Travelers who rely on American Airlines for their journeys will soon see updates to two long-standing co-branded credit cards from Citi. The changes introduce new earning opportunities, statement credits, and protections while adjusting the annual fees on both products. These adjustments take effect for existing cardmembers beginning January 24, 2027 ([1]). The moves reflect ongoing efforts to align card benefits more closely with how people actually use their cards during trips and in daily routines.
Practical Changes for Cardholders
The updates affect the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard. Both cards will see their annual fees rise from $99 to $150 after the first year, though a $0 introductory fee remains available for new accounts during the initial 12 months. Existing cardmembers will encounter the new fee at their next renewal following the January date.
Alongside the fee adjustment come expanded ways to earn AAdvantage miles. Both cards add 3 miles per dollar on eligible bookings through AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars. The Platinum Select gains 2 miles per dollar on streaming services and rides or rails purchases, while gas spending expands to include EV charging. The Business card offers a flexible 2 miles per dollar in one chosen category among U.S. shipping providers, office supply stores, or U.S. advertising services, with quarterly selection options and no cap on earnings.
New Credits and Protections
Inflight purchases shift from a 25 percent discount to up to $100 in annual statement credits on eligible food, beverages, and paid Wi-Fi. A new Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $120 every four years appears on both cards. Travel protections expand or strengthen, covering trip delays, cancellations, interruptions, rental cars, and lost baggage with varying levels of enhancement depending on the card.
The Platinum Select adds lifestyle elements such as a complimentary Walmart+ membership and a discount on an annual FOX One subscription. The Business card introduces a 25 percent discount on a Melio subscription plan for business payments. These additions aim to provide value that extends beyond flights themselves.
| Benefit Area | Platinum Select | Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 after first year | $150 after first year |
| New Earning | Streaming, rides/rails, EV charging | Flexible business category |
| Inflight Credit | Up to $100 annually | Up to $100 annually |
| Additional Perks | Walmart+, FOX One discount | Melio discount |
Retained Benefits and Broader Context
Core features that remain unchanged include 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases, preferred boarding, a free checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to four companions, and no foreign transaction fees. The Platinum Select keeps its Turo rental credits, while the Business card retains its companion certificate after qualifying spend. These elements continue to support frequent flyers who value consistency alongside the new options.
The refreshes follow other recent adjustments in the Citi / AAdvantage lineup and respond to how cardmembers increasingly use these products for everyday spending in addition to travel. Cardholders who regularly fly American or make purchases in the new bonus categories may find the updated structure aligns well with their patterns.
Planning Ahead for 2027
With the January 24, 2027 start date approaching, travelers have time to review their current card usage and consider how the new credits and earning rates might fit into upcoming trips or business expenses. The changes emphasize practical support for both air travel and the routines that surround it. For many, the combination of retained perks and fresh benefits offers a clearer path to maximizing value on the cards they already carry.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.