American Airlines and Citi Announce Exclusive Credit Card Deal
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- Citi will be the sole issuer of American Airlines’ AAdvantage co-branded credit cards in the U.S. by 2026.
- Barclays AAdvantage cardholders will transition to Citi in 2026.
- The deal aims to align Citi ThankYou and AAdvantage programs for better rewards.
Citi Becomes Exclusive AAdvantage Card Issuer
We’ve seen talk of this before, but today AA has officially announced it:
American Airlines and Citi have announced a significant expansion of their longstanding partnership, with Citi set to become the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage co-branded credit card portfolio in the U.S. by 2026. This 10-year agreement aims to enhance the loyalty and rewards offerings for both AAdvantage members and Citi-branded cardholders.
Will Barclays Cards Disappear?
As part of this arrangement, Citi will acquire the Barclays American Airlines co-branded card portfolio, with the transition of card members expected to begin in 2026. During this period, existing Barclays cardholders will continue to enjoy their current benefits. The consolidation is anticipated to bolster Citi’s Branded Cards business and its broader U.S. Personal Banking operations.
What Leaders Say
According to the statements of Robert Isom, American Airlines CEO and Jane Fraser, Citi CEO this exclusive partnership is designed to create a seamless alignment between the Citi ThankYou and AAdvantage card programs, offering enhanced value and a more comprehensive loyalty and rewards experience for customers. Citi will also assume responsibility for all American Airlines acquisition channels, including inflight and airport promotions.
Citi/AAdvantage Card Options
The Citi/AAdvantage portfolio features a variety of cards to meet diverse needs:
- Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard
- Citi Business / AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard
These options cater to travelers, everyday spenders, and business owners, ensuring benefits tailored to various lifestyles.
