Best American Airlines Credit Cards October 2021: Offers and Benefits

Best American Airlines Credit Cards October 2021: Offers and Benefits

by Edited by Robin Ratcliff updated

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Advertiser Disclosure: ValuePenguin is an advertising-supported comparison service which receives compensation from some of the financial providers whose offers appear on our site. This compensation from our advertising partners may impact how and where products appear on our site (including for example, the order in which they appear). To provide more complete comparisons, the site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

While it’s a close call, we think the best American Airlines credit card is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® since it offers AAdvantage miles everyday purchases as well as valuable airline benefits like free checked bags — all for a reasonable annual fee.**

See best card offers

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

Citi is an advertising partner

Best American Airlines credit cards 2021

Best no annual fee:

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website

Best for lounge access:

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website

Best for most people:

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


airplane

Learn more

If you're an American Airlines frequent flyer, you should take a look at the airline's array of co-branded credit cards. Signing up for the right American Airlines card could get you valuable airline perks, such as preferred boarding status, free checked luggage, lounge access and a faster track to elite status with the airline.

You can also accelerate your miles earnings since American Airlines cards — unlike most co-branded airline cards — offer a pretty generous earning rate. We've analyzed every AAdvantage card on ValuePenguin and on issuers' websites to help you determine which will give you the best value.

Methodology

To make choosing the right card easier, we've looked at credit cards reviewed on ValuePenguin as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of the best rewards credit cards available right now. Our recommendations are based on the additional value you can earn with the cards — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections, lounge membership and airline companion passes. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.

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Best American Airlines credit card for most people

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

Welcome offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

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Our thoughts on this card

We consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® to be the best all-around American Airlines credit card because of its generous sign-up bonus and solid ongoing rewards program.

Earning AAdvantage® bonus miles

After earning your 50,000 miles bonus, this card offers the best miles-earning potential, with bonus miles on gas station and restaurant purchases. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® also offers perks that could save you even more money and make flights a little more enjoyable. Cardholders get preferred boarding on American Airlines flights and a free checked bag on domestic flights. Just keep in mind that the card does charge an annual fee: $99, waived for first 12 months. However, the free checked bag benefit alone can quickly offset the fee.

You’ll also earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases each year.

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Best American Airlines credit card with no annual fee

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card

No annual fee
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website
Annual Fee

$0

APR

15.99% - 24.99% (Variable)

Credit Needed
?

Excellent/Good

Editor's Rating
?
  • Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
  • No Annual Fee
  • Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
  • Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
  • Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
  • Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
  • The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
+ see card details

Welcome offer

Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

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Our thoughts on this card

The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card is the top AAdvantage card for customers searching for a $0-annual-fee airline card. It's actually one of the few airline co-branded cards on the market to not charge an ongoing membership fee. While frequent flyers won't get the same level of perks they would with an annual fee card, this card is still worthwhile thanks to its strong rewards program.

We estimate the card's sign-up bonus to be worth $150 toward your next flight. While we've seen higher sign-up bonuses from other cards, remember that the bonus is available at no cost to cardholders.

Earning AAdvantage® bonus miles

Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. The generous grocery bonus stands out in the realm of no-annual-fee airline cards.

The card also gets you a 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights. This isn't the most glamorous benefit around, but it's still nice to save a bit the next time you decide to order snacks or drinks on your flight.

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24.99% (Variable)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003ECredit Needed\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003EExcellent\/Good\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003EEditor's Rating\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-half\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-half\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-empty\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-empty\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E{\"rating\":70,\"stars\":5}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-hidden\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-content\"\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\u00ae bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENo Annual Fee\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 1 AAdvantage\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESave 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--toggle\"\u003E\u003Ca aria-label=\"Toggle Open\/Closed\" class=\"ToggleText--link BenefitsBox--toggle-text link small\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"ToggleText--label\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl dBUYFD ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--undefined\" color=\"inherit\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E+ see card details\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"BenefitsBox\"\u003E{\"annualFee\":\"$0\",\"apr\":\"15.99% - 24.99% (Variable)\",\"bannerDisclaimers\":[\"On Citibank's Secure Website\"],\"buttonColor\":\"primary\",\"buttonIcon\":\"lock\",\"buttonText\":\"Apply Now\",\"context\":\" in context: Banner\",\"creditNeeded\":\"Excellent\\\/Good\",\"creditNeededTooltip\":\"There are various types of credit scores. Each creditor uses a variety of different types of credit scores to make lending decisions.\",\"details\":\"\\u003Cul\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\\u00ae bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003ENo Annual Fee\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\\u00ae miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\\u00ae miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 1 AAdvantage\\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003ESave 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EThe standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\",\"editorRating\":\"\\u003Cdiv class=\\\"ReactComponent--root\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\\\"\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-half\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-half\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-empty\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-empty\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n \\u003Cscript type=\\\"application\\\/json\\\" class=\\\"js-react-component\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E{\\\"rating\\\":70,\\\"stars\\\":5}\\u003C\\\/script\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"editorRatingTooltip\":\"Our team rates credit cards objectively based on independent research, the features the credit card offers users, and how it compares with other available cards in its category. The ratings are the opinion of our editors, and are not influenced by any outside factors, including any compensation the site may receive from certain advertisers. Learn more on how we \\u003Cspan\\u003E\\u003Ca class=\\\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\\\" rel=\\\"nofollow\\\" title=\\\"Credit Card Methodology\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.valuepenguin.com\\\/credit-card-methodology\\\"\\u003Ecalculate rewards\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E.\",\"featuredTitle\":\"No annual fee\",\"hideTitle\":true,\"imageURL\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.comparecards.com\\\/uploads\\\/images\\\/items\\\/4597.png\",\"isUnavailable\":false,\"link\":\"\\\/credit-cards\\\/redirect\\\/1164?url=_travel_best-american-airlines-credit-card\",\"name\":\"American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp\\u2120 Card\",\"signUpBonus\":\"\",\"signUpBonusTitle\":\"Sign Up Bonus\"}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWelcome offer\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-Panel\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"PanelRoot-sc-1o7qkaw efMzqR\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"Panel--content\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\u00ae bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E{\"backgroundColor\":\"ice\",\"content\":\"\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\\u00ae bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\\n\",\"padding\":\"double\"}\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EOur thoughts on this card\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp\u2120 Card Review: Should You Apply?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/american-airlines-aadvantage-mileup-credit-card-review\"\u003EAmerican Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E is the top AAdvantage card for customers searching for a $0-annual-fee airline card. It's actually one of the few airline co-branded cards on the market to not charge an ongoing membership fee. While frequent flyers won't get the same level of perks they would with an annual fee card, this card is still worthwhile thanks to its strong rewards program.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWe estimate the card's sign-up bonus to be worth $150 toward your next flight. While we've seen higher sign-up bonuses from other cards, remember that the bonus is available at no cost to cardholders.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EEarning AAdvantage\u00ae bonus miles\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services. Earn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 AAdvantage\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. The generous grocery bonus stands out in the realm of no-annual-fee airline cards.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--root ShortcodeToggle--article \" id=\u003E\n \u003Cbutton class=\"ShortcodeToggle--toggle\" onclick=\"this.parentNode.classList.toggle('ShortcodeToggle--open');\"\u003E\u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeToggle--label\"\u003EOther benefits\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents-wrapper\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents\"\u003E\n \u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe card also gets you a 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights. This isn't the most glamorous benefit around, but it's still nice to save a bit the next time you decide to order snacks or drinks on your flight.\n\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n","padding":"double"}

