If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you might have thought about getting an American Airlines credit card. With several options available, it’s important to understand the features, benefits, and potential downsides before applying. I’ll walk you through the various American Airlines credit cards, compare them, and help you decide if one is right for you.
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Types of American Airlines Credit Cards
American Airlines offers a range of credit cards through partnerships with Citi and Barclays. Each card caters to different spending habits and travel needs. The main American Airlines credit cards include:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard®
- AAdvantage® Aviator™ Red World Elite Mastercard®
- AAdvantage® Aviator™ Silver World Elite Mastercard®
Each card offers a different mix of perks and rewards. To make sense of the options, let’s compare them based on key features.
Comparison of American Airlines Credit Cards
| Feature | Platinum Select | Executive | MileUp | Aviator Red | Aviator Silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $99 (waived first year) | $450 | $0 | $99 | $199 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 50,000 miles | 50,000 miles | 10,000 miles | 50,000 miles | 60,000 miles |
| Earning Rate | 2x miles on AA purchases | 2x miles on AA purchases | 2x miles at grocery stores | 2x miles on AA purchases | 3x miles on AA purchases |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes (for 1st bag) | Yes (for 1st bag) | No | Yes (for 1st bag) | Yes (for 1st and 2nd bags) |
| Admirals Club Access | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Companion Certificate | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Key Benefits and Drawbacks
Each American Airlines credit card comes with its own set of advantages and potential downsides. I’ll break down the key features that might influence your decision.
Sign-up Bonuses
American Airlines credit cards often provide generous sign-up bonuses. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® card offers 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months. These bonuses can be enough for a round-trip domestic flight. However, sign-up bonuses require careful planning to meet spending requirements without overspending.
Earning Miles
Earning miles with American Airlines credit cards depends on your spending habits. Cards like the Aviator Silver offer 3x miles on American Airlines purchases, which is ideal if you fly frequently. On the other hand, the Citi® / AAdvantage® MileUp® card provides 2x miles at grocery stores, making it more practical for everyday spending.
Annual Fees
The annual fees vary widely, from $0 to $450. The higher the fee, the more benefits you’ll receive, such as lounge access with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive card. If you don’t travel often, a no-annual-fee card like the MileUp might be a better choice.
Travel Perks
Many American Airlines credit cards include perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and in-flight discounts. These benefits can make flying more comfortable and help you save money. For example, the Aviator Red card offers your first checked bag free for you and up to four companions.
Redemption Options
Miles earned through American Airlines credit cards can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more. The best value typically comes from redeeming miles for American Airlines flights or partner airlines within the Oneworld alliance. It’s important to compare redemption options to maximize the value of your miles.
Example Calculation: Earning and Redeeming Miles
Let’s say you hold the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® card and spend $1,000 per month on American Airlines purchases and dining.
- Earning Rate: 2x miles for these categories.
- Total Monthly Miles Earned: 2,000 miles.
- Total Annual Miles: 24,000 miles.
With 24,000 miles, you could book a domestic round-trip flight valued at $300. Considering the $99 annual fee (waived for the first year), the card can provide significant value.
Choosing the Right American Airlines Credit Card
Selecting the best card depends on factors like your travel frequency, spending habits, and preference for travel perks. Here’s how you can decide:
- Frequent Travelers: If you fly American Airlines often and value lounge access, the Executive card is worth considering.
- Occasional Travelers: The Platinum Select card offers solid travel perks without a high annual fee.
- Everyday Spenders: The MileUp card provides a way to earn miles on daily purchases without an annual fee.
Maximizing Your American Airlines Credit Card
To get the most out of your American Airlines credit card, consider these tips:
- Use the card for all eligible purchases to maximize mile accumulation.
- Take advantage of companion certificates to save on travel costs.
- Monitor promotions and offers to earn bonus miles.
- Use miles strategically by booking flights during off-peak times.
Conclusion
An American Airlines credit card can be a valuable tool for earning travel rewards and enjoying travel benefits. However, choosing the right card requires a careful assessment of fees, perks, and earning potential. If you fly American Airlines frequently, the perks can easily outweigh the costs. If you fly occasionally, a lower-fee option might be a better fit. Ultimately, the right American Airlines credit card should align with your travel goals and spending habits.
