American Airlines and Citi have announced a decade-long extension of their co-branded partnership, marking a significant evolution in their 37-year relationship. Citi will become the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage co-branded credit card portfolio in the U.S. starting in 2026.
Strengthening a Historic Partnership
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, highlighted the historical significance of the partnership. “American is proud to have launched the first airline loyalty program, and with Citi, the travel industry’s first co-branded credit card,” he said. The extended collaboration will build on the existing offerings by introducing new benefits and features that cater to cardmembers’ needs.
Citi Acquisition Barclays Portfolio
As part of the agreement, Citi will acquire the Barclays American Airlines co-branded card portfolio. Cardmembers under Barclays will continue to enjoy their current benefits until the portfolio transition in 2026. Citi plans to provide more details about the transition process in the coming months. This acquisition positions Citi to strengthen its branded cards business while broadening its reach in the U.S. personal banking market.
Expanding Loyalty and Rewards Programs
The agreement introduces a deeper integration between Citi’s ThankYou rewards program and American Airlines’ AAdvantage program. This alignment aims to offer enhanced value for cardholders, attract new members, and strengthen loyalty among existing customers. Citi will also manage all card acquisition channels for American Airlines, including inflight and airport-based opportunities.
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi, expressed excitement about the expanded collaboration. “Together, we’re creating more opportunities to welcome new cardmembers, deepen our connection with existing ones, and make our co-branded card the clear favorite in everyone’s wallets,” Fraser stated.
Current AAdvantage Card Offerings
The Citi/AAdvantage card portfolio spans various fee structures, catering to a broad range of customers. Current offerings include:
- American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card (no annual fee)
- Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard (mid-tier fee)
- Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (premium offering)
- Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard for small business owners
Looking Ahead
This renewed and expanded partnership underscores a shared commitment by Citi and American Airlines to deliver innovative solutions and enhanced rewards for cardmembers. The companies aim to solidify their position as leaders in the co-branded credit card market and create a seamless, rewarding experience for travelers and cardholders alike.
More details about the partnership’s future developments and cardmember benefits are expected as the transition approaches.
Analysis
For this analysis section I will provide my thoughts and hopes for what this means for AAdvantage. I felt this was long overdue and suspected American would go to one issuer. The one drawback with this news is less opportunities for collecting AAdvantage bonus miles since Barclay cards will now be under Citi.
However I do possibly see the possibility American may become a Citi ThankYou rewards transfer partner. AA briefly ran a trial transfers between Citi Thank You rewards and AAdvantage back in 2021.
AAdvantage is the only program that does not partner with a transferable currency. Delta SkyMiles has Amex Membership Rewards , United Mileage Plan has Chase Ultimate Rewards. Let’s see what happens.
In 2026 we will see what Citi will do with Barclays card Members and if Citi refresh the credit card line up with new perks.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Citi AAdvantage cards in 2026.
