We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our
goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you
with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original
and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare
information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with
confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to,
American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and
Discover.
Bankrate is always editorially independent.
While we adhere to strict
,
this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an
explanation for
.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of
the offers mentioned may have expired.
Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Any opinions, analyses, reviews
or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone,
and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Our
is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one
you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly,
people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit
card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you're well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience.
Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way,
we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first.
Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right
financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have
editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial
content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and
our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you
make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced
by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked
to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and
dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master
your money for over four decades.
We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to
succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy,
so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial
decisions. The content created by our editorial
staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and
useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison
service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and
services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore,
this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within
listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity
and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your
self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear
on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not
include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Our writers and editors used an in-house natural language generation platform to assist with portions of this article, allowing them to focus on adding information that is uniquely helpful. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication.
Citi is an advertising partner.
For frequent American Airlines flyers, having a co-branded airline credit card can provide valuable perks and rewards in the American AAdvantage program. However, it can be overwhelming to determine which card is the best fit for your needs. American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer varying annual fees, rewards structures and benefits. Here’s how to choose the best American Airlines credit card for your travel habits and preferences.
Comparing the best American Airlines credit cards
The best American Airlines credit cards help you earn more miles and can improve your flight experience. When choosing the right card for you, consider the following: how frequently you fly, rewards categories and perks offered.
Card name
Best for
Highlights
Annual fee
Bankrate score
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
No annual fee
Earn 15,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months
2X miles on American Airlines and grocery purchases
Earn 75,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first 5 months
2X miles on American Airlines, telecommunications, cable and satellite providers, car rentals and gas station purchases
1X miles on other purchases
$99, waived for first 12 months
4.1
Top American Airlines credit cards
Best for no annual fee
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Rating: 3.1 stars out of 5
3.1
The AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard is the only co-branded American Airlines credit card with no annual fee, making it a good option for occasional travelers. The welcome bonus is small but easy to achieve, and earning bonus miles on grocery purchases can quickly boost your balance.
Since the only cardholder benefit is a 25 percent discount on in-flight food or drink purchases, you might consider a different card if you value elite travel perks or travel frequently.
Pros
This American Airlines card is the only one that earns bonus miles on groceries, which can help you accumulate miles quickly.
Even though this card carries no annual fee, you’ll earn the same bonus miles on American Airlines purchases as on any card except the premium Executive card.
Cons
Unlike other American Airlines cards, you won’t get free checked baggage with the card.
This card charges foreign transaction fees, which makes it a poor choice for traveling abroad.
Best welcome offer
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
The Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard is the only co-branded card on the list that Citi does not offer. You can earn the sizable welcome bonus when you make a single purchase and pay the annual fee both within the first 90 days, which quickly jumpstarts your earnings. The intro APR offer on balance transfers can also help consolidate your debt.
While the card doesn’t have bonus categories outside of American Airlines purchases, you’ll get the first checked bag free for you and up to four companions, in-flight credits, travel coverage and an anniversary companion certificate for one guest ($99 plus taxes/fees) 45 days after account renewal if you spend $20,000 on the card.
Pros
The welcome offer is easy to earn and provides outsized value plus you can take advantage of an intro APR on balance transfers.
This card gives you an option for an American Airlines card outside of Citi.
Cons
It may be challenging to earn the companion certificate due to the lack of bonus categories.
The annual fee reduces the card’s long-term value if you don’t use the card’s features.
Best for frequent American Airlines flyers
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
With the annual fee waived for the first year and a solid welcome offer, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers excellent initial value. You can rack up rewards quickly with bonus rates in multiple everyday categories, giving it better long-term value than the Barclays card.
This card matches the benefits of the Barclay version. However, instead of earning a companion certificate after spending $20,000 and renewing your card, you’ll earn a $125 flight discount. If you prefer an annual fee that is just under $100, evaluate these two cards and see which might work best for you.
Pros
This card provides better short-term and long-term rewards value than its Barclays counterpart.
You’ll get solid in-flight benefits at a reasonable price point.
Cons
Unlike its Barclays counterpart, this card doesn't offer an intro APR offer on balance transfers.
You can only redeem rewards for flights with American Airlines or partner airlines that can be booked through American.
Best for Admirals Club access
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is ideal for people who want Admirals Club airport lounge access when flying with American Airlines. If you’re pursuing elite status, you’ll get a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus when you earn 50,000 points and another 10,000 after earning 90,000 points within a calendar year.
