What Credit Cards Pay Loyalty Points American Airlines and the Best Options

If you're an American Airlines fan, you're in luck because there are several credit cards that pay loyalty points to your AAdvantage account. The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a great option, offering 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is another popular choice, offering 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months. You'll also get a $100 statement credit after making a purchase with your card within the first 12 months of account opening.

One thing to note is that the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has a higher annual fee of $450, but it also offers a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

If you're looking for a credit card that rewards you with American Airlines loyalty points, you have several options.

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers Admirals Club airport lounge access, a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus when you earn 50,000 points, and another 10,000 points after earning 90,000 points within a calendar year.

You can also consider the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard, which earns bonus miles in common business-related categories and offers a generous welcome bonus.

Another option is the Citi / AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard, which allows you to earn miles faster on purchases when you dine at local restaurants through AAdvantage Dining.

The Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard offers no foreign transaction fees on international purchases and earns 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.

The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard offers a companion certificate for one guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees) if you spend $20,000 on purchases within a calendar year.

Here are some key features of each card:

The benefits and perks of credit cards that pay loyalty points for American Airlines are numerous and exciting. You can earn miles on everyday purchases, such as dining out and shopping online, with cards like the Citi/AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard.

The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers a complimentary Admirals Club membership, which grants access to airport lounges, free checked bags, and inflight discounts. This card also earns you 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

With the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard, you can earn 2X miles on American Airlines purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases. This card also offers a companion certificate for one guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees) if you spend $20,000 on purchases within a calendar year.

You'll also enjoy preferred boarding, first checked bag flies for free, and 25% savings on in-flight Wi-Fi and food and beverage purchases with the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard.

The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard offers a $125 flight discount, which can be a great value if you're a frequent traveler. This card also earns 2X miles on American Airlines purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases.

Here's a comparison of some of the benefits and perks of these credit cards:

Note that these benefits and perks can vary depending on the specific credit card and your individual circumstances. Always review the terms and conditions before applying for a credit card.

If you're an American Airlines loyalist, consider the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which offers Admirals Club access and Global Entry credit.

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card has a $595 annual fee, but its benefits, including a complimentary Admirals Club membership, free checked bags, and inflight discounts, make it a great option for frequent travelers.

To determine if an airline credit card is right for you, examine your flying habits and consider whether you'll use the card enough to justify the annual fee.

The Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard earns 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and has no foreign transaction fees.

If you're not loyal to any airline, an airline credit card might not be the best choice, but rather consider a travel credit card, a cash-back credit card, or a business credit card that lets you redeem your points with a variety of airlines.

Here are some key benefits to consider when choosing an airline credit card:

Ultimately, the right card for you will depend on your individual needs and travel habits.

To maximize your American Airlines credit card rewards, start by applying when the welcome bonus is highest, which can get you thousands of miles to redeem. Planning ahead is also key, as the best flight deals on points often disappear 10 to 11 months before the actual flight date.

You'll want to use your card where it earns the most, such as directly with the airline or for rideshares, eating out, or gas. Charge your daily expenses, big or small, to the card and watch your miles rack up.

Don't forget to pay your balance off before its due date to avoid high interest charges and late penalty fees, which can erase the value of your miles. The more you use your card's perks, the quicker you'll offset the annual fee.

Applying for your American Airlines credit card during periods of naturally high expenditure, such as when you have upcoming bills to pay, can help you earn the welcome bonus.

Applying for an airline credit card is a straightforward process. To start, you'll need to find a card that aligns with your travel habits.

You can do this by researching different cards and their rewards programs. For example, if you frequently fly with American Airlines, you'll want to look for a card that offers loyalty points for that airline.

To apply for the card, go to the issuer's website and complete a secure application. Be sure to fill out the application with all of the required information.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Comparing American Airlines credit cards can be overwhelming, but it's worth it to find the right one for your needs. The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card is a great option if you're looking for a card with no annual fee.

The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is another popular choice, especially for frequent American Airlines flyers. This card has a $99 annual fee, but it's waived for the first 12 months.

To determine which card is best for you, consider your travel habits and preferences. If you value flexibility, you may want to consider travel credit cards with transferable points. Here's a quick comparison of the cards mentioned in this article:

Ultimately, the best American Airlines credit card for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to compare fees, perks, and earning rates to find the card that best fits your travel style.

If you're a frequent flyer, you'll want to consider the annual fee of the credit card, as it can range from $0 to $595. The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card has no annual fee.

To earn more miles, consider the rewards categories and perks offered by each card. The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers Admirals Club access.

If you're a business owner, the Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is a good option, with an annual fee of $99 that's waived for the first 12 months.

The American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has a welcome offer, but its annual fee is $99.

If you're a frequent traveler on American Airlines, the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is a great choice for its travel perks and lounge access.

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is ideal for those who value travel perks and lounge access, making it a no-brainer for frequent American Airlines travelers.

If you're a small business owner who travels on American Airlines, consider the Citi or Barclays business credit cards for earning miles and additional travel perks.

These business credit cards ensure all your expenses earn miles, providing extra benefits for small business owners who travel frequently.