Citi becomes sole issuer for American Airlines' cobranded credit cards

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Global Industry News

Citi becomes sole issuer for American Airlines' cobranded credit cards

Research

Becky Blaine Senior editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Dec 5, 2024

American Airlines and Citi have announced the extension of their cobranded partnership for another decade. This agreement will make Citi the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage cobranded card portfolio starting in 2026. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated, "American is proud to have launched the first airline loyalty program, and with Citi, the travel industry's first co-branded credit card."

For nearly 40 years, American Airlines has partnered with Citi. However, due to a merger with US Airways in 2013, Barclays also became an issuer of American's cobranded cards. Currently, Citi markets its cards online and at airport lounges while Barclays markets them in flight and at terminals. From 2026 onwards, Citi will take over the Barclays AAdvantage card portfolio.

Barclays previously issued one business card and four personal cards under its AAdvantage Aviator portfolio. Now only one remains available to new applicants: the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard.

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Points collectors might consider applying for this card soon as it may close to new applicants before the end of 2025. The current offer includes earning 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after making a single purchase within 90 days and paying a $99 annual fee.

With Citi holding exclusive rights over the AAdvantage cobranded portfolio, there is speculation about adding AAdvantage as a transfer partner of the Citi ThankYou Rewards program. In response to inquiries about future plans, a spokesperson from Citi commented: "The expansion and extension of our relationship with American Airlines will positively impact our existing and new customer base as we introduce new products and benefits in the future."

Further details on potential changes or additions are not being shared at this time.