more each year of membership; 25% inflight Wi-Fi purchases; | |
| Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard | $595 | 4x on American Airlines; 10 miles for every $1 spent on hotel reservations and car rentals through aa.com; 1x on other purchases | 70,000 miles and become a member of Admirals Club | Free Admirals Club membership and access to partner lounges; Earn up to 20,000 EQMsCredit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee up to $100 every 4 years; Enhanced airport services including priority boarding, check-in and airport screening |
| AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard | $99 | 2x on American Airlines; 1x on other purchases | 60,000 miles after first purchase and payment of annual fee in 90 days | First checked bag free, preferred boarding, 25% inflight purchase discount |
| American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card | $0 | 2x on groceries and American Airlines; 1x on other purchases | 10,000 miles plus $50 statement credit after spending $500 in 3 months | 25% inflight food and beverage discount |
Here’s a detailed look at how the primary American Airlines credit cards stack up against each other:
Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard
The Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard is an attractive option for those who want to earn AAdvantage miles without paying an annual fee.
Earn miles:
- Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases on American Airlines, making it ideal for those who fly American Airlines even infrequently.
- 2 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent at grocery stores, including supermarkets and grocery delivery services. This is a great benefit for those who want to earn miles for regular purchases.
- 1 AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases, ensuring that every dollar you spend is used for your next trip.
Additional Perks:
- 25% savings on in-flight purchases on American Airlines flights when using the card, including snacks and beverages.
- The card includes early boarding privileges, allowing you to be among the first passengers to board your flights and secure overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
- Does not limit the earning or redemption of miles to any blackout dates or seat restrictions
- Ability to add authorized users and earn miles for their purchases
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Ideal for regular travelers, this card offers 2 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, at restaurants, and at gas stations, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.
Benefits include:
- free checked baggage on American Airlines domestic routes for you and up to four travel companions,
- privileged boarding
- 25% discount on food and drinks on board.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Targeted towards frequent flyers, this Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard includes Admirals Club membership, providing access to over 50 lounge locations worldwide. It offers similar earning rates to the Platinum Select but adds enhanced travel benefits like no foreign transaction fees, and an enhanced airport experience with priority check-in, and screening where available.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and lounge access
Admirals Club membership
With that said, the great thing about the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard as it pertains to lounges is that it has Admirals Club membership included for free.
Admirals Club lounges are designed for relaxation or work before your flight, prepared with complimentary snacks and beverage facilities, individual travel assistance, and more comfortable seating than offered at the gate.
- Comprehensive access: Cardmembers are granted access to all the membership benefits that give entry to over 50 Admirals Club locations globally and over 60 partner lounges worldwide. This vast network is therefore bound to expose you to a very serene and comfortable place to relax before your flight, no matter from where you are flying in or out.
- Family or guest access: One of the very exciting features of Admirals Club membership with this credit card is that you can access the club with your immediate family (spouse and children under 18) or two guests for free of charge.
That makes traveling with companions or the family a joyous process, as one can all benefit from the lounges together.
Is it worth it?
The Admirals Club membership alone, if bought as a separate entity, can cost more than the annual fee for the card. However, for those who do not travel often or hardly ever pass through an airport that has an Admirals Club, another credit card from American Airlines would be more beneficial.
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
This card, offered by Barclays, is a good fit for those who prefer a lower annual fee while still earning substantial rewards. It provides 2 miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Additional perks include a free checked bag, preferred boarding, and the ability to earn $25 back as each year.
AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard
Also offered by Barclays, this card is designed for the more frequent traveler and includes enhanced benefits like 3 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases, 2 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Among the significant benefits:
- a companion certificate every year when you spend $20,000 and keep the card open
- up to $50 in statement credits for using Wi-Fi on board the aircraft per year
- an extended path to elite status through spending.
Choosing the Best American Airlines Credit Cards
Choosing the best American Airlines credit card involves weighing the benefits against the cost and your personal travel needs. Here are some recommendations:
Best for Frequent Flyers
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard stands out for its comprehensive benefits, including Admirals Club membership, which alone can justify the higher annual fee for those who spend a lot of time in airports.
Best for Casual Travelers
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard offers a balanced mix of benefits and affordability, making it a great option for those who travel several times a year but do not necessarily need the extensive perks of more premium cards.
Best for Entry-Level Users
The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard provides an excellent entry point with a moderate annual fee, decent earning rates, and basic travel benefits like a free checked bag and preferred boarding.
Best for Budget-Conscious Flyers
The Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard is perfect for those who prefer not to pay an annual fee but still wish to earn rewards on their purchases. With 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on grocery store purchases and American Airlines purchases, it’s an exceptional card for earning miles effortlessly on everyday spending. Additionally, it offers 25% savings on in-flight purchases, making it a cost-effective option for occasional flyers who still enjoy some travel benefits.
American Airlines Credit Card Offers
American Airlines credit cards often come with attractive sign-up offers and promotions that can add significant value, especially for new cardholders. Current offers might include:
- Bonus Miles: Significant bonus miles after meeting initial spending requirements, which can sometimes be enough for a round-trip domestic ticket.
- Statement Credits: Offers may include statement credits that effectively lower the cost of the card in the first year.
- Reduced Mileage Awards: Access to reduced mileage awards for cardholders, allowing you to use fewer miles for certain flights.
It’s essential to review the latest offers for each card as they can change based on various promotional periods and availability.
American Airlines Credit Union
For those who are members or employees of the airline industry, the American Airlines Credit Union offers additional financial products, including credit cards that are tailored to industry needs. Benefits of joining the American Airlines Credit Union include lower interest rates, reduced fees, and bonuses or rewards that complement your lifestyle and spending patterns.
American Airlines Credit Card Benefits
The range of benefits available through American Airlines credit cards ensures that every dollar spent not only brings you closer to your next destination but also enhances your travel experience. These benefits include:
- Free Checked Bags: Save on travel costs with a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for you and companions on the same reservation.
- Priority Boarding: Enjoy more time to settle into your flight with priority boarding on American Airlines flights.
- In-flight Discounts: Receive discounts on in-flight purchases including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
Is American Airlines Credit Card Worth It?
To determine whether an American Airlines credit card is worth the investment, consider how often you fly, which benefits you will realistically use, and how much you typically spend on travel. For regular American Airlines flyers, the benefits easily outweigh the costs, particularly if you make use of the in-flight discounts, free checked bags, and bonus mile opportunities. For less frequent travelers, a more basic card may suffice, keeping costs down while still providing valuable travel perks.
Here are some examples of flight deals found on the Pointscrowd search platform that are fully covered by the credit card sign-up bonus:
- One-way ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) in First Class for 27,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
- One-way ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Dublin, Republic Of Ireland (DUB) in Business Class for 54,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
- One-way ticket from New York (NYC) to Munich, Germany (MUC) in Business Class for 54,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
