When it comes to choosing a credit card, many people focus on rewards, interest rates, and the perks that come with the card. Among the many options available, AA (American Airlines) credit cards stand out as a top choice for frequent flyers, those seeking travel benefits, and people who want to build their credit in a practical way. As someone who has explored several credit card options, I want to take you through the details of AA credit cards, highlighting their benefits, fees, and how to choose the right one for your needs. I’ll share comparisons, calculations, and real-world examples so that you can make an informed decision.
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What Are AA Credit Cards?
AA credit cards are co-branded credit cards issued by American Airlines in partnership with major banks like Citibank. These cards offer various benefits tailored to frequent American Airlines flyers. The perks often include frequent flyer miles, discounts, and priority services when booking flights. Whether you’re someone who flies often for business or leisure, or someone who just wants to earn miles for future travel, AA credit cards can be a good option.
The Different Types of AA Credit Cards
American Airlines offers several credit card options, each with its own set of perks. Depending on your travel habits, one might suit your needs more than another. Let’s dive into the different types of AA credit cards to understand what they offer.
- AA Advantage MileUp Card This card is ideal for individuals who want to start earning miles but don’t want to pay an annual fee. It offers a simple rewards structure with no annual fee, making it an appealing choice for casual travelers.
- AA Advantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard This card is aimed at more frequent travelers and offers a higher rewards rate on purchases made with American Airlines. It has an annual fee but also comes with a range of benefits that make the fee worthwhile for those who fly frequently.
- AA Advantage Executive World Elite Mastercard This premium card is geared towards those who want to maximize their American Airlines travel experience. It offers the highest earning potential for miles, airport lounge access, and other high-end perks, but it comes with a substantial annual fee.
- AA Advantage Gold Card The Gold card is for those who want to earn miles while benefiting from a variety of travel protections and discounts. While it has a moderate annual fee, the additional perks make it a solid middle-ground option for travelers.
Here’s a comparison of these cards:
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Sign-Up Bonus | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA Advantage MileUp Card | $0 | 2x miles on American Airlines purchases | 10,000 miles | No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee |
| AA Advantage Platinum Select | $99 | 2x miles on American Airlines purchases | 50,000 miles | Free checked bag, priority boarding, and 25% in-flight savings |
| AA Advantage Executive Mastercard | $450 | 2x miles on American Airlines purchases | 50,000 miles | Admirals Club access, priority boarding, free checked bags, 1st class upgrades |
| AA Advantage Gold Card | $39 | 2x miles on American Airlines purchases | 25,000 miles | Free checked bag, priority boarding |
How AA Credit Cards Work
AA credit cards work similarly to most credit cards but with additional travel-focused rewards. When you make a purchase, you earn miles for every dollar you spend. The more you spend on American Airlines, the more miles you’ll accumulate. These miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related services.
I should mention that AA cards typically offer a higher rewards rate for purchases made directly with American Airlines. This includes not just flight tickets, but also in-flight purchases like food and beverages, as well as purchases from AA’s travel partners.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you’re using the AA Advantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. If you spend $1,000 on American Airlines purchases, you’ll earn 2,000 miles (2 miles per dollar). On non-American Airlines purchases, you earn 1 mile per dollar. So, if you spend $1,000 on groceries, you’ll earn 1,000 miles.
| Purchase Type | Amount Spent | Miles Earned | Rewards Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines purchases | $1,000 | 2,000 miles | 2 miles per dollar |
| Non-American Airlines purchases | $1,000 | 1,000 miles | 1 mile per dollar |
So, after spending $2,000 across these categories, you would earn a total of 3,000 miles. This is a straightforward way to build up your miles with AA credit cards, and it works well for frequent travelers.
The Benefits of AA Credit Cards
Now that you know the basics of how these cards work, let’s talk about the benefits they offer.
1. Free Checked Bags
Most AA credit cards offer a free checked bag for the cardholder and sometimes for up to 4 additional passengers. For example, the AA Advantage Platinum Select card provides this benefit, which can save you up to $30 per checked bag on a round-trip flight.
2. Priority Boarding
If you want to skip the lines and get settled in your seat faster, priority boarding is a great benefit. With cards like the AA Advantage Platinum Select and the AA Advantage Executive, you’ll be able to board earlier than general passengers.
3. Increased Mileage Earning on American Airlines Purchases
As I mentioned earlier, you earn more miles for purchases made with American Airlines. This includes flights, seat upgrades, baggage, and even food and drinks purchased onboard.
4. Sign-Up Bonuses
AA credit cards typically offer substantial sign-up bonuses, especially for cards like the AA Advantage Platinum Select and the AA Advantage Executive. These bonuses can help you earn enough miles for a free flight or an upgrade after meeting the minimum spending requirement.
5. Travel Protections
Many of these cards come with travel-related benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and car rental insurance. These perks provide added peace of mind, especially for frequent travelers.
6. Access to Admirals Club Lounges
If you’re a frequent flyer, the AA Advantage Executive Mastercard includes access to American Airlines’ exclusive Admirals Club lounges. These lounges provide a quiet place to relax before your flight, with amenities like free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
How to Maximize Your AA Credit Card
If you want to make the most of your AA credit card, here are a few tips:
- Use the Card for American Airlines Purchases: Always use your AA credit card when booking flights, paying for upgrades, or buying anything from American Airlines. This way, you can maximize the miles you earn.
- Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses: If you can meet the spending requirement within the first few months, you can earn a large number of miles quickly.
- Monitor Promotions: AA often runs promotions where you can earn bonus miles for spending a certain amount. Keep an eye out for these offers, as they can help you accumulate miles faster.
- Pay Attention to Fees: Be mindful of the annual fee, especially for the premium cards. Weigh the perks against the cost to ensure it’s worth it for your travel habits.
Potential Drawbacks of AA Credit Cards
While AA credit cards offer numerous benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- High Annual Fees for Premium Cards: Cards like the AA Advantage Executive come with a high annual fee, which can make them less appealing if you don’t travel enough to justify the cost.
- Limited Airline Choices: Since these cards are co-branded with American Airlines, you’re primarily limited to earning and redeeming miles with this airline. If you prefer to fly with other carriers, you may not get as much value from these cards.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Some AA cards charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up if you travel internationally. Be sure to check whether your card has this fee and look for alternatives if you plan to travel abroad.
Conclusion
Choosing the right AA credit card depends on how often you fly with American Airlines and what perks are most important to you. If you’re a casual traveler, the AA Advantage MileUp card might be your best bet, while frequent flyers will benefit more from cards like the AA Advantage Platinum Select or AA Advantage Executive. Keep in mind your travel habits, the benefits you’ll use most, and the annual fee when making your decision.
In the end, AA credit cards can be a valuable tool for earning miles and enjoying travel perks. By understanding the different options and how to maximize their benefits, you can make the most of your credit card and enhance your travel experience.
