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Best credit card to use at American Airlines

Updated October 30, 2026

Amex Platinum earns the most at American Airlines: 5% in points at 1¢ each. American Airlines usually codes as flights. Up to $500,000 of spending a year, then 1x Amex Membership Rewards. With no annual fee, Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi earns 3%.

Check with your own cards

Top 10 cards at American Airlines

  1. 1
    Amex Platinum 5%
    American Express · $895 a year
    • Up to $500,000 of spending a year, then 1x Amex Membership Rewards
  2. 2
    Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard 4%
    Citi · $695 a year
  3. 3
    Chase Sapphire Reserve 4%
    Chase · $795 a year
  4. 4
    Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi 3%
    Citi · No annual fee
  5. 5
    Wells Fargo Autograph 3%
    Wells Fargo · No annual fee
  6. 6
    Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards 3%
    Bank of America · No annual fee
    • Pick travel as a bonus category (until you change it)
    • Up to $2,500 of spending a quarter, then 1% cash back
  7. 7
    Citi Strata Premier 3%
    Citi · $95 a year
  8. 8
    Chase Air Canada Aeroplan 3%
    Chase · $195 a year
  9. 9
    Amex Gold 3%
    American Express · $325 a year
  10. 10
    IHG One Rewards Premier Select 3%
    Chase · $350 a year

From the issuers' terms

How this is ranked

Every personal card earnrate tracks, each set up at its best for this purchase: the right bonus-category pick, any activation done, and no spending cap used up yet. Points are counted at 1¢, what most are worth as cash or travel credit; transferring them to airlines or hotels can be worth more. Annual fees aren't subtracted here; to weigh them against your own spending, use My spending.

Related

flights · Delta Air Lines · United Airlines · Southwest Airlines · Alaska Airlines · Air Canada · Hawaiian Airlines