American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp
- Annual Fee
- $0
- miles · Welcome Bonus
- 15,000
- Top Rate
- 2X
Terms checked against the issuer on October 10, 2026
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Authorized User Fee
- $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- 3%
- Network
- Mastercard Standard
- Rewards Currency
- American AAdvantage
- Point Valuation
- 1.2–1.7 cpp (mid: 1.45)
Welcome Offer
15,000
miles
$500
Spend Required
3 months
Time Period
Earning Rates
- 2X
Grocery Stores
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and eligible American Airlines purchases.
- 2X
American Airlines
2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1X
All Other
1X points on all purchases
Benefits & Perks
Insurance & Protections
3 protectionsZero Liability on unauthorized transactions
You won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions made in store, online, or via mobile device.
HELP KEEP YOUR IDENTITY SAFE
The ID Theft Protection program offered by Mastercard helps eliminate the worry of identity theft by monitoring the information you choose to protect
24/7 lost/stolen card assistance worldwide
Report lost or stolen cards 24/7 and get emergency card replacement and cash advance assistance worldwide.
Program & Transfers
AAdvantage
North America's largest airline rewards network
American Airlines AAdvantage is one of the world's largest airline loyalty programs, serving over 115 million members with access to the oneworld alliance network. As a founding member of oneworld, AAdvantage miles can be earned and redeemed across 13 partner airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Qatar Airways. The program uses revenue-based earning for American Airlines flights while maintaining distance-based awards on many partner airlines. American operates the largest commercial airline network globally with major hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. AAdvantage members earn Loyalty Points toward elite status and can redeem miles for flights, upgrades, hotels, and merchandise. The program offers competitive award pricing and strong availability on both domestic and international routes. American partners with Citi and Barclays for co-branded credit cards that provide accelerated earning, free checked bags, and priority boarding privileges. Premium cardholders gain access to Admirals Club lounges and receive expanded award inventory through preferred pricing.
Program Ratings
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic US in Economy on American | 5,000 | economy | United States |
| US to Australia in Business | 80,000 | business | Australia Nz |
| Transcontinental US in Business | 21,000 | business | United States |
| US to South America in Economy | 12,000 | economy | South America |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 12,500 | economy | United States |
| Domestic US in First Class | 16,500 | first | United States |
| US to Europe in Economy | 19,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 20,000 | economy | United States |
| Domestic US in Business | 22,000 | business | United States |
| US to Japan in Economy | 25,000 | economy | Asia |
| Australia/NZ | 35,000 | — | — |
| US to Europe in Business | 57,500 | business | Europe |
| US to Japan in Business on a Partner | 60,000 | business | Asia |
| US to Middle East in Business on a Partner | 70,000 | business | Middle East |
| US to Japan in First Class on a Partner | 80,000 | first | Asia |
Reviews & Analysis
Third-Party Rankings & Ratings
| Publication | Rating | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PointsNav | #102 of 119 |
The Math: Is $0 Worth It?
First-year value includes $217.50 welcome bonus
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$0
Annual Fee
-$0
Net Annual Value
+$0
Details & Terms
Application Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| One MileUp bonus per 48 months | Citi says the American Airlines AAdvantage new cardmember bonus is not available if you have received a new account bonus for an AAdvantage MileUp account in the past 48 months, or if you converted another Citi card on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into an AAdvantage MileUp account. |
| Citi 2/65 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days |
| Citi 1/8 | You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days |
| Citi 6/6 | You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months |
| Citi 5 Day Rule | You may be rejected when applying for a Citi credit card if your credit has been pulled within the last five days (by any bank). |
Payment Terms
| Purchase APR | 19.74%–29.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
FAQs
How many miles gets a free flight?
The lowest one-way redemption on American is 7,500 miles for domestic U.S. or Canada routes. Partner awards start at 12,500 miles one-way and can offer better value on select international itineraries when availability lines up. Domestic pricing can vary by date and demand.
How many AA miles to fly to Europe?
You can fly to Europe from 25,000 miles one-way in economy or 75,000 in business/first on American. You can find partner redemptions starting at 22,500 in economy or 57,500 in business, but you have to find saver availability. Be careful of high surcharges on certain partners
Which credit card is best for miles?
American has five co-branded cards offered by Citi and Barclays. The Citi AAdvantage Executive offers the highest welcome bonus and premium perks (like lounge access), but it also carries the highest annual fee. "Best" card depends on how often you fly with AA
Which AA card has lounge access?
The Citi AAdvantage Executive includes full Admirals Club membership for the cardholder, immediate family, and two guests. The Citi Strata Elite offers four annual Admirals Club passes as part of its benefits. Both have high $595 annual fees.
What’s the difference between Loyalty Points and AAdvantage miles?
Loyalty Points determine your elite status; AAdvantage miles are the currency you use redeem for flights. You generally earn one Loyalty Point per base mile earned—not on credit card welcome bonuses, multipliers, or promotional bonus miles.
Media & Resources
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Citi | Citi | |
| Citi | — | Citi |
| NerdWallet | NerdWallet: Card name | |
| RewardsCC API | RewardsCC API: Multiple card facts | |
| Citi | Citi | |
| Citi | Citi |
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