American Airlines Credit Cards: American Airlines credit cards are some of the best travel credit cards available, offering exclusive perks and the ability to earn AAdvantage® miles on everyday purchases. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who takes occasional trips, an American Airlines credit card can help you save on flights, earn free upgrades, and access premium travel benefits.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different American Airlines credit cards, their features, and how to choose the best one based on your travel needs. Let’s dive in!
Types of American Airlines Credit Cards
American Airlines partners with Citi and Barclays to offer a range of credit cards designed for both personal and business use. These cards fall into two main categories:
- Personal Credit Cards – Ideal for individuals who frequently fly with American Airlines and want to earn miles for their purchases.
- Business Credit Cards – Designed for business owners who travel for work and want to earn rewards on their business expenses.
Each of these cards comes with unique perks, earning structures, and fees. Let’s explore them in detail.
American Airlines Personal Credit Cards
If you’re a regular traveler, American Airlines offers several personal credit cards with different benefits.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
This is one of the most popular American Airlines credit cards, offering excellent value for travelers who fly American Airlines frequently but don’t necessarily need premium perks.
Features & Benefits:
- Earn 2x AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas stations.
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights.
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
- $125 flight discount after spending $20,000 per year.
Annual Fee & APR:
- Annual fee: $99 (waived for the first year).
- APR: Variable based on creditworthiness.
Who Should Get This Card?
- Ideal for travelers who fly American Airlines a few times a year.
- Great for those who want to earn AAdvantage® miles without high annual fees.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
This premium card is tailored for frequent flyers who want luxury perks.
Features & Benefits:
- Admirals Club® membership ($850 value).
- Earn 4x AAdvantage® miles on American Airlines purchases.
- Priority check-in, security screening, and boarding.
- First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 companions.
Annual Fee & APR:
- Annual fee: $450.
- APR: Variable.
Who Should Get This Card?
- Frequent American Airlines travelers who value airport lounge access.
- Travelers who want premium perks like priority boarding and security.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card
For those who want an American Airlines credit card without an annual fee, the AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card is a solid choice.
Features & Benefits:
- Earn 2x AAdvantage® miles on American Airlines purchases and groceries.
- No annual fee.
- 25% savings on in-flight purchases.
Who Should Get This Card?
- Casual travelers who fly American Airlines occasionally.
- People who want to earn AAdvantage® miles without paying an annual fee.
American Airlines Business Credit Cards
For business owners who travel frequently, American Airlines offers two excellent credit cards:
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
This card is perfect for business owners looking to earn rewards on business expenses.
Features & Benefits:
- Earn 2x AAdvantage® miles on American Airlines, gas, and select business categories.
- First checked bag free.
- 25% savings on in-flight purchases.
- Companion Certificate after spending $30,000 annually.
Who Should Get This Card?
- Small business owners who travel frequently for work.
- Entrepreneurs looking to maximize travel rewards.
Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Business Mastercard®
This business card offers excellent earning potential and unique perks.
Features & Benefits:
- Earn 2x AAdvantage® miles on American Airlines, office supplies, and car rentals.
- Free first checked bag and preferred boarding.
- $99 Companion Certificate after spending $30,000 annually.
Who Should Get This Card?
- Business travelers who want flexible redemption options.
Earning AAdvantage® Miles with Credit Cards
One of the main benefits of American Airlines credit cards is the ability to earn AAdvantage® miles on everyday purchases. Understanding how these cards accumulate miles can help you maximize rewards.
How to Earn AAdvantage® Miles
Each American Airlines credit card offers different ways to earn miles, but here are the primary methods:
- American Airlines Purchases: Earn 2x to 4x miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines flights, depending on the card.
- Bonus Categories: Some cards offer 2x miles on dining, gas, office supplies, and other business expenses.
- Everyday Spending: Even non-category spending earns 1x mile per dollar.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Many cards offer 50,000+ miles after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months.
Limited-Time Bonus Offers
Occasionally, American Airlines and Citi/Barclays provide higher sign-up bonuses, like 75,000 miles for new cardholders. These promotions are worth watching for!
Redeeming AAdvantage® Miles
Once you’ve earned AAdvantage® miles, you can redeem them for travel and other benefits.
Flight Redemptions
- Award Flights: Use miles for free flights on American Airlines and partner airlines.
- Upgrade Seats: Upgrade to business or first class using miles.
- Reduced Mileage Awards: Some credit cards offer discounted mileage rates for specific flights.
Other Redemption Options
- Hotel Stays & Car Rentals: Use miles for hotel bookings and car rentals.
- Experiences & Merchandise: Redeem for vacations, gift cards, and more.
- Charity Donations: You can also donate miles to charities.
Benefits of American Airlines Credit Cards
American Airlines credit cards provide more than just miles—here are the top benefits:
Free Checked Bags
Most American Airlines credit cards offer one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation. This benefit alone can save up to $60 per person per round-trip flight.
Priority Boarding
Skip the long boarding lines and get early access to overhead bin space with preferred or priority boarding.
