The Best Credit Cards for American Airlines Flyers [Lounges, Upgrades, Priority Boarding & More]

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: January 18, 2021

1. Credit Cards  / 
2. Strategies & Guides

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The American Airline’s AAdvantage® frequent flyer program was established in 1981, making it one of the world’s oldest frequent flyer programs. It’s also the world’s largest.

The AAdvantage brand, with its history and strong presence in the loyalty arena, is also prominent in the collection of nearly a dozen AAdvantage co-branded credit cards.

With offerings that include flight benefits, lounge access, companion tickets, a faster path to elite status, and the ability to earn miles for free flights, there’s an AAdvantage credit card for every American Airlines flyer.

But how do you sort through nearly a dozen cards and find a fit? And are there other travel rewards credit cards worth considering even if you’re an American Airlines loyalist?

Here’s all the information you need on the benefits of the top AAdvantage credit cards, issued by both Citi and Barclays, and a few alternative credit cards.

In the end, you’ll have the information you need to select a credit card that delivers the best bottom-line value for you.

Best Credit Cards for American Airline Flight Benefits

American Airlines AAdvantage credit cards come with valuable flight benefits that can add comfort, convenience, or cost savings. Boarding early, free checked bags, and statement credits for your in-flight purchases are some examples of perks that add comfort and value.

Let’s take a look at the flight benefits you can expect from each of the best AAdvantage branded credit cards.

In addition to the stated benefits above, the Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard card receives a $25 per anniversary year statement credit for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases.

Best Credit Cards for Earning on American Airlines and Everyday Purchases

American Airline Purchases

If you spend a lot on American Airlines,  you’ll want to be sure to have an AAdvantage credit card that earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent. The following AAdvantage credit cards deliver this level of earnings.

In addition, the Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator®  Business World Elite Mastercard earns a 5% mileage bonus each anniversary year based on miles earned on the card.

Earning on Everyday Purchases

Earning AAdvantage miles on American Airlines purchases is great, but miles can add up faster if you can earn multiple miles per dollar spent on other purchases. Here’s how the bonus earnings break down by credit card.

Bottom Line: To maximize earnings, select an AAdvantage branded credit card that earns at least 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases and has bonus earning categories that match up with your spending profile. 

Best Credit Cards for AAdvantage Elite Status and Seat Upgrades

Here’s what it takes to annually qualify for American Airlines AAdvantage elite status, how AAdvantage credit cards can help you qualify, and how the upgrade process works.

What it Takes to Qualify for American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status

Having elite status with the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer program allows you to earn upgrade certificates and, at the Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum levels, receive complimentary upgrades (and even more rewards to chose from in 2021, like Admirals Club day passes, bonus miles, and merchandise).

American Airlines has reduced qualification thresholds for 2021 by 20% to 33% from the pre-pandemic requirements:

How AAdvantage Credit Cards Help You Qualify for Status

There are 2 American Airlines credit cards that can help you achieve elite status faster.

The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard comes with additional benefits such as Admiral’s Club access for the primary cardholder, guests, and all authorized users, priority boarding and a free checked bag.

The Barclays Aviator Silver card is not available for new applications; however, those who first have a Barclays Aviator Red card can product switch to the Silver card version.

AAdvantage Upgrades

Having an American Airlines credit card alone will not help you get an upgraded seat. Elite status in the AAdvantage frequent flyer program is the key factor in whether you’ll receive an upgrade.

For example, Gold and Platinum level elites earn 4 500-mile upgrade certificates for every 12,500 miles they fly. These upgrade certificates can be used to upgrade on domestic and qualifying regional flights.

Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elite members receive complimentary domestic and regional upgrades.

Both Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members have access to even more rewards to chose from in 2021, like systemwide upgrades, Admirals Club day passes, bonus miles, and merchandise.

We’ve also written an extensive guide on how to get upgraded on American Airlines.

Bottom Line: Having an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card can help you achieve elite status faster by allowing you to earn Elite Qualifying Miles and/or Elite Qualifying Dollars. Having elite status can then help you qualify for upgraded seating. 

Best Credit Cards for Admiral’s Club Lounge Access

The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the only AAdvantage-branded credit card that comes with complimentary Admiral’s Club access (not to mention a bunch of other perks).

Since an Admiral’s Club lounge membership can cost $650 annually, securing the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard as an avid American Airlines traveler makes good economic sense.

