Explore Citibank’s American Airlines Business Card Here

DALLAS, Texas — Citibank is expanding its offerings with the introduction of the American Airlines AAdvantage Business Mastercard, which includes an enticing bonus for new customers. Business owners can earn 65,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months after opening an account. Additionally, the typical annual fee of $99 is waived for the first year.

This card is geared toward small business owners, providing rewards for travel expenses and everyday purchases. Cardholders earn two miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, as well as two miles on telecommunications, cable, and gas purchases. All other transactions earn one mile per dollar spent.

Gary Leff, a well-regarded expert in travel rewards, shared his experience with the card. “The benefits tied to business travelers include unique perks that are of real use, especially the ability to transfer miles to associated travelers,” he noted. “Points contribute to an AAdvantage Business account rather than a personal account, which also simplifies tracking miles.”

Among its many features, the card offers a first checked bag free for the primary cardholder and sparing members on domestic American Airlines flights. Cardholders also get preferred boarding, ensuring they can settle in before the rest of the passengers.

For those concerned about return on investment, the card provides a significant incentive with its in-flight perks. Cardholders can receive a 25% rebate on in-flight Wi-Fi purchases, which can add up for regular travelers. This benefit is applicable to services provided by Gogo, Viasat, and Panasonic onboard American Airlines.

“If you utilize Wi-Fi while traveling, the potential savings significantly contribute to offsetting the annual fee,” Leff added. Given that he spends nearly $600 a year on Wi-Fi, the rebate offers further justification in favor of retaining the card.

The business card is not only useful for accumulating miles; it is structured to facilitate the growth of loyalty points. Cardholders earn an additional Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on tickets, helping them reach AAdvantage status more quickly.

Despite the card’s advantages, Leff cautioned potential applicants to be aware of its limitations. “The protections offered with the card are generally weaker than other options in the market. Customers should explore additional trip delay insurance options,” he advised.

Although the American Airlines card has many attractive features, its usefulness may vary based on individual spending habits and travel frequency. Business owners aiming for rewards through American Airlines would benefit from a thorough examination of how this card fits into their overall consumer loyalty strategy.

As a reminder, anyone considering the card should take note of Citibank’s 48-month rule for receiving introductory bonuses on their cards. Those interested can only earn a bonus after four years have lapsed since the last bonus received.