Design Highlights
- The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select offers a better rewards structure with bonus categories for everyday purchases, appealing to cardholders’ spending habits.
- Citi waives the annual fee for the first year, making it a more cost-effective option for those wary of upfront expenses.
- The Citi card’s easier spending requirement for earning miles attracts cautious spenders compared to Aviator Red’s higher upfront costs.
- Similar travel perks, combined with unique benefits like a $125 flight discount, enhance the overall value of the Citi card.
- Long-term rewards potential and adaptability to everyday spending trends make Citi AAdvantage Platinum a more appealing choice for cardholders.
As Aviator Red cardholders face a sudden shake-up, they’re being thrust into a new reality with the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card. The shift is not exactly smooth sailing. Citi’s acquisition of Barclays’ AAdvantage cards in 2024 changed the game. With Aviator Red applications cut off in late 2025, existing cardholders are now receiving automatic Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select cards.
But let’s be real—change is hard, and not everyone’s ready for it.
So, what’s the deal? The new Citi Platinum card offers a better rewards structure. Sure, both cards earn 2 miles on American Airlines purchases, but the Citi card sweetens the pot. It dishes out 2 miles per dollar spent on restaurants and gas stations too. The Citi Platinum Select card earns additional miles on that’s a bonus category Aviator Red simply doesn’t have. It’s like bringing a butter knife to a gunfight. The Citi card is practically begging you to use it for everyday purchases, and it rewards you for doing so.
Now, let’s talk sign-up bonuses. Aviator Red may have a stronger initial offer with 60,000 miles after just one purchase, but it comes with that pesky $99 fee upfront. The Citi card? It’s got a lower bar to clear. AAdvantage Aviator Red has a higher annual fee compared to the Citi card during the first year. Sure, you need to spend $2,500 in three months for 50,000 miles, but they waive the annual fee for the first year. Who doesn’t love a little freebie? It’s a different vibe, but one that might just appeal to the more cautious spender.
Aviator Red’s 60,000 miles sounds great, but that $99 fee stings. Citi’s easier path could win you over.
Then there are the perks. Both cards offer similar travel benefits, like a free checked bag and preferred boarding. However, Citi’s $125 flight discount after a certain spend could be more appealing for frequent travelers. Who wouldn’t want to save a little cash on flights? Much like how renters insurance costs are comparable to daily coffee expenses, these annual fees amount to just a few dollars per month when you break them down. And let’s not forget about those companion certificates—Aviator Red’s sounds fancy but requires a big spend. Are these perks worth it? Depends on your spending habits.
In the long run, it’s clear why so many Aviator Red cardholders might jump ship. Citi’s card offers superior ongoing rewards and a more attractive structure for everyday spending.
While Aviator Red wins on initial bonuses, it’s becoming crystal clear that the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select might just be the better long-term investment. The change is here, and cardholders are waking up to a new reality—whether they like it or not.
