American Airlines Introduces the Citi/AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
American Airlines has partnered with Citi and Mastercard to launch a new credit card, the Citi/AAdvantage Globe Mastercard, aimed at a segment of travelers between occasional holiday-goers and frequent flyers. Announced on Sunday, the card carries an annual fee of $350 and offers a range of benefits designed to enhance the travel experience.
Cardholders will receive up to $120 in statement credits every four years to cover the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.American Airlines projects the card will unlock over $750 in value, including four one-day passes to Admirals Club lounges, opportunities to accrue AAdvantage miles, and Loyalty Points applicable towards elite status.
A key benefit for travelers is the complimentary frist checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on domestic American Airlines flights. The card also provides preferred boarding, placing cardholders in Group 5.
This new offering fills a gap in American Airlines’ credit card portfolio, positioned between the $99 annual fee Platinum Select card and the premium $595 annual fee Executive Platinum card.
According to Scott Long, American’s Senior Vice President of AAdvantage, the card is “built for the travelers who wont more from every mile-with elevated benefits, faster path to status and powerful earning potential.” He emphasized the airline’s commitment to improving the travel experience through smarter, more flexible, and rewarding options, stating the card was designed based on customer feedback.
John Levitsky, Mastercard’s U.S. co-president, added that the partnership aims to provide travelers with access to benefits in areas they value, including dining, entertainment, and travel.
The launch comes as American Airlines navigates a challenging financial period. the airline reported a net loss of $473 million in the first quarter of 2025, the largest among U.S. carriers, attributed to increased operating expenses. Despite this, company leadership remains optimistic about the future, believing they are well-positioned to address industry-wide challenges.
American Airlines is banking on the new card to bolster customer loyalty, citing data indicating that 96% of travel cardmembers are more likely to remain loyal to an airline offering enhanced mileage earning or Loyalty Point accrual opportunities. This strategy is intended to counter the strong performance of competitors like Delta and United, who, according to United’s CFO Mike Leskinen, are projected to collectively account for 100% of industry profits in 2025.
