American Airlines is consolidating its credit card portfolio, ending its partnership with Barclays and transitioning all co-branded cards to Citi by April 24, 2026. This move follows a deal announced in late 2024, giving Citi exclusive rights to American’s credit card business. The shift affects millions of existing cardholders and marks a major change in how travelers earn rewards with the airline.
Transition Timeline and What it Means for Cardholders
Existing American AAdvantage Barclays cards will remain active until new Citi-branded cards are mailed out, expected between April 27, 2026, and six to eight weeks after. Cardholders will temporarily lose online account access between April 24th and 26th, 2026, before services are fully restored through Citi. Importantly, credit lines and anniversary dates will not change. The transition is designed to be as smooth as possible for existing customers.
How Specific Cards Will Change
The shift will see several Barclays cards converted to equivalent Citi products. Here’s a breakdown:
- Aviator World Elite (Barclays): Becomes the MileUp Mastercard (Citi)
- Aviator Blue World Elite (Barclays): Becomes the Citi / AAdvantage Gold World Elite (no longer open to new applicants)
- Aviator Red World Elite (Barclays): Becomes the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite
- Aviator Silver World Elite (Barclays): Becomes the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
- Aviator Business (Barclays): Becomes the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite
Some cardholders with both Barclays and Citi AAdvantage cards may end up with duplicate accounts.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
American Airlines initially maintained partnerships with both Citi and Barclays due to the 2013 merger with US Airways. Each airline had its preferred banking partner. However, the airline realized that exclusivity with one issuer would generate greater revenue. This transition underscores a common trend: airlines are increasingly prioritizing financial gains over consumer choice in credit card partnerships.
Impact on Sign-Up Bonuses and Rewards
The discontinuation of Barclays cards means fewer opportunities to quickly accumulate AAdvantage miles through generous welcome bonuses. Barclays cards were known for their low spending requirements and high rewards. While Citi now has exclusivity, the airline has added AAdvantage as a transfer partner to Citi’s ThankYou Rewards program.
Citi’s standard 48-month rule applies to AAdvantage cards, meaning you cannot receive a bonus on a specific card if you have received one within the last four years. It is unknown if this rule will change once the transition is complete. For now, existing cardholders and new applicants should consider maximizing benefits through Citi’s premium AAdvantage cards.
Key Citi AAdvantage Cards to Consider
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: High annual fee ($595) but includes Admirals Club membership and a large welcome bonus.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®: $350 annual fee with valuable benefits and a strong welcome bonus.
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®: $99 annual fee (waived first year) with compelling perks and a generous bonus.
In conclusion, American Airlines’ move to an exclusive credit card partnership with Citi will streamline rewards programs and potentially increase airline revenue. Cardholders should prepare for the transition by understanding how their existing cards will change and by exploring new options through Citi’s AAdvantage offerings.
