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I realize that many people are (probably) not looking for a new credit card at the moment but when I see a good deal, I always share it with you.
The miles and points game can be confusing and when you read a blog that recommends that you search award availability using the website of an airline based in Europe, but fly on a Middle Eastern carrier, using the frequent flyer miles of an airline based in Asia, despite living in the US…it may take a few minutes (or years) to really grasp the concept.
However, here is a simple fact, having points and miles never hurts.
And in this post, I want to share 5 reasons the Citi AAdvantage Business Card should be on your list of cards to obtain.
5 REASONS TO CONSIDER THE CITI AADVANTAGE
With all the uncertainty in the travel industry, we have not seen many great offers on co-branded travel cards. In fact, we’ve seen several card issuers decrease welcome bonuses from “All-Time Highs.”
Note: There has been one exception… the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. That’s still a good bet!
Well, American Airlines and Citi are offering a great limited-time welcome bonus on the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard and here are 5 reasons you apply for it before
THE WELCOME BONUS
At the moment, the Citi AAdvantage Business Card is offering a welcome bonus of 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months.
But it gets even better…if you apply for this card by 31 May 2020, you’ll receive an extra 3 months to complete the spending requirement to obtain the welcome bonus. In other words, you have 7 months to spend $4,000 and once you meet the threshold, you’ll have at least 74,000 miles in you AAdvantage account.
American Airlines has 23 airline partners so you won’t have any problem redeeming your miles for your bucket list vacation (more on this below).
THE ANNUAL FEE
Generally, when someone is considering a new card, the first thing they consider is the welcome bonus and then immediately search for the annual fee. This is where it gets really good. While the card has a reasonable $99 annual fee, the fee is waived for the first 12 months.
74,000 miles with no up-front cost!? I’m in!!
Although you’re probably sold by this point, let’s consider a few more perks.
FIRST FREE CHECKED BAG
It’s rare that I travel with a checked bag but there have been circumstances in which I’ve had to check my bag underneath the plane.
Well, if you are a cardholder not only do you get a free checked bag for yourself but you get a free checked bag for up to four companions on the same reservation. The only drawback (if you can call it that) is this perk only applies to domestic itineraries.
However, a domestic checked bag cost $30, so I wouldn’t categorize saving $240 (per roundtrip ticket) as something to gloss over. The savings could really add up if you fly more than once a year with American Airlines.
IT WON’T HURT YOUR 5/24
Most people are concerned about 5/24. Well, this is a business card so applying for this card should not impact your ability to open a new card with Chase given their unpublished 5/24 rule.
If you’re not familiar with 5/24, I recommend you READ THIS.
GREAT REDEMPTIONS
I mentioned above that American Airlines has 23 airline partners but that doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to use the miles so let’s take a glimpse at some great redemptions.
One of my favorite redemptions is for Qatar Airways business class. Earlier this year, I booked a business class flight from Gaborone, Botswana to Chicago (via Johannesburg, Doha, and Dallas)…yes, 5 flights and many of those segments in Qsuites… for 75,000 AAdvantage miles. Unfortunately, I had to cancel it because of the pandemic. Read about my Qsuites Experience a few months ago.
Alternatively, if you want start in the US, you could book business class between North America and the Middle East for 70,000 miles and try out Qsuites on those routes. If you’re more interested in quantity (than quality), economy class can be had for 40,000 miles each way.
Although, there are many “sweet spots” in the program, one that is of great value is flying FIRST CLASS on Etihad between Abu Dhabi and Seoul. It’s a long flight and will only cost 50,000 miles each way.
American Airlines also has web-specials in which they discount tickets to incredible rates. Remember, that trip from the US to New Zealand that only cost me 6,000 miles (and I also forgot about)? That was a web special ticket.
If you’re not inspired yet, let’s look at one more great option. If you really want to get “bang-for-your-buck,” you can fly FIRST CLASS on Oneworld partner Japan Airlines (JAL) from New York JFK – Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) for 80,000 miles.
80,000 miles in exchange for a $15,000 ticket and an amazing 14 hours in first class? That’s an amazing deal!
FINAL STAMP
As I noted above, this card is amazing for several reasons. Not only is the welcome bonus great, the annual fee is waived for the first 12 months.
On the best small business cards, we often see minimum spend thresholds of $10,000+. Not only is this minimum spend reasonable, but you also have 7 months total (instead of the normal 4 month) to meet the goal.
This card is a great fit for anyone that may fly with American at least once a year. Heck, I live in a Delta Hub and I still obtained the card.
Additionally, it’s never too early to begin strategizing for how you’re going to use the miles once we return to “normal.”
Qsuites to the Maldives sounds really great right now! 😉
If you’re interested in the Citi AAdvantage Business card, APPLY HERE.
And if you’re curious if you qualify for a business card, READ THIS.
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