Full Breakdown
American Airlines and Citi Revamp Mid-Tier Co-Branded Credit Cards
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Changes to the Platinum Select and Business Cards
American Airlines and Citi refreshed two co-branded Mastercard products—the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite and the Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite. Annual fees rise from $99 to $150, effective at the first renewal after January 24 2027. New benefits include a $100 annual inflight statement credit, up to $120 every four years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, expanded earning categories (3 × miles on eligible hotel and car rentals, 2 × miles on gas, EV charging, select streaming services, rides and rail), and enhanced travel protections. The cards retain a $0 introductory fee for the first year and perks such as a free first checked bag and preferred boarding.
Background & Context
The cards are part of a five-card Citi–American Airlines portfolio that has not seen a fee increase since 2018. Industry pressure to boost revenue has led rivals such as United, American Express, and JPMorgan Chase to raise fees on comparable products. The refresh follows the 2025 launch of the Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard and an upgrade to the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard.
Key Figures & Groups
- John LaCosta – Head of partnership cards and development for U.S. consumer cards at Citi.
- Scott Long – Senior vice president of AAdvantage at American Airlines.
- American Airlines – Airline partner and co-brand owner.
- Citi – Issuer of the Mastercard products.
Timeline
- October 27 2026 – Announcement of the card refresh.
- January 24 2027 (scheduled) – New benefits become available; increased fee applies at the next account anniversary.
- December 31 2028 – Primary cardmembers earn an extra Loyalty Point for each dollar spent by authorized users (benefit unchanged).
Data & Statistics
- Annual fee increase: $99 -> $150 (+$51).
- Inflight credit: $100 per calendar year (replaces a 25 % discount on food, beverage, and Wi-Fi).
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: up to $120 every four years.
- Earn 3 × AAdvantage miles on eligible hotel and car-rental bookings made through American’s portals.
- Earn 2 × miles on gas/EV charging, select streaming services, rides and rail, and on existing categories.
- Business card adds a “Self-Select” category (U.S. shipping, office supplies, or advertising) earning 2 × miles, selectable quarterly.
- Lifestyle perks: complimentary Walmart+ membership (? $98 value) and 50 % off an annual FOX One subscription (? $200 value) for Platinum Select cardholders.
- Travel protections expanded to include trip-cancellation, trip-interruption, rental-car, and lost-baggage coverage.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for American Airlines confirmed the fee hike is the first since 2018 and said the changes respond to “customer feedback” for more everyday earning opportunities and travel protections. Scott Long noted the refresh aims to keep members engaged with the AAdvantage program even when they are not traveling, highlighting the new Loyalty-Points earning path through everyday spending.