American Airlines Is Handing Out Free Targeted Gold and Platinum Status
American Airlines is targeting some of its AAdvantage members with free status, handing out complimentary Gold or Platinum status for members to enjoy for the next few months.
If you were targeted, you'll have received an email from AA with the subject reading "Free Platinum status for you," or "Free Gold status for you." (It's worth checking the spam folder on the email associated with your AAdvantage account.) Additionally, you can log in to your AAdvantage account and click on the Promotions tab to see if you are eligible for the free status offer.
Those who did get the offer will be able to take advantage of the free Gold or Platinum status through January 6, 2019. For those getting the complimentary Gold status, you'll also get 10 500-mile upgrades, and those who were targeted for Platinum status will get 20 of the 500-mile upgrades.
Keep in mind that if you were targeted, you must sign up by October 12, 2018, meaning the complimentary status is valid for just about three months.
The especially appealing part about these targeted offers from AA is that they're trials of status, meaning you'll also be able to extend the status if you find yourself liking it. If you were targeted for the Platinum offer, you'll be able to extend that status through 2020 by earning 12,500 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or $1,500 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs). Alternatively, if you're liking it but think you want to take it to the next level, you can elevate to Platinum Pro by earning 20,000 EQMs or $2,400 EQDs by January 31, 2019. The extension offer for those targeted for Gold status isn't available at this time.
It's unclear how exactly American targets members for these free status offers. But if you were targeted, it could be worth taking advantage just to test it out. TPG values AAdvantage Gold status at $970 and Platinum status at $2,185.
H/T: Doctor of Credit
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- 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
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Rewards Rate
| 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