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American Airlines has launched a no-annual-fee rewards credit card. This product rolled out on July 22, 2018, for new cardholders. AAdvantage Bronze Card owners automatically had their accounts upgraded and began earning significantly more rewards. Here’s what you can expect from the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®.

This no annual fee credit card arrives shortly after the recent upgrades to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® that let you earn bonus points on more purchases. Now you also have a few more opportunities to save money when you fly.

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 10,000 Points and a $50 Statement Credit

The information for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

New American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® cardmembers earn 10,000 points and a $50 statement credit after spending $500 in the first three months. This bonus offer is on par with the other airline credit cards without an annual fee.

American Airlines award flights start at 7,500 miles. A free one-way domestic flight within the continental U.S. and Canada is possible with the bonus!

Earn Up To 2x Miles on Every Purchase

An increasingly common perk for airlines rewards credit cards is to also offer bonus points on non-airline spending. The MileUp credit card is no exception.

  • Cardholders earn:
    • 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
    • 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
    • 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
    • 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases

Enjoy 25% Savings on In-Flight Purchases

Like the other American Airlines credit cards with an annual fee, you’ll now receive a 25% statement credit for your in-flight purchases.

American Airlines MileUp Credit Card Vs. Delta and United No Annual Fee Credit Cards

The major domestic carriers have all placed a larger emphasis on offer rewards cards without an annual fee. In the last year, travelers have seen the United TravelBank and Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card launch.

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is competitive with either card. You can earn up to two points on every purchase and receive a statement credit on in-flight purchases.

If you only fly once or twice a year, these cards can help you earn enough points to book an award flight. Plus, your American Airlines points balance never expires as long as you own the MileUp Credit Card.

Apply for the MileUp or the AAdvantage Platinum Select

The real $99 question is if you should apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® or pay the $99 annual fee (waived the first year) to get the AAdvantage Platinum Select instead? Airlines have ramped up their efforts of offering rewards cards without an annual fee to win over debit card and cash rewards spenders.

The MileUp credit card can be a good option if you want to own American Airlines rewards miles, but paying an annual fee can be more advantageous. You will actually save money by going with the Platinum Select because you can enjoy these complimentary benefits:

  • First checked bag is free for you and up to four travel companions
  • $125 American Airlines credit after spending $20,000 a card year
  • Citi waives the annual fee for the first year

You will also earn double points on more purchases with the Platinum Select:

  • American Airlines purchases
  • Gas stations
  • Restaurants

All remaining purchases earn 1 point per $1.

When to Apply for the MileUp

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® can be the better option in these instances:

  • Spend more on groceries than gas and restaurants
  • Won’t spend at least $20,000 annually
  • Don’t check a bag when flying American
  • Ensure your points never expire

Because the MileUp credit card doesn’t charge an annual fee, this card can either be a good primary or secondary card. Just note that it does require a good to excellent credit score.

When to Apply for the Platinum Select

Rightfully so, the Platinum Select offers more benefits because it commands a reasonable $99 fee (waived the first year). It is the better option in these instances:

  • Spend at least $20,000 annually for the $125 flight credit
  • Check a bag at least four times ($25 per bag)
  • Earn more bonus points from gas stations and restaurants than grocery stores

You might be surprised how quickly the savings add up if you check a bag regularly or you can earn the $125 flight credit. Because of the free checked bag for five people, you can easily pay the annual fee with a single one-way trip. Generally, if you want a good credit card for international travel you will have to pay an annual fee.

Best American Airlines Award Flight Redemption Options

Now that you’ll have a few extra AAdvantage miles in your pocket, you can try to use your points for one of the following award routes. American Airlines charges a fixed amount so you can easily calculate how many points you need to fly when you fly in the off-season or peak season.

Fly Domestically for 7,500 Miles

You can begin redeeming your miles at 7,500 points for a short-haul flight within the United States that’s 500 miles or less. Longer flights within the continental U.S. and Canada cost 12,500 miles each way.

Fly to Europe for 22,500 Miles Each Way

Another redemption option to consider is flying to Europe. You can also book partner flights with a OneWorld alliance member and pay 22,500 (off-peak) or 30,000 miles (peak) for a one-way economy flight to Europe. To avoid fuel surcharges, don’t fly British Airways for your long-haul flights.

You can also upgrade your flight experience and fly business class to Europe for 57,500 miles each way too.

Take a Transcontinental Flight in Business Class

If you need to fly across the United States and want to do it in business class, you should try flying from New York to either San Francisco or Los Angeles. American uses a three-cabin aircraft for this route. You can enjoy a lie-flat seat that you can usually only access on international flights.

Summary of the MileUp Credit Card

Occasional American Airlines flyers will benefit greatly from the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®. If you plan on checking bags or using the card for your daily spending, you may still be better off going with the recently upgraded Platinum Select Card instead.

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