Which AAdvantage card is right for you? Here are 3 options you should consider
Editor's Note
If you're considering a cobranded card with American Airlines, it's important to pick the right option for you. Each choice offers a different annual fee, its own set of perks and distinct earning rates.
Among Citi's five AAdvantage cards, you may be struggling to decide which is the best for you.
Here are my thoughts on which of the three most popular cards is the right fit for you, depending on how dedicated you are to American Airlines and how frequently you travel.
Citi / AAdvantage credit cards: Key details
Before diving deeper into each card individually, let's go through a quick refresher of their basic details.
| Card | Welcome offer | Standout benefit | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. |
| $0 introductory annual fee, then $99 | |
For a limited time, earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first four months from account opening. |
| $350 | |
For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first three months from account opening. |
| $595 |
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Platinum Select: For those who fly AA occasionally
If you only fly AA a couple of times each year, I recommend the Platinum Select. Its $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $99) means you can test having a cobranded card in your wallet without committing to an annual fee up front.
While you won't get any lounge passes or statement credits with merchants, you may not need the Platinum Select to play that role if you already hold a premium travel rewards card. That doesn't mean the Platinum Select slacks on perks, though.
You'll get your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights, saving you at least $35 each way. Plus, you'll receive priority boarding on all American Airlines flights.
More often than not, I find passengers on my flights are forced to check their carry-ons after the plane runs out of overhead space. With priority boarding, the odds of that happening to you are lower.
And unlike with some other cobranded cards, you don't need to purchase your flight with your Platinum Select to enjoy these perks.
To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Platinum Select.
Globe: For those who fly AA often
If you fly with American Airlines at least once a quarter but aren't a fully committed loyalist, the AAdvantage Globe is a solid choice. While it does come with a $350 price tag, it features a roster of perks to make up for that cost.
Some of these benefits are four annual Admirals Club passes, up to $100 back as statement credits for inflight purchases, up to $100 Splurge statement credit for eligible brands (exclusions apply) and a companion certificate for eligible flights after each account anniversary (worth $99 plus taxes and fees).
If you're able to use the companion certificate each year and take advantage of the lounge passes, you should get outsize value out of your annual fee without even having to touch the card's statement credits.
That said, if you only fly with American a couple of times each year, you may have to put in more effort than it's worth to get sufficient value out of the Globe. In that case, and if the Globe's perks are appealing to you, I recommend considering a general travel rewards card instead.
To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Globe.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe
Executive: For those very loyal to AA
As AAdvantage's top-tier credit card, the AAdvantage Executive is oriented toward those who fly American Airlines exclusively or very frequently. And it carries an annual fee to match: $595.
While this is lower than some of the industry's most popular premium cards, it still requires careful thought to make sure it works for your wallet.
While the Globe offers four Admirals Club passes each year, the Executive offers a full Admirals Club membership. Given that this membership costs at least $750 for new members, if you visit an Admirals Club several times a year, this benefit alone makes the annual fee worth it.
While an Admirals Club membership is this card's standout benefit, it also comes with Avis and Lyft statement credits and American Airlines-associated perks to make it even easier to justify its annual fee.
It's also worth noting that if you fly Alaska Airlines frequently in addition to AA, this card can be a great fit for you.
To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Executive.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive
Is it worth having multiple AAdvantage cards?
The main appeal of an AAdvantage card is access to American Airlines–specific perks, such as priority boarding, a free checked bag and, on premium cards, Admirals Club access.
For most travelers, one well-chosen AAdvantage card is enough to unlock meaningful value. That's especially true if you're not trying to stack statement credits, chase multiple welcome bonuses or fully commit to the AAdvantage ecosystem.
Instead of holding multiple AAdvantage cards, many readers will get more flexibility by pairing the AAdvantage card that best fits their travel habits with a premium travel rewards card. A premium card can complement your AA perks with broader lounge access, transferable rewards and additional statement credits.
That said, if you do want to build out a wallet with more than one AAdvantage card, it's important to keep Citi's welcome bonus eligibility rules in mind so you're able to secure the strongest offers available.
Alternatively, you could look at a Citi Strata card to earn flexible ThankYou Rewards points that can be transferred to a variety of airline partners, giving you more options beyond AA.
Bottom line
AAdvantage is one of the most popular airline loyalty programs, and it's a favorite among many of my colleagues here at TPG. If you're considering a Citi / AAdvantage card, you'll find several strong options designed to suit different types of American Airlines flyers.
When choosing the right card, it's important to think realistically about how often you fly American Airlines and whether you're comfortable prioritizing AA over other carriers. It's also worth considering how frequently you travel through airports with Admirals Club locations, as lounge access can dramatically affect the overall value of certain cards.
Pick the AAdvantage card that aligns with your travel habits, and you'll unlock perks that can meaningfully improve your experience — from smoother boarding to valuable savings and, in some cases, comfortable lounge access along the way.
Related: How to choose an airline credit card