American Airlines CitiBusiness is offering 75,000 points after spending $5000 in 5 months with a $0 for first year ,then $99 annual fee.. That's up 10,000 points over their standard offer of 65,000 after spending $4000 in 3 months
American Airlines Citi Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
If you're considering a co-branded American Airlines card, you have several options. This particular business card stands out for specific travelers. If you're approaching your 5/24 limit, the Citi Business card is the only business option offered by American Airlines. With a regular 65,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can build a solid foundation of AAdvantage Rewards. The annual fee is waived for the first year, making those points even more valuable. For those who fly American annually, the free checked bag and priority boarding (for up to 4 companions) may justify keeping the card beyond the first year.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The American Airlines Citi Business Credit Card offers compelling value in your first year of card membership. The $99 annual fee is waived initially, and you'll earn a generous 75,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $5,000 within five months.
Key benefits include:
- One free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to four companions (saving $40 per person each way)
- Priority boarding for you and up to four travel companions
- 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, cable and satellite providers, telecommunications merchants, car rentals, and gas stations
These bonus earning categories help accumulate extra miles while working toward your sign-up bonus. The AAdvantage Rewards you earn become even more valuable because they can be redeemed with oneworld alliance partners and several non-alliance partners (18 partner airlines total).
When considering whether to keep the card beyond the first year, evaluate how often you fly American Airlines. The card becomes worth the annual fee if you fly at least once annually with checked bags or regularly travel with companions who would benefit from the free checked bag and priority boarding benefits. Remember that these perks only apply to domestic flights operated by American Airlines.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be ideal if:
- You typically don't fly American Airlines or oneworld partners
- You don't check bags, which is the main ongoing benefit beyond the welcome offer
What to Know About American Airlines Miles
American Airlines is a great utility point system.
- Points are relatively easy to collect, though we don’t love the bank partners or transfer options as much.
- We love direct flights, and American can be a good option for finding those with points.
- Rewards flights start at 7500 miles each way.
- You can use AA miles to travel with eligible Oneworld partner airlines worldwide.
How The American Airlines Citi Business Credit Card Fits In The American Airlines Miles Ecosystem
This card is primarily focused on earning AAdvantage points, which can be used with oneworld alliance partner airlines. Here's how it compares to other AAdvantage earning options:
- Only business card option: While there are three other Citi AAdvantage cards available, this is the only business card that doesn't count against your 5/24 status.
- Similar personal card alternatives: The Citi American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum offers nearly identical benefits with the same $99 annual fee (also waived the first year), but with a lower welcome offer of 50,000 miles after $2,500 in purchases during the first three months.
Barclays also competes in this space with their American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Red card. It features:
- 60,000 mile sign-up bonus
- $99 annual fee (not waived first year)
- Extremely easy bonus qualification - just pay the annual fee and make one purchase
- Similar free checked bag benefit for the cardholder and travel companions
For premium travelers, the Citi American Airlines AAdvantage Executive offers enhanced benefits with its 70,000 mile welcome bonus, though at a significantly higher $595 annual fee. This option makes sense for frequent American Airlines flyers who can maximize its additional premium benefits.
If you later decide not to keep the business card, note that you cannot downgrade to the no-annual-fee Citi American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card (which offers only a 15,000 mile sign-up bonus). As a business cardholder, you would need to request a product change, which may or may not be approved by Citi.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee | 1st Year Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | $5,000 | 1.4 ¢ | $50 | $0 | $1170 |
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| AA International Flights | First checked bag free, Preferred boarding, Double miles at gas stations & restaurants | No CR , AA Personal 48 , No 2nd Biz , No 5/24 , Citi 1/95 , Citi 2/65 , Citi 1/8 , Citi 6/6 |
Award System
Offer Prior To Current Speical
65,000 Bonus Points for
$4,000 spend ended Apr 2025
$4,000 spend ended Apr 2025
Spend Categories
Airfare - »
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
All Other - »
1X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
Gas Stations = »
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Cell Phone Carriers = »
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Travel - »
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Internet and Cable = »
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Preferred Boarding »
Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 travelers listed on the same reservation
Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 travelers listed on the same reservation
No Foreign Transaction Fees »
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Free Checked Bag »
Your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions.
Your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions.
Extended Warranty »
Get up to 1 extra year added to a warranty of 5 years of less.
Get up to 1 extra year added to a warranty of 5 years of less.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System American Airlines Miles
Transfers In From
IHG Rewards
5:1 47% value retained
Marriott Bonvoy
3:1 67% value retained
World of Hyatt
5:2.5 44% value retained
American Airlines Citi Business Application Rules
This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status
You'll be declined if you've received a BONUS from this card in past 48 months
You might not be allowed to get a second card for a separate business (EIN)
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi business card within 95 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days
You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months
Ranking of Cards Offering American Airlines Miles
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank 8thHonorable Mention
Breaking Points
April 14, 2025
American Airlines CitiBusiness
November 17, 2020
American Airline Eliminates Award "Restocking" Fee
You can now book more freely with American Airlines points. Beginning Nov. 11, 2020, there will be no fee to cancel a flight and return your points to your account. Normal cancellation rules apply, which have become increasingly generous through the Covid pandemic.