The cardholder is allowed to bring 2 additional guests or the cardholder’s immediate family. For example, if a cardholder is traveling with a spouse and their 2 teenagers, a total of 4 people, all would be allowed entrance.

Also, authorized users on the card receive the same Admiral’s Club access even when not traveling with the primary cardholder. There is no cost to add up to 10 additional authorized users.

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has an annual fee of $450.

Bottom Line: With complimentary Admiral’s Club access for the primary cardholder, 2 guests or immediate family, and up to 10 additional authorized users, the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holds tremendous value for frequent American Airlines travelers who value lounge access. 

The Best AAdvantage Credit Cards for Companion Tickets

One of the best benefits of having an AAdvantage branded credit card is the $99 companion pass ticket. Each card anniversary year, after spending $20,000 on your card, you can secure a companion ticket for just $99 plus taxes and fees when purchasing a paid ticket. Currently, those fees are estimated to be between $21.60 to $43.20, according to Barclays.

The ticket is valid for travel between all 48 contiguous states. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii can use the ticket for flights originating in their home state round trip to the 48 contiguous states.

The AAdvantage Aviator Red card and AAdvantage Aviator Silver card each come with the companion ticket benefit after spending $20,000 each card anniversary year. The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard offers the companion ticket benefit after spending $30,000 each card anniversary year.

Your card must remain active for 45 days after your card anniversary renewal to receive the companion ticket.

Bottom Line: The $99 companion ticket benefit, offered on 3 AAdvantage branded credit cards, could save you hundreds of dollars each year. 

AAdvantage Credit Cards – Additional Benefits

Barclays issued AAdvantage branded credit cards come with additional valuable travel and purchase benefits:

• Car rental collision damage waiver – Provides coverage for damage from collision and for theft of your rental car
• No foreign transaction fees – Carry your card while traveling as there are no foreign transaction fees
• Baggage Delay – Up to $100 per traveler for delay of 6 hours or more
• Trip delay – Up to $500 per traveler for trip delays of 12 hours or more
• Trip cancellation/interruption – Receive up to $5,000 for trips canceled or interrupted for covered reasons
• Lost luggage – $3,000 per traveler ($2,000 for New York residents), up to a maximum of $10,000 per trip
• Travel, Emergency, and Roadside Assistance – 24/7 emergency services when things go wrong, the cardholder is responsible for the actual cost of services provided
• Purchase Protection – 90 to 120 days of protection for covered items from purchase date for damage and theft
• Extended Warranty – the manufacturer’s warranty will be extended on covered purchases by up to 24 months

This list is just an overview of additional benefits that may come with your AAdvantage branded credit card.  It is not all-inclusive and does not include all applicable terms and conditions. You can access the AAdvantage protection guide for more information here and review a list of World Mastercard benefits here.

Best Rewards Programs for Transferring to American AAdvantage

American Airlines flyers who want to purchase award travel on American can redeem their AAdvantage miles directly for airline tickets. Another option is to transfer points/miles from other programs to your AAdvantage frequent flyer account in order to purchase award tickets.

Transfer Hotel Loyalty Points to American AAdvantage

Transfer ratios when transferring hotel points to AAdvantage miles can be less than stellar; however, topping off your AAdvantage account by transferring hotel points to reach a specific award ticket redemption level can be a useful option.

Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to the American AAdvantage program can result in a bonus if you transfer 60,000 miles or more. Earning lots of Marriott Bonvoy points is easy with these recommended credit cards:

Hot Tip: When transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to American, you’ll receive a 5,000-mile bonus when transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points. For example, transferring 60,000 points will result in 25,000 AAdvantage miles versus 20,000 miles. 

Other Options for Booking American Airlines Flights with Points and Miles

While American Airlines has no additional direct transfer partners, you can transfer points from some of the most popular rewards programs to airlines that allow you to book flights on American.

Here are some of the best options for American Airlines award flights.

For more ideas on redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards and Membership Rewards Points, check out these in-depth articles.

Hot Tip: Chase Ultimate Rewards Points can be redeemed directly for American Airlines flights through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. If you use a premium Chase credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, you will receive an increased redemption value of 1.5 cents per point.

Summary: Best Overall Personal AAdvantage Credit Cards for American Airlines Flyers

In this article, there was a lot of information pertaining to AAdvantage credit cards. It might be helpful to highlight the best overall credit cards for American flyers and summarize the features and benefits.

Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

• Admiral’s Club lounge access for cardholder, 2 guests, immediate family, authorized users
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines
• Earn EQM toward AAdvantage elite status
• Free checked bag for cardholder and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation
• Priority boarding, priority check-in, and priority TSA screening lines for cardholder and up to 8 companions
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• 25% statement credit for in-flight food and beverage purchases

AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard

• Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines
• Earn 2 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals
• Earn EQM and EQD toward AAdvantage elite status
• Free checked bag and preferred boarding for cardholder and up to 8 companions
• Earn miles faster with Flight Cents™
• $50 statement credit each anniversary year for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases
• $25 per day statement credit for in-flight food and beverage
• Companion ticket for $99 after spending $20,000 in a calendar year
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

Summary: Best Overall Business Advantage Credit Card for American Airlines Flyers

CitiBusiness®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases, telecommunications, satellite and cable providers, car rentals, and gas stations
• Preferred boarding and free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions
• 25% statement credit for inflight Wi-Fi purchases
• Companion ticket for $99 after spending $30,000 in a calendar year

Barclays Aviator Business Mastercard

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on American Airline purchases, telecom, office supply stores, and car rentals
• 5% mileage bonus after renewal each anniversary year
• Preferred boarding and free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions
• 25% statement credit for in-flight food, beverage purchases
• Companion ticket for $99 after spending $30,000 in a calendar year

Bottom Line: While initial welcome bonuses vary, you can count on thousands of American AAdvantage miles after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first 3-4 months (depending on the card) after you’re approved for any of the mentioned AAdvantage credit cards. 

Summary: Best Alternative Credit Cards for American Airline Flyers

The best overall credit card for the American Airlines flyer may not be an AAdvantage branded credit card. Premium travel rewards credit cards can offer broader lounge access opportunities, greater rewards on travel purchases, and premium travel benefits.

Here are 2 premium travel rewards credit cards to consider:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Amex Card

Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 60,000 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 6 months. Earn 10x points on eligible purchases, in your first 6 months, on your new Card at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases). UP's Bonus Valuation: $1,650* Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Starting January 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year Access 1,300+ airport lounges across 140 countries, including the amazing Centurion lounges. (This is our favorite lounge access card.) Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually. Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit Annual Fee: $550 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on its benefits & perks, travel insurance coverage, and unbeatable airport lounge access. Take a look here for our full review. If you're a business owner, see our review of The Business Platinum Card from American Express. *This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP and not the card issuer.

Why this card is great for American Airlines Flyers:

• You’ll earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar spent on American Airlines flights purchased from American or from Amex Travel
• The primary cardholder and 2 guests receive complimentary access to all lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection. This includes over 1,300 lounge properties worldwide, including the prestigious Centurion Lounge Network
• A $200 airline incidental fee credit each year which can be used on American Airlines

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Chase Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Apply Now (at Chase's secure site)

Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. UP's Bonus Valuation: $1,000* $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. From 6/1/20 through 6/30/21, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants. Annual Fee: $550 annual fee Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review. *This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP and not the card issuer.

Why this card is great for American Airlines Flyers:

• The card earns 3 Ultimate Rewards Points per dollar spent on travel which includes American Airline flights
• The cardholder and 2 guests receive complimentary access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select after enrollment
• Chase Ultimate Rewards can be used to book American Airlines flights directly through the Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal
• Elevated redemption level of 1.5 cents per point when booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal.
• The $300 annual travel credit which can be used for American Airlines flights

Bottom Line: It’s wise to consider alternative premium travel rewards credit cards if you frequently fly on other airlines in addition to American Airlines. Premium travel rewards cards can provide greater earnings, more flexibility at redemption time, and broader travel benefits. 

Final Thoughts

If you travel frequently on American Airlines and general flight benefits, earning AAdvantage miles, and discounted in-flight purchases are important to you, you’ll do well with an AAdvantage branded credit card.

If you’re currently paying for an Admiral’s Club membership, it would be a sound economic decision to secure the AAdvantage Executive Platinum World Elite Mastercard that comes with complimentary access for you and your traveling companions.

If you travel frequently on a lot of different airlines, enjoy premium travel perks, and would find value in having access to a larger worldwide network of lounges, you might find a better fit with a premium rewards credit card.

As always, you’ll want to align your travel preferences, spending habits, and tolerance for paying an annual fee, to the credit card that brings you the most bottom-line value.

The information regarding Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite™ Mastercard®, Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator Red World Elite™ Mastercard, and Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator Business World Elite Mastercard was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.