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American Airlines offers an array of co-branded credit cards ranging from a no-annual-fee option to a $450-per-year premium credit card that includes access to the airline’s Admirals Club airport lounges. If you fly American Airlines, even occasionally, opening one of the best credit cards for American Airlines could make sense for earning miles toward award flights and enjoying benefits like a free checked bag and the ability to board the plane before most other travelers.
With all those choices, the best airline credit card for your travel style depends on the benefits and perks that are most useful to you. Here’s what to know to help you decide.
Compare American Airlines Credit Cards
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
$99, waived for first 12 months
Annual Fee
Intro offer
75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
$99, waived for first 12 months
Annual Fee
Intro offer
75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
$99, waived for first 12 months
Annual Fee
Apply online at Citibank’s website.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Details
Rewards
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$99, waived for first 12 months
Intro offer
75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 29.74% variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings are primarily based on 3 things: simplicity, affordability, and value. Our credit card editor takes those factors into account, and comes up with a rating to best reflect how the card performs in that criteria – relative to other products we’ve reviewed.
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American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Intro offer
10,000 American Airlines miles and a $50 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Intro offer
10,000 American Airlines miles and a $50 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Read our complete card review
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Details
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Intro offer
10,000 American Airlines miles and a $50 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 29.74% Variable
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
This is a terrific card for frequent American Airlines flyers who can take advantage of its included Admirals Club membership and other day-of-travel perks to offset the high annual fee. Authorized users also get Admirals Club access, so there’s extra value to be had there, too. However, it’s not the best card for earning AA miles on everyday spending, and the lack of travel protections isn’t ideal for an airline credit card.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 29.74% Variable
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®
Rewards
Earn 3X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on hotels and car rentals. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®
Rewards
Earn 3X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on hotels and car rentals. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®
Details
Rewards
Earn 3X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on hotels and car rentals. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Terms
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Annual Fee
Intro offer
50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase within the first 90 days
Rewards
Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1X miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Annual Fee
Intro offer
50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase within the first 90 days
Rewards
Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1X miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Annual Fee
On Barclays’s website
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Details
Rewards
Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1X miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Intro offer
50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase within the first 90 days
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24%, 24.24% or 29.24% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
$99, waived for first 12 months
Annual Fee
Intro offer
65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on cable and satellite providers. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at gas stations. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on select telecommunications merchants. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on car rentals. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
$99, waived for first 12 months
Annual Fee
Intro offer
65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on cable and satellite providers. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at gas stations. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on select telecommunications merchants. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on car rentals. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
$99, waived for first 12 months
Annual Fee
Apply online at Citibank’s website.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
Details
Rewards
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on cable and satellite providers. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at gas stations. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on select telecommunications merchants. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on car rentals. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$99, waived for first 12 months
Intro offer
65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 29.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings are primarily based on 3 things: simplicity, affordability, and value. Our credit card editor takes those factors into account, and comes up with a rating to best reflect how the card performs in that criteria – relative to other products we’ve reviewed.
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AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
Intro offer
80,000 bonus miles and a $95 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Rewards
Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent at eligible office supply, telecom and car rental merchants. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
Intro offer
80,000 bonus miles and a $95 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Rewards
Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent at eligible office supply, telecom and car rental merchants. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
This card is a great choice for small-business owners who fly American Airlines and can take advantage of benefits like a free checked bag and preferred boarding on AA flights. It’s also ideal for big spenders because you’ll earn a valuable Companion Certificate after spending $30,000 or more in a year.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent at eligible office supply, telecom and car rental merchants. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
80,000 bonus miles and a $95 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% or 29.24% (based on your creditworthiness)
Rewards
Earn 3X point on dining. Earn 2X point on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to $100,000 each year). Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
Rewards
Earn 3X point on dining. Earn 2X point on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to $100,000 each year). Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
Bilt Mastercard®
Details
Rewards
Earn 3X point on dining. Earn 2X point on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to $100,000 each year). Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Terms
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Intro offer
80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Intro offer
80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Intro offer
80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.74% – 27.74% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Methodology: How we chose the best American Airlines credit cards
We considered all of the American Airlines credit cards available right now and looked at several factors:
- Travel benefits — Does the card offer money-saving perks like free checked bags or other benefits like Loyalty Points for meeting spending thresholds, airport lounge access, or statement credits?
- Earning potential — Are there bonus categories outside of American Airlines purchases with the card, and are they appealing to a wide range of customers?
- Annual fee — Most American Airlines credit cards have an annual fee, but are the card’s benefits worth it?
- Cards for various types of travelers — We chose cards that appeal to different types of American Airlines flyers, including road warriors, leisure travelers, and small-business owners.
Be sure to read Insider’s guide to how we rate and review credit cards to learn more about our methodology.
