The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card, issued by Citi, is an excellent entry-level airline credit card for travelers who want to start earning AAdvantage® miles without committing to an annual fee. With solid everyday rewards, a modest welcome bonus, and airline program perks, this card is perfect for casual flyers and first-time mileage earners.
What Is the AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card?
The AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card is a no-annual-fee co-branded airline credit card designed for those who fly American Airlines occasionally but still want to start accumulating miles toward award travel. Unlike premium airline cards, it doesn’t include airport lounge access or free checked bags — but it does offer a low-barrier way to earn miles on daily purchases.
Key Features and Benefits
Earn AAdvantage® Miles on Every Purchase
- 2X miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 2X miles per $1 spent at grocery stores
- 1X mile per $1 on all other purchases
There are no limits to how many miles you can earn, and miles go directly into your AAdvantage® account.
Welcome Bonus
Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles plus a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
This bonus is enough to jumpstart your AAdvantage® mileage balance and even cover a one-way domestic award ticket under certain conditions.
Redeem Miles for Award Travel
Miles earned can be used for:
- Flights on American Airlines and Oneworld® partners
- Upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, and hotels
- Admirals Club® memberships or inflight Wi-Fi
25% Savings on In-Flight Purchases
Receive 25% savings as a statement credit on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights when you pay with your MileUp Card.
No Annual Fee
There’s no annual fee, making this a risk-free option for travelers who want to dip into the airline rewards space without ongoing costs.
Access to the AAdvantage® Program
Cardholders gain access to the full American Airlines AAdvantage® program, allowing for:
- Mile redemption across a global network
- Mile-earning from travel, shopping, and dining partners
- Elite status qualification (not directly tied to card, but card earns redeemable miles)
Fees and Requirements
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: Variable (typically around 20.24%–29.24%)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (typically 680+)
How to Apply
- Visit citicards.com and search for the AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card
- Review the current offer details, bonus conditions, and terms
- Fill out the secure online application with personal and financial details
- Most decisions are delivered instantly
- If approved, you’ll receive your card in 5–7 business days
Conclusion: Is the AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card Worth It?
Absolutely — if you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card that earns real airline miles, the AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card offers a solid value proposition. It’s a great stepping stone for:
- Travelers new to the American Airlines ecosystem
- Shoppers who spend heavily on groceries
- Budget-conscious consumers wanting to earn miles without paying a fee
While it lacks premium perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, it makes up for that with everyday mile earning, a low spend bonus, and no commitment cost — making it an ideal lightweight travel companion.
