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The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for individuals who are looking to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases.

Issued by Citi, this card is part of the American Airlines AAdvantage program, offering cardholders the opportunity to accumulate miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and various other travel rewards.

It is an excellent choice for occasional travelers and those just starting to build their rewards with American Airlines.

Reasons to Choose the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

No Annual Fee

One of the most significant advantages of the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is that it comes with no annual fee.

Unlike premium cards that charge high annual fees, this card allows you to earn valuable AAdvantage® miles without any ongoing cost.

It is an excellent option for those who want to dip their toes into travel rewards without committing to an expensive card.

Earn Miles on Grocery Store Purchases

The card provides 2x miles on grocery store purchases, which can add up quickly if you frequently buy food and household items.

This makes the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card a great choice for those looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending, especially since grocery shopping is a regular expense for most people.

Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Miles

New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 AAdvantage® miles after making $500 in purchases within the first three months.

This bonus can help you get closer to booking a free flight or using miles for an upgrade.

The 10,000-mile bonus is a great incentive, especially when considering that you can earn miles without paying an annual fee.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The AAdvantage® MileUp® Card charges no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travelers.

Many credit cards add a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the U.S., but with this card, you can travel abroad and make purchases without worrying about extra fees, which is a significant benefit when spending in foreign currencies.

AAdvantage® Loyalty Program Benefits

As part of the American Airlines AAdvantage® program, cardholders can enjoy a variety of travel-related benefits.

Every purchase made with the card earns you AAdvantage® miles, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

Additionally, your miles can be combined with those earned through flying with American Airlines, allowing you to accelerate your progress toward free flights or elite status.

Save on In-Flight Purchases

The AAdvantage MileUp Card also offers cardholders a discount on in-flight food and beverages when traveling on American Airlines.

This is a small but valuable perk for travelers who want to save money while enjoying food and drinks onboard.

Negative Factors of the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Limited to American Airlines Purchases

While the card offers 2x miles on grocery store purchases, it only provides 1x mile on other purchases.

This means that the rewards rate is relatively low compared to other cards that offer higher cashback rates on categories such as dining, travel, or entertainment.

The card is better suited for those who are committed to American Airlines and prefer earning miles for future flights with the airline.

No Premium Travel Perks

Unlike more premium credit cards, the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card does not offer benefits such as lounge access, priority boarding, or free checked bags.

While it offers a straightforward rewards structure, it lacks the additional travel perks that higher-tier cards provide.

For travelers looking for a more luxurious travel experience, this card may fall short.

Requires Good Credit for Approval

To qualify for the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, applicants generally need a good credit score.

Individuals with fair or poor credit may not be approved for this card.

While the requirements are not as stringent as those for premium travel cards, you will still need a solid credit history to be eligible.

How to Apply for the Card

Visit the Official American Airlines Website:

Begin by navigating to the official American Airlines website and locate the section dedicated to the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card. There, you’ll find comprehensive information about the card’s features, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

Complete the Online Application Form:

Fill out the online application with your accurate personal and financial details. Ensure all information is current and correct, as any inaccuracies may delay the processing of your application.

Submit Required Documentation:

Depending on your financial profile, you may be asked to provide additional documentation such as proof of income, identification, or residency. Having these documents prepared in advance can help expedite the review process.

Review the Terms and Conditions:

Carefully read through the terms and conditions associated with the card. It’s important to understand details such as interest rates, annual fees (if any), rewards structure, and other specific benefits of the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card.

Submit Your Application:

After confirming that all required fields are accurately completed, submit your application. You’ll receive an email confirmation with further details about the next steps and an estimated timeframe for the review of your application.

Fees and Costs

  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • APR on Purchases: 15.74% – 24.74% (Variable).
  • APR on Cash Advances: 25.24% (Variable).
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0.
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the transfer amount or $5, whichever is greater.
  • Cash Advance Fee: 5% of the transaction amount or $10, whichever is greater.
  • Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
  • Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I earn miles with the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card?

You earn 2x miles on grocery store purchases and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases.

What is the welcome bonus for the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card?

You can earn 10,000 AAdvantage® miles after spending $500 in the first three months of card membership.

Are there any foreign transaction fees?

No, the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel.

How can I redeem AAdvantage® miles?

Miles can be redeemed for American Airlines flights, upgrades, and various travel rewards. They can also be used for hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

What are the benefits of the AAdvantage® program?

As a member of the AAdvantage® program, you can earn miles on flights with American Airlines and its partners.

The program also offers elite status benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to upgrades.


The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is an excellent choice for individuals who are looking to earn AAdvantage® miles without paying an annual fee.

It offers solid rewards on grocery store purchases and provides a valuable welcome bonus, along with no foreign transaction fees.

However, it may not be the best option for those who want premium travel perks like lounge access or priority boarding.

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