Compare the best cards for American Airlines flyers
10,000 American Airlines miles and a $50 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
$99, waived for first 12 months
50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
Earn 3X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on hotels and car rentals. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase within the first 90 days
Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1X miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on cable and satellite providers. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent at gas stations. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on select telecommunications merchants. Earn 2x miles for every $1 spent on car rentals. Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
$99, waived for first 12 months
80,000 bonus miles and a $95 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent at eligible office supply, telecom and car rental merchants. Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every one dollar spent on all other purchases.
Earn 3X point on dining. Earn 2X point on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to $100,000 each year). Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
American Airlines Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions
All of the co-branded American Airlines cards mentioned above typically require at least a good credit score to be approved. Some, like the premium Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
, usually look for an excellent credit score — that is, anything above an 800 FICO score.
It definitely makes sense to open an American Airlines credit card, particularly one that offers money-saving benefits like a free checked bag and preferred boarding, if you fly the airline — even a couple of times a year. The perks you receive can more than offset the annual fee on these cards, and you’ll earn miles you can redeem for free flights on American and its partners.
American Airlines credit cards are even more compelling if you’re working toward earning AAdvantage elite status. Because status is now awarded based on earning Loyalty Points, using an American Airlines card for everyday spending can give you the boost you need to achieve the next status tier.
All co-branded American Airlines credit cards earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar you spend, regardless of category — so spending more in bonus categories isn’t going to make a difference in that regard.
For instance, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® earns 2x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and at gas stations and restaurants, but you’ll only earn 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on purchases even in these categories.
Any welcome bonus miles you earn from opening an American Airlines credit card will not count toward earning Loyalty Points and elite status. You’ll just earn redeemable miles.
Most co-branded American Airlines cards (except the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
) come with early boarding privileges. The premium Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® includes Group 4 priority boarding, and the rest of the co-branded cards offer Group 5 preferred boarding.
American Airlines miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. This means if you don’t earn or redeem AA miles within that time frame, you could lose your miles. Using an American Airlines credit card is a great way to generate earning activity in your account and keep your miles from expiring.
Best for Earning American Airlines Miles
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
If your primary goal is to rack up American AAdvantage miles quickly on everyday purchases, the earning rates on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® can’t be beat. That’s because it accrues 2x miles not only on eligible American Airlines purchases but also at restaurants and gas stations, two major expense categories for a lot of consumers.
Aside from that, cardholders get a free checked bag on domestic AA itineraries for themselves and up to four companions, preferred boarding, and 25% back on inflight food and beverage. Those who spend $20,000 or more on purchases in a calendar year and renew the card can earn a $125 flight discount certificate.
The card’s annual fee is $99, waived for first 12 months, and it’s currently offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening. The welcome bonus is often lower, so this is a great time to apply for this card.
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card Review
Best for Budget Travelers
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Want to earn miles on everyday purchases without the burden of a high annual fee? American Airlines introduced its no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® a couple of years ago to target less-frequent flyers on a budget.
The card earns a respectable 2x miles on both eligible American Airlines purchases and at grocery stores, and 1x on everything else. Its only day-of-travel benefit is 25% back as a statement credit on inflight food and beverage, so don’t expect free checked bags or priority boarding.
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is currently offering 10,000 American Airlines miles and a $50 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Citi American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card Review
Best for Lounge Access
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
If you’re a frequent American flyer and value access to the airline’s Admirals Club airport lounges, then the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the right card for you. It does have a $450 annual fee, but that is still hundreds of dollars cheaper than Admirals Club membership costs if you buy it outright.
Unlike other airlines’ club cards, which merely offer lounge access, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders enjoy full Admirals Club membership privileges including entry to some partner lounges. Cardholders can also bring immediate family or up to two guests with same-day boarding passes on American or partner airlines. Not only that, but you can also add up to 10 authorized users at no cost, each of whom can also access Admirals Clubs with up to two guests.
Cardholders are eligible for up to a $100 statement credit to cover the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee once every five years. They also get free checked bags for themselves and up to eight companions on American Airlines domestic itineraries, are entitled to priority boarding, and get 25% back on inflight food and beverage purchases. This card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is currently offering a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Citi AAdvantage Executive Card Review
Best for Elite Status
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®
The AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® is not open to new applicants, but you can upgrade to it if you have the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
. The reason this card wins in this category is that it allows you to earn Loyalty Points toward American Airlines AAdvantage status.
You can earn 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points if you spend $20,000 on purchases, another 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points if you spend $40,000 on purchases, and another 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points if you spend $50,000 or more on purchases in an elite status qualification period. If you need a boost to reach the next level of elite status, those extra Loyalty Points might be just what you need.
This card’s other value-packed perks include up to a $100 credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every five years, up to $25 back per day on inflight food and beverage purchases, and up to $50 refunded for Wi-Fi purchases on American flights each year.