Best American Airlines credit card for lounge access

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Lounge access
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website
Annual Fee

$450

APR

15.99% - 24.99% (Variable)

Credit Needed
?

Excellent/Good

Editor's Rating
?
  • Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases 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
  • Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
  • Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other 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
  • The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
+ see card details

Welcome offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

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Our thoughts on this card

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the best American Airlines credit card for the American Airlines frequent flyer who wants lounge access and premium American Airlines AAdvantage card benefits. The card comes with a hefty $450 annual fee, but it also grants cardholders access to the Admirals Club (a $650 value). Admirals Club gives you access to airport lounges with complimentary snacks, drinks, shower suites and business centers. Luxury cards like this are meant for frequent travelers who find themselves in airports several times per month.

Though its sign-up bonus requires a high minimum spend, it's well worth it since we estimate the bonus to have a value of more than $500. Not only is that more than other American Airlines cards, but it's one of the more generous sign-up bonuses among travel cards.

Earning AAdvantage bonus miles

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® only lets you Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases & 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. However, part of the appeal of this card is that it fast-tracks you toward earning status with American Airlines since it awards users with elite qualifying miles (EQMs), provided certain spending thresholds are met. The primary credit card member will earn 10,000 EQMs after spending $40,000 in eligible purchases during a calendar year.

The card also allows users to breeze through security, thanks to the application fee credit that can be used for Global Entry or TSA Precheck. Cardholders will also be able to take advantage of early boarding when flying with American Airlines since they'll get to board as Group 4. Priority check-in and airport screening applies for up to eight companions traveling in your party as well.

