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If you're an American Airlines fan, you'll love their credit cards. They offer a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience.
With the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, you'll earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard also offers a $100 statement credit after making a purchase on American Airlines within the first 12 months.
You'll also get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, which can save you up to $100 every five years.
American Airlines Credit Card Options
The American Airlines credit card landscape can be overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Mastercard® has no annual fee, making it a great option for everyday expenses.
This card earns twice as many miles on grocery store purchases, which is a huge perk if you do a lot of shopping. You can use those miles to book flights, upgrade to first class, or even get a statement credit.
If you're interested in a business card with American Airlines perks, you may also want to consider another option. But keep in mind that each card has its own unique benefits and features.
Credit card benefits and features can vary greatly, even within a family of cards. For example, there are seven different co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards issued in the U.S., each designed with a different person in mind.
How to Choose
To choose the best American Airlines credit card for your needs, consider the following tips.
First, decide if you want to pay an annual fee. The MileUp card is the only co-branded American Airlines credit card without an annual fee, while the Platinum and Business cards waive the fee for the first year. Compare credit cards to see if you'll get proper value from paying an annual fee.
Consider whether you need a card for personal or business expenses. You can have a personal American Airlines credit card and a business credit card simultaneously. Decide which fits your spending needs best.
Compare frequent flyer perks, such as Admirals Club membership, which can justify the higher annual fee for frequent travelers.
Compare bonus categories and welcome offers. If a card comes with a bonus category you will frequently use, it's worth considering. Also, consider the minimum spending requirement to earn the highest welcome offer you can reasonably manage.
Here are some American Airlines credit cards with no annual fee:
- American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard
This card earns twice as many miles on grocery store purchases, making it a great option for everyday expenses.
To determine which card is the right one for you, consider where you spend the most and which travel perks you need. Most cards offer free checked bags and waive certain fees abroad, but some cards are ideal for casual travelers while others help frequent travelers maximize their miles.
Here's a summary of the best American Airlines credit cards for different types of travelers:
Card Benefits and Features
American Airlines credit cards offer a range of benefits and features that can enhance your travel experience.
One of the most significant perks is the free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for you and companions on the same reservation, which can save you money on travel costs.
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard offer this benefit, among others.
If you're a frequent traveler, you'll appreciate the priority boarding on American Airlines flights, which gives you more time to settle into your flight.
The AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card also offers 2x miles at restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases, making it a great option for those who want to earn more miles on their daily purchases.
In addition to earning miles, you can also earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card with the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card.
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers Admirals Club membership, which includes access to over 50 Admirals Club locations globally and over 60 partner lounges worldwide, as well as family or guest access.
This benefit alone can cost more than the annual fee for the card, making it a valuable perk for frequent travelers.
Here are some of the key benefits and features of American Airlines credit cards:
These are just a few examples of the many benefits and features offered by American Airlines credit cards. By choosing the right card for your needs, you can enhance your travel experience and earn rewards that make your travels more enjoyable.
Card Details and Fees
With American Airlines credit cards, you'll want to know about the card details and fees. The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has an annual fee of $450, but it comes with a $100 statement credit after your first purchase.
The Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has an annual fee of $99, and it's waived for the first year. You'll also get a $100 statement credit after your first purchase.
Keep in mind that these fees can add up, so it's essential to factor them into your decision when choosing a credit card.
Credit Cards with Annual Fee
Credit cards with annual fees can offer exclusive benefits and rewards, but it's essential to understand the costs involved. Some cards charge a flat annual fee, while others have a tiered system where the fee increases with usage or benefits.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. This card offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases.
If you're a frequent traveler, the Citi Premier card's $95 annual fee might be worth it, considering its 3X points on travel purchases. The card also offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
The American Express Platinum card has a $550 annual fee, but it includes a $200 airline fee credit and a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
Foreign Transaction Fee
The foreign transaction fee is a charge you'll want to be aware of when traveling abroad. Some credit cards, like the United Club℠ Infinite Card, waive this fee, making international travel more cost-effective.
This fee can add up quickly, so it's essential to choose a card that doesn't charge it. If you're a frequent international traveler, look for a card that offers this benefit.
For example, the United Club℠ Infinite Card earns United miles, comes with United Club lounge access, and gets you free checked bags, making it a great choice for those who fly with United.
Annual Fee
The annual fee is a significant cost to consider when choosing a credit card. Many cards have an annual fee that can range from $25 to $550 or more.
Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, have a relatively low annual fee of $95. Others, like the American Express Platinum, have a much higher annual fee of $550.
If you're not careful, annual fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor them into your decision-making process.
Comparison and Evaluation
One AAdvantage mile can be worth as much as 1.34 cents on average, depending on factors like cabin class and flight destination.
You'll earn more miles flying first class on an international flight than flying coach domestically, making the value of your miles potentially higher.
The value of AAdvantage miles can vary significantly based on the day of the week you're flying, with some days potentially worth more than others.
Airline and Travel Benefits Comparison
Choosing an airline credit card or a travel credit card can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Credit card benefits and features vary not just by card type but also from one card to the next.
There are seven different co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards issued in the U.S., each designed with a different person in mind. This means you need to dig into the specifics of the exact cards you're comparing.
Travel perks can make or break your decision. For American Airlines credit card users, the airline's associated cards offer travel perks for various types of travelers, including casual and frequent travelers.
Earning miles with your favorite airline is a major advantage of airline credit cards. However, this also means you're locked into a single loyalty program.
Here's a comparison of airline credit cards and travel credit cards:
Each Citi American Airlines card comes with a generous welcome offer and the ability to earn AAdvantage miles on every purchase. This can be a great option for those who fly American Airlines frequently.
Value Assessment
The value of your miles can greatly impact your travel decisions.
One AAdvantage mile is worth an average of 1.34 cents.
The value of your miles depends on several factors, including the cabin class you're flying.
Flying first class on an international flight will earn you more miles than flying coach domestically.
The day of the week you're flying also plays a role in determining the value of your miles.
International flights tend to have a higher value per mile than domestic flights.
Final Thoughts
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If you're an American Airlines frequent flyer, the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is a no-brainer for travel perks and lounge access.
The Citi and Barclays business credit cards are great options for small business owners who travel on American Airlines, earning miles on all expenses and providing additional travel perks.
If you value travel perks and lounge access, the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is the way to go.
The Citi and Barclays business credit cards offer a convenient way for small business owners to earn miles and enjoy travel perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an American Airlines card with no annual fee?
Yes, there are two American Airlines credit cards with no annual fee: the American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card and the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card.
Which bank issues the American Airlines credit card?
American Airlines has partnered with Citi as its sole co-brand credit card issuer, replacing Barclays. Citi will take over Barclays cardholders in 2026.
What credit score is needed for an American Airlines card?
To qualify for an American Airlines credit card, you typically need a FICO Score of 670 or higher, indicating good or excellent credit. Check your credit score to see if you're eligible for these rewards-rich cards.
How much is $50,000 miles on American Airlines worth?
50,000 AAdvantage miles are worth approximately $750 to $1,250 in travel value, redeemable for flights and other rewards. Redeem your miles strategically to maximize their value.
Sources
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/
- https://www.zdnet.com/finance/credit-cards/best-american-airlines-credit-card/
- https://www.pointscrowd.com/blog/american-airlines-credit-cards-review/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/airline-credit-card-or-travel-rewards-credit-card/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/
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