Which American Airline Credit Card Is Best?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

With so many American airline credit cards available, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. However, the right airline credit card can come with a range of benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and rewards points. So, which American airline credit card is the best? In this article, we’ll compare some of the top options and help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just starting to explore the world of airline credit cards, this guide will provide you with the information you need to choose the right card for your needs.

Which American Airline Credit Card is Best?

Which American Airline Credit Card is Best?

If you’re a frequent flyer, getting an American airline credit card can be a great way to earn rewards and benefits. With so many options available, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve reviewed some of the most popular American airline credit cards and compared their features and benefits.

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card

The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. With this card, you can earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, as well as on groceries. You can also earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on other purchases.

One of the biggest benefits of the AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card is the ability to earn a 10,000-mile bonus after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. You’ll also get a 25% discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card.

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Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and groceries
  • 10,000-mile bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months

Cons:

  • No lounge access
  • No free checked bags
  • Higher APR compared to other cards

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

If you’re a frequent American Airlines traveler who wants more perks, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® might be a better option. With this card, you can earn 2 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, as well as on restaurants and gas stations. You can also earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on other purchases.

In addition to the miles you can earn, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® comes with several travel benefits, including a free checked bag for you and up to 4 companions, priority boarding, and access to the American Airlines Admirals Club® lounges for you and up to 2 guests.

Pros:

  • 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas stations
  • Free checked bag for you and up to 4 companions
  • Priority boarding and access to Admirals Club® lounges

Cons:

  • $99 annual fee after the first year
  • Higher APR compared to other cards
  • No bonus categories beyond American Airlines, restaurants, and gas stations

American Express® Gold Card

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers more flexibility, the American Express® Gold Card might be a good option. While it’s not an American airline credit card, it allows you to transfer Membership Rewards® points to several airline partners, including American Airlines.

With the American Express® Gold Card, you can earn 4 Membership Rewards® points for every dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and on up to $25,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar). You can also earn 3 Membership Rewards® points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases.

Pros:

  • Flexible rewards program with transfer options to several airlines, including American Airlines
  • 4x points on U.S. restaurants and up to $25,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets
  • 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com

Cons:

  • $250 annual fee
  • No free checked bags or priority boarding
  • Higher APR compared to other cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Another flexible rewards card to consider is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. With this card, you can earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases. You can also transfer your points to several airline partners, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and British Airways.

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In addition to the rewards you can earn, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with several travel benefits, including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Pros:

  • Flexible rewards program with transfer options to several airlines, including United Airlines
  • 2x points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide
  • Travel benefits, including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Cons:

  • $95 annual fee
  • No free checked bags or priority boarding
  • Higher APR compared to other cards

Conclusion

Choosing the best American airline credit card depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler who wants to earn rewards without paying an annual fee, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card might be a good option. If you’re a frequent American Airlines traveler who wants more perks, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® is worth considering. For more flexibility, the American Express® Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are great options with transferable rewards programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when choosing an American Airline credit card?

When choosing an American Airline credit card, you should consider the sign-up bonus, the earning potential, the annual fee, and any additional perks or benefits. Sign-up bonuses can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles or more, and can be a significant factor in your decision. The earning potential is also important, as some cards offer higher rewards for American Airline purchases, while others offer more flexible earning options. Be sure to factor in the annual fee, as some cards can be quite expensive, but may offer more benefits to justify the cost.

What are some of the best American Airline credit cards available?

Some of the best American Airline credit cards available include the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card, and the Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard. Each of these cards offers unique benefits and rewards, such as bonus miles for American Airline purchases, no annual fees, and priority boarding.

Can I use my American Airline credit card to earn miles on other airlines?

Yes, many American Airline credit cards offer the ability to earn miles on other airlines, through partnerships and alliances. For example, the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard allows you to earn miles on flights with partner airlines such as British Airways and Qatar Airways. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your specific card to see which airlines are eligible for earning miles.

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What are some of the additional perks and benefits of American Airline credit cards?

Additional perks and benefits of American Airline credit cards can include priority boarding, free checked bags, discounted lounge access, and travel insurance. Some cards also offer special discounts on American Airline purchases, such as in-flight purchases and Admirals Club memberships. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your specific card to see what benefits are included.

How can I redeem my American Airline credit card rewards?

You can redeem your American Airline credit card rewards for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. The redemption process varies depending on the card, but typically involves logging into your account and selecting the reward you want to redeem. Some cards also offer the ability to transfer miles to other loyalty programs or to donate them to charity. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your specific card to see what redemption options are available.

American Airlines Credit Cards Review 2023


In conclusion, choosing the best American airline credit card depends on your travel preferences and spending habits. If you frequently travel with a specific airline, it’s worth considering their co-branded credit card for added perks and benefits. However, if you prefer flexibility and want to earn rewards on all your travel purchases, a general travel rewards credit card may be the better option.

It’s important to carefully compare the different credit card offers and consider factors such as annual fees, earning rates, redemption options, and additional benefits like lounge access or free checked bags. By doing so, you can find the American airline credit card that best suits your needs and helps you maximize your rewards and travel experiences.

Ultimately, no single American airline credit card is best for everyone. It’s up to you to determine what features and benefits are most important to you and choose the card that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. With the right credit card in hand, you can enjoy a range of perks and rewards while traveling the world.

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