The two distinct varieties of Barclays’ AAdvantage Aviator credit cards

American Airlines is one of the few airlines that partners with two different banks to offer cobranded credit cards. Citi features a selection of AAdvantage credit cards, while American also provides several options with Barclays under the AAdvantage Aviator brand.

Previously, Barclays issued five Aviator credit cards—one for business and four for personal use. Currently, only two of those options remain available for new applications: the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard and the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard.

In this article, we will explore these two cards to determine if they might suit your needs.

The varieties of Aviator

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard

The Aviator Red card represents the personal option among the two Barclays/Aviator cards that are currently available for new applicants. By making just one purchase within 90 days and paying the $99 annual fee, you can earn 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles.

This card includes several valuable benefits that can offset its annual fee:

• Anniversary companion certificate — Each year, after spending at least $20,000 on your card and keeping it active for 45 days following your cardmember anniversary, you can earn a companion certificate ($99 fare plus taxes and fees).
• Inflight Wi-Fi credits — You’ll receive up to $25 in statement credits each year for inflight Wi-Fi purchases.
• Inflight savings — Enjoy a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases as a statement credit.
• First checked bag free — You and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation will have your first checked bags free on American Airlines flights.
• Preferred boarding — You and up to four companions on the same reservation will enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
• Travel protections — You’ll be covered by travel accident insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

Additionally, you’ll earn a solid 2 miles for every dollar spent on all American Airlines purchases.

For more information, be sure to check out our comprehensive review of the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard.

The information for the Red World Elite Mastercard has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard

The AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard is Barclays’ business offering in the AAdvantage lineup, making it a great choice for frequent American Airlines travelers. It comes with a comparable annual fee of $95 and currently does not provide a welcome bonus.

As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy several valuable perks:

• Anniversary companion certificate: Each year on your account anniversary, you can receive a companion certificate for one guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees), after spending $30,000 on purchases during the year and maintaining your account for 45 days post-anniversary.
• Free checked bag: You and up to four companions on the same reservation will have your first checked bags free on American Airlines flights.
• Preferred boarding: You and up to four travel companions on the same reservation will receive preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
• Inflight savings: Enjoy a 25% discount as a statement credit on inflight food and beverage purchases when using your card on American Airlines-operated flights.
• 5% AAdvantage mileage bonus: Each year upon account renewal, you’ll earn a 5% bonus on all miles accumulated from qualifying purchases on your card (excluding any welcome bonus).

You’ll also earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, as well as 2 miles per dollar at eligible office supply stores, telecommunications providers, and car rental companies, with 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

For further information, take a look at our comprehensive review of the AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard.

The details for the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard have been independently sourced by Dinogo. The information provided on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

In conclusion

Both the Aviator Red and Aviator Business cards are solid entry-level options. Additionally, if you hold an Aviator Red card, you might have the opportunity to upgrade to the Aviator Silver, which offers exceptional benefits for frequent American Airlines travelers.

That said, there are numerous other top credit cards available for airfare purchases, so it's important to evaluate which option best suits your financial needs.

Further reading:

• How to choose the ideal credit card for American Airlines travelers
• Top credit cards for airfare purchases
• Credit cards that can help you achieve airline elite status