Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers of November 2024
The best American Airlines credit cards offer benefits for both occasional and frequent American flyers. Whether you’re looking to earn AAdvantage miles and unlock premium perks like lounge access and free checked luggage or seeking a card that offers flexible rewards and benefits across multiple airlines, there’s a great option for you.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel insurance
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines lounge access
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel credits
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury benefits
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®: Best for business owners loyal to American Airlines
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Best for simplicity in earning a welcome bonus
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Best for establishing a stash of AAdvantage miles
Best for travel insurance
| 5x | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | 1x on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Pros
- You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else
- Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
Cons
- The card comes with a $95 annual fee
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Best for American Airlines lounge access
| 4X | Earn 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
| 1X | 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on other purchases |
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is best for American Airlines flyers who value lounge access. It provides a full Admirals Club membership, as well as a number of other benefits that make flying American Airlines more enjoyable, such as a free checked bag, priority check-in, priority airport screening and priority boarding privileges, along with a boost toward elite status.
Pros
- Offers Admirals Club lounge access
- Priority check-in, airport screening, boarding and a free checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions
- 25% discount on inflight food and beverages
- Receive a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Statement Credit
Cons
- Miles redemption limited to American Airlines and its Oneworld partners
- 25% inflight credit doesn't include Wi-Fi
- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
Best for travel credits
| 10x | Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. |
| 5x | Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. |
| 1x | Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
Pros
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners
- 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
- 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel℠
Cons
- Steep initial $550 annual fee
- May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for luxury benefits
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express.
Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, an assortment of annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
Cons
- The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
- The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for business owners loyal to American Airlines
| 2X | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations |
| 1X | Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases |
| 1X | Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases |
If you have a small business that doesn’t meet the standard requirements for the AAdvantage Business program, the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® is the best way to get access and earn extra miles and Loyalty Points on your company travel. Other perks when flying American Airlines, including preferred boarding, your first checked bag free on domestic itineraries and 25% off select inflight purchases can also provide value to frequent flyers.
Pros
- Join the AAdvantage Business program even if your small business doesn’t otherwise qualify
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions on the same reservation
- 25% savings on inflight Wi-Fi, food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights when you use your card
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent on purchases with your card
Cons
- The primary cardholder doesn't earn Loyalty Points on purchases made by authorized users
- Perks and miles aren’t as useful if you don’t frequently fly with American Airlines and use the AAdvantage program
- Designed for businesses
- For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
- 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Best for simplicity in earning a welcome bonus
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
| 2X | Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Lucrative welcome offer is easy to earn; you’ll only need to make one purchase on the card and pay the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days of holding the card to earn 60,000 AAdvantage miles
- First checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries
- Preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to four companions on all American Airlines-operated flights
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $99 annual fee
- Mediocre bonus-earning rates; the card earns 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Must spend $20,000 on the card annually to earn a companion certificate good for one guest at $99 on your account anniversary date
The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard offers an easy-to-earn and lucrative welcome bonus of 60,000 AAdvantage miles for making one purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days. Plus, American Airlines loyalists will appreciate checking your first bag for free on domestic itineraries and utilizing preferred boarding on American Airlines-operated flights.
Best for establishing a stash of AAdvantage miles
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
| 2X | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants. |
| 2X | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
Pros
- A generous 75,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening
- $99 annual fee, waived for the first year
- Numerous benefits when flying American include first checked bag free, preferred boarding and a 25% inflight food and beverage purchase discount
- You can redeem AAdvantage miles for flights on American, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines and many more
Cons
- The $125 AA flight discount after spending $20,000 on the card each year is weak compared with other cobranded card spending threshold perks
- Other cards earn more miles for everyday purchases
For a card with a low annual fee, waived in the first year, the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard punches above its weight with a big welcome bonus and 2 AAdvantage miles not just for spending on American Airlines but also categories you will likely use regularly. You can earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent at restaurants and gas stations and 1 mile for all other purchases.