Cardholders also enjoy preferred boarding, free checked bags on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, and two $99 (plus taxes) companion certificates after spending $20,000 in purchases each account year that they can redeem toward round-trip domestic economy itineraries.
The card earns 3x miles on American Airlines purchases, 2x miles on hotels and car rentals, and 1x on everything else. Its annual fee is $199.
Best for Discounts
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
While the Aviator Silver offers more significant onboard discounts, you might still want to consider the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® instead for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s open to new applicants and currently has a welcome bonus offer of 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase within the first 90 days.
In addition to offering 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases, it will also reimburse you up to $25 each year for inflight Wi-Fi. However, since it’s also a World Elite Mastercard, you can take advantage of perks recently added to that program including a $5 Lyft credit after taking three or more rides each month, cell phone protection (with a $50 deductible per claim) against loss or damage on up to $800, and more.
The card waives foreign transaction fees and earns 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and 1x on everything else. Day-of-travel benefits include preferred boarding and a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same domestic American Airlines reservation. If you spend more than $20,000 on purchases per account year, you will also receive a $99 (plus taxes) companion certificate good for a round-trip domestic economy ticket.
AAdvantage Aviator Red Card Review
Best for Business Travelers
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
Your other small-business option is the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®. It’s offering new cardholders 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening, and has an annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months.
The bonus earning categories include 2x on eligible American Airlines purchases, gas stations, cable and satellite services, telecommunications, and car rentals. This card has the same checked bag and boarding benefits as the Barclays version, though its inflight purchase discount includes Wi-Fi.
Those who spend $30,000 or more on purchases in an account anniversary year and renew their card receive a $99 companion travel certificate, too (provided their account remains open for at least 45 days after the account anniversary).
CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select American Airlines Credit Card Review
Best for Annual Bonus Miles
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
The AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard® comes with a generous limited-time welcome bonus offer of 80,000 bonus miles and a $95 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
This card offers 2x categories like its small business sibling, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®. You’ll get 2 miles per dollar for American Airlines purchases and for eligible office supply, telecom, and car rental merchants. However, this card gives you a 5% bonus on all the miles you’ve accrued (except for the welcome bonus) after each account anniversary. If you make meaningful spending, this could be a lucrative perk.
You’ll continue to get the standard American Airlines benefits, such as a free first checked bag on American Airlines domestic itineraries, preferred boarding on American Airlines flights, a 25% savings on American Airlines inflight purchases, etc. You’ll also get a companion certificate to anywhere in the continental US after spending $30,000 in a cardmember year. It allows a companion to fly with you on a round-trip coach fare for a flat fee of $99, plus taxes.
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard Review
Best With Points That Transfer to American Airlines
Bilt Mastercard®
The Bilt Rewards program flies a bit under the radar, but it’s gaining traction due to its broad range of transfer partners, including American Airlines. In fact, this is the only flexible points program that partners with American, making the Bilt Mastercard® even more valuable.
The Bilt Mastercard®’s unique feature is the ability to pay rent to any landlord and earn points, with no added fees — making it the best Wells Fargo credit card for renters. Cardholders earn 1 point per dollar on up to $100,000 per year in rent payments, 2x points on travel, 3x points on dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Plus, Bilt Rewards members can now earn up to 8x points on dining with the new Bilt Dining program. However, you must make a minimum of five transactions per statement period to earn points.
In addition, on the first day of every month, Bilt Mastercard® cardholders can earn double points on non-rent payments (up to a maximum of 10,000 bonus points) with Bilt’s Rent Day promotion. The card also offers great benefits and other redemption options, including using Bilt points through the Bilt Travel portal at 1.25 cents each, and there’s no annual fee.
Best if You’re Not Loyal to American
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you know you’ll fly American once or twice this year but want to keep your options open with rewards that you can use across multiple airlines (and hotels), a card that earns transferable points is your best bet. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good option thanks to its reasonable $95 annual fee and the valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points you’ll earn.
The card currently has an excellent increased bonus offer of 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You’ll earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (2x points on all other travel purchases), 3x points on dining, 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), 3x points on select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
While American Airlines isn’t a Chase transfer partner — meaning you can’t move your Chase points into the AAdvantage frequent flyer program — you can use your rewards from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to book American Airlines flights directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Even better, your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel, so you’ll get 1.25 cents in value toward flights.
If you prefer a premium credit card, you could consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead. It earns 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on other travel and dining, and your points are worth 1.5 cents apiece toward American Airlines flights booked through Chase. The card has a $550 annual fee, but up to $300 in annual travel credits help offset that cost.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review
CIT Bank Platinum Savings
Earn 4.75% APY on balances of $5,000 or more. The higher your balance, the more you’ll earn. FDIC insured.
