Best Credit Cards for American Airlines Flyers

Best Credit Cards for American Airlines Flyers. As of my last training data in January 2023, American Airlines (AA) had several co-branded credit cards that were designed to benefit frequent flyers of the airline. The specific card that’s “best” for you depends on your individual needs and spending habits. Here are some of the top credit cards for American Airlines flyers:

Best Credit Cards for American Airlines Flyers

1. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
   • Sign-up bonus: Offers often change, but historically they’ve offered bonus miles after a certain spend within the first few months.
   • Rewards: Earn multiple miles per dollar on AA purchases and at restaurants and gas stations; 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
   • Benefits: Priority boarding, first checked bag free on domestic flights, and more.
   • Annual fee: Typically waived the first year, with a fee in subsequent years.
2. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
   • Designed for business owners.
   • Sign-up bonus: Typically offers bonus miles after spending a certain amount in the first few months.
   • Rewards: Earn multiple miles per dollar on AA purchases and in select business categories.
   • Benefits: First checked bag free, preferred boarding, and more.
   • Annual fee: Typically waived the first year, with a fee in subsequent years.
3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®
   • Sign-up bonus: Higher bonus miles offers after a certain spend in the first few months.
   • Rewards: Earn multiple miles for every dollar spent on AA purchases.
   • Benefits: Admirals Club membership (access to AA lounges), priority check-in and boarding, first checked bag free, and more.
   • Annual fee: Higher than the Platinum Select, reflecting its premium benefits.
4. AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
   • Offered by Barclays, not Citi.
   • Sign-up bonus: Offers may include bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the annual fee.
   • Rewards: Earn miles on every purchase.
   • Benefits: First checked bag free, preferred boarding, in-flight savings, and more.
   • Annual fee: Typically not waived the first year.
5. AAdvantage® Aviator® Business Mastercard®
   • Also offered by Barclays.
   • Designed for business owners.
   • Sign-up bonus and rewards similar to the personal Aviator card but tailored to business spending.
   • Benefits: Free checked bag, preferred boarding, and more.
   • Annual fee: Typically not waived the first year.

When considering a credit card, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the annual fee and think about how often you’ll use the card’s perks. For example, if you fly American Airlines frequently and can make use of the Admirals Club, the Executive World Elite card might be worth the higher annual fee for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for no-frills miles earning, the basic Platinum Select card or the Aviator Red card might be a better fit.

Remember, credit card offers, rewards structures, and annual fees can change over time. Always read the latest terms and conditions and consult the card issuer’s website or customer service for the most up-to-date information. It’s also a good idea to check for any new credit cards or promotions that may have been introduced after 2023.

Also Checkout: Best Delta credit cards