Comparing the best American Airlines credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | travel insurance | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 5X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Citi's secure site | American Airlines lounge access | 70,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. | 1 - 4X miles | $595 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | travel credits | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 10X points | $550 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | luxury benefits | Earn 80,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X points | $695 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Citi's secure site | business owners loyal to American Airlines | 75,000 miles Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening. | 1 - 2X points | $99, waived for first 12 months |
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® * *The information about the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 07/29/2024 | simplicity in earning a welcome bonus | 60,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. | 1 - 2X points | $99 |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® * *The information about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 11/14/2024 | establishing a stash of AAdvantage miles | 50,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | 2X points | $99, waived for first 12 months |
More details on the best American Airlines credit cards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of our favorite travel rewards cards. We love that you can earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on your purchases, including multiple bonus categories. Plus, you’ll get up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through the Chase travel portal.
If you travel at least a few times each year, don’t always fly on American Airlines and want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on your purchases, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be well worth its modest annual fee.
“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor
If you’re looking for a more premium travel credit card but still want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The Reserve comes with higher earning rates, a $300 annual travel credit, exclusive Chase lounge access and much more. It is important to note that the Reserve also comes with a significantly higher annual fee of $550.
The Citi AAdvantage Executive card has a massive $595 annual fee (see rates and fees). But we love it for the valuable perks it provides to frequent American Airlines flyers — including full membership access to Admirals Club lounges and up to 20,000 additional Loyalty Points each AAdvantage status-qualifying year.
The card is a great option if you want Admirals Club access before and after eligible same-day flights marketed or operated by American Airlines (or marketed and operated by any other Oneworld carrier). These privileges even extend to two guests (or immediate family members). Authorized users on your card also get access to Admirals Clubs during eligible travel. However, you’ll need to pay $175 per year for up to three authorized users (and $175 for each authorized user after that).
“I frequently find myself on American out of Miami International Airport (MIA), and I love that I can access the Admirals Club with my immediate family. I can also add up to three authorized users for an additional $175 (total) per year — and each of them gets club access as well. Beyond that, I save hundreds of dollars a year thanks to Citi Merchant Offers on the card.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
If you want a card that earns American Airlines miles with a lower annual fee, consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. You won’t get Admirals Club access, but you’ll enjoy preferred boarding and a first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries. The information for the Citi Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve carries a $550 annual fee but offers a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership and a number of bonus categories. The card also offers some of the best travel protections when you use your card to book.
If you frequently book travel and want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on your purchases, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a good option. You’ll get the most value when you transfer your points to Chase’s partners, but Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can also redeem points at a rate of 1.5 cents apiece for travel purchased through the Chase travel portal.
“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I'm able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a lower annual fee and fewer perks but still offers solid travel protections, at least 2 points per dollar on all travel purchases and the ability to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
The Amex Platinum carries a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). But we still love it due to the sheer number of cardmember perks it offers. This includes a up to $200 airline fee credit, a up to $199 Clear Plus statement credit and 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Enrollment is required.
If you want to earn Amex Membership Rewards points on your purchases, have a Centurion Lounge at airports you frequently transit, don’t need perks specific to American Airlines flights and will use many of the benefits and statement credits offered by the Amex Platinum, then it may be the right card for you.
“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent (on the first $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
If you don’t frequently see Centurion Lounges in your travels and don’t want to squeeze value from the Amex Platinum’s many statement credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might be a better premium travel rewards card for you. You’d earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points instead of Amex Membership Rewards points, but the Sapphire Reserve’s $300 annual travel credit is easy to use, and you’d earn at least 3 points per dollar on all your travel purchases.
This card offers elite-like perks when flying American Airlines. Cardholders can also earn Loyalty Points on purchases with this card, which can help them earn American Airlines elite status.
If you have a small business that can benefit from the AAdvantage Business program and perks when flying on American Airlines, this card is for you.
“With a small business that has too few employees to meet the standard requirements for the AAdvantage Business program, this card is my business’ key to the extra earnings available through the AAdvantage Business program.” — Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer
Small business owners could also consider consumer American Airlines cards, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) for an Admirals Club membership or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® for some of the same perks as this card.
