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| Limited-time offers |
| by Brian Kelly |
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I consider American Airlines miles to be the most valuable airline miles, and right now, there are two easy ways to earn a large stock of them, but only for a limited time. I’m saving up my American Airlines AAdvantage miles for a trip to Australia that I had to reschedule. If you are also considering a trip where you need AAdvantage miles, take a look at these two great offers.
This week, Citi launched the brand-new Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®, and new cardholders can earn 90,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $5,000 or more during the first four months from account opening. Those miles are worth $1,395, according to TPG’s October 2025 valuations.
Benefits and perks on American Airlines
This card fits nicely between the two current American Airlines cobranded cards and offers a few unique perks that the other cards do not (check out the card review for the full list of benefits):
- Elite status boost: After every four American flights, cardholders will earn 5,000 Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage elite status. You’re limited to three boosts annually.
- Companion certificate: Once a year, bring a companion for $99 (plus taxes and fees) — limited to the main cabin on domestic American flights.
- Admirals Club access: Four Admirals Club Globe passes per calendar year (each valid for 24 hours).
- Up-to-$100 annual Splurge credit each calendar year (choice of two eligible categories).
While this card has a $350 annual fee, the companion certificate can help offset that when used on the right itinerary. This card also offers preferred boarding, baggage benefits and an inflight credit as extra value. This could be a great card for American Airlines flyers looking for a fast track to elite status.
Earn 100,000 bonus points that transfer to AAdvantage
There are rare times when a new premium card launches, and then the limited-time offer gets even better.
Citi launched its new premium credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, a few months ago and then raised the welcome offer by 20,000 points to 100,000 bonus points! This offer is a no-brainer since Citi is now an American Airlines transfer partner, so it’s likely my next card.
For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months after opening an account.
Easy-to-maximize credits that practically pay for the card
One of the best things about the Strata Elite is how easy it is to unlock value right away. With up to $1,100 in annual lifestyle and travel credits, you can offset the annual fee quickly with less complex hoops to jump through than on other premium cards.
- $300 annual hotel credit: When booking through Citi Travel
- $200 Splurge credit: Good at popular brands like American Airlines, Live Nation and Best Buy
- $200 Blacklane credit: Luxury car service when you want to travel in style
- $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Breeze through airport security faster
- Four Admirals Club one-day passes: Access to American Airlines lounges
- Priority Pass membership: Plus entry for two guests
That’s over $1,100 in value each year — with a $595 annual fee, it practically pays for itself before you even factor in the 100,000-point welcome bonus, which alone is worth $1,900 based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations.
Amazing redemptions
There are so many great redemption options with AAdvantage miles that you can earn with either card. Whether it’s a splurge on Qantas first-class tickets from Los Angeles to Sydney — a route where award space is notoriously difficult to find — for 110,000 miles each and $33 in taxes versus paying $12,000 in cash, or domestic economy award seats from 5,000 miles each way, check out all the ways you can maximize your AAdvantage miles in our guide.
Bottom line
If you’re considering a premium travel card with a big welcome bonus and travel perks, one of these new cards from Citi might fit the bill. Just don’t wait too long, as both offers are only available for a limited time! Check out the side-by-side card comparison below.
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| Photo Credit: JONNO RATTMAN. |
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