Big news in the credit card industry as American Airlines annouces that they’ll have an extended relationship agreement entitled for their credit card issuers; Barclaycard and Citi. It’s really entertaining to witness the further competition between these two card issuers with the rendition of AAdvantage credit cards. More competition and more options to earn miles will always be a good thing for us consumers.
It’s nice to hear that there will be a extended relationship on the basis that cardholders will now be able to get the fullest extent of ways to enhance their travel experience from earning miles to boarding early and checking a bag for free, AAdvantage customers will fully value their AAdvantage® affiliated cards.
Editor’s Note: There’s currently no word as to if their going to offer the same exact Aviator line of cards or a beef-er version of these card, but odds are that they will release this card with the same perks that cardholders have been reaping previously. Current cardholders will continue to see the same exceptional benefits from both Citi and Barclaycard US as well as beneficially utilizing a new, long-term exclusive agreement with MasterCard.
Barclaycard still doesn’t have an option of applying for their AAdvantage Aviator cards online so, I recommend that you talk to a representative and apply for the card via Phone.
As of lately, AAdvantage has seen it’s fair share of feedback, but I must take into consideration the point devaluation or overall lack of award space; which will hopefully be fixed prior to the introduction of these cards applications.
Alternative Credit Card Bonuses:
- Barclaycard Arrival Plus TM World Elite MasterCard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World EliteTMMasterCard®
Editor’s Note: In no way, shape, or form is this Alternative list reiterating any superiority between these cards.
| BONUS LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| Chase Business Complete Checking® | $300 or $500 Cash | Review |
| Chase Private Client | $3,000 Cash | Review |
| Chase Total Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
| Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
| J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Up To $700 Cash | Review |
| Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
Barclaycard & Citi AAdvantage:
Both with Citi and Barclays issued cards will be Mastercard branded.This is the first of its kind in the U.S. Airlines industry given that this is a consistent dual-issuer arranged partnership with Citi, Barclaycard US and Mastercard. Citi will still continue to offer their lineup of cards on aa.com, direct mail, and in the Admirals lounges. Barclay’s will offer its card lineup in airports and during flights beginning in January 2017.
Barclaycard AAvantage MasterCard Features:
- Free checked bag- Your first eligible checked bag is free for you and up to 8 traveling companions on your reservation, when traveling on domestic flights operated by American Airlines.
- Boarding privileges- You and up to 8 people traveling with you can board with Group 1 on domestic American Airlines flights.
- $100 Global Entry application fee credit- Pay for the $100 Global Entry application fee with your card and you’ll automatically receive a $100 statement credit 2-3 weeks after your transaction.
- 25% off in-flight purchases
- $5,000 elite qualifying miles for everty $20,000 spent annually (up to 10,000 miles each year)
- No foreign transaction fees
- 3x miles for every $1 spent on eligible AA purchases
- 2x miles on every $1 spent on select hotels and car rentals
- 1x mile for every $1 spent on every other purchases
Barclaycard AAvantage MasterCard Pros:
- Fantastic rewards rates of up to 5.2%
- Exceptional American Airlines Rewards Program
- Global Entry TSA Pre Membership Covered
Barclaycard Arrival Plus Cons:
- High annual fee of $195 for Silver Elite; $89 for the Aviator Red
Editor’s Note: Keep in mind that the specs above are solely property of Barclaycard’s Aviator Silver Elite; perks will vary between cards offered by AAdvantage +Barclaycard+Citi. In speculation, these will be somewhat on par with the perks you’ll receive for the “new” Dual partnership AAdvantage cards released.
Conclusion:
This is great news to hear regarding that AAdvantage will still participate in this dual partnership between Barclaycard, Citi and Mastercard and will further extend even greater loyalty and engagement with its customers. The competition between Citi and Barclaycard is something to forward to; especially accommodating for miles and points enthusiast looking for more options when it comes to methods of accumulating AA miles through further sign-up bonuses and so on so forth.
Now, of course you should keep in mind of AAdvantage program in terms of their point devaluations and an overall lack of award space as of lately, but otherwise, this could be a striking opportunity for AAdvantage consumers everywhere! If you’re not currently interested in AA miles then you can always check out the Barclaycard Arrival Plus TM World Elite MasterCard®, otherwise find our complete list of Credit Card Promotions today!
