American Airlines has announced a significant increase in the annual fee for its popular Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard and Citi/AAdvantage Business MasterCard. Beginning January 24, 2027, the annual fee will jump from $99 to $150, marking the first price hike for the consumer card since 2018.
To soften the blow of the 52% fee increase, American Airlines, Citi, and MasterCard are introducing several new travel and lifestyle perks. Cardholders will gain additional ways to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday spending, as well as up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years. Additionally, a new $100 annual statement credit for in-flight purchases will replace the previous 25% food and beverage discount.
According to Nick Ewen, editor-in-chief of The Points Guy, the value of the new credits will depend on how travelers use the card. For those who regularly spend money aboard American flights or already pay for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, the new credits could help offset the higher annual fee. However, for those who only fly American once a year, the increased fee may be difficult to justify.
The changes also include adjustments to how cardholders can rack up rewards on everyday purchases. The personal Platinum Select card will offer three miles per dollar on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and Cars bookings and two miles per dollar on gas and EV charging, select streaming services, and eligible Rides and Rails purchases.
The increased fee follows a broader shift among airline rewards cards, with several major carriers, including Delta, Southwest, and United, also raising their annual fees in recent years.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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