Overview of American Airlines Credit Cards
American Airlines offers a range of credit cards with different features and benefits. The ideal card for you depends on how often you fly on American Airlines and how much you spend on credit cards. These cards have varying annual fees and provide benefits such as bonus miles, miles on American purchases, in-flight savings, and statement credits.
Annual Fees and Bonuses
The MileUp card has no annual fee but offers a modest 15,000-mile bonus. For higher bonuses, the Platinum and Business cards each provide 50,000 to 75,000 miles, with first-year annual fees waived. The Aviator card offers 60,000 miles with a $99 fee that is not waived. The Executive card stands out for its high $595 fee but gives you 70,000 bonus miles and an Admirals Club membership.
Earning Miles
All cards earn miles on American Airlines purchases, but the rates differ. The MileUp, Platinum, Business, and Aviator cards earn 2x miles per dollar. The Executive card is the most rewarding for frequent flyers, offering 4x miles per dollar spent on American flights.
Additional Benefits
Many of these cards include a 25% discount on in-flight purchases and priority boarding. The Executive card provides the highest level priority boarding. The Platinum card allows you to purchase a companion certificate, while the Executive card includes Admirals Club access and travel statement credits, justifying its higher fee.
Choosing the Right Card
For fee-conscious travelers, the MileUp card offers solid value at no cost. If maximizing bonus miles is a priority, the Business card provides the most. Frequent flyers who value premium perks like lounge access should consider the Executive card despite its high annual fee.