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24.99% (Variable)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003ECredit Needed\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003EExcellent\/Good\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003EEditor's Rating\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-empty\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-empty\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E{\"rating\":80,\"stars\":5}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-hidden\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-content\"\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\u00ae bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAdmirals Club\u00ae membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 10,000 AAdvantage\u00ae Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENo Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFirst checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--toggle\"\u003E\u003Ca aria-label=\"Toggle Open\/Closed\" class=\"ToggleText--link BenefitsBox--toggle-text link small\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"ToggleText--label\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl dBUYFD ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--undefined\" color=\"inherit\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E+ see card details\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"BenefitsBox\"\u003E{\"annualFee\":\"$450\",\"apr\":\"15.99% - 24.99% (Variable)\",\"bannerDisclaimers\":[\"On Citibank's Secure Website\"],\"buttonColor\":\"primary\",\"buttonIcon\":\"lock\",\"buttonText\":\"Apply Now\",\"context\":\" in context: Banner\",\"creditNeeded\":\"Excellent\\\/Good\",\"creditNeededTooltip\":\"There are various types of credit scores. Each creditor uses a variety of different types of credit scores to make lending decisions.\",\"details\":\"\\u003Cul\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\\u00ae bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EAdmirals Club\\u00ae membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 10,000 AAdvantage\\u00ae Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003ENo Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\\u00ae miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage\\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EFirst checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EThe standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\",\"editorRating\":\"\\u003Cdiv class=\\\"ReactComponent--root\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\\\"\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-empty\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-empty\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n \\u003Cscript type=\\\"application\\\/json\\\" class=\\\"js-react-component\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E{\\\"rating\\\":80,\\\"stars\\\":5}\\u003C\\\/script\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"editorRatingTooltip\":\"Our team rates credit cards objectively based on independent research, the features the credit card offers users, and how it compares with other available cards in its category. The ratings are the opinion of our editors, and are not influenced by any outside factors, including any compensation the site may receive from certain advertisers. Learn more on how we \\u003Cspan\\u003E\\u003Ca class=\\\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\\\" rel=\\\"nofollow\\\" title=\\\"Credit Card Methodology\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.valuepenguin.com\\\/credit-card-methodology\\\"\\u003Ecalculate rewards\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E.\",\"featuredTitle\":\"Lounge access\",\"hideTitle\":true,\"imageURL\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.comparecards.com\\\/uploads\\\/images\\\/items\\\/4428.png\",\"isUnavailable\":false,\"link\":\"\\\/credit-cards\\\/redirect\\\/866?url=_travel_best-american-airlines-credit-card\",\"name\":\"Citi\\u00ae \\\/ AAdvantage\\u00ae Executive World Elite Mastercard\\u00ae\",\"signUpBonus\":\"\",\"signUpBonusTitle\":\"Sign Up Bonus\"}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWelcome offer\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-Panel\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"PanelRoot-sc-1o7qkaw efMzqR\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"Panel--content\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\u00ae bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E{\"backgroundColor\":\"ice\",\"content\":\"\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\\u00ae bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening\\n\",\"padding\":\"double\"}\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EOur thoughts on this card\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Citi\u00ae \/ AAdvantage\u00ae Executive World Elite MasterCard\u00ae: Is it Worth It?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/citi-executive-aadvantage-world-elite-mastercard\"\u003ECiti\u00ae \/ AAdvantage\u00ae Executive World Elite Mastercard\u00ae\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E is the best American Airlines credit card for the American Airlines frequent flyer who wants \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Credit Cards With Complementary Airport Lounge Access & Benefits\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/credit-cards-airport-lounge-access\"\u003Elounge access\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E and premium American Airlines AAdvantage card benefits. The card comes with a hefty $450 annual fee, but it also grants cardholders access to the Admirals Club (a $650 value). Admirals Club gives you access to airport lounges with complimentary snacks, drinks, shower suites and business centers. Luxury cards like this are meant for frequent travelers who find themselves in airports several times per month.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThough its sign-up bonus requires a high minimum spend, it's well worth it since we estimate the bonus to have a value of more than $500. Not only is that more than other American Airlines cards, but it's one of the more generous sign-up bonuses among travel cards.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EEarning AAdvantage bonus miles\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Citi\u00ae \/ AAdvantage\u00ae Executive World Elite Mastercard\u00ae only lets you Earn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases & 1 AAdvantage\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. However, part of the appeal of this card is that it fast-tracks you toward earning \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"What is American Airlines AAdvantage Status Worth?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/what-is-american-airlines-aadvantage-status-worth\"\u003Estatus with American Airlines\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E since it awards users with elite qualifying miles (EQMs), provided certain spending thresholds are met. The primary credit card member will earn 10,000 EQMs after spending $40,000 in eligible purchases during a calendar year.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--root ShortcodeToggle--article \" id=\u003E\n \u003Cbutton class=\"ShortcodeToggle--toggle\" onclick=\"this.parentNode.classList.toggle('ShortcodeToggle--open');\"\u003E\u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeToggle--label\"\u003EOther benefits\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents-wrapper\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents\"\u003E\n \u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe card also allows users to breeze through security, thanks to the \u003Cstrong\u003Eapplication fee credit that can be used for \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA Precheck\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/best-credit-cards-for-free-global-entry\"\u003EGlobal Entry\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E or TSA Precheck.\u003C\/strong\u003E Cardholders will also be able to take advantage of early boarding when flying with American Airlines since they'll get to board as Group 4. Priority check-in and airport screening applies for up to eight companions traveling in your party as well.\n\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n","padding":"double"}

Best American Airlines credit card for businesses

CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

Welcome offer

Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

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Our thoughts on this card

The CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is the best American Airlines credit card for businesses that frequently travel with the airline. That's because it awards miles for a wide variety of purchases, making it a highly versatile card for any business.

Earning AAdvantage bonus miles

Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations. 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Any purchases that fall outside of bonus categories earn you 1 mile per dollar. Another lucrative perk: You can get authorized user cards for your employees, and their purchases will earn you miles, too.

The card is ideal for businesses that can spend enough to qualify for the American Airlines companion certificate. The certificate effectively functions as a deeply discounted domestic ticket for a companion, and it's available to businesses that spend $30,000 or more in purchases each card membership year. This is a huge money-saver for people who fly with co-workers to conferences or to meet clients around the country. Provided you can meet the spending requirement, the companion certificate can be worth hundreds of dollars, easily offsetting the annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months.

Even if you don't spend enough to earn the certificate, there are other valuable benefits the card allows you to take advantage of, such as preferred boarding and free checked bags.

{"backgroundColor":"white","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003ECitiBusiness\u00ae\/ AAdvantage\u00ae Platinum Select\u00ae Mastercard\u00ae\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWelcome offer\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-Panel\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"PanelRoot-sc-1o7qkaw efMzqR\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"Panel--content\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\u00ae bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E{\"backgroundColor\":\"ice\",\"content\":\"\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage\\u00ae bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.\\n\",\"padding\":\"double\"}\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EOur thoughts on this card\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe CitiBusiness\u00ae\/ AAdvantage\u00ae Platinum Select\u00ae Mastercard\u00ae is the best American Airlines credit card for businesses that frequently travel with the airline. That's because it awards miles for a wide variety of purchases, making it a highly versatile card for any business.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EEarning AAdvantage bonus miles\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2 AAdvantage\u00ae miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations. 1 AAdvantage\u00ae mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Any purchases that fall outside of bonus categories earn you 1 mile per dollar. Another lucrative perk: You can get authorized user cards for your employees, and their purchases will earn you miles, too.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--root ShortcodeToggle--article \" id=\u003E\n \u003Cbutton class=\"ShortcodeToggle--toggle\" onclick=\"this.parentNode.classList.toggle('ShortcodeToggle--open');\"\u003E\u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeToggle--label\"\u003EOther benefits\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents-wrapper\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents\"\u003E\n \u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe card is ideal for businesses that can spend enough to qualify for the \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"The 15 Best Credit Cards with Companion Tickets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/best-credit-cards-with-companion-fare-tickets#full-list\"\u003EAmerican Airlines companion certificate\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E. The certificate effectively functions as a deeply discounted domestic ticket for a companion, and it's available to businesses that spend $30,000 or more in purchases each card membership year. This is a huge money-saver for people who fly with co-workers to conferences or to meet clients around the country. Provided you can meet the spending requirement, the companion certificate can be worth hundreds of dollars, easily offsetting the annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEven if you don't spend enough to earn the certificate, there are other valuable benefits the card allows you to take advantage of, such as preferred boarding and free checked bags.\n\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n","padding":"double"}