In-Flight Discounts
Enjoy 25% savings on inflight purchases, including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
Companion Certificates
Some business cards offer a companion certificate after meeting spending requirements, allowing you to book a second ticket for just $99 + taxes.
American Airlines Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates
Before choosing an American Airlines credit card, it’s important to understand the fees and interest rates.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® | $99 (waived first year) | No | Variable |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive | $450 | No | Variable |
| AAdvantage® MileUp℠ | $0 | No | Variable |
| CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® | $99 (waived first year) | No | Variable |
| Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Business | $95 | No | Variable |
Most American Airlines cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, making them great for international travel.
How to Choose the Best American Airlines Credit Card
With so many options, selecting the right card depends on your travel habits and spending patterns.
Factors to Consider
- Travel Frequency: If you fly American Airlines often, premium cards like the Executive World Elite Mastercard® offer lounge access and extra perks.
- Spending Habits: If you spend a lot on dining and gas, the Platinum Select® card earns extra miles in these categories.
- Budget: If you want to avoid annual fees, the AAdvantage® MileUp℠ card is a great choice.
Comparison of American Airlines Credit Cards
| Best For | Recommended Card |
|---|---|
| Frequent Flyers | Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive |
| Occasional Travelers | Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® |
| No Annual Fee | AAdvantage® MileUp℠ |
| Business Owners | CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® |
| Lounge Access | Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive |
How to Apply for an American Airlines Credit Card
Applying for an American Airlines credit card is simple, but it’s important to check eligibility first.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose Your Card – Compare benefits and select the best one.
- Check Your Credit Score – Most American Airlines credit cards require a good to excellent credit score (700+).
- Apply Online – Visit the Citi or Barclays website and fill out the application.
- Submit Your Information – Provide your income, employment details, and financial information.
- Get a Decision – Some applications receive instant approval, while others may take a few days.
American Airlines Credit Card Promotions and Welcome Bonuses
New cardholders can often take advantage of generous sign-up bonuses.
Current Offers
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®: 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in 3 months.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive: 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 in 3 months.
- AAdvantage® MileUp℠: 10,000 miles + $50 statement credit after spending $500 in 3 months.
These welcome bonuses can cover a round-trip domestic flight or even an international trip.
American Airlines Credit Card Limitations and Drawbacks
While American Airlines credit cards offer great perks, they may not be the best fit for everyone.
Cons of American Airlines Credit Cards
- Limited Flexibility: AAdvantage® miles are mostly valuable for American Airlines and partner flights.
- Annual Fees: Some premium cards have high fees ($450 for the Executive card).
- Award Availability: Some flights have limited award seat availability, making it harder to redeem miles.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want more flexible travel rewards, consider general travel cards like:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Earn points on all airlines and hotels.
- Capital One Venture Rewards – Redeem points for any travel purchase.
Best Ways to Maximize Your American Airlines Credit Card
To get the most value out of your American Airlines credit card, follow these tips:
Combine Miles with Promotions – Use reduced mileage awards to save on flights.
Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases – Earn miles on dining, gas, and travel.
Take Advantage of Bonus Offers – Watch for spending bonuses and limited-time promotions.
Plan Award Travel in Advance – Book flights early to get the best award availability.
FAQs about American Airlines Credit Cards
1. What are the benefits of having an American Airlines credit card?
American Airlines credit cards offer a range of benefits including AAdvantage miles on purchases, priority boarding, free checked bags, and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders can also enjoy discounts on in-flight purchases and access to exclusive American Airlines promotions.
2. Can I use my American Airlines credit card internationally?
Yes, American Airlines credit cards can be used internationally without incurring foreign transaction fees. This makes them ideal for travelers looking to earn rewards while traveling abroad.
3. How do I earn miles with an American Airlines credit card?
You earn miles by making purchases with your American Airlines credit card. The specific amount of miles earned per dollar spent varies depending on the type of purchase and the specific card you hold. Typically, you’ll earn more miles for American Airlines purchases and eligible partner services.
4. Are there different types of American Airlines credit cards?
Yes, American Airlines partners with various financial institutions to offer a range of credit cards, each tailored to different travel needs and financial situations. Options include cards suited for casual travelers as well as frequent flyers seeking premium benefits.
5. How can I redeem miles earned on my American Airlines credit card?
Miles earned on your American Airlines credit card can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and more. You can manage your miles and view redemption options through the American Airlines AAdvantage program online portal.
6. Is there an annual fee for American Airlines credit cards?
Some American Airlines credit cards come with an annual fee, while others do not. The fee typically depends on the level of benefits the card offers. It’s important to review the benefits relative to the fee to determine if the card fits your spending habits and travel goals.
7. What should I do if I lose my American Airlines credit card?
If you lose your American Airlines credit card, you should report it immediately to the card issuer. They will assist in canceling the lost card and issuing a replacement, ensuring that your account remains secure and your miles are protected.
8. How does an American Airlines credit card compare to other travel rewards cards?
American Airlines credit cards are particularly valuable for those who frequently fly with American Airlines and its partners. Compared to other travel rewards cards, they may offer more benefits and rewards on airline-related purchases, though it’s always wise to compare cards based on your specific travel habits and rewards preferences.
