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American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card Review (2024): Is This No-Annual-Fee Travel Card Worth It?
What Is the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for casual travelers and American Airlines loyalists. It offers a way to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases and American Airlines flights without the cost of a premium travel card.
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American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Earn 2X miles at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months
Cons:
- No free checked bags or priority boarding
- Lower earning rate on non-bonus categories (1X mile per $1 spent)
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Limited travel perks compared to premium airline cards
Who Is the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card For?
This card is ideal for:
- Occasional American Airlines flyers
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Those new to airline miles
- Individuals who frequently shop at grocery stores
- People looking to earn miles without paying an annual fee
The AAdvantage MileUp Card is particularly suited for those who want to dip their toes into the world of airline rewards without committing to a high-end travel card. It's an excellent choice for infrequent travelers who still want to accumulate miles for future trips.
Comparing the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card excels in offering a way to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases and American Airlines flights
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
To maximize your rewards with the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card and other credit cards, consider using Kudos. This free AI-powered browser extension helps you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online.
Kudos offers personalized credit card recommendations, ensuring you use the best card for each purchase. It works with over 15,000 stores and can multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events. If you're looking to optimize your credit card strategy, Kudos is an excellent tool to complement your AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card.
Our Expert Takeaway
The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card is a solid choice for casual travelers and those new to airline rewards. Its no-annual-fee structure and bonus earning at grocery stores make it an attractive option for everyday spending. However, frequent American Airlines flyers might find more value in a premium card with additional perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
For those just starting their miles-earning journey or looking for a supplementary card to their existing travel rewards strategy, the AAdvantage MileUp Card offers a low-risk way to accumulate American Airlines miles. Paired with a tool like Kudos, it can be part of a comprehensive approach to maximizing credit card rewards.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
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American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card FAQ
How do I earn miles with the AAdvantage MileUp Card?
You earn 2X miles per dollar spent at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1X mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Can I earn a sign-up bonus with this card?
Yes, you can earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Does the AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card offer free checked bags?
No, this card does not offer free checked bags. You'll need to upgrade to a premium American Airlines credit card for this benefit.
Are there any foreign transaction fees?
Yes, the card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for international travel.
How can I redeem miles earned with the AAdvantage MileUp Card?
Miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines and its partner airlines, upgrades, car rentals, and hotel stays.
Does the card offer any travel insurance benefits?
The card offers limited travel protections. For comprehensive travel insurance, consider a premium travel rewards card.
Can I transfer my miles to other loyalty programs?
No, AAdvantage miles cannot be transferred to other airline or hotel loyalty programs. They can only be used within the American Airlines AAdvantage program.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.