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AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® review

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AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Great signup bonus and attractive perks for American Airlines regulars.

  • Get this card if you fly with American Airlines often.
  • Pick something else if you want an intro APR period on purchases.
  • Apply with good to excellent credit score of 670 to 850.
Product NameAAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Card typeMastercard
Annual fee$99
Purchase APR18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% variable
Balance transfer APR0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% variable)
Balance transfer fee$5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater
Cash advance rate27.49% variable
Cash advance fee$10 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction feeNone
Interest free periodUp to 23 days
Late payment feeUp to $39
Returned payment feeUp to $39
Additional cardholder fee$0
Minimum Age18 years of age
Welcome Offer60,000 and a companion certificate after you make a purchase in the first 90 days and pay the annual fee
Rewards2x miles on American Airlines purchases and 1x miles on everything else
Base Rewards1x miles
Rewards Points ExpiryNever

The basics

Consider this card if you’re a frequent American Airlines traveler, and want perks associated with the airline. You’ll get one free checked bag, preferred boarding, in-flight savings on food and beverages and double miles earned on purchases made with the carrier.

However, you’ll have to pay an annual fee for the card.

Our pick for transferring points to AAdvantage miles

Hilton Honors American Express Card

  • Earn 90,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you use your new card to make $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your card.
  • No foreign transaction fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with your card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms apply.
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The perks

  • Signup bonus.
    Make a single purchase with your card within 90 days of account opening and earn 60,000 bonus miles and a companion certificate for one guest up to $99 plus taxes and fees. This is one of the easiest-to-earn signup bonuses you can get with an airline credit card.
  • AAdvantage miles.
    Earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and 1x miles on everything else you buy.
  • Intro APR period on balance transfers.
    Use 15 months of 0% intro APR period on balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.24% applies.

Is the annual fee worth it?

If you often fly with American Airlines and their partners, you can make the annual fee worthwhile if you:

  • Make at least three one-way trips annually on American Airlines to save $90 on your first checked bag.
  • Earn the signup bonus, which is enough for four MileSAAver flights within the continental US. If you fly less than 500 miles, the signup bonus is enough for eight flights within the US.
  • Spend at least $3,000 on American Airlines purchases at the 2x rate to earn 6,000 miles. That’s worth around $90 according to the AAdvantage website at the time of this writing.

You’ll also like …

  • First checked bag free.
    Save $240 on first checked bags for a family of four on a round-trip flight with American Airlines. Everyone else pays $30 for the first checked bag for a one-way trip.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
    Use your card abroad without incurring fees.
  • Preferred boarding.
    You and up to four companions traveling on your reservation can board the plane sooner.
  • In-flight savings.
    Save 25% on eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases. The savings will appear as a statement credit to your account.
  • Travel benefits.
    Mastercard concierge service offers help planning travel, insurance for auto rental, trip cancellation, trip interruption and more.

How to earn American Airlines miles

What to watch out for

  • Annual fee.
    Expect to pay $99 annually to own the card.
  • Balance transfer limitations.
    The intro APR period only applies to balances transferred in the first 45 days of account opening. Any balance transferred after that will incur the standard APR of 18.24% to 27.24% variable.
  • No intro APR period on purchases.
    You only get an intro APR period on balance transfers, not on purchases. If you’re looking to make a large purchase and carry your balance interest-free for months, try a 0% intro APR credit card.
  • Welcome offer eligibility.
    If you already own this card, or if you owned it and closed your account in the past 24 months, you may not be eligible for the signup bonus.

Compare airline credit cards

Name Product Welcome offer Rewards Annual fee Filter values
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus $50 when you make a Delta purchase in the same timeframe
2x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus $50 when you make a direct Delta purchase in the same timeframe. Rates & fees
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United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Explorer Card
40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1x miles on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months
2x miles at US restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases
$0
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months of card membership. Rates & fees
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases
$99
Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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British Airways Visa Signature® Card
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year
3x Avios on British Airways and 1x Avios on all other purchases
$95
50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year
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Compare up to 4 providers

What should I know before I apply?

You must be at least 18 years old and a US resident to apply. Residents of Puerto Rico and US territories are not eligible.

Information you’ll need:

  • Full name and contact information
  • Residential status
  • Annual income and employment information
  • Social Security number, date of birth and mother’s maiden name

What credit score do I need?

You’ll have a better chance of approval if you apply with a good to an excellent credit score of 670 or higher.

How to apply for the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

  1. Go to the Barclaycard AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® website and click Apply now.
  2. Complete the application.
  3. Review your application and click Apply to submit.

I got the card. Now what?

