The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® is an attractive option for travelers and everyday shoppers, offering a straightforward way to earn valuable airline miles without the burden of an annual fee. This credit card is designed for those who frequent grocery stores and wish to earn rewards effortlessly on their daily purchases.

Created by Citi® in partnership with American Airlines, this card not only generously rewards you for grocery and American Airlines purchases but also offers additional perks like discounts on inflight purchases. For individuals keen on leveraging their spending into meaningful travel rewards, the AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® stands as a practical and beneficial choice in the realm of travel-focused credit cards.

How does the annual fee work?

One of the most notable features of the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® is the absence of an annual fee. This means that cardholders do not incur any yearly charges simply for holding the card, making it an attractive choice for those who want to earn airline miles without additional financial commitment.

The lack of an annual fee allows cardholders to maximize their rewards without worrying about offsetting costs, providing a straightforward and cost-effective way to earn and redeem AAdvantage® miles for travel benefits.

How is the credit limit determined?

The credit limit for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® is typically determined based on several factors, including the applicant’s creditworthiness, income, existing debt obligations, and other financial considerations. Citi®, the issuer of the card, assesses these factors during the application process to establish a suitable credit limit for each approved applicant.

For conventional credit cards, this limit is determined by Citi®’s internal credit policies and algorithms, which analyze the applicant’s credit history and financial stability. In contrast, prepaid cards require a deposit from the cardholder, with the deposited amount often dictating the spending limit.

Benefits of the credit card

• No Annual Fee: The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® does not charge an annual fee, making it cost-effective for cardholders.
• Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn 15,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn Miles on Grocery Purchases: Cardholders earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per dollar spent at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• Inflight Savings: Enjoy a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases when using the card on American Airlines flights.
• No Mileage Cap: There is no limit to the number of AAdvantage® miles you can earn, allowing for unlimited accumulation towards travel rewards.
• Additional Benefits: Cardholders can add authorized users at no extra charge, which helps accumulate more AAdvantage® miles through additional purchases.

Standout advantage

The standout feature of the AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® lies in its ability to earn 2X AAdvantage® miles on grocery store purchases, aligning perfectly with the needs of cardholders who prioritize earning miles on everyday spending. This dual earning capability makes it an ideal choice for individuals looking to expedite their journey towards free flights and travel rewards.

Disadvantages

• Foreign Transaction Fees: The card charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars when used internationally, which can add up for frequent travelers abroad.
• Limited Travel Benefits: While it offers inflight discounts and mileage accumulation, the card lacks premium travel perks like priority boarding or free checked bags, which are common with higher-tier travel cards.
• Higher APR for Cash Advances: The card imposes a higher APR for cash advances, up to 29.99%, which is significantly higher than the APR for purchases, potentially leading to high interest charges for cash withdrawals.

Standout disadvantage

A notable drawback of the AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® is its limited airline-specific benefits, which may not cater to frequent travelers seeking enhanced privileges and upgrades typically offered by premium airline credit cards.

Who can apply for this card?

To apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard®, applicants must meet certain criteria, including a minimum age requirement, a specified minimum income, and satisfactory credit history. While approval is subject to creditworthiness and other factors, the card is generally accessible to individuals with a stable financial background.

How to apply for the card

Website

To apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® through their website, the process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed in just a few straightforward steps. Begin by visiting either the American Airlines or Citi® website, where you’ll navigate to the section dedicated to credit cards or specifically to the AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard®.

Look for an obvious link or button labeled “Apply Now” or “Apply Here”, which will initiate the application process. Clicking on the application link will redirect you to an online form hosted on Citi’s secure platform.

This form will prompt you to provide essential personal information, including your full name, current address, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact details such as phone number and email address. Ensure all information entered is accurate and up-to-date to expedite the application process.

Once you’ve filled out the required fields with your personal details, proceed to the next section where you may need to provide additional financial information. This typically includes details about your employment status, annual income, and possibly your housing situation. Providing accurate financial information helps Citi assess your creditworthiness for the card.

After completing the form, carefully review the terms and conditions associated with the AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard®. These include details on interest rates, fees, and rewards structure. Make sure you understand all aspects of the card before submitting your application.

Finally, submit your application for review. The approval process typically takes a few moments, and if additional information is needed, Citi may contact you via email or phone. Once approved, you can expect to receive your AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® in the mail within a specified timeframe, usually within 7-10 business days.

App

To apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® through the app, download the Citi® app on your smartphone or tablet. After installing the app, follow the instructions to initiate the credit card application.

Provide the same detailed personal and financial information as mentioned above, ensuring all data is correct and up-to-date. Review the terms and conditions and submit your application directly through the app. This method offers the convenience of applying for the card from anywhere using your mobile device.

At a Branch

Another option for applying for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® is to visit a physical Citi® branch. By choosing this method, you will have the opportunity to speak directly with a Citi® representative who can guide you through the entire application process.

Bring all necessary documents, such as proof of income and personal identification, to facilitate the process. The branch representative can provide detailed information and answer any questions you may have about the card and its benefits.