Skip to content

American Airlines now issuing electronic refunds on domestic flights

Nov. 30, 2019
2 min read
20191028_DFW Airport_American Airlines DFW 738 737-800 in front of maintenance base2_JTGenter
American Airlines now issuing electronic refunds on domestic flights
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Frequent flyers of American Airlines have almost certainly encountered the carrier's paper voucher. Infamous for their difficulty to use and simplicity to lose, the paper voucher is the bane of travelers everywhere.

Issued for everything from involuntary seat bumps to reimbursed change fees, these documents are prevalent with American. Now, at least, domestic customers can breathe a sigh of relief, as the airline has begun issuing some electronic refunds via its website: prefunds.aa.com. As first reported by View From the Wing, those flying within the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible for these digital refunds.

Image courtesy of American Airlines.

Unfortunately, it appears that those traveling on international itineraries are still receiving paper vouchers. In order to redeem these, customers need to either go to an actual airport to purchase a ticket or mail in their vouchers and hope that they aren't lost.

This move is one of a series American has made this year to change its policies, including expanded economy web specials and the ability to book more partner awards online.

Feature photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy.

TPG featured card

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
1XChoose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee
2XEarn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status + $300 of Bilt Cash
Annual fee
$495
Regular APR
26.74 - 34.74% variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Good Credit, Excellent Credit

Pros

  • Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
  • Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
  • $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
  • $200 Bilt Cash annually
  • Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Moderate annual fee
  • Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
  • Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
  • Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
  • 2X points on everyday spend
  • $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
  • $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
  • Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
  • Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
  • Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.