Earn 10-plus American miles (and Loyalty Points) per dollar at many merchants through AA shopping
Now that we're in the midst of the holiday season, you've hopefully already found the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
But if you haven't, the American Airlines AAdvantage shopping portal is offering increased earnings (10 miles per dollar) at many merchants — including Best Buy, Saks Off Fifth and even Marriott.
Here are some of our favorite deals currently in the AAdvantage shopping portal.
What is the AAdvantage shopping portal?
Online shopping portals offer the opportunity to earn bonus points, miles or cash back at numerous online retailers simply by going through the portal. This is in addition to whatever rewards you earn on the credit card you use for the transaction
Whether it's a small purchase like ordering photos from Walgreens or a significant one like buying a new MacBook, using a portal allows you to earn extra rewards — though many merchants have exclusions (like certain Apple devices).
It's also worth considering using a shopping portal for essential items like contacts. You might not typically think about earning points on such purchases, but ordering from 1-800 Contacts via the American Airlines AAdvantage portal could earn 1 mile per dollar spent. Not only is this convenient, but the rewards can add up over time and potentially contribute to your next vacation — all by simply ordering what you need online through the portal.
Increased mileage earnings at select merchants
Numerous well-known merchants are currently providing exceptional earning rates, surpassing any we've seen before. While it may take a few weeks to receive your miles, your earnings will be retroactively applied to the date of purchase. This allows you to utilize the Loyalty Points you accrue through your shopping purchases now to count toward achieving AAdvantage status by Feb. 29, 2024.
Additionally, if you have accumulated 60,000 or 100,000 Loyalty Points, American's Loyalty Choice Rewards will grant you a 20% or 30% bonus (respectively) on your Loyalty Point earnings. In other words, if you have surpassed 100,000 Loyalty Points since March 1, purchases from a merchant offering 10 miles per dollar would actually earn you 13 miles (and Loyalty Points) per dollar.
You can refer to the entire list of merchants here, but these are a few of our favorite current offers:
- Bestbuy.com: Up to 10 miles per dollar
- Lands' End: 10 miles per dollar
- Lenovo: 10 miles per dollar
- Magazines.com: 25 miles per dollar
- Marriott International: 10 miles per dollar
- Neiman Marcus: Up to 8 miles per dollar
- Nike: 10 miles per dollar
- Saks Off Fifth: 10 miles per dollar
- Sam's Club: Up to 10 miles per dollar
- Samsung: 10 miles per dollar
- Viator: 9 miles per dollar
Just make sure you carefully review the terms and conditions for your merchant. For example, you can't earn through the AAdvantage shopping portal on Marriott reservations booked on member-exclusive offers or specially negotiated rates for rooms booked or upgraded and paid for using Marriott points. Additionally, you can't earn through the AAdvantage shopping portal at Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, Design Hotels, Bulgari, W Hotels or Autograph Collection properties. The complete terms are available here.
Which credit cards should you use for online shopping?
Some of the best credit cards for online shopping include the following:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: At least 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back on transit including taxis, parking, tolls, trains and buses; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations; and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose. The categories include everything from TV, internet and streaming services to gyms, fitness centers, department stores and select clothing stores. Cardholders can also earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked through the Rewards Center and 2% cash back at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants.
The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
If you're looking to do some online shopping as a last-minute way to qualify for American status, the current offers on the AAdvantage shopping portal are highly appealing. Even if you don't have enough time to wait for your item to ship, you can consider curbside pickup as your preferred delivery method — that's what I've done in the past with Apple Store purchases through the AAdvantage shopping portal and have still earned the miles and Loyalty Points.
Now is a great time to check out the merchants and place an order if you find something that meets your needs.
Related reading:
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.