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AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard Review: Soar to New Heights with American Airlines Rewards
What Is the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard?
The AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard is a co-branded credit card offered by Barclays Bank Delaware in partnership with American Airlines. This card is designed for frequent American Airlines travelers who want to maximize their AAdvantage miles and enjoy exclusive perks when flying with the airline.
As a World Elite Mastercard, it offers cardholders a range of travel benefits and the opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases. The card comes in different versions, with the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard being one of the most popular options.
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AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus: New cardholders can earn a substantial number of AAdvantage miles after making their first purchase and paying the annual fee.
- Earn 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases: Cardholders earn double miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines flights and services.
- Free checked bag: Enjoy one free checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the primary cardmember and up to four companions on the same reservation.
- Preferred boarding: Get Group 5 boarding on American Airlines operated flights.
- In-flight savings: Receive 25% back as a statement credit on inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases on American Airlines operated flights.
- Companion certificate: Earn a $99 companion certificate (plus taxes and fees) after spending $20,000 on purchases in an account year and keeping your account open for 45 days after your account anniversary.
- No foreign transaction fees: Save on international purchases when traveling abroad.
Cons:
- Annual fee: The card comes with an annual fee, which may not be ideal for infrequent travelers.
- Limited bonus categories: Aside from American Airlines purchases, all other spending earns just 1X miles per dollar.
- American Airlines-centric: The card's benefits are primarily focused on American Airlines, which may not be suitable for those who fly with multiple airlines.
Who Is the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard For?
The AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard is ideal for:
- Frequent American Airlines flyers: Those who regularly fly with American Airlines can benefit from the card's airline-specific perks and miles-earning potential.
- Travelers seeking elite status: The card helps cardholders earn Loyalty Points, which count towards AAdvantage elite status qualification.
- Occasional travelers looking for perks: Even infrequent flyers can benefit from free checked bags and preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
- Miles collectors: If you're focused on accumulating AAdvantage miles for future award travel, this card can accelerate your earnings.
- Domestic travelers: The free checked bag benefit on domestic itineraries can provide significant savings for those who primarily fly within the United States.
Comparing the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard With Other Credit Cards
When considering the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard excels in maximizing consumers' AAdvantage miles
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
While the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard offers great benefits for American Airlines flyers, savvy consumers might want to maximize their rewards across all their credit cards. This is where Kudos comes in handy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online. It works with over 15,000 stores and automatically suggests the best credit card to use for each purchase, ensuring you earn the most rewards, points, or cash back based on your spending patterns.
By using Kudos alongside your AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard, you can:
- Ensure you're always using the right card for maximum rewards
- Discover new credit cards that align with your spending habits
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard is a solid choice for American Airlines enthusiasts who want to earn miles quickly and enjoy travel perks. Its sign-up bonus, free checked bag benefit, and preferred boarding can provide significant value, especially for frequent travelers.
However, the card's earning structure is somewhat limited compared to more flexible travel rewards cards. If you're not loyal to American Airlines or prefer more diverse bonus categories, you might want to consider other options.
Ultimately, the decision to apply for the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard should depend on your travel habits, spending patterns, and loyalty to American Airlines. For those who frequently fly with the airline and can take advantage of the card's benefits, it can be a valuable addition to your wallet.
Remember to consider using tools like Kudos to maximize your rewards across all your credit cards, ensuring you're always getting the best return on your spending.
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AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard FAQ
What credit score do I need for the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard?
While Barclays doesn't disclose specific credit score requirements, you'll typically need a good to excellent credit score (700 or above) to qualify for the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard.
How do I earn Loyalty Points with the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard?
You earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 AAdvantage mile earned from purchases with the card. This includes base miles and bonus miles from American Airlines purchases.
Can I use my AAdvantage miles on other airlines?
Yes, you can use your AAdvantage miles on American Airlines' oneworld alliance partners and other participating airlines.
Is there a foreign transaction fee on the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard?
No, the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
How do I redeem the companion certificate?
After meeting the spending requirement and account anniversary conditions, you'll receive a code to book a domestic round-trip flight for a companion at $99 plus taxes and fees when you purchase an eligible fare.
Can I add authorized users to my AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard account?
Yes, you can add authorized users to your account. Their purchases will earn miles for your account, but only the primary cardholder receives benefits like free checked bags and preferred boarding.
How long do AAdvantage miles earned with the card take to post to my account?
Miles typically post to your AAdvantage account within a few days after your monthly statement closes.
By offering a blend of valuable American Airlines perks and the ability to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday spending, the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard presents an attractive option for loyal American Airlines customers. However, as with any financial decision, it's essential to weigh the benefits against your personal travel habits and financial goals before applying.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