Best American Airlines credit card with flexible points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Flexible points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
On Chase's Secure Website
Annual Fee

$550

APR

16.99%-23.99% Variable

Credit Needed
?

Excellent

Editor's Rating
?
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through December 31, 2021, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit
  • Earn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
  • With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
  • 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 for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
+ see card details

Welcome offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Our thoughts on this card

If you’re not devoted to American Airlines and you’re looking for the card that can give you the most miles toward American Airlines flights, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be the best way to go. The card offers a 3X bonus on dining and travel (including American Airlines purchases). You can redeem those points for American Airlines flights through the Chase travel portal to get a 50% redemption bonus (making your points worth 1.5 cents apiece). The card comes with a $550 annual fee, but is laden with benefits that outweigh that fee, such as a $300 annual travel credit that applies to most travel purchases (including American Airlines flights).

Earning AAdvantage bonus miles

You earn generous points on airfare purchases with this card: 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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 Not only does this beat the earning rate for flights on the co-branded AAdvantage cards, but you earn that rate on any travel purchase, so you aren’t limited to American Airlines purchases.

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AffiliateBanner--context-credit-card-nested\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"AffiliateBanner--inner\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"AffiliateBanner--wrapper\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"AffiliateBanner--image\"\u003E\u003Ca class=\"Link--root AffiliateBanner--image-link \" href=\"\/credit-cards\/redirect\/1129?url=_travel_best-american-airlines-credit-card\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae\" class=\"Image--root lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comparecards.com\/uploads\/images\/items\/4335.jpg\"\/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"AffiliateBanner--button\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"AffiliateButtonV2--root \"\u003E\u003Ca class=\"Link--root Button--root Button--primary Button--fluid \" href=\"\/credit-cards\/redirect\/1129?url=_travel_best-american-airlines-credit-card\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Apply Now\"\u003EApply Now\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl dBUYFD ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--lock\" color=\"inherit\" name=\"lock\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer--item\"\u003EOn Chase's Secure Website \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--fields\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--fields-bottom\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003EAnnual Fee\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003E$550\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003EAPR\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003E16.99%-23.99% Variable\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003ECredit Needed\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003EExcellent\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003EEditor's Rating\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E{\"rating\":100,\"stars\":5}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-hidden\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-content\"\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards\u00ae\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through December 31, 2021, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards\u00ae\u00a0immediately 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\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGet 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWith Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAccess to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass\u2122 Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECount on Trip Cancellation\/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--toggle\"\u003E\u003Ca aria-label=\"Toggle Open\/Closed\" class=\"ToggleText--link BenefitsBox--toggle-text link small\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"ToggleText--label\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl dBUYFD ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--undefined\" color=\"inherit\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E+ see card details\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"BenefitsBox\"\u003E{\"annualFee\":\"$550\",\"apr\":\"16.99%-23.99% Variable\",\"bannerDisclaimers\":[\"On Chase's Secure Website\"],\"buttonColor\":\"primary\",\"buttonIcon\":\"lock\",\"buttonText\":\"Apply Now\",\"context\":\" in context: Banner\",\"creditNeeded\":\"Excellent\",\"creditNeededTooltip\":\"There are various types of credit scores. Each creditor uses a variety of different types of credit scores to make lending decisions.\",\"details\":\"\\u003Cul\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards\\u00ae\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003E$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through December 31, 2021, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards\\u00ae\\u00a0immediately 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\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EGet 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EWith Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003E1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EAccess to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass\\u2122 Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre\\u2713\\u00ae\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003ECount on Trip Cancellation\\\/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\",\"editorRating\":\"\\u003Cdiv class=\\\"ReactComponent--root\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\\\"\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n \\u003Cscript type=\\\"application\\\/json\\\" class=\\\"js-react-component\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E{\\\"rating\\\":100,\\\"stars\\\":5}\\u003C\\\/script\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"editorRatingTooltip\":\"Our team rates credit cards objectively based on independent research, the features the credit card offers users, and how it compares with other available cards in its category. The ratings are the opinion of our editors, and are not influenced by any outside factors, including any compensation the site may receive from certain advertisers. Learn more on how we \\u003Cspan\\u003E\\u003Ca class=\\\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\\\" rel=\\\"nofollow\\\" title=\\\"Credit Card Methodology\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.valuepenguin.com\\\/credit-card-methodology\\\"\\u003Ecalculate rewards\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E.\",\"featuredTitle\":\"Flexible points\",\"hideTitle\":false,\"imageURL\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.comparecards.com\\\/uploads\\\/images\\\/items\\\/4335.jpg\",\"isUnavailable\":false,\"link\":\"\\\/credit-cards\\\/redirect\\\/1129?url=_travel_best-american-airlines-credit-card\",\"name\":\"Chase Sapphire Reserve\\u00ae\",\"signUpBonus\":\"\",\"signUpBonusTitle\":\"Sign Up Bonus\"}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWelcome offer\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-Panel\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"PanelRoot-sc-1o7qkaw efMzqR\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"Panel--content\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E{\"backgroundColor\":\"ice\",\"content\":\"\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.\\n\",\"padding\":\"double\"}\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EOur thoughts on this card\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re not devoted to American Airlines and you\u2019re looking for the card that can give you the most miles toward American Airlines flights, the \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae: Is It Worth Applying For?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/chase-sapphire-reserve-credit-card\"\u003EChase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E may be the best way to go. The card offers a 3X bonus on dining and travel (including American Airlines purchases). You can redeem those points for American Airlines flights through the Chase travel portal to get a 50% redemption bonus (making your points worth 1.5 cents apiece). The card comes with a $550 annual fee, but is laden with benefits that outweigh that fee, such as a \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"How does the Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae travel credit work?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/chase-sapphire-reserve-travel-credit\"\u003E$300 annual travel credit\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E that applies to most travel purchases\u003C\/strong\u003E (including American Airlines flights).\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EEarning AAdvantage bonus miles\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EYou earn generous points on airfare purchases with this card: \u003Cstrong\u003E5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards\u00ae 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\u003C\/strong\u003E Not only does this beat the earning rate for flights on the co-branded AAdvantage cards, but you earn that rate on any travel purchase, so you aren\u2019t limited to American Airlines purchases.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--root ShortcodeToggle--article \" id=\u003E\n \u003Cbutton class=\"ShortcodeToggle--toggle\" onclick=\"this.parentNode.classList.toggle('ShortcodeToggle--open');\"\u003E\u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeToggle--label\"\u003EOther benefits\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents-wrapper\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents\"\u003E\n \u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content ShortcodeList--content-margin\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n $300 travel credit that applies to most travel purchases (including American Airlines airfare)\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"How to Get Free or Discounted Priority Pass with a Credit Card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/how-to-get-priority-pass-for-free\"\u003EPriority Pass\u2122 Select\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E membership, which gives you access to more than 1,300 airlines\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Up to $100 credit toward Global Entry\/TSA Precheck\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Credit Cards With Primary Rental Car Insurance\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/credit-cards-primary-rental-car-insurance\"\u003EPrimary car rental insurance\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Credit Card Travel Insurance for Chase, Amex and Capital One\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/credit-card-travel-insurance-who-and-whats-covered\"\u003ETrip cancellation\/interruption insurance\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n No foreign transaction fees\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Transfer your miles to \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Chase Ultimate Reward Transfer Partners: Where Can You Move Your Points?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/chase-ultimate-rewards-transfer-partners\"\u003E10+ travel loyalty programs\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E (not including American Airlines)\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n","padding":"double"}

