How to choose the best American Airlines credit cards
Unlike typical rewards cards, choosing the best credit card for American Airlines is going to be more about the perks than the purchase rewards. (Though the rewards can still be useful!) Here are a few questions to ask yourself to narrow down your choices.
Do you want to use the Admirals Club airport lounges?
The first thing to decide is how often -- if ever -- you use Admirals Club airport lounges. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard® is so expensive because it comes with complimentary Admirals Club membership. This gives you -- and up to two guests -- unlimited access to Admirals Club lounges when you're flying with American or a partner airline.
One-day passes to Admirals Club lounges cost $79 each. At this rate, it would take eight visits a year to make up for a $595 annual fee. If you don't travel with American (or another oneworld® airline) often enough to take advantage of the membership, you may want to consider one of the less expensive cards.
Related: Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access
Do you check bags?
The main difference between the mid-tier American Airlines cards and the no annual fee option is the checked bag waivers. Essentially, you get a free checked bag on eligible domestic American Airlines itineraries. This also extends to up to four people on your same reservation.
At $30 per bag, one way, you could easily make up for an annual fee in a single family trip. If you never check bags, however, then this perk isn't worth anything at all -- let alone a $99 annual fee.
Can you pay the annual fee?
No matter what kind of rewards credit card you get, you need to consider the annual fee. As mentioned above, it may be easy enough to make up the annual fee with perks from an airline credit card. But if you don't fly enough to use those perks, then what are you paying for? (You should also remember that you need to pay the annual fee out of pocket, typically right after you open the account. If you can't afford to pay the fee, it doesn't matter how many perks you get.)
Is the sign-up bonus worth it for you?
For some travelers, the sign-up bonus alone is enough reason to get a new credit card. A good bonus may even make up for an annual fee even if the card's perks aren't worth it. For example, if you can redeem the miles from your sign-up bonus for $500 in flights paid with points, then a $99 annual fee may be worth the investment.
Can you take advantage of the bonus categories?
If you've answered all of the previous questions and you're still on the fence between two cards, take a look at the bonus categories. All AAdvantage cards earn bonus miles on eligible American Airlines purchases. But many also earn bonus miles in other categories. One card may offer better bonus rewards than the other, which can help you decide between two similar options.
