American Airlines, Citi to Hike Annual Credit Card Fees by 52%

American Airlines and its credit card partner, Citi, are increasing the annual fees on two prominent AAdvantage credit cards by 52%, effective January 24, 2027. The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and the Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard will see their annual fees rise from $99 to $150.

New cardholders will have the first year's annual fee waived. However, existing customers will experience the increased fee upon their next card renewal after the effective date. This change represents an additional $51 in annual cost for cardmembers.

The airlines and Citi are characterizing this increase as a "refresh" of the card portfolios, introducing new benefits designed to add value for cardholders. These enhancements are intended to align with current consumer spending and travel habits.

For the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select card, targeted at occasional travelers, new benefits include earning three AAdvantage miles per dollar on eligible hotel and rental car bookings made through specific partner websites. Cardholders will also receive two miles per dollar on purchases for EV charging stations, select streaming services, and eligible rideshare and public transportation. The annual American Airlines flight discount will increase from $125 to $150, contingent on spending at least $20,000 on the card annually and renewing it. Other new perks include up to a $120 credit every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, up to $100 annually in statement credits for inflight purchases, up to $180 annually for Turo car rentals, preferred boarding on American Airlines flights for the primary cardholder and up to four companions, and a complimentary Walmart+ membership.

The Citi/AAdvantage Business Mastercard will offer similar travel credits and protections, along with a 25% discount on Melio subscription plans for business payment management. A $99 American Airlines Companion Certificate for a qualifying domestic round-trip Main Cabin flight will be available to cardholders who meet a $30,000 spending threshold within the card membership year and at renewal.

Both cards will retain existing benefits, such as the complimentary first checked bag on eligible domestic American Airlines flights for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation. However, the 25% discount on inflight purchases will be discontinued, replaced by the new up to $100 annual statement credit for inflight expenses.