American Airlines Credit Cards: Benefits & Rewards

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If you're a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you can get benefits from an American Airlines credit card that provides perks such as a rewards program, no foreign transaction fee, priority boarding, lounge access, a free first checked bag and inflight purchase discounts.

The best credit cards come with the American Airlines AAdvantage program that lets you earn miles you can apply toward travel purchases and eventually reach elite status for enhanced rewards. There are several popular American Airlines rewards credit card options with noteworthy perks for cardmembers.

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp card has no annual fee and it rewards you for both American Airlines flights and everyday purchases.

The card offers ​2 miles​ for every ​$1​ spent on both eligible American Airlines purchases (excluding hotels and car rentals) and grocery stores, and ​1 mile​ for every ​$1​ spent elsewhere. This card doesn't come with a free checked bag, but you do get a ​25 percent​ discount for food and beverage purchases during your flight

It doesn't have a promotional intro APR, so it's ​15.99 to 24.99 percent​ based on your credit score. However, you can get a ​$50​ statement credit plus ​10,000 miles​ bonus offer after spending ​$500​ during the first ​three months​ of being a cardholder. It's easy to apply.

American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite

The Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® includes enhanced travel rewards and has a ​$99​ annual fee after the first year.

You get ​2 miles​ for every ​$1​ of American Airlines purchases as well as what you spend at restaurants and gas stations. Other purchases have a ​1​ ​mile​ per ​$1​ rewards rate. Card benefits include a free first checked bag, preferred boarding and a ​25 percent​ inflight food and drink purchase discount. You can also get a ​$125​ flight discount if your purchases in a calendar year reach ​$20,000​.

The sign-up bonus includes ​50,000​ AAdvantage miles for spending ​$2,500​ the first ​three months​ of card membership. This credit card offers an APR of ​15.99 to 24.99 percent​. Applying is also easy.

American Airlines AAdvantage Executive World Elite

With a ​$450​ annual fee, the Citi® AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers premium travel benefits plus a complimentary Admirals Club membership. The membership lets you visit a premium airport lounge where you can eat and drink for free and use Wi-Fi.

Like with the other travel credit cards, you get ​2​ ​miles​ for every ​$1​ of American Airlines purchases plus a ​25 percent​ discount on eligible inflight food and drinks; other purchases earn you ​1 mile​ per ​$1​ spent. You get a free checked bag, priority boarding and check-in and a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit.

This card's welcome bonus gives you ​50,000​ bonus miles for spending ​$5,000​ the first ​3 months​ of card membership. It also has a ​15.99 to 24.99 percent​ interest rate. Applying for this American Airlines credit card is simple.

American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator

Featuring a ​$99​ annual fee, the Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® stands out for its diverse travel benefits along with an intro APR offer the other options don't have.

You get the standard ​2​ ​miles​ for every ​$1​ of American Airlines purchases and ​1 mile​ for every ​$1​ of other eligible purchases along with the ​25 percent​ inflight food and drink discount. You also get a ​$25​ statement credit for inflight Wi-Fi, an anniversary companion certificate, your first checked bag free, preferred boarding and travel insurance. You can use the card to access upgrades and special travel offers as well.

You can get ​15 months​ with a ​0 percent​ APR for a balance transfer made during the first ​45 days​ of having the account. Otherwise, interest varies from ​15.99 to 24.99 percent​. There's also a ​60,000​ bonus AAdvantage miles offer for using the card the first time for a purchase and paying your annual fee during the first ​3 months​ of account opening. You can apply with ease.