Runner-up: American Airlines credit card with flexible points

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Flexible points
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
On Capital One's Secure Website
Annual Fee

$95

APR

15.99% - 23.99% (Variable)

Credit Needed
?

Excellent/Good

Editor's Rating
?
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • No foreign transaction fees
+ see card details

Welcome offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel

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Our thoughts on this card

On the other hand, if you want to avoid a high annual fee and you want a simple card that earns the same rewards on every purchase, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another great way to go. It offers a generous sign-up bonus and rewards that can be easily redeemed for any travel purchase (including American Airlines flights). As a bonus, you get up to a $100 credit toward Global Entry/TSA Precheck, which easily covers your annual fee for the first year.

Earning AAdvantage bonus miles

You earn the same flat rate on every purchase with this card: 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. This means you earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases — the same rate as the co-branded AAdvantage cards. And, you can use these miles for travel on any airline.

  • Up to $100 credit toward Global Entry/TSA Precheck
  • $0 foreign transaction fees
  • Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs (not including American Airlines)
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23.99% (Variable)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003ECredit Needed\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003EExcellent\/Good\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-label\"\u003EEditor's Rating\u003Cdiv class=\"DynamicTooltip--root\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"DynamicTooltip--label\"\u003E?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--field-content-value\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-fill\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-half\" color=\"yellow\" name=\"star-half\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"StarRating\"\u003E{\"rating\":90,\"stars\":5}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-hidden\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--details-content\"\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMiles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReceive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck\u00ae\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEarn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase\u2014or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETransfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENo foreign transaction fees\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"BenefitsBox--toggle\"\u003E\u003Ca aria-label=\"Toggle Open\/Closed\" class=\"ToggleText--link BenefitsBox--toggle-text link small\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"ToggleText--label\"\u003E\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl dBUYFD ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--undefined\" color=\"inherit\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E+ see card details\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cscript type=\"application\/json\" class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"BenefitsBox\"\u003E{\"annualFee\":\"$95\",\"apr\":\"15.99% - 23.99% (Variable)\",\"bannerDisclaimers\":[\"On Capital One's Secure Website\"],\"buttonColor\":\"primary\",\"buttonIcon\":\"lock\",\"buttonText\":\"Apply Now\",\"context\":\" in context: Banner\",\"creditNeeded\":\"Excellent\\\/Good\",\"creditNeededTooltip\":\"There are various types of credit scores. Each creditor uses a variety of different types of credit scores to make lending decisions.\",\"details\":\"\\u003Cul\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEnjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EMiles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EReceive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck\\u00ae\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EEarn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003EUse your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase\\u2014or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003ETransfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003Cli\\u003ENo foreign transaction fees\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\",\"editorRating\":\"\\u003Cdiv class=\\\"ReactComponent--root\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-StarRating\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E\\n \\u003Cdiv class=\\\"StyledStarRating-sc-c10iah jKtZiW\\\"\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-fill\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-fill\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003Cspan aria-hidden=\\\"true\\\" class=\\\"StyledIcon-sc-e7wugl djpcxy ValuePenguinIcon--root ValuePenguinIcon--star-half\\\" color=\\\"yellow\\\" name=\\\"star-half\\\"\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n \\u003Cscript type=\\\"application\\\/json\\\" class=\\\"js-react-component\\\" data-component-name=\\\"StarRating\\\"\\u003E{\\\"rating\\\":90,\\\"stars\\\":5}\\u003C\\\/script\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"editorRatingTooltip\":\"Our team rates credit cards objectively based on independent research, the features the credit card offers users, and how it compares with other available cards in its category. The ratings are the opinion of our editors, and are not influenced by any outside factors, including any compensation the site may receive from certain advertisers. Learn more on how we \\u003Cspan\\u003E\\u003Ca class=\\\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\\\" rel=\\\"nofollow\\\" title=\\\"Credit Card Methodology\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.valuepenguin.com\\\/credit-card-methodology\\\"\\u003Ecalculate rewards\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/span\\u003E.