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 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 Aviator Red is gone, but these cards do a similar job and are still accepting applications.
6x on gas and a status ladder into the Caesars ecosystem.
The keeper card for anyone who flies JetBlue twice a year.
Free Gold status and 5x on gas without paying a dime.
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
| Observed | Offer | Requirement | What changed | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09 | 60,000 | $1 in 3 mo | Bonus decreased: 70,000 → 60,000Final offer before applications closed | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2024-09 | 70,000 | $1 in 3 mo | Bonus increased: 60,000 → 70,000Elevated offer | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2023-05 | 60,000 | $1 in 3 mo | Bonus increased: 50,000 → 60,000 | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2021-01 | 50,000 | $1 in 3 mo | Earliest recordFirst purchase only | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
Primary-source verification log
Append-only evidence ledgerEvent-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Historical record · spot an outdated offer?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.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
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