If you’re someone who frequently uses American Airlines and is keen to earn some miles along the way, the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard from Citi may be worth getting.
Though this card might not offer you the golden key to the Admirals Club, it’s a gem for American Airlines devotees who want to squeeze value out of their flights. Let’s dive right into what this card can do for you.
It’s no secret that airline credit cards come in all shapes and sizes, and quite a few have an annual fee of around $100. The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is designed to make your journey with American Airlines a breeze, while also offering an opportunity for non-AA flyers to spread their miles across their reward portfolio. It has an annual fee of just $99, which is waived in your first year.
Let’s turn to the benefits of this card and figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card sign-up bonus
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is rolling out the red carpet with a welcome offer of 50,000 American AAdvantage miles, yours after spending $2,500 in your first three months. The value of this offer? A tidy sum of $885! Just remember that if you’ve pocketed a sign-up bonus from a Citi Platinum Select card in the past 48 months, this one will be off the table for you.
AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card rewards
Now, let’s talk earnings. For every dollar you spend on eligible American Airlines purchases, at restaurants, and at gas stations, you’ll pocket 2 miles. Every other dollar you spend earns you 1 mile. Sky’s the limit, as there’s no cap on how many miles you can earn in a year.
While earning 2 miles per dollar gives you a 3.5% return on bonus category spending, once you’ve snagged the sign-up bonus, you might find other cards more rewarding for your purchases. That’s something to keep in mind!
Now let’s explore redeeming those hard-earned miles. The most value-packed use of AAdvantage miles is for premium-cabin partner bookings. Save your AA miles for the likes of business or first-class on Qatar, Etihad, Finnair, Iberia, and other carriers renowned for their international long-haul service. You can also jet off in American Airlines economy class within the US and to Canada, starting at just 7,500 miles one-way.
AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card benefits
Even though the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select may not be a luxury travel card, it comes packed with perks for American Airlines flyers. Perks include preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees, a free checked bag on domestic routes, and a $125 flight discount if you spend $20,000 or more on your card during your membership year and renew the card. If you haven’t earned elite status yet, these goodies will make you feel like a VIP!
On a cautionary note, a few years ago, some valuable travel and purchase protection benefits were removed from the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select. So, remember to keep this in mind while applying for the card.
Is the AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card worth it?
How does the AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card compare to the other tiers of American Airlines credit cards?
If you’re a regular American Airlines flyer willing to pay a high annual fee of $595 in exchange for Admirals Club access, look at the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
If you’re seeking an easy sign-up bonus, the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard from Barclays might be up your alley. The card offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles after your first purchase (or any amount) and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days. It’s an easier path to the sign-up bonus, but there’s no fee-free first year. Also, this card only earns 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
As for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select, while it may not stand shoulder to shoulder with its premium sibling, the “World Elite” Mastercard, it has its own charm. If you’re an occasional American Airlines traveler and you want some perks without breaking the bank, this could be the perfect card for your wallet.