Best American Airlines Credit Cards Of April 2024

Just because you fly American Airlines frequently or prefer AA over other airlines doesn’t mean an American Airlines card is the right option. Other airline credit cards offer better earning rates and much more flexibility. Here are some of our favorites:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card*
• Citi Premier® Card

Forbes Advisor looked at multiple offers to find and rank the best American Airline cards. Factors considered include:

• Airline perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding
• Airport lounge access
• Welcome bonuses
• Rewards earnings rates
• Redemption opportunities
• Fees
• Travel-related perks and benefits

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list depending on how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards

Applying for an American Airlines credit card involves a few steps:

1. Apply online. The most convenient way to apply is online. Visit the American Airlines credit card page or the website of the card issuer (Citi or Barclays, which offer American Airlines cards). Fill out the application form for the card you select with your personal and financial details, including your Social Security number, income and address.
2. Read the terms and conditions. Carefully read through the terms and conditions, understanding the interest rates, fee structure, how to earn your welcome bonus and reward redemption policies.
3. Submit the application. After completing the form, submit your application. The approval process may be instant, or it may take a few days or weeks, depending on various factors like your credit history and the card issuer’s policies.
4. Wait for a response. If approved, you’ll receive the card by mail, typically within three to 10 business days. If your application is denied, the issuer will provide reasons for the decision, which can help you address any related issues.
5. Activation. Once you receive your card, follow the instructions provided to activate it. Activating your card can typically be done through the issuer’s mobile app or website.

Before applying for any credit card, consider your needs and evaluate the options. Here are some questions to ask before choosing which American Airlines credit card you’ll apply for:

• Will the benefits offset the annual fee? Annual fees eat into your rewards. Consider your annual spending to make sure you will earn enough rewards or cash back to offset the fee and then some.
• Will you use the card’s benefits? Some cards come with benefits such as free checked bags, an annual travel credit or discounts on in-flight purchases. Before applying for a new card, think about your actual usage patterns. Do these benefits offer value to you?
• How easy is it to spend the miles? American Airlines cards are designed for those loyal to AA. If you want to use an airline outside the Oneworld Alliance, this might become an issue. If your travel patterns make more sense on carriers other than American Airlines, you might prefer a cash-back or flexible rewards card. Many travel rewards cards also offer exceptional benefits and often earn some of the highest rewards.

What Credit Card Points Transfer To American Airlines?

The only points you can directly transfer to American Airlines are Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy Points.

• Bilt Rewards transfer to American Airlines at a ratio of 1:1.
• Marriott Bonovy points transfer to American Airlines at a ratio of 3:1—that’s three Bonvoy points for one AAdvantage mile.

American Airlines credit cards come packed with a variety of benefits tailored for frequent travelers and loyal flyers of the airline. One of the primary perks is the ability to earn AAdvantage miles on every purchase, plus increased earning rates on American Airlines purchases.

Some cards often provide travel conveniences like free checked bags for both the cardholder and companions on the same reservation, along with priority boarding on American Airlines flights, enhancing the overall travel experience. Additionally, cardholders enjoy discounts on in-flight purchases such as meals and beverages.

Moreover, spending on these cards can contribute toward earning AAdvantage Loyalty Points, accelerating the path to elite status with the airline. For those who opt for higher-tier American Airlines credit cards, exclusive benefits such as Admirals Club lounge access and annual companion certificates significantly elevate the travel experience. But different cards come with different benefits, so choose wisely.

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