  • Download the Barclays US mobile app. Use the app to access your free FICO score, monitor your account, pay your bills and more.
  • Download the American Airlines mobile app. Use the app as a mobile boarding pass, to get flight updates, to select or upgrade your seat and more.
  • Avoid interest. After the close of each billing cycle, you have a grace period of 23 days to pay your balance to avoid interest on your purchases.
  • Avoid fees. Late and returned payments come with hefty fees of up to $39. Balance transfers and cash advances also come with fees.
  • Customer service. Contact Barclaycard customer service at 866-928-8598 if you have questions.

How do I redeem miles from AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®?

Log in to your American Airlines AAdvantage online account and choose one of the following redemption options:

  • Award flights
  • Seat upgrades
  • Car rentals
  • Hotels stays
  • Vacations
  • Admirals Club membership
  • Gift cards
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Charitable donations

How to redeem American Airlines miles

Bottom line

If you’re a frequent American Airlines flyer, you’ll enjoy having the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®. You qualify for an impressive signup bonus, plus you’ll also score attractive American Airlines perks, including one checked bag free, preferred boarding and in-flight savings on food and beverages.

If you fly other airlines, or if you’re looking for a general travel credit card, check out other cards with travel benefits.

Frequently asked questions

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16 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    WendyOctober 22, 2018

    How do I set up my Aviator American Airlines miles account. I have an account set up with Barclays but was told I need another log in for miles

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      BellaOctober 22, 2018Staff

      Hi Wendy,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      To apply for AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite card, just simply go to the Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red website and click the “Apply Now” button.
      For further inquiries you may contact Barclaycard customer service at 8866-928-8598

      I hope this helps.

      Kind regards,

      Bella

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    mikeOctober 1, 2018

    i am going to be traveling soon on American, how do i get my free bag and preferred boarding?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      johnbasanesOctober 2, 2018Staff

      Hi Mike,

      Thank you for leaving a question.

      You have reached finder, we are a comparison website dedicated to assist users on their financial choices. For you to contact AAdvantage Aviator regarding your free bag and preferred boarding, you may call them at 800-882-8880. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    RonSeptember 29, 2018

    I have paid the annual fee and made a purchase within the first 90 days. How long does it take to receive the 60k mile promotion to my AA account?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      BellaSeptember 30, 2018Staff

      Hi Ron,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      You will receive the miles in your AAdvantage account in four to six weeks.

      I hope this helps.

      Kind regards,
      Bella

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    JeffSeptember 29, 2018

    I had an American Air Master card a year ago. If I apply for this card now do I still get the 60K miles? Is there a two year waiting period?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaOctober 3, 2018Staff

      Hi Jeff,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      I have read in their terms and conditions that you will not be eligible for this offer if you currently have or previously had an account with them in this Program. For this reason, please check if your American Airline Mastercard is part of this program or not. It would also be a good idea to review other criteria, details of the card, and its conditions, then contact the bank directly to discuss your options and eligibility.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    HelenSeptember 25, 2018

    When do you pay the annual fee? It is not on my first statement. I was given a bonus 500 miles?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      CharisseSeptember 25, 2018Staff

      Hi Helen,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      There is no specific information as to when exactly you need to pay for the annual fee. However, in order for you to receive the 60,000 signup bonus miles, you have to pay the annual fee within the first 90 days and also make a purchase within the first 90 days of account opening.

      You need to contact Barclays bank directly for further information on the card annual fee payment and the bonus miles.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    MarianSeptember 21, 2018

    When I try to book a AA flight for the first time, I am being charged for checked bags, etc. None of the benefits seem to go into effect. Help please.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangcoSeptember 22, 2018Staff

      Hi Marian!

      Thanks for your message and for visiting finder.

      Sorry to hear this inconvenience. Please note that only 1 checked bag is for free and must be within the weight limit per passenger. Any additional baggage or weight limit will be charged to you on the flight.

      Hope this clarifies! Feel free to message us should you have further questions.

      Cheers,
      Nikki

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    PatriciaSeptember 19, 2018

    How long does it take to get our cards. We applied and have been approved a couple weeks ago. I keep getting texts regarding the card but have not received it yet. Should I be concerned?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JhezSeptember 19, 2018Staff

      Hello Patricia,

      Thank you for your comment.

      You will usually receive a new card about ten days after you apply for it. The fastest credit card providers can get a new card to you within seven days. However, it can take longer and depends on how quickly your new provider processes your application. Best to confirm with Barclays so they can check the status for you.

      Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

      Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    MKJuly 7, 2018

    Is it difficult to find seats available using the AAdvantage miles? In the past, with other airline cards, we could never find a seat, there were so few mileage award seats per plane. Is the Barclays American Airline AAdvantage program similar?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangcoJuly 10, 2018Staff

      Hi MK!

      Thanks for leaving a question on our page.

      Availability of seats isn’t hard to find for as long as you book early or when it’s the off-peak season.
      It would be best to call American Airlines AAdvantage and ask when are the best times to get seats through mileage rewards.

      Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Nikki

      Reply
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