AA's Offering Free Platinum Challenges to Select AAdvantage Members
Update: Some readers have shared their offers for Gold or Executive Platinum status as well. The registration process is similar to what's outlined below, however there's a different offer page to use. Below is the EQM requirement breakdown — remember, you must register before you fly and all EQMs must be earned by September 9, 2016. The terms and conditions don't specify whether or not you'll earn systemwide upgrades after meeting the requirements for Executive Platinum, however the promotion does state that "You'll be eligible for all perks of elite status once you qualify, including: Special upgrade privileges."
Last week, United made news by giving surprise status upgrades and Economy Plus subscriptions to select customers. Today, American Airlines launched a similar campaign of its own, albeit with slightly different terms.
AA appears to be targeting infrequent customers with free AAdvantage Platinum status, but unlike United's upgrade offer, this gifted AA status is only valid through September 9, 2016. To register, head to this page and enter promo code HVC2B between now and June 8, 2016 — note that you're likely only eligible to participate if you received an email from American, though it doesn't hurt to attempt registration. If approved, your status will appear within 10 business days of registration and you should receive a membership card within six weeks.
Targeted members will also have an opportunity to keep their status through January 31, 2018. To maintain Platinum status, you'll need to earn 12,500 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) on flights operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines or Qantas between the date you register and September 9, 2016. If you meet the requirements, you'll also earn 25,000 bonus AAdvantage miles, worth $375 based on TPG's most recent valuations.
We value AA Platinum status at $2,840, but you'll need to fly American a fair amount to get that much out of the program. Perks include complimentary upgrades on flights under 500 miles, a 100% mileage bonus, priority check-in/screening/boarding, two free checked bags, free same-day standby, free Main Cabin Extra seats and business-class lounge access when flying internationally, among other benefits.
If you weren't targeted for this promotion, you may still be able to participate in a status challenge by calling AA.
Did you receive a Platinum status offer from American?
[card card-name='Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard®' card-id='221410949' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
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Annual Fee
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| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month