Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select vs. AAdvantage Aviator Red: A Showdown of AA Credit Cards

Citi is a promotional partner of TPG

American Airlines passengers can select from a wide array of co-branded credit cards, ranging from no-annual-fee options to some of the highest-end cards available.

Among the mid-tier choices are the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, which has a $99 annual fee (waived for the first year), and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, also with a $99 annual fee.

The Aviator Red card offers appealing perks, including an annual statement credit for in-flight food and drink purchases, as well as the chance to earn a companion certificate through spending.

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum card enables users to earn miles more quickly on everyday spending through non-airline bonus categories.

Today, we’ll compare both cards directly to determine which suits your needs best.

The information regarding the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select and the AAdvantage Aviator Red cards has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Comparison of AAdvantage Platinum Select and AAdvantage Aviator Red

AAdvantage Platinum Select vs. AAdvantage Aviator Red introductory offer

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is currently providing 50,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after you spend $2,500 within the first three months of opening your account. According to our latest valuations, this is approximately worth $850.

The Aviator Red offers a substantial 60,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after your first purchase within the initial 90 days—regardless of the amount—along with the $99 annual fee. This bonus is valued at around $1,020.

Winner: Aviator Red. Earning 60,000 miles for just one purchase and a $99 fee clearly positions the Aviator Red as the winner.

AAdvantage Platinum Select vs. AAdvantage Aviator Red features

Both cards provide comparable inflight benefits, including a first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to four travel companions on the same booking.

Additionally, both cards offer priority boarding and a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases.

If you spend $20,000 or more during a membership year with the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select, you can receive a $125 discount on American Airlines flights. This discount applies to the base fare and associated taxes, fees, and charges for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines and its subsidiaries.

The Aviator Red rewards those who spend $20,000 or more in a membership year and pay their annual fee with a companion certificate for $99 (plus taxes and fees). This is valid for a round-trip domestic economy ticket on American Airlines and its subsidiaries within the 48 contiguous states, and residents of Alaska and Hawaii can travel to or from their states.

While the Citi card's $125 discount can be applied to more flights due to its lack of class or regional restrictions, you may find greater value with the Aviator Red by using it on a higher-priced fare.

Both cards eliminate foreign transaction fees and come with various World Elite Mastercard benefits. These include access to the World Elite Concierge, a $5 monthly Lyft credit if you take three or more rides, $1,000 in annual cellphone coverage ($800 maximum per claim, two claims allowed per year), global emergency assistance, a $5 reward for every $20 spent on Fandango movie tickets or online purchases. You’ll also enjoy golf offers and experiences with the PGA Tour through Priceless Golf and a complimentary ShopRunner membership, which provides two-day shipping and free return shipping at over a hundred online retailers.

Winner: Tie. Both cards present a comprehensive array of valuable benefits.

Comparing miles earned on the AAdvantage Platinum Select vs. AAdvantage Aviator Red

The cards feature slightly varying earning rates.

Both cards offer 2 miles for every dollar spent on qualifying American Airlines purchases and 1 mile on most other expenditures.

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select also provides 2 miles for every dollar spent at restaurants and gas stations.

Winner: The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select takes the lead, featuring two bonus categories that allow cardholders to earn additional miles.

Comparing the redemption and transfer of miles between the AAdvantage Platinum Select and AAdvantage Aviator Red

The rewards from both cards can be utilized for valuable AAdvantage mile redemptions, including premium-cabin bookings with partner airlines.

For domestic travel, we suggest considering airlines like Southwest and JetBlue before using American miles. It's typically wiser to reserve AA miles for business or first-class flights on Qatar Airways, Etihad, Finnair, Iberia, and other esteemed international carriers known for their long-haul service.

TPG credit cards writer Danyal Ahmed uses AA miles earned on his Platinum Select card for Qatar Airways Qsuite flights to the Middle East.

Winner: Tie. Both cards provide identical redemption and transfer options.

Should I choose the AAdvantage Platinum Select or the AAdvantage Aviator Red?

These cards provide comparable benefits. Opt for the Platinum Select if you frequently dine out or purchase gas, while the Aviator Red offers a more valuable companion certificate for higher-cost flights. Additionally, evaluate which card presents a more substantial sign-up bonus.

Conclusion

Both cards are outstanding options that enable you to earn miles swiftly within the AAdvantage program, while enjoying premium perks during your travels — all for a reasonable $99 annual fee.

For further details, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Platinum Select and Aviator Red.