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CardCurator — Rewards Intelligence
Travel

Best Credit Card for American Airlines

Compare the top credit cards to maximize your rewards every time you shop at American Airlines.

Travel purchases frequently qualify for elevated earn rates and may unlock valuable perks like trip cancellation insurance or lounge access.

Top Pick

Best Pick
The Platinum Card from American Express card art
American Express Membership Rewards

The Platinum Card from American Express

5x
points per dollar
10.0%
effective return
$895/yr
annual fee
175,000 pts
signup bonus
spend $12,000 in 6mo

5x on Flights (Direct or Amex Travel)

Note: This card has a $500,000 annual spending cap for Flights (Direct or Amex Travel). Earnings above this amount will be at the base rate.

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More Good Options

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve card art
    Chase Ultimate Rewards
    Chase Sapphire Reserve
    4x
    pts/dollar
    8.0%
    return

    4x on Flights (Direct)

    Learn more →
  • Qatar Airways Privilege Club Infinite Credit Card card art
    Qatar Avios
    Qatar Airways Privilege Club Infinite Credit Card
    3x
    pts/dollar
    4.8%
    return

    3x on Qatar Airways

    Learn more →
  • Citi Strata Premier card art
    Citi ThankYou Points
    Citi Strata Premier
    3x
    pts/dollar
    4.5%
    return

    3x on Flights

    Learn more →
  • Atmos Rewards
    Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card
    3x
    pts/dollar
    4.5%
    return

    3x on Alaska Airlines Purchases

    Learn more →
Compare these 3 cards side by side

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Common Questions

What is the best credit card to use at American Airlines?

The The Platinum Card from American Express is currently the top pick at American Airlines, earning 5x points per dollar — an effective 10.0% return. 5x on Flights (Direct or Amex Travel)

How many points do I earn at American Airlines per dollar spent?

Top cards earn between 3x and 5x at American Airlines. Leading options include: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x), Chase Sapphire Reserve (4x), Qatar Airways Privilege Club Infinite Credit Card (3x).

Does American Airlines count as travel for credit card rewards?

American Airlines typically falls under the Travel category for credit card reward purposes. Cards with a travel spending bonus will earn an elevated rate here. Travel purchases frequently qualify for elevated earn rates and may unlock valuable perks like trip cancellation insurance or lounge access.