AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
By Alex Compton · Last verified
The famous first-purchase bonus card, now closed to new applicants.
Welcome Bonus
None
Closed to new applications; accounts converting to Citi
Spend Requirement
None
Annual Fee
$99
No FTF
Credit Score
700+
(Good-Excellent)
Common Questions
Is the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard discontinued?
Yes. Closed to new applications; accounts converting to Citi. The famous first-purchase bonus card, now closed to new applicants.
What can I use instead of the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard?
The closest open alternatives we track are the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X. Each links to our full review with its current offer and complete breakdown.
Open Alternatives
The Aviator Red is gone, but these cards do a similar job and are still accepting applications.
The flagship premium travel card, rebuilt in 2025 with a credit stack that can out-earn its fee.
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
Premium travel with the easiest break-even math in the category.
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
Last verified 2026-06-10 · spot an outdated offer? Tell us in the comments.
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Earning Rates
- 2xAmerican Airlines purchases
- 1xEverything else
Credits ($25/yr stated)
- Inflight Wi-Fi credit$25
Statement credits on AA flights
Benefits
- ✦First checked bag free on domestic AA itineraries
- ✦Preferred boarding
- ✦25% inflight food and beverage savings
- ✦Companion certificate available after $20,000 annual spend
Why it earns its spot
- +Easiest big airline bonus in the market: buy a coffee, get the miles
- +Free bags pay for the fee in two round trips
Where it costs you
- −Fee is not waived the first year and must post before the bonus
- −Weak earning outside AA purchases
The Compound Verdict
For years this was the cheapest 60k miles anyone sold: one purchase of any size plus the fee. Barclays stopped accepting applications in late 2025 when Citi became the exclusive American Airlines issuer, and existing accounts began converting to Citi in April 2026. If you hold one, keep enjoying the bags until your conversion notice arrives.
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