\",\"featuredTitle\":\"Flexible points\",\"hideTitle\":true,\"imageURL\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.comparecards.com\\\/uploads\\\/images\\\/items\\\/4686.jpg\",\"isUnavailable\":false,\"link\":\"\\\/credit-cards\\\/redirect\\\/88?url=_travel_best-american-airlines-credit-card\",\"name\":\"Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card\",\"signUpBonus\":\"\",\"signUpBonusTitle\":\"Sign Up Bonus\"}\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWelcome offer\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ReactComponent--root\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component-rendered js-react-component-Panel\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"PanelRoot-sc-1o7qkaw efMzqR\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"Panel--content\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EEnjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"js-react-component\" data-component-name=\"Panel\"\u003E{\"backgroundColor\":\"ice\",\"content\":\"\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel\\n\",\"padding\":\"double\"}\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EOur thoughts on this card\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOn the other hand, if you want to avoid a high annual fee and you want a simple card that earns the same rewards on every purchase, the \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Capital One\u00ae Venture\u00ae Rewards Credit Card Review\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card\"\u003ECapital One Venture Rewards Credit Card\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E is another great way to go. It offers a generous sign-up bonus and rewards that can be easily redeemed for any travel purchase (including American Airlines flights). As a bonus, you get up to a $100 credit toward Global Entry\/TSA Precheck, which easily covers your annual fee for the first year.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EEarning AAdvantage bonus miles\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EYou earn the same flat rate on every purchase with this card: \u003Cstrong\u003E2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day\u003C\/strong\u003E. This means you earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases \u2014 the same rate as the co-branded AAdvantage cards. And, you can use these miles for travel on any airline.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--root ShortcodeToggle--article \" id=\u003E\n \u003Cbutton class=\"ShortcodeToggle--toggle\" onclick=\"this.parentNode.classList.toggle('ShortcodeToggle--open');\"\u003E\u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeToggle--label\"\u003EOther benefits\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents-wrapper\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeToggle--contents\"\u003E\n \u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content ShortcodeList--content-margin\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Up to $100 credit toward Global Entry\/TSA Precheck\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n $0 foreign transaction fees\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Transfer your miles to \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"Capital One Transfer Partners: What You Need to Know\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/news\/capital-one-transfer-partners\"\u003E15+ travel loyalty programs\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E (not including American Airlines)\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n","padding":"double"}

Runner-up: Best American Airlines credit card for most people

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Welcome offer

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.

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Our thoughts on this card

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is a solid AAdvantage card for American Airlines customers. However, for everything it does well, you can find another American Airlines card that performs better. Still, it can be a solid card for someone who would rather conduct business with Barclaycard as opposed to Citi.

The card comes with one of the easiest sign-up bonuses to qualify for. Just make any purchase and pay the card's fee, and you'll earn bonus miles worth enough to cover a free flight or two.

Earning AAdvantage bonus miles

In terms of ongoing rewards, the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is out-earned by the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, which provides more categories to earn bonus miles. Cardholders Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cardholders will receive a companion certificate each year good for a guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees). You must spend $20,000 on purchases and your account must remain open for 45 days after your anniversary date to earn the certificate. This is less than the $30,000 spending requirement for the companion certificate on the CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, so that’s one for the win column.

You’ll also get up to $25 back as statement credits on in-flight Wi-Fi purchases every anniversary year on American Airlines flights.

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Compare American Airlines credit cards

Card
Welcome bonus
Earning rate
Annual fee
unavailable credit card
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account openingEarn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.$99, waived for first 12 monthsRead Review
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ CardEarn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account openingEarn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.$0
Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account openingEarn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases & 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases$450
Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website
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Is the American Airlines in-flight credit card offer worth it?

You may have received a pitch for an AAdvantage credit card at the airport counter or during your flight. (The Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, in particular, is often promoted in-flight). Sometimes these offers come with a larger sign-up bonus than the one offered through the issuer’s website, so it can be a good opportunity to sign up for the card. As always, you should be informed before you turn in that credit card application.

Consider the following:

  • Is the in-flight offer at least on par with the public offer?
  • Is the card the best fit for you?
  • If you’re hoping to snag the sign-up bonus — do you actually qualify for the bonus? (Read the fine print.)
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American Airlines credit card benefits explained

If you frequently fly on American Airlines, choosing an American Airlines credit card can definitely be worth it. Think of benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and cashback on in-flight purchases. These perks alone can make your travel experience much more convenient and will end up saving you tons of money long term. — Sophia Mendel, ValuePenguin's travel expert

If you are an American Airlines loyal flyer, then it’s probably a good idea to consider one of its co-branded cards to help you earn miles and score perks. Here are a few of the key American Airlines AAdvantage card benefits to consider.