The Aviator Red’s lucrative welcome offer makes it exceptionally easy to earn 60,000 AAdvantage miles — you must simply pay the $99 annual fee and make one purchase to get the bonus miles. You can also get up to $25 back as statement credits on Wi-Fi purchases. If you spend $20,000 on the card in a year, you can earn a companion certificate good for one guest that’ll cost $99 on your account anniversary date.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The AAdvantage Aviator Red is a solid choice for those who frequently fly American Airlines but don’t want to spend too much on annual fees.
In addition to the easy-to-earn welcome offer, the card comes with solid perks, such as one free checked bag on domestic itineraries and preferred boarding on American Airlines-operated flights, and it also offers a solid 60,000 AAdvantage miles welcome offer, which is easy to earn.
If you anticipate spending more on an American Airlines-cobranded card, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers a higher welcome bonus of 75,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $3,500 in the first four months of card membership for a $99 annual fee (waived the first 12 months).
The first checked bag free benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually. With this card, you and up to four travel companions on the same reservation don’t need to pay for your first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Anyone who easily wants to earn lots of AAdvantage miles as well as enjoy travel benefits when flying American Airlines.
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard offers a generous welcome bonus, no annual fee in the first year, double miles in multiple popular categories and plenty of travel perks whenever you step onto an American Airlines flight.
If you don’t think you will be able to spend $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening to earn the welcome bonus on the Platinum Select card, the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard offers an easy-to-earn welcome bonus of 60,000 AAdvantage miles for making just one purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to maximize American Airlines credit cards
AAdvantage rewards
Some of the cards we’ve highlighted above earn American Airlines miles. If you are an American Airline loyalists, these miles can be very valuable. AAdvantage miles can be redeemed through the American Airlines AAdvantage program towards your future travels.
Airline-specific perks
If you are searching for an American Airlines credit card, you may want one that provides perks when you fly American Airlines. For example, if you want Admirals Club access when flying American Airlines and select partners, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the best card. Meanwhile, if you don’t need lounge access but want preferred boarding and a first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, the lower-annual-fee Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® might be best.
The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Consider a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
While American Airlines offers many solid co-branded options, they may not be the best fit for you. If you frequently fly other airlines besides American Airlines, you may want to get a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns transferable miles that can be redeemed with American Airlines and any of Chase's other transfer partners which gives you increased redemption options. In addition, the card also offers Priority Pass Select lounge access and statement credit so you don't have to compromise on lounge access.
What to know about American Airlines credit card?
American Airlines is a major airline that began operations in 1926. It is currently headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The airline launched its AAdvantage loyalty program in 1981 and currently offers a variety of co-branded credit cards for its customers.
Types of American Airlines credit cards
Each cobranded American Airlines credit card offers its own set of valuable perks and benefits. Here are a few that should factor into deciding which might be best for you.
Frequent travelers who are loyal to American Airlines will enjoy the perks of having a cobranded credit card that provides them with benefits that include lounge access. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers Admirals Club access where cardholders can enjoy snacks, made-to-order food, drinks and more.
All of the cobranded American Airlines credit cards earn AAdvantage miles. Here’s a look at how many miles you’ll earn on purchases with some of the best American Airlines credit cards:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: 10 miles per dollar on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars, 4 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases (5 miles per dollar after you spend $150,000 on your card in a calendar year), and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
- American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®: 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and at grocery stores, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
- AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp, and AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
You can often earn a sign-up bonus if you’re approved for a new American Airlines credit card and meet the minimum spending requirements for the bonus. Many of the current offers are available in this story — though be sure to review our guide to credit card application restrictions and our history of Citi welcome bonuses to ensure you’re maximizing your chances of approval and getting the best possible offer.
Three of the cobranded American Airlines credit cards we highlighted above offer a first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to a set number of companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
Cardholders of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard get a first checked bag free for up to eight companions, while cardholders of the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard get a first checked bag free for up to four travel companions.
The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, and AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Many credit cards offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. This credit usually provides a statement credit for an eligible Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee charged to your card every four to five years. A few of the cards highlighted in this guide offer this perk, including:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Get a statement credit of up to $100 every four years when you pay a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee with your card.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Get a statement credit of $120 for Global Entry every four years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years when you pay for the respective application fee with your card. Enrollment is required.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Get a statement credit of up to $100 every four years when you pay for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee with your card.
