The best American Airlines card depends on how often you fly American. The no-fee MileUp earns AAdvantage miles for free, the $99 Platinum Select adds a free checked bag for most flyers, and the $595 Executive includes Admirals Club membership. American cards are issued by Citi; the older Barclays Aviator cards have moved to Citi and are closed to new applicants, and the former Aviator cards lose their grandfathered perks on October 25, 2026 (the ex-Red card’s $25 Wi-Fi credit; the ex-Silver card’s 2x on hotels and car rentals, $25 daily food and beverage credit and $50 Wi-Fi credit), and each can earn the Companion Certificate one last time. Confirm current terms and welcome offers at the issuer.
The best American Airlines cards, compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAdvantage MileUp | $0 | 2x American and grocery; 1x on everything else | A no-fee way to earn AAdvantage miles |
| AAdvantage Platinum Select | $99 (waived the first year) | 2x American, dining, and gas; free first checked bag; no foreign transaction fees | Most American flyers |
| AAdvantage Executive | $595 | 4x American; Admirals Club membership; free checked bags | Frequent American flyers who want lounges |
| Barclays Aviator (legacy) | n/a | Now with Citi; grandfathered perks end October 25, 2026 | Existing cardholders only |
Top pick: AAdvantage Platinum Select
For most American flyers the free first checked bag can cover the $99 fee on a single round trip. Figures are current as of 2026. Confirm the current welcome offer at the issuer before you apply.
Which card fits you
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Pick the Platinum Select if you fly American a few times a year; the free first checked bag can cover the $99 fee on one round trip. Pick the Executive if you want Admirals Club membership and check bags often.
The no-fee MileUp earns AAdvantage miles without a fee for occasional flyers. The bonus timing is in the Citi 48 month rule guide.
Who it fits and who it does not
These cards fit American loyalists. If you fly several airlines, a transferable-points card is more flexible, since AAdvantage is harder to top up from bank points than United or Delta.
Risk and eligibility
American cards are issued by Citi, so Citi application rules apply rather than Chase 5/24. The Barclays Aviator cards are now with Citi and closed to new applicants, their grandfathered perks end October 25, 2026, so confirm which cards are open and their current terms at the issuer before you apply. Before you apply, read the Barclays 6/24 rule.
Hyatt partnership ending. American and Hyatt are ending their partnership: link your accounts by November 15, 2026 to keep earning, through December 31, 2026 on Hyatt stays and through February 28, 2027 on American flights (announced by American Airlines on September 9, 2026).
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FAQ
What is the best American Airlines credit card?
For most American flyers the AAdvantage Platinum Select, because the free first checked bag can cover the $99 fee on a single round trip. Frequent flyers who want lounge access prefer the $595 Executive. Confirm current terms at the issuer.
Is there a no-fee American Airlines card?
Yes, the AAdvantage MileUp has no annual fee and earns miles on American and at grocery stores, but it does not include a free checked bag. Confirm current terms at Citi.
What happened to the Barclays Aviator cards?
American moved its co-brand cards to Citi, and the older Barclays Aviator cards are closed to new applicants. Under Citi’s notice, the former Aviator cards lose their grandfathered perks on October 25, 2026 (the ex-Red card’s $25 Wi-Fi credit; the ex-Silver card’s 2x on hotels and car rentals, $25 daily food and beverage credit and $50 Wi-Fi credit), and each can earn the Companion Certificate one last time. The ex-Silver card’s 15,000 Loyalty Points benefit runs through February 28, 2027.
Do American Airlines cards count toward Chase 5/24?
The personal ones do. Citi issues the personal AAdvantage cards, but 5/24 counts personal cards from every issuer, so each adds 1 for 24 months. Business cards that stay off your personal credit report do not add to the count. Citi also applies its own 48 month rule to AAdvantage bonuses.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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