Lounge access

As noted above, a free membership into the Admirals Club is worth up to $650, as it gets you access into American Airlines Admirals Club locations around the world. This benefit is only available with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

American Airlines priority boarding

Enjoying a little VIP treatment and convenience can be something valuable if you’re a frequent flyer. Being a cardholder will unlock access to this perk, with the more elite cards putting you closer to the front of the line.

First checked bag free

This benefit can save you a lot of money if you’re a bag-checker who flies frequently. Since the airline charges $30 domestic for the first checked bag and the card allows you to waive this fee for yourself and up to four travel companions, every time you use the perk you’re saving $150. Note that this benefit is not offered on the $0-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card.

Global Entry/TSA Precheck application fee credit

Those who do a lot of air travel know that getting Global Entry or TSA Precheck can save a lot of time and help you speed through the check-in process. And if you can get it for free, as you can with this card, then it’s even better. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers this credit once every five years (up to $100).

American Airlines companion certificate

Saving money when traveling with a guest is another common benefit of airline credit cards. The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® provides a yearly certificate as long as you meet certain spending requirements.

How to choose an American Airlines card

To find the best American Airlines card for you, you should search for a card that offers rewards and benefits that align with your spending patterns and travel goals. Here are some key questions you should ask yourself:

Which benefits are you likely to use?

One of the main reasons to get a co-branded AAdvantage card is for the airline perks. The more often you fly with American Airlines, the more you can use those benefits and the more valuable the card will be. On the other hand, if you rarely fly with the American Airlines, or you are unlikely to use the airline perks, a general travel card is probably the better way to go. Here are the key benefits to consider:

  • First checked bag free — This can save you hundreds of dollars each year if you fly American frequently.
  • Preferred/Priority boarding — If you care about being front of the line on your flights, Preferred and Priority boarding can be another good reason to own an AAdvantage card.
  • Lounge access — Admirals Club membership (which comes with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®) can make your wait for your next flight much more pleasant, but the benefit only makes sense if you often travel through airports with Admirals Clubs.
  • Fast track to elite status — The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® gives you 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) each year you spend $40,000 on the card. However, you need to earn 15,000 EQMs just to earn Gold status, so you’ll need to fly with American to make up the 5,000-mile difference (and continue flying with American to take advantage of the benefits).

Which earning categories match your spending patterns?

If you’re trying to use your credit card spend to rack up AAdvantage miles, you should select a card that offers bonuses where you tend to spend most heavily. Also, if you rarely purchase airfare with American Airlines, you might consider a card with a bonus on general travel purchases, rather than just American Airlines.

AAdvantage card bonus categories

AA airfare
Restaurants
Gas
Groceries
General travel
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Which card has the most valuable sign-up bonus?

You should take a close look at each card’s sign-up bonus, since this can be a quick way to earn an award flight on American Airlines. Some things to consider when evaluating the bonus:

  • How do the value of the miles compare to other card’s bonuses? (Consider the value of their points/miles when redeemed for AAdvantage airfare.)
  • Can you meet the spending threshold?
  • Do you meet the eligibility requirements? (Read the offer terms carefully. You may not qualify if you have owned other AAdvantage cards.)
  • How does the value of the bonus compare to the annual fee? (You might go for a lower annual fee card if you’re strictly interested in earning miles.)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is currently lets you Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel. This is one of the more valuable offers of the cards on this page, worth $600 in American Airlines airfare.

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Is the annual fee worth it?

If you’re likely to use the card’s benefits, then, yes, the annual fee is often well worth it, especially if you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines. The free checked luggage perk on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, for example, will quickly make up for the annual fee.

Do the redemption options match your travel goals?

If you’re focused on earning a flight award, you should consider how you want to redeem the rewards that you earn with the card. Think about where you plan to travel and whether you want to use American Airlines to get there (or whether you need more flexibility in how you redeem your rewards). You might realize a general travel card is a better fit for your plans (and a better value).

Who should get an American Airlines credit card?

If you’re considering a co-branded American Airlines card with an annual fee, you should consider whether you fly American Airlines enough to take advantage of the card’s benefits. If you’re an infrequent flyer, or prefer to fly on many different airlines, you should look at a general travel rewards card instead.

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Below we show an example of how to do a value comparison between the rewards on two cards, using sample spending amounts.

First-year value comparison

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earning rateEarn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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
Points/miles earned ($2,000 American Airlines flights, $2,000 dining, $2,000 gas, $12,000 other purchases)24,00025,400 (note, first $300 in AA purchases only earns 1X point per $1)
Sign-up bonusEarn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account openingEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Total points earned in first year74,00085,400
Redemption optionsAmerican Airlines airfareChase Ultimate Rewards travel for 50% more value, cash back for 1 cent per point, transfer to 13 travel partners
Target redemption optionAmerican Airlines airfare (assuming an average value of 1 cent per mile on the fare)American Airlines airfare (worth 1.5 cents/point with the 50% redemption bonus)
Value of rewards$740$1,281
Annual fee$99, waived for first 12 months$250 (with $300 travel credit subtracted)
Savings on checked luggage (10 flights)$300N/A
First year value$1,040$1,031
Other benefits
  • 0% foreign transaction fees
  • First checked bag free (for up to four travel companions)
  • Preferred boarding
  • 25% in-flight savings
  • Earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 on your card in a year and renew your card
  • $0 foreign transaction fees
  • Primary car rental insurance
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Free DashPass subscription for one year
  • Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 ratio
  • 50% redemption bonus on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back
Read Review
Apply Now
On Chase's Secure Website

How much are American Airlines points worth?

