Wednesday, January 29, 2014

American Airlines World Elite MasterCard with 100,000 mile sign-up bonus

It's been a while since we've seen such a beefy sign-up bonus, and Citicards is taking the helm with this one.  The AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard will net you 100k miles, which is good enough for 2 roundtrip economy flights from North America to Japan during the low season, 4 roundtrip economy flights within the continental U.S., or 1 roundtrip business class flight from North America to Japan.  The catch, of course, being that the spending threshold of $10,000 within the 3 months of card membership is unreachable for most.  An annual fee of $450 also won't be too appealing to the majority, though this will be the only card that offers Admiral's Club AND US Airways Club membership after the Amex Platinum card is stripped of those benefits effective in March.  The annual fee is also mitigated by the $200 statement credit (at least for the first year).

https://creditcards.citicards.com/usc/Travel/AA/2013/q3/Exec/GA/default.htm?BT_TX=1&ProspectID=8289431BF5BC49478648B92A43DF07A8


Amongst the bennies:
  • Apply now, get the card and earn 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after making $10,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of cardmembership. Also, earn up to $200 in statement credits — earn $1 in statement credits for each $1 spent on purchases within the first 12 months of cardmembership.
  • Elevate the way you travel with these luxury benefits: Admirals Club membership (a membership value of up to $475)
  • Earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles after spending $40,000 in purchases each calendar year
  • No foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Earn two AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, including US Airways codeshare flights booked on aa.com
  • Priority Boarding, security screening, and check-in line
  • 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases
  • Your first eligible checked bag is free
  • SmartChip technology
  • Expert Concierge Service
  • $450 Annual Fee
If you can meet the spending threshold, then this card is a no-brainer.  If you fly AA often enough or frequent terminals with an Admirals Clubs or US Airways Clubs, then this card should also be the way to go since the annual fee is cheaper than buying an annual club membership pass.  It could also serve as a good way for bottom feeders to get started with AA since it'll provide Priority Access, which includes priority boarding, security screening, and check-in line.  Or if you fancy 100k miles, then go for it.

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