What the American Airlines Charge Card Does
The American Airlines Charge Card is a co-branded card issued by Citi that lets you earn miles on purchases and redeem them for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through American Airlines' AAdvantage program. Unlike a credit card, a charge card requires you to pay your full statement balance each month—there is no option to carry a balance or pay interest. You earn miles on every dollar spent, with bonus miles for travel and dining purchases.
The card comes with an annual fee, which Citi charges to your account each year. You also get perks tied to American Airlines travel, such as checked baggage allowances, priority boarding, and seat selection benefits. The card is designed for people who fly American Airlines regularly and can pay off their balance in full each month.
Key Takeaways
- The American Airlines Charge Card requires full payment of your statement balance each month, with no option to carry a balance or pay interest.
- You earn AAdvantage miles on purchases, with higher earning rates for American Airlines flights and dining at partner restaurants.
- An annual fee applies each year, and you should review the current fee amount on Citi's website before you open an account.
- The card includes benefits like checked baggage, priority boarding, and seat selection when you fly American Airlines.
- You must have an American Airlines AAdvantage account to use the card, though you can open one during the card process process.
How to Open an American Airlines Charge Card Account
Start by visiting Citi's website and finding the American Airlines Charge Card product page. You will see the current offer, annual fee, and earning rates. Click the button to start the process. Citi will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment status. Have your most recent tax return or pay stub available if you need to verify income.
During the process, you will be asked whether you have an existing AAdvantage account. If you do, enter your account number. If you do not, Citi can open one for you as part of the card process—you will receive your AAdvantage number once your card is approved. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit, Citi will tell you when ready whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. Pending decisions usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. If approved, your card will ship within 5 to 7 business days. You can track your shipment using the reference number Citi provides.
Activating Your Card and Linking It to Your AAdvantage Account
When your card arrives, call the number on the back or visit Citi's website to set up it. You will need your card number and Social Security number. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute.
Next, log into your AAdvantage account on American Airlines' website or app. Go to the account settings or wallet section and add your new card as a payment method. You can also link it to earn miles automatically on American Airlines purchases. Once linked, miles will post to your account within 1 to 3 business days after each transaction posts to your card.
If you opened a new AAdvantage account during the card process, you will receive login credentials by email. Use those to set up your account and link your card.
Earning and Redeeming Miles
You earn miles on every purchase, but the rate varies by category. American Airlines flights and purchases made directly with American Airlines earn the highest rate—typically 3 or 4 miles per dollar, depending on the current offer. Dining at partner restaurants earns a set number of miles per dollar. All other purchases earn a base rate, usually 1 mile per dollar.
Miles post to your AAdvantage account after your purchase posts to the card, which is typically 1 to 3 business days. You can check your mile balance anytime by logging into your AAdvantage account online or through the American Airlines app.
To redeem miles, log into your AAdvantage account and search for available flights. You can book a one-way or round-trip flight using miles alone, or you can use miles to upgrade a paid ticket to a higher cabin. Miles do not expire as long as you have account activity—a purchase, a flight, or even a mile transfer—at least once every 18 months.
Understanding the Annual Fee and When to Cancel
The American Airlines Charge Card charges an annual fee each year on your account anniversary. The fee amount varies and changes over time, so check Citi's current offer before you open an account. This fee is separate from any annual fees charged by American Airlines for AAdvantage membership itself.
Some cardholders receive a statement credit or bonus miles to offset the annual fee. These offers appear in your account or in the mail before your fee posts. If you do not use the card or do not fly American Airlines often enough to earn back the value of the fee, you can cancel anytime by calling Citi or logging into your account online.
When you cancel, your miles remain in your AAdvantage account as long as you maintain account activity. Canceling the card does not close your AAdvantage account or erase your miles.
Paying Your Statement Balance Each Month
Because this is a charge card, you must pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. Citi will mail you a statement or send it electronically, depending on your preference. The statement shows all purchases, the total amount due, and the due date.
You can pay online through Citi's website or app, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. To set up automatic payments, log into your account and choose the payment amount—you can pay the full balance automatically each month, or a fixed dollar amount. Automatic payments process on the date you choose, usually 2 to 3 business days before the due date.
If you miss a payment, Citi will charge a late fee and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus. Because you cannot carry a balance, there is no interest charge, but the late fee and credit impact are still serious. Set a calendar reminder or automatic payment to avoid this.
Benefits and Protections That Come With the Card
Beyond miles earning, the American Airlines Charge Card includes travel protections and perks. You get a checked baggage allowance on American Airlines flights, priority boarding, and the ability to select your seat without paying extra. Some versions of the card also include travel insurance, such as trip cancellation or baggage delay coverage—check your card's benefits guide to see what is included.
The card also offers purchase protections, such as extended warranty coverage on items you buy with the card. Citi's website has a full benefits guide that lists what is covered and how to file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot pay the full balance by the due date?
Because this is a charge card, you cannot carry a balance or pay interest. You must pay the full amount due by the due date. If you cannot, contact Citi when ready to discuss options. Missing a payment will result in a late fee and a report to credit bureaus, which will harm your credit score.
Can I use this card if I do not have an existing AAdvantage account?
Yes. During the process, you can ask Citi to open a new AAdvantage account for you. You will receive your account number and login credentials after your card is approved. You can then log in and start earning miles right away.
Do my miles expire?
Miles do not expire as long as you have account activity at least once every 18 months. Account activity includes a purchase with your card, a flight on American Airlines, or a transfer of miles to another person. If your account goes inactive for 18 months, miles may be forfeited, but you can reactivate your account by logging in or contacting American Airlines.
Can I transfer my miles to someone else?
Yes. You can transfer miles to another AAdvantage member through your account online. Citi or American Airlines may charge a fee for transfers, depending on the amount. Check the current transfer policy on American Airlines' website before you transfer.
What is the difference between this card and an American Airlines credit card?
A charge card requires you to pay the full balance each month, while a credit card lets you carry a balance and pay interest. Charge cards typically have higher annual fees but offer stronger rewards and perks. Choose based on whether you can pay off your balance in full each month and whether the annual fee is worth the benefits you will use.