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AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard card art

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard

By Alex Compton · Last verified

The famous first-purchase bonus card, now closed to new applicants.

★ 8.0/10BarclayspersonalAmerican AAdvantage Miles
DiscontinuedBest for: Existing cardholders awaiting Citi conversion

Welcome Bonus

None recorded

Last recorded offer

Spend Requirement

None recorded

Last recorded requirement

Annual Fee

$99

Last recorded · 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 Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card, JetBlue Plus Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner Card. Each links to our full review with its current offer and complete breakdown.

Open Alternatives

The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard is no longer open to new applicants. Compare these cards for a similar use.

JetBlue Plus Card card art

Terms checked 2026-10-12

The keeper card for anyone who flies JetBlue twice a year.

70,000 pts bonus (≈$910)AF: $99Rating: 7.9/10

Historical Offers Chart

Dated offer history for this discontinued product.

Sign-Up Bonus (points)Spending Requirement ($)
025,00050,00075,000100,000$0$0.375$0.75$1.125$1.52021-012022-012023-012024-012025-012026-012027-01Sign-Up BonusSpending Requirement ($)
ObservedOfferRequirementWhat changedEvidence
2025-0960,000$1 in 3 moBonus decreased: 70,000 → 60,000Final offer before applications closedArchive record · no attached snapshot
2024-0970,000$1 in 3 moBonus increased: 60,000 → 70,000Elevated offerArchive record · no attached snapshot
2023-0560,000$1 in 3 moBonus increased: 50,000 → 60,000Archive record · no attached snapshot
2021-0150,000$1 in 3 moEarliest recordFirst purchase onlyArchive record · no attached snapshot

Primary-source verification log

Append-only evidence ledger

Event-level primary-source attachments begin with the September 2026 verification system. Older records remain visible but are not retroactively presented as evidenced.

Historical record · spot an outdated offer? Report a correction above.

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Last Recorded Earning Rates

These terms are historical context and are not presented as current.

  • 2xAmerican Airlines purchases
  • 1xEverything else

Last Recorded Credits

  • Inflight Wi-Fi credit$25

    Statement credits on AA flights

Last Recorded Benefits

Confirm availability and enrollment requirements with the issuer.

  • ✦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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