American Airlines announced that Citi will be its sole credit card issue, at least in the US, starting in 2026.
Citi will take over the existing Barclays’ American Airlines portfolio, which the airline “inherited” from US Airways. Barclay’s AAdvantage cards are heavily pushed at airports and on American flights (Citi cards are not).
You can access AA here.
It is unclear how much American Airlines received from its cobranded cards, as the sum is lumped with other partner revenue totaling $5.6B.
AA’s Announcement:
American Airlines and Citi extend and expand co-branded card partnership, paving the way for more customer benefits
Citi to become the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage® co-branded card portfolio in the U.S.
10-year agreement expected to expand loyalty and rewards offering for AAdvantage® members and Citi-branded cardmembers in the future
Combined Citi®/AAdvantage® card portfolio projected to drive incremental value for both companies
FORT WORTH, Texas, and NEW YORK – American Airlines and Citi today announced the extension of their more than 37-year co-branded partnership for the next decade, taking the relationship to new heights, with Citi becoming the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage® co-branded card portfolio in the U.S. in 2026. Working more closely together, Citi and American can create significant value for both AAdvantage® co-branded and Citi-branded cardmembers.
“American is proud to have launched the first airline loyalty program, and with Citi, the travel industry’s first co-branded credit card,” said Robert Isom, American Airlines CEO. “The strength of our relationship with Citi has enabled us to deliver first-class products and customer service to millions of AAdvantage cardmembers. This expanded partnership will unlock even more value and exciting new benefits for all of our customers in the future.”
Citi reached an agreement to acquire the Barclays American Airlines Co-branded Card portfolio and will begin transitioning cardmembers to the Citi portfolio in 2026. Barclays cardmembers will continue to experience the same benefits they do today. More information about the transition will be made available in the coming months. The attractive cardmember base, size and strength of the combined portfolio are poised to help accelerate growth for Citi’s Branded Cards business and overarching U.S. Personal Banking business.
In addition, the agreement creates an innovative alignment between the Citi ThankYou and AAdvantage® card programs and is designed to drive incremental value for both companies and produce a significantly expanded loyalty and rewards offering for AAdvantage® members and Citi-branded cardmembers. As exclusive issuer, Citi will take on all American Airlines acquisition channels, including inflight and at airports.
“American Airlines and Citi have built something truly special together — a partnership rooted in delivering excellence to our customers,” said Jane Fraser, Citi CEO. “We’re now excited to take this relationship to greater heights through an expanded customer base and a series of new loyalty and reward offerings. Together, we’re creating more opportunities to welcome new cardmembers, deepen our connection with our existing ones and make our co-branded card the clear favorite in everyone’s wallets.”
The Citi®/AAdvantage® card portfolio currently offers products within the no-annual fee, mid-fee and high-fee space, including: the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, the Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. The Citi®/AAdvantage® portfolio also offers the Citi®/AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® for business owners.
For more information about the Citi®/AAdvantage® card portfolio, visit: creditcards.aa.com.
Conclusion
I don’t believe these airline cards make much sense nowadays beyond the sign-up and occasional other bonuses, and perhaps a free checked bag.
You should not, in general, use them for spending where other flexible currency cards tend to be a much better option or even a plain cashback card, such as the free Apple one (2% back – no strings or fees).
However, the big masses appear to love these cards, considering the revenue these airlines generate from them.
