Best time to apply for AAdvantage cards based on offer history
Editor's Note
American Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines, serving over 350 destinations and connecting essentially every corner of the globe. Its loyalty program, AAdvantage, offers a suite of cobranded credit cards with Citi.
These credit cards offer valuable welcome bonuses that come with thousands of valuable AAdvantage miles. American Airlines has numerous sweet spots where you can redeem your miles for maximum value.
However, before applying for one of these cards, you may be wondering when the best time to apply is so that you can earn the highest welcome bonus.
Welcome bonuses are subject to frequent changes, whether that be offering a lower or higher bonus. While there is no simple answer to when the best time to apply is, our historical data on welcome offers can give you some guidance.
Knowing the welcome offer a card has previously offered can also help you when analyzing the current offer.
We've collected the offer history on the most popular Citi / American Airlines cards to help you decide when to apply for each.
Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus miles or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.
Best Citi AA credit card welcome bonuses
| Card | Best welcome offer we've seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® | Earn 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first four months of account opening. | This is the only publicly available offer we've seen in the card's history, but now is still a good time to apply |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is higher than 80,000 miles |
| Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles |
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Related: Best welcome offers of the month
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's perks include access to preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees and a free checked bag on domestic flights, making it an excellent choice for anyone who flies American Airlines regularly.
Plus, you can earn a $125 flight discount after spending $20,000 or more per year on the card. The card has no introductory annual fee during the first year; the annual fee is $99 thereafter.
Here are the offers we've seen on the Citi AA Platinum Select Card:
Welcome offer history
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 to now | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| July 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,240 |
| May 2025 to July 2025 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| February 2025 to May 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| October 2024 to February 2025 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| August 2024 to October 2024 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| April 2024 to August 2024 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| March 2024 to April 2024 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| February 2024 to March 2024 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| May 2023 to February 2024 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| April to May 2023 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| July 2022 to April 2023 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| June to July 2022 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| June 2019 to June 2022. | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| April to June 2019. | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| March to April 2019 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| November 2018 to March 2019 | Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months and an extra 10,000 miles after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 12 months. | Up to $775 |
| May to November 2018 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| February to May 2018 | Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $465 |
| November 2017 to February 2018 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The highest offer we've seen offered new cardholders 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.
When to apply
If the offer is over 50,000 bonus miles, consider applying, but if you can wait for higher offers, this card typically has elevated welcome offers a few times a year.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card.
Related: 6 reasons to get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
The Citi AA Globe Mastercard is a newly launched mid-tier card option for American Airlines flyers. It offers perks frequently associated with a cobranded airline card, like a free checked bag and priority boarding, but it also offers more elevated perks, like four annual Admirals Club passes, a statement credit for inflight purchases and a companion certificate.
The only welcome offer we've seen on this card offers new cardholders 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. TPG's October 2025 valuations peg this welcome offer at $1,395.
Learn more: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the premium card in the AAdvantage lineup.
Cardholders enjoy a complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club membership — a value that alone more than makes up for the card's $595 annual fee. It also offers up to $240 in annual statement credits for Lyft (up to $120 annually, allotted up to $10 monthly; you must take three eligible rides each month to receive the credit) and eligible Grubhub purchases (up to $120 annually, allotted up to $10 monthly).
Here are the offers we've seen on the Citi AA Executive World Elite Mastercard:
Welcome offer history
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 to now | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| May 2025 to July 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,550 |
| July 2024 to May 2025 | Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| June 2024 to July 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,550 |
| Sept. 2023 to June 2024 | Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| July to Sept. 2023 | Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,550 |
| December 2022 to July 2023 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| October to December 2022 | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,240 |
| October 2021 to October 2022 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| August to October 2021 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 elite qualifying miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| July 2019 to August 2021 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The highest welcome offer we've seen on the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard allowed new cardholders to earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.
When to apply
If the offer is over 80,000 bonus miles, it's an excellent time to apply.
Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Related: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?
Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is excellent for businesses with employees who frequently fly American Airlines. Its perks include a free checked bag on domestic flights, preferred boarding and the potential to earn a companion certificate. The card has no introductory annual fee during the first year; the annual fee is $99 thereafter.
Here are the offers we've seen on the Citi AA Business World Elite Mastercard:
Welcome offer history
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 to now | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| May 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| April 2025 to May 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| January 2025 to April 2025 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| October 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| June to October 2024 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| April 2024 to June 2024 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| August 2020 to April 2024 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| May to August 2020 | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| March to May 2020 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| October 2019 to March 2020 | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| July to October 2019 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| April to July 2019 | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,085 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Business card can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The Citi AAdvantage Business is currently offering its highest welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.
When to apply
If the offer is over 50,000 miles, you should consider applying. The card is offering its highest welcome offer right now, so it's a great time to apply.
Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Business credit card
Related: Why you should have multiple credit cards
Application restrictions
Citi has some strict application restrictions. Citi doesn't limit the number of cards you can have, but it will limit your overall credit.
Citi is also sensitive to recent inquiries, so for the best results, wait a few months from your last card application before applying for a Citi card.
Additionally, Citi has the 8/65 rule, which means:
- You can only apply for one card (whether personal or business) every eight days and no more than two cards in a 65-day window.
- You can only apply for one business card every 90 days.
There are exceptions to this rule, but this is general guidance for optimal results.
You'll generally want a good credit score of at least 670 before applying for either card.
Additionally, if you have previously earned a welcome bonus on a Citi AA card, it's possible to earn another. The terms on the Citi AA Executive World Elite Mastercard state:
"New account bonus is not available if you have received a new account bonus for a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive account."
These terms only apply to individual cards and not the whole family of cards. You can also hold multiple Citi AA cards at the same time. You can even earn multiple welcome bonuses as long as they are different card products and it's outside the 48-month window. It's important to note the 48-month period starts when you receive the welcome bonus, not when you're approved for the card.
For example, if you switch to the Citi AA Platinum Select after earning the welcome bonus on the Citi AA Executive Card, you'd still have to wait 48 months from when you earned your welcome bonus on the Citi AA Executive Card to earn another Citi AA Executive welcome bonus.
Related: What you need to know about earning another American Airlines card welcome bonus
Bottom line
Before applying for a Citi AA credit card, you want to make sure you're getting the best welcome bonus possible.
Our historical data on welcome offer history can provide you with a good reference point for guidance on the best time to apply for Citi AA cards based on year-over-year trends.
Be sure to check our other offer history guides as a reference point when you're looking to apply for your next credit card.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended 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.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.