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AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® review: Straightforward rewards and solid travel benefits

 /  13 min
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Snapshot

4.4

Bankrate rating
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Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5

Bottom line

The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard is a good choice for American Airlines loyalists who may not fly enough to earn frequent flyer status, but still want to earn rewards from their eligible American Airlines purchases. The card lacks reward flexibility, but it carries a generous welcome bonus and solid benefits for travelers.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)

Intro offer

60,000 miles

Rewards rate

1X - 2X

Annual fee

$99

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.99% (Variable)

3.9

Cardholder rating

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3.9 / 5

Extra perks

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3.9 / 5

Online tools

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4.2 / 5

Rewards value

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3.7 / 5

Customer service

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4.0 / 5

4.4

Bankrate score

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4.4 / 5

Rewards value

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1.6 / 5

APR

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3.0 / 5

Rewards flexibility

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2.0 / 5

Features

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3.0 / 5
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AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard Card overview

  • Credit Card Cash Back Icon

    Rewards

  • Rewards Icon

    Welcome offer

  • Credit Card Apr Icon

    0% intro APR offer

  • Credit Card Search Icon

    Rates and fees

  • Congrats Icon

    Other cardholder perks

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard pros and cons

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    The generous welcome bonus is easy to obtain and requires no minimum spending.

  • Checkmark Icon

    The card comes with a solid balance transfer offer, which isn’t common on airline credit cards.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Cardholders get access to a number of travel perks like inflight savings and free checked bags with this card.

Cons

  • The $99 annual fee is high for a card that only earns 1X miles on everyday purchases.

  • The spending requirement to earn the companion certificate is high, especially considering the lack of bonus categories.

  • You’ll only earn elevated AAdvantage miles on American Airlines purchases, making it difficult to accrue miles through card spending alone.

Why you might want the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard Card

Why you might want a different airline card

We tried it: Here’s what our experts say

How the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard compares to other airline credit cards

Image of AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Annual fee

$99

Intro offer

60,000 miles
Info Icon

Rewards rate

1X - 2X
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info Icon
Image of Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Bankrate Score
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
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on American Express's secure site

Annual fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles
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Rewards rate

1X - 2X
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Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info Icon
Image of Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Annual fee

$99, waived for first 12 months

Intro offer

Earn 75,000 miles
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Rewards rate

2X
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Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
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Best cards to pair with the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard

Who is the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard right for?

Bankrate’s Take — Is the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard worth it?

How we rated this card

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150+
cards rated
Congrats Icon
50+
rewards programs valued
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1800
data points analyzed
Credit Card Reviews Icon
40+
perks evaluated

Frequently asked questions

What cardholders think

Image of AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

3.9 Star Icon
29 ratings
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Score breakdown
5 stars
31%
4 stars
38%
3 stars
24%
2 stars
7%
1 star
0%
Score by category
Overall 3.9 / 5
Extra perks 3.9 / 5
Privacy and security 4.4 / 5
Customer service 3.7 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4.2 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3.9 / 5
Rewards value 3.7 / 5

In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are based on individual cardholder’s product details, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. User ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers, nor do these ratings reflect Bankrate’s own reviews of these cards.

Community Reviews

Explore AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® reviews from certified cardholders.
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Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
yes, i like receiving miles as i often fly
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
Was able to take trips
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No, because it’s rarely used
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
i have redeemed miles for various flights and am very satisfied. i use the app and everything has gone very well.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes it is. It is one of my main cards so I can get my rewards faster and I have actually traveled to two paces already because of it.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
I have not redeemed any as of today. My mother-in-law talked me into applying (because she loves hers). I think it is a great card and I'm excited for my first redemption.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
dificult to redeem rewards like companion fare due to blackout dates
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
It’s was so swift and ease
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
I have taken 3 total trips with rewards miles. I have traveled to visit family in Missouri each time. I believe the points I redeemed were anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000. It has been over the course of 5 years.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If this card had an annual fee, do you feel it was worth it? What card features and benefits helped you offset the cost?
If it had an annual cost, I would cancel the card.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
The redemption is easy. I bought an economy class round trip ticket.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Because of the clear and obvious benefits it provides for the users.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
It is part of my everyday life. I use it daily for purchases I make and the rewards are very good.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
I have not redeemed points yet but I plan to use then on a trip to the UK within the next year or so.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes to earn travel points
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
Yes I used my miles for a trip
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
If they are AA members the loyalty points are great!
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I try not to as the interest rate is high
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes. I like the benefits
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
i would recommend overall , even though it might lack with their customer service. It does have very good benefits that’s interesting for someone who looks to have a card
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
do not get it takes forever to earn a flight
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 1 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 1 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No, we got this card solely for the sign up bonus.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I think the yearly fee sucks. I have to spend a lot to even get eligible for rewards and I can never hit it.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Rewards value 2 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
It has some advantages though but not like us bank card.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
it was super easy. i was able to earn points and some cash back
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Rewards value 1 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No I try not to use it too much
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Rewards value 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
It’s super easy and always makes me understand how it works.
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Rewards value 5 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Rarely use it because Costco card is so much better.
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Rewards value 1 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 1 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Good for air miles
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Rewards value 2 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Ease of rewards redemption 3 / 5
Written by
Re'Dreyona Walker
Associate Editor, Credit Cards
Re'Dreyona Walker is an editor for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, focusing on product guides and reviews. As a personal finance expert, she is dedicated to providing honest product reviews as well as in-depth, comprehensive guides to assist readers in building credit and finding the best credit cards for their needs.
Edited by Editor II, Credit cards

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.