The high annual fee can be a bargain, considering that Admirals Club membership costs as much as $850. In addition to the benefits of the Platinum card, you’ll also get up to a $100 application fee credit every four years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and higher earning rates on American Airlines purchases as well as hotels and car rentals booked through American Airlines’s website. It also has the highest available welcome bonus on any co-branded American Airlines card.
Pros
The first free checked baggage benefit covers you and up to eight companions, which can save significant money.
Your complimentary Admirals Club membership covers up to two guests or your immediate family, which can benefit a larger family.
Cons
The high annual fee is likely not worth it if you don’t fly often with American Airlines.
There are no bonus categories for everyday spending categories, so it might be harder to rack up points.
Best for business owners
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® is specifically geared to business owners since it earns bonus miles in common business-related categories. Each employee cardholder also earns loyalty points, which can help your business quickly qualify for elite status benefits.
The welcome bonus is generous, and Citi waives the annual fee for the first year. The in-flight benefits are similar to those of the personal version of this card. However, instead of a flight discount, you can earn a companion certificate after you spend $30,000 and renew your card.
Pros
The lack of foreign transaction fees is ideal for business owners who travel or do business internationally frequently.
Your business will have a longer timeframe to earn the welcome bonus.
Cons
You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for this card.
The cost of earning a companion certificate can be high for small business owners.
How to choose the best American Airlines credit cards
As you compare American Airlines credit cards, consider these tips to help you determine the best option.
Assess your needs and choose what works best.
Decide if you want to pay an annual fee: The MileUp card is the only co-branded American Airlines credit card without an annual fee, while the Platinum and Business cards waive the fee for the first year. Before you decide if a an annual-fee card is right for you, compare credit cards to see if you’ll get proper value from paying an annual fee.
Consider whether you need a card for personal or business expenses: You can have a personal American Airlines credit card and a business credit card simultaneously. Decide which fits your spending needs best.
Compare frequent flyer perks: Check which cards have the benefits you want. Occasional travelers probably won’t want or use all the perks that someone with Executive Platinum status desires.
Compare bonus categories and welcome offers: If a card comes with a bonus category you will frequently use, it’s worth considering. Also, consider the minimum spending requirement to earn the highest welcome offer you can reasonably manage.
Consider flexible travel cards
If you prefer to fly American Airlines but don’t want to be tied down to a single frequent flyer program, you may want to consider flexible travel credit cards in addition to a co-branded credit card. Many of the best travel credit cards let you transfer points to multiple airlines or use points to book travel through a portal with any airline you want.
If you’re interested in travel credit cards that give you flexibility, make sure to compare cards from these programs:
It’s worth noting that none of these flexible travel rewards cards can transfer points directly to American Airlines. However, American Airlines is a member of the Oneworld alliance. You can transfer points to a partner airline and book American Airlines flights using that partner’s frequent flyer program (subject to award availability). While this can be complicated, you can get exponential value in the right circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
You can book flights with American Airlines up to 331 days in advance through their website or mobile app.
You can redeem AAdvantage miles for flights with various partner airlines, including all members of the Oneworld alliance and additional carriers like Air Tahiti Nui, Cape Air, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, GOL Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Remember that booking with some partners may require a phone call, and award availability can differ between airlines.
Having multiple American Airlines credit cards is possible, but be mindful of the restrictions on earning sign-up bonuses and how many cards you can sign up for within a specific timeframe. Citi and Barclays, the issuers of these cards, have specific rules such as a 48-month wait period for a new bonus on a Citi card if you’ve already received one. Barclays has similar limitations if you have or had an account in their AAdvantage program.
What’s next?
Check out the resources below to match a card with your travel needs and budget.
Choosing the right American Airlines credit card can significantly benefit frequent flyers, but it all depends on personal preferences and needs. Travel credit cards with transferable points are also worth considering for those who prefer flexibility. To find the best American Airlines credit card, compare fees, perks and earning rates to determine which card best fits your travel needs.
*The information about the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Quick citation guide
Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.
APA:
Flanigan, R. (2024, September 04). Best American Airlines credit cards. Bankrate. Retrieved November 04, 2024, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/
Copied to clipboard!
MLA:
Flanigan, Ryan. "Best American Airlines credit cards." Bankrate. 04 September 2024, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/.
Copied to clipboard!
Chicago:
Flanigan, Ryan. "Best American Airlines credit cards." Bankrate. September 04, 2024. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/.
