If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you likely know the value of earning miles and enjoying travel perks. One of the best ways to maximize your rewards and enhance your flying experience is by choosing the right credit card. The following are some of the best credit cards for American Airlines flyers, offering everything from bonus miles to travel benefits and enhanced airline perks.
1. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: Earning miles on everyday purchases
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a top choice for American Airlines flyers. This card offers valuable benefits, including:
- Bonus Miles: Earn a generous number of American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after making a qualifying purchase.
- Earning on Purchases: Enjoy 2 miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
- Free Checked Bag: Cardholders get their first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights, saving up to $30 per person on round-trip flights.
- Priority Boarding: Receive priority boarding for you and up to four companions on the same reservation.
- Travel Benefits: Get access to travel protections like trip cancellation and interruption insurance, as well as purchase protection.
2. AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: Premium travelers seeking elite status perks
The AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is perfect for frequent flyers who want to enjoy luxurious travel benefits and accelerate their path to elite status with American Airlines. This premium card offers:
- Bonus Miles: Earn a large number of AAdvantage® miles after making qualifying purchases.
- American Airlines Admirals Club® Access: Enjoy unlimited access to the American Airlines Admirals Club lounges, where you can relax before your flight with free snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
- Earn Miles on Purchases: Get 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per $1 on other purchases.
- Elite Status: This card earns you 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after spending a certain amount in a calendar year, bringing you closer to American Airlines’ elite status.
- Free Checked Bags and Priority Boarding: Similar to the Platinum Select card, you’ll get free checked bags and priority boarding.
3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Gold World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want airline benefits
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Gold World Elite Mastercard® is a more affordable option for American Airlines flyers, offering plenty of value without the high annual fee. Here’s what you can expect:
- Bonus Miles: Earn bonus miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement.
- Earning on Purchases: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases and at restaurants, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
- Free Checked Bags: Enjoy one free checked bag on domestic flights for you and up to four companions on the same reservation.
- Priority Boarding: Cardholders receive priority boarding for themselves and their travel companions.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Luxury benefits and extensive travel perks
While not exclusive to American Airlines, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers extensive travel benefits that can complement your flying experience with American Airlines:
- Travel Perks: Enjoy access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide, including American Airlines Admirals Club® lounges when flying on American Airlines.
- Bonus Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on every purchase, which can be transferred to your AAdvantage account and used for flights on American Airlines and partner airlines.
- Travel Protections: Benefit from premium travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance, car rental coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement.
- Exclusive Experiences: Enjoy concierge service and unique travel experiences, including special access to events and offers.
5. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Flexible travel rewards and point transfers
While this card is not specifically designed for American Airlines, it offers a lot of flexibility for travelers who want to earn valuable points that can be transferred to airlines, including American Airlines, through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program:
- Bonus Points: Earn substantial points on travel and dining purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.
- Point Transfers: Transfer points to a wide range of travel partners, including American Airlines, at a 1:1 ratio, giving you more options for booking flights.
- Travel Benefits: Enjoy travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and travel accident insurance.
- Annual Fee: The card offers a lower annual fee compared to premium cards, making it a great option for those who want flexibility without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
When choosing the best credit card for American Airlines, it’s important to consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and desired perks. If you’re looking for valuable rewards, lounge access, and the ability to earn miles on everyday purchases, cards like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® or the AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offer excellent benefits. For those who want a more flexible option, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers transferable points that can be used with American Airlines and other travel partners. Each of these credit cards can help you earn miles, enjoy travel perks, and get the most out of your flying experience with American Airlines.