What TPG readers have to say about their favorite American Airlines credit cards
When flying on American Airlines, TPG’s readers tend to seek out cards with Admirals Club lounge access, among other travel benefits. Here are some of their favorite things about American Airlines credit cards.
Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
“Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good choice. Just wish I had the foresight when I was younger to save my points for travel rather than using them as a credit on my billing statement. Still made it to 31 countries so far though!.” — Ryan H via Facebook
The Platinum Card® from American Express
“AmEx Platinum. Great for international travel. Lounge access and great airfares.” — Peter B via X
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
“I like the travel insurance, Priority lounges, and the points which I use to book all my hotels. I like the credits I get for renewing my Global Entry, and the choices I had to pay bills with points during Covid. That’s my go to card!.” — Marcelle M via Facebook
Pros + Cons of American Airlines credit cards
Pros
- American credit cards can earn AAdvantage miles (or flexible travel rewards) every time you use them
- Spending on cobranded American Airlines cards can help you unlock AAdvantage elite status
- Many American credit cards include perks to enhance your travel experience — including lounge access, free checked bags and priority boarding
Cons
- Earning American AAdvantage miles means you’re limited to awards through that program
How to choose the best American Airlines credit card
- Choose the best American Airlines card that offers a solid sign-up bonus you can use for future trips. Additionally, consider the minimum spend threshold required to earn a sign-up bonus and make sure your budget and spending align with that figure.1Sign-up bonus
- Depending on what your goals are when opening a new credit card, you may want to opt for a budget-friendly, low annual fee card or a premium travel card — with premium protections and benefits — with a premium annual fee.2Annual fee
- The best American Airlines credit cards feature various bonus categories for different types of travelers and spenders. Whether you want a cobranded airline card or a travel card that’s also great for general everyday purchases, one of our top picks is sure to suit your needs.3Bonus categories
Is American the best US airline in 2024?
The data is in, and TPG’s annual report on the best U.S. airlines has American in fourth place — just six hundredths of a point behind United. American benefited from having the largest domestic route network of any carrier, and it also scored well for the travel experience and its AAdvantage loyalty program. However, American was the worst airline at handling checked baggage and was the second-least affordable — dropping it down the rankings.
Here’s where the data placed American this year.
Ask our experts
What's your favorite American Airlines card — and why?
How we rate
Frequently asked questions
The best American Airlines credit card will vary depending on your needs. If you want Admirals Club access, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard will be the best American Airlines card. But if you are primarily interested in getting your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights, one of the cards with a lower annual fee will likely be best.
An American Airlines card may be worth getting if its perks provide more value than the cost of the annual fee. For example, you'd only need to check a bag four times per year to cover the cost of the mid-tier AAdvantage cards. And the annual fee on the Citi AA Executive card is less than the cost of an Admirals Club membership.
You can apply for some American Airlines cards, including the Citi AA Executive card, by clicking the hyperlinked card names on our page. You can apply for other American Airlines cards by searching for the card on the Citi or Barclays websites. You can also pick up a paper application for the Aviator Red on board some American Airlines flights.
You have the ability to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio, which allows you to leverage various Marriott credit cards to earn American miles. However, we only recommend transferring Marriott points to airline programs for very specific redemptions.
Most American Airlines credit cards don’t have foreign transaction fees. But some, including the AAdvantage MileUp card, do charge foreign transaction fees. So, check the fine print before assuming your American Airlines credit card doesn't have foreign transaction fees.
You can use your cobranded American Airlines credit card to make purchases at most merchants that accept credit cards.
Cardholders of the Citi AA Executive card automatically get priority boarding in Group 4. Cardholders of most other eligible AAdvantage cards get preferred boarding in Group 5. You won’t get preferred boarding with the AAdvantage MileUp card, though.
Some American Airlines credit cards, including the Citi AA Executive card, offer worldwide car rental insurance coverage when you pay for your rental with your card. See your card's guide to benefits to determine whether your card offers rental car coverage and, if so, the coverage details.
You'll typically need good credit — which means a credit score of at least 670 — to be approved for an American Airlines credit card. However, you can improve your chances of getting approved with an excellent score in the high 700s or low 800s.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.