Travelbreaking news
Citi AAdvantage Platinum and Business cards: is the $150 fee worth the new perks?
The annual fee rises from $99 to $150 on two American Airlines cards, and new rewards categories and benefits come with it.
The fee increase and what comes with it
The annual fee on the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is going from $99 to $150. [1] If you hold either card, you also get new benefits and new rewards categories. [1]
The Platinum card's fee was historically $99, waived the first year, and will increase to $150. [2] This piece walks through what each card adds so you can weigh it against the higher fee.
What both cards add
Both cards will earn 3x miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars bookings. [1] Both cards also add up to $120 back in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every four years. [1]
Existing perks stay. Cardholders can still earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and get priority boarding and a free checked bag when flying the airline. [1]
Consumer Platinum Select changes
The consumer Platinum Select card will add 2x miles on select streaming services and on eligible Rides and Rails purchases, which cover rideshares, taxis, and public transit. [1] It is also adding EV charging stations to its existing 2x miles on gas. [1]
The card's American Airlines Flight Discount increases to $150 from the existing $125. [1] It is available after spending $20,000 or more during a cardmembership year and renewing the card. [1]
The card includes a complimentary Walmart+ annual membership. [1] It also includes a 50% discount on an annual FOX One subscription. [1]
Business card changes
The Business card gains a new choice category option offering 2x miles on an eligible self-selected category, which includes U.S. shipping providers, office supply stores, or U.S. advertising services. [1]
Business cardholders will also get 25% off a Melio subscription. [1]
The Executive card and Admirals Club
The Citi and American Airlines co-branded agreement includes five cards issued in the United States. [2] The Executive card is being renamed the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard, and its changes go live August 23. [3]
Its annual fee rises to $695 from $595. [3] Its Lyft credits increase to up to $180 each year from the previous $120 maximum. [3]
Also starting August 23, American Airlines is increasing the annual cost of an Admirals Club membership to between $1,200 and $1,400, depending on status with AAdvantage. [3]
What it means for you
If you carry the Platinum Select card, the fee goes up from $99 to $150. [1] You get 2x miles on streaming and Rides and Rails purchases, a Walmart+ membership and a 50% discount on FOX One in return. [1]
If you carry the Business card, the same fee increase applies. [1] You get a 2x choice category and 25% off Melio. [1]
Check the Flight Discount terms on the Platinum Select card: the $150 is available after spending $20,000 or more during a cardmembership year and renewing the card. [1] If you hold the Executive card, its fee rises to $695 from $595 when the changes go live August 23. [3]
Sources
Written from the sources above and checked twice before publishing. How we work · Report an error
.jpg){kind=link}