By our estimates, American Airlines miles value hovers around 1 cent per mile. However, the value of miles varies depending on how you use them. You can get much higher values than this with MileSAAver Off Peak awards (when you can find them) while AAnytime awards may offer a lower value than this (because they trade value for flexibility). Also, though you can redeem AAdvantage miles for merchandise and gift cards, you’ll find that you generally get less than 1 cent per mile on these redemptions.

To calculate the value of AAdvantage miles, use this simple equation:

Cash price (minus taxes and fees) / Number of miles needed for flight = Miles value for that specific flight

How many AA miles do you need for a free flight?

The number of AAdvantage miles required for an award flight varies widely, depending on the type of fare, origin, destination — and whether you’re able to find a deal. For example, we’ve found Web Special Awards for as little 5,000 miles each way recently. On the other hand, international flights in first-class can cost hundreds of thousands of miles. Here are some sample fares for different fare types on American Airlines (see the American Airlines miles chart for a full list of awards).

Fare type
Synopsis
MileSAAver Off PeakDiscounted awards during defined off-peak times of the year. 22,500 miles between U.S.-Europe
MileSAAverThe traditional saver award rate. 30,000 miles between U.S.-Europe
AAnytime Level 1The first level of "AAnytime" awards. 47,500 miles between U.S.-Europe
AAnytime Level 2The highest published level of AAnytime awards. 65,000 miles between U.S.-Europe

How to maximize American Airlines cards

  • Use your card for gas, grocery and American Airlines purchases. You should check the earning rate on the card, but some AAdvantage cards earn 2X miles on these purchases — a great way to stack up AAdvantage miles on major expenses.
  • Use your card when you fly domestically on American Airlines to save on luggage (if it’s an annual fee card). Since the annual fee AAdvantage cards offers free checked luggage for up to four people on your itinerary, this can save you $100 or more each way. (This is a key benefit of the cards!) Note, the benefit doesn’t apply to international flights, so you might use another card when traveling overseas.
  • Link your card to the AAdvantage dining program to earn bonus miles at some restaurants. You can earn an additional 2x miles on your purchases.
  • Use your card for all in-flight purchases on American Airlines. If you opt to purchase an in-flight cocktail, be sure to reach for your co-branded AAdvantage card — you’ll score a huge 25% savings.
  • Add the American Airlines shopping button to your web browser. You’ll earn extra AAdvantage miles on top of your card rewards for online purchases at participating merchants through American Airlines’ shopping portal.

American Airlines credit cards FAQs

Who should get an American Airlines credit card?

Anyone who flies regularly and prefers American Airlines can benefit from one of its card programs. Whether you want to earn miles toward free flights or enjoy luxury perks, there is a card for all travel and spending styles.

How much are AAdvantage miles worth?

We estimate AAdvantage miles are worth around 1 cent each, although they can be worth a lot more depending on the fare. AAdvantage cardholders, in particular, are eligible for reduced mileage awards. Depending on your card, you can shave up to 7,500 miles off a qualifying fare, significantly boosting the value of your miles.

Can you have more than one American Airlines credit card?

Yes, you can. The real question is if it’s worth it to carry two cards for the same airline. Since some have overlapping benefits and you won’t be able to earn a second sign-up bonus (unless you wait more than 48 months), chances are if you’re looking for a second card, you will be better served getting one that rewards you for non-airline spending.

Will the American Airlines credit cards keep American miles from expiring?

As long as you earn or redeem miles on American or with an AAdvantage partner at least once every 18 months, your miles will not expire.

What is the best American Airlines credit card?

As you can see above, our choice for overall best American Airlines card for most people is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. Of course, each card is geared to meet the needs of different spending and travel styles, which is why you should explore each one to find the one right for you.

What credit score is needed for an American Airlines card?

Citi generally requires Excellent/Good credit to qualify for one of its Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. Barclays requires Good/Excellent credit to qualify for the American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®.

How many miles do I need for a free flight from American Airlines?

American Airlines has a flight award chart that breaks down how many miles you’ll need for different types of flights. Free flights start as low as 7,500 miles.

Is the American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® worth it?

The American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® can be well worth it for someone who flies American Airlines often, thanks to airline benefits like free checked luggage and a companion pass each year you spend $20,000. It’s an especially good deal in the first year, thanks to its valuable sign-up bonus that you can earn just by making a purchase.

How do I earn AAdvantage miles?

There’s a plethora of ways to earn AAdvantage miles, including purchasing American Airlines airfare and spending on an AAdvantage co-branded card. See our guide to earning AAdvantage miles for tips to stacking up miles.

What is the best way to earn airline miles?

Spending on a co-branded AAdvantage card is probably the fastest way to earn AAdvantage miles, especially if you can earn a sign-up bonus. Purchasing airfare with American Airlines also scores a lot of miles.

How many AA miles do you earn per flight?

The number of American Airlines miles you earn per flight depends on the cost of the flight and your level of status in the AAdvantage program. AAdvantage members earn between 5-11 miles per $1 spent on AAdvantage airfare.

Do American Airlines points expire?

Yes — AAdvantage miles expire in 18 months if you have no earning or redeeming activity on your account. This is a good reason to own an AAdvantage credit card. You can keep your miles from expiring just by spending on your credit card.

Can I use my American Airline points for someone else?

Yes — you can use your AAdvantage miles to purchase airfare for another person.

The information related to AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, and CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.

These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Advertiser Disclosure: The products that appear on this site may be from companies from which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). ValuePenguin does not include all financial institutions or all products offered available in the marketplace.

How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.

Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).