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.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card?
To apply for the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Good Credit Score
While the card is accessible to individuals with good credit, you typically need a credit score of 700 or higher to qualify.
If your credit score is lower, your chances of approval may be reduced.
U.S. Citizenship or Legal Resident Status
You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to apply for this card. The card is not available for applicants living outside the U.S.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
You will need to provide a valid SSN or ITIN to apply for the card.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for the AAdvantage® MileUp® Card.
Proof of Income
While not always required, Citi may ask for proof of income to determine your ability to repay the credit extended to you.
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.
Conclusion
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.
