The higher-tier AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard provides additional benefits such as an annual companion certificate after $20,000 in spending and up to $50 in statement credits for inflight Wi-Fi purchases each year. The Silver card carries a $199 annual fee and allows two guests on its companion certificate. Cardholders can also earn up to 15,000 Loyalty Points per year based on qualifying spending thresholds.
According to The Points Guy contributor Clint Henderson: "These boosts have gotten me a long way toward reearning American Airlines Executive Platinum status for the past several years."
The Silver version cannot be applied for directly; interested individuals must first obtain the Red card and then request an upgrade through Barclays. Henderson noted that he received confirmation from Barclays that these cards would continue earning AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points at least through 2025.
With Citi set to take over as exclusive issuer next year, it remains unclear whether current benefits will remain if or when accounts migrate from Barclays.
Hawaiian Airlines credit cards are also expected to change following Alaska Airlines' planned acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Although these cards remain available for now, both airlines recently announced they will introduce a joint loyalty program called Atmos Rewards later this year. HawaiianMiles can currently be transferred to Atmos Rewards at a one-to-one ratio; beginning October 1st, HawaiianMiles will convert into Atmos points.
Some consumers have taken advantage of existing offers by applying for both personal and business versions of Hawaiian Airlines credit cards—maximizing welcome bonuses while they last. For example, one strategy netted 138,000 HawaiianMiles by meeting initial spending requirements on both products before certain offers expired.
Small business owners—including those with sole proprietorships or side businesses—may qualify for business credit cards using their name and Social Security number rather than an employer identification number.
As changes approach in airline partnerships and loyalty programs, experts suggest that travelers consider signing up for these soon-to-be-discontinued credit cards while current offers remain available.
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