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Millions of American Airlines customers are in for sky-high costs.
American Airlines and Citi cardholders are in line for an eye-watering price increase. Starting next year, American Airlines will raise annual fees on two popular AAdvantage credit cards by 52%.
The airline and its credit card partner, Citi, revealed that the new annual fee will apply to its Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard. Both cards will increase from $99 to $150 beginning on January 24, 2027.
New cardholders will not immediately feel the boost as the company will still waive the annual fee for the first 12 months. Existing customers won’t be so lucky — each will likely see the higher fee at their next renewal once the official rise occurs.
The two brands are calling the boost a “refresh” and are banking on new perks to lessen the blow — which will cost users an extra $51 a year.
“We’re continuing to evolve the Citi/AAdvantage portfolio to better reflect how our members live, spend and travel today,” said Scott Long, senior vice president of American’s senior vice president of AAdvantage. “These new benefits are designed to deliver greater value in ways that matter most to our members, with rewards and experiences that fit seamlessly into their everyday lives and travel journeys.”
So, what perks will cardholders see along with higher prices — new benefits for travel, boosted mileage rewards and more.
For Platinum Select card users — a card marketed for “occasional travelers” — folks will see a slew of new travel benefits.
Users will be given three AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible hotel and rental car reservations booked through its select websites.
Cardholders will be given two miles per dollar on purchases at EV charging stations, two miles on select streaming services and two miles on eligible rideshare and public transportation purchases.
Plus, the annual American Airlines flight discount is getting boosted from $125 to $150. Just note that to qualify, users must spend at least $20,000 on the card during the membership year and renew it.
Other new perks include:
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years
- Up to $100 back in statement credits annually on inflight purchases
- Up to $180 annually on Turo car rentals
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights for the primary cardmember and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation
- A complimentary Walmart+ membership, valued at $98 annually
For the Citi/AAdvantage Business Mastercard — marketed towards business owners — cardholders will see similar new benefits like travel credits and protections.
Users will also see 25% off a Melio subscription plan to help manage business payments.
There’s also a $99 American Airlines Companion Certificate for a qualifying single round-trip Main Cabin domestic flight. A $30,000 purchase limit must be met each card membership year and at card membership renewal.
Both cards will keep existing benefits, including its most popular perk — free first checked bag on eligible domestic American Airlines flights. The benefit is for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation.
Customers will be seeing one major perk disappear for good — the 25% discount on inflight purchases. This will soon be replaced with the new annual statement credit of up to $100.
American Airlines and Citi aren’t the first partnership to increase annual fees. Since 2024, Delta, United, and the now-defunct Southwest have all hiked prices. Delta was among the first — increasing the Gold card fee first and later rolling out higher prices on its Platinum and Reserve cards.
United followed suit just a year later in 2025, raising fees across multiple United personal and business cards — like the Explorer, Quest and Club cards. Meanwhile, Southwest added a seemingly last-ditch effort to stay afloat by increasing annual fees and adding benefits.
It’s your move, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue.
