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Barclays AAdvantage Cards Are Moving to Citi: What You Need to Know
July 1, 2025
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American Airlines credit cardholders with Barclays-issued cards are in for a major change. Starting April 24, 2026, Citi will become the sole issuer of AAdvantage credit cards, transitioning all Barclays Aviator cardholders to new Citi products. Here's everything you need to know about the switch and what it means for your rewards, benefits, and credit card strategy.
Why Is This Happening?
Citi reached an agreement to acquire the Barclays American Airlines co-branded card portfolio in late 2024. This transition marks the end of a 13-year partnership that began when Barclays became a joint issuer of American Airlines credit cards following the airline's merger with US Airways in 2013. Citi will once again be the exclusive issuer of AAdvantage cards.
Which Cards Are Affected?
All Barclays-issued AAdvantage Aviator cards will be transitioned to comparable Citi products. Here's the complete conversion breakdown:
Personal Cards:
- AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard → American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard
- AAdvantage Aviator Blue World Elite Mastercard → Citi / AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® → Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
- AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard → Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
Business Cards:
- AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard → Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Important Timeline and Transition Details
Now through April 24, 2026: Continue using your Barclays Aviator cards normally. You'll still earn rewards and progress toward bonuses.
April 24, 2026: Official transition date when your Barclays card becomes inactive.
April 27, 2026: Citi begins mailing new cards to transitioned cardholders.
What Stays the Same
Several elements of your account will carry over smoothly:
- Your credit limit transfers to your new Citi card (though it may be adjusted later)
- Your cardmember anniversary date remains unchanged
- Annual fee changes only apply at your next anniversary
- Any rewards and points you've earned will transfer
What You'll Need to Update
Your new Citi card will have different card and account numbers, which means you'll need to:
- Update any recurring subscriptions or automatic payments
- Notify merchants who have your card on file
- Update payment information for utility bills, streaming services, and other subscriptions
- Ensure authorized users receive their new cards (which will be mailed to the primary cardholder's address)
Setting Up Your Citi Account
If you're not currently a Citi customer, you can register for Citi Online access starting April 27, 2026. Already have a Citi account? You'll be able to link your transitioned card to your existing profile.
Enhanced Benefits and Legacy Perks
The good news? Many cardholders will gain enhanced benefits with their new Citi cards. However, some perks are designated as "legacy benefits"—features carried over from Barclays cards that Citi will honor temporarily but may adjust or phase out in the future.
Examples of enhanced benefits by card:
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard (no annual fee):
- 2X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 2X miles at grocery stores (including delivery services)
- 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard ($99 annual fee after first year):
- 2X miles at restaurants (including delivery and takeout)
- 2X miles at gas stations
- Priority boarding and free first checked bag
- Legacy benefits: Up to $25 back on in-flight Wi-Fi purchases annually, companion certificate
Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard:
- Four Admirals Club Globe passes annually
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- American Airlines Companion Certificate ($99 plus taxes/fees) for eligible domestic round-trip flights
- $100 in statement credits at select partner brands
What If You Own Both Cards?
If you already have the Citi card you'd be transitioned to, you'll be moved to a comparable Citi AAdvantage card instead. Citi recommends contacting them directly to discuss available options for your specific situation.
Should You Keep Your Card After the Transition?
Consider these factors:
Keep it if:
- The new Citi card offers enhanced rewards in categories you use frequently
- You value American Airlines benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags
- The annual fee justifies the perks you'll actually use
Consider alternatives if:
- You rarely fly American Airlines
- The annual fee outweighs your benefit usage
- You can earn better rewards with a different travel card or cash back card
Maximizing Your Transition
Smart cardholders can use this transition strategically:
- Track your current rewards before the transition to ensure everything transfers correctly
- Review the new card's benefits to understand what you're gaining or losing
- Update subscriptions proactively once you receive your new card to avoid payment disruptions
- Set calendar reminders about legacy benefits that may expire
- Consider pairing with other cards to maximize rewards across all spending categories
The Bottom Line
The Barclays-to-Citi AAdvantage card transition is largely automatic, but you'll need to take action to update your payment methods and to take advantage of new benefits. While some legacy perks may not stick around forever, many cardholders will gain enhanced rewards categories and additional features.
Review your new card's benefits carefully and decide whether it still fits your travel and spending strategy. We’ll keep you updated about any further changes by monitoring communications from both Barclays and Citi as the April 24 transition date approaches.
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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.
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