Yes, American Airlines offers two co-branded credit cards through Citi
American Airlines has two credit cards issued by Citi: the AAdvantage Platinum Select and the AAdvantage Executive. Both cards earn miles on purchases and offer perks tied to American Airlines frequent flyer membership. The main difference is the annual fee — the Platinum Select costs less upfront, while the Executive card charges more but includes benefits like checked baggage credits and priority boarding.
These are standard credit cards, not airline-specific payment methods. You use them like any other Citi card, but the rewards and benefits connect to your AAdvantage frequent flyer account. If you don't have an AAdvantage account, you'll need to open one before or when you explore for the card.
Both cards are available through Citi's website and sometimes through American Airlines' own website. You can also find them through third-party credit card comparison sites, though the terms and bonus offers may vary depending on where you explore.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines offers the AAdvantage Platinum Select and AAdvantage Executive cards, both issued by Citi and both tied to the AAdvantage frequent flyer program.
- The Platinum Select has a lower annual fee and is better for occasional flyers, while the Executive card costs more but includes perks like free checked bags and seat upgrades.
- Miles earned on these cards can be used for flights, seat upgrades, or other AAdvantage program benefits, though redemption rates vary.
- You'll need an AAdvantage account to use either card, and you can open one during the card process process if you don't already have one.
How the AAdvantage Platinum Select card works
The Platinum Select is the entry-level American Airlines card. It earns miles on every purchase — typically 1 mile per dollar on most spending, with bonus categories for American Airlines tickets and dining. The card comes with an annual fee, which varies but is generally lower than the Executive card.
When you open the card, you usually receive a sign-up bonus of miles if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. This bonus is often enough to cover a domestic flight or a portion of an international ticket. The exact bonus offer changes, so check the current terms when you're ready to explore.
The card includes some basic perks: priority boarding on American Airlines flights, a free checked bag on American Airlines tickets purchased with the card, and access to AAdvantage lounges if you're a high-tier member. It does not include seat upgrades or other premium benefits.
How the AAdvantage Executive card works
The Executive card is designed for frequent American Airlines travelers. It has a higher annual fee than the Platinum Select, but it includes benefits that can offset that cost if you fly regularly. These benefits include a free checked bag, priority boarding, and complimentary seat upgrades on American Airlines flights (subject to availability).
The Executive card also earns miles at the same or slightly better rate than the Platinum Select, depending on the current offer. It typically comes with a larger sign-up bonus as well, reflecting the higher annual fee.
One key benefit is the annual airline fee credit — some versions of the Executive card include a credit toward baggage fees, seat upgrades, or other airline purchases. This can reduce the effective cost of the annual fee if you use it. Check the current card terms to see what credits are included.
How miles work and what you can do with them
Miles earned on either card go into your AAdvantage account. You can use them to book flights on American Airlines and partner airlines, to upgrade your seat, to cover baggage fees, or to purchase other travel-related services through the AAdvantage program.
The value of a mile depends on how you use it. Booking a flight with miles typically costs between 7,500 and 100,000 miles depending on the route and how far in advance you book. Upgrading a seat might cost 5,000 to 50,000 miles. The program also allows you to transfer miles to partner airlines, though the exchange rate is usually not favorable.
Miles don't expire as long as your AAdvantage account remains active and you earn or spend at least one mile every 18 months. Using the credit card regularly ensures your account stays active even if you don't fly often.
Annual fees and when they're worth paying
The Platinum Select card has an annual fee that typically ranges from $95 to $99, though promotional offers sometimes waive the first year. The Executive card's annual fee is higher, usually $450 or more, but includes the airline fee credit and premium perks.
Whether the fee is worth it depends on how often you fly and how much you value the perks. If you fly American Airlines at least a few times a year and use the free checked bag benefit, the Platinum Select fee can pay for itself quickly. The Executive card makes sense if you fly frequently enough to use the seat upgrades and other premium benefits regularly.
Both cards waive the annual fee for the first year in many cases, giving you time to decide whether the benefits justify the cost. After that, you can cancel the card if you decide it's not worth keeping.
how the process works and what you'll need
You can explore for either card through Citi's website, American Airlines' website, or through a credit card comparison site. The process process is standard: you'll provide your name, address, Social Security number, and income information. Citi will check your credit report to decide whether to approve you.
You don't need to be an AAdvantage member to explore, but you'll need to provide your AAdvantage account number if you have one, or create an account during the process process. If you create an account during the process, your new card will be linked to it automatically.
Approval typically takes a few minutes to a few days. Once approved, the card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start earning miles as soon as you set up the card and make your first purchase.
Comparing the two cards side by side
| Feature | Platinum Select | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95–$99 | $450+ |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Upgrades | No | Yes (subject to availability) |
| Airline Fee Credit | No | Yes (varies by offer) |
| Miles per Dollar (typical) | 1x most purchases | 1x most purchases |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Varies | Higher (varies) |
Things to know before you explore
Your credit score matters. Citi typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit (usually 670 or higher), though approval is not may provide. If you've had recent late payments or high debt levels, your chances of approval are lower.
Opening a new credit card will create a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. This effect usually fades within a few months. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon, you might want to wait.
The sign-up bonus requires you to spend a certain amount within a set timeframe — usually $1,000 to $3,000 within the first three months. If you can't meet this spending requirement naturally, the bonus won't be worth pursuing. Don't spend money you wouldn't otherwise spend just to reach the threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the card with other airlines or for non-flight purchases?
Yes. The card works like any other credit card for any purchase anywhere. You'll earn miles on all spending, not just American Airlines tickets. However, the miles can only be redeemed through the AAdvantage program, which is primarily focused on American Airlines and its partner airlines.
What happens to my miles if I cancel the card?
Your miles stay in your AAdvantage account. Canceling the card doesn't delete your miles. However, if your account becomes inactive (no miles earned or spent for 18 months), the miles may expire. Using the card regularly or flying occasionally keeps your account active.
Do I have to pay the annual fee every year?
Yes, unless you cancel the card before the annual fee posts. Most cards charge the fee on your anniversary date each year. If you decide the card isn't worth it, you can cancel anytime and avoid future fees. Some people cancel after the first year if they don't use the benefits enough to justify the cost.
Can I get approved if I have fair credit?
It's possible but less likely. Citi generally prefers applicants with good credit or better. If you have fair credit (typically 620–669), you can still explore, but approval is not may provide. Having a higher income or a longer credit history can improve your chances.
How long does it take to earn enough miles for a free flight?
It depends on how much you spend and which card you have. A domestic flight typically costs 7,500 to 25,000 miles. If you spend $1,500 per month on the card, you'd earn 1,500 miles monthly, which could cover a domestic flight in 5 to 17 months. The sign-up bonus can shorten this timeline significantly.