American Airlines has confirmed that Citigroup will become the exclusive issuer of its AAdvantage credit cards in 2026. This decision concludes a period of speculation regarding the future of the airline's loyalty program card portfolio, which had been split between Citi and Barclays since American Airlines' merger with US Airways.
Citi and American Airlines have extended their partnership for another decade, building on a relationship that began 37 years ago. The collaboration aims to "create significant value" for both AAdvantage cobranded credit cardholders and those using Citi's travel card.
In an agreement with Barclays, Citi will acquire the Aviator cards portfolio. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed satisfaction with this development: “American is proud to have launched the first airline loyalty program, and with Citi, the travel industry’s first co-branded credit card."