Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers of September 2025
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 from our partners for you.
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card: Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines lounge access
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel insurance
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®: Best for business owners loyal to American Airlines
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel credits
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Best for simplicity in earning a welcome bonus
Comparing the best American Airlines credit cards
Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
| 12X | Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com. |
| 6X | Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com. |
| 6X | Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time. |
| 1.5X | Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases. |
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a premium travel card that balances premium benefits alongside flexible lifestyle perks. It offers elevated earning rates on Citi Travel bookings, a generous mix of travel and lifestyle statement credits and exclusive 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage — something no other issuer currently provides. With unique benefits like four Admirals Club passes and elevated weekend dining rewards, the card delivers strong value for those who fly American Airlines a few times a year or frequently book through Citi’s travel portal. While the $595 annual fee is steep, the credits and perks can easily outweigh the cost for the right cardholder.
Pros
- The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
- Four Admirals Club passes annually
- Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
- High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
- Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
- Authorized user fee of $75
- For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
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
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 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 for Chase Travel bookings 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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
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
- Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 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 premium travel perks and digital entertainment
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
The Platinum Card® from American Express has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits semiannually; enrollment required)
- Up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 in statement credits per month; enrollment required)
- Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $2,700 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
Pros
- Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
- Over $2,700 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
- $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
- Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027)
Cons
- Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
- Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
- Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
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.
Comparing the best American Airlines credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LIMITED-TIME OFFER at Citi's secure site | earning AAdvantage miles without flying | Earn 80,000 bonus Points Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. | 1.5 - 12X points | $595 |
at Citi's secure site | American Airlines lounge access | Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus 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 |
NEW OFFER at Chase's secure site | travel insurance | 75,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 60,000 bonus points | 1 - 5X points | $95 |
at Citi's secure site | business owners loyal to American Airlines | Earn 65,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening. | 1 - 2X miles | $99, waived for first 12 months |
LIMITED TIME OFFER at American Express's secure site | premium travel perks and digital entertainment | As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 5X points | $895 |
at Chase's secure site | travel credits | 125,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 8X points | $795 |
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. Information updated as of 02/26/2025 | 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 miles | $99 |
More details on the best American Airlines credit cards
Citi is the only major issuer that lets you transfer points to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:1 rate. Add in four annual Admirals Club passes, elevated earning on Citi Travel bookings and more than $800 in flexible statement credits, and the Strata Elite delivers serious value for the right traveler.
Frequent diners, Citi loyalists and travelers who want American Airlines access without a full lounge membership.
If you want to earn American Airlines miles without flying, enjoy airport lounge access without a full Admirals Club membership and easily offset a high annual fee with versatile statement credits, the Citi Strata Elite deserves a spot in your wallet.
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more robust lounge access and flexible travel credits, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a more flexible annual travel credit and access to a broader range of travel partners.
The Citi AAdvantage Executive card has a massive $595 annual fee. 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 / 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.
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 $795.
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® for an Admirals Club membership or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® for some of the same perks as this card.
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.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great travel companion thanks to perks like no foreign transaction fees and enhancements like a generous up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits biannually). Now, it also features more lifestyle credits that cardmembers can take advantage of to help offset its hefty annual fee. Enrollment required.
Frequent travelers and digital entertainment subscribers will enjoy travel perks like lounge access and an up to $209 Clear Plus statement credit in addition to an up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 per month in statement credits). Enrollment may be required and you may be subject to auto-renewal.
Adding this card to your rotation makes sense if you can use its perks and statement credits to offset its $895 annual fee.
If you want a premium travel and lifestyle card that’s not nearly $900, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It features a $795 annual fee — which is still a big figure — but offers several similar perks and credits that offset this fee, and it earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most valuable reward currencies on the market.
The Sapphire Reserve offers exceptional value for frequent travelers through generous rewards on travel spending, flexible point transfers and over $2,700 in potential annual perks.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best suited for travelers who can take full advantage of its elevated earning rates, statement credits and wide range of luxury benefits.
If you regularly spend on travel and lifestyle purchases, and want a premium reward card that delivers both luxury benefits and long-term value, the Sapphire Reserve is a card you should consider.
If you're looking for similar premium travel benefits but are an Amex loyalist, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a strong competitor. It carries a comparable annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees) and offers extensive luxury perks, including access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection for eligible card members, complimentary Hilton and Marriott elite status (enrollment is required for select benefits), and annual statement credits across categories like airfare, hotels, ridesharing services, digital entertainment and more. Its rewards are also flexible to redeem for general travel, but are mostly focused on luxury experiences.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly entry point into travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular alternative — and one of our favorite beginner travel cards here at TPG. It has a much lower fee of $95, earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and offers access to the same Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. While it lacks the premium perks of the Sapphire Reserve, it still provides solid travel protections and the ability to build up a stash of valuable points over time. It’s a great starter card for those new to travel rewards or not yet ready to commit to a premium 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 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® is worth considering.
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.
How we rate
Ask our experts
What's your favorite American Airlines card — and why?
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.
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
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
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.