United Quest vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: Which Is Better In 2025?

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®.

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• You can earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases, at restaurants, and at gas stations.
• The card offers a free checked bag on domestic itineraries and has no foreign transaction fees, though it does carry an annual fee after the first year.
• Spending $20,000 or more during your cardmember year and renewing the card earns you a $125 flight discount, which more than covers the annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• The annual fee is waived for the first year, giving you a chance to try out the card’s benefits without an upfront commitment.
• Key travel perks include a free checked bag on domestic itineraries and no foreign transaction fees, making travel more affordable.
• Every eligible mile earned from spending also counts as a Loyalty Point, helping you qualify for AAdvantage® elite status faster.

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Cons

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• Some card reviews note that its earning rates are less competitive than what you might find with other travel rewards cards.
• It lacks key travel protections and does not offer airport lounge access.
• The annual flight discount requires a high spending threshold to be unlocked.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® vs United Quest

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Categories

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The question of which is better, United Quest or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, comes down to which airline you fly most frequently and how often you travel. Both cards offer valuable perks for their respective airline's flyers, but they are designed for different types of travelers.

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• United Quest℠ Card is best for frequent United Airlines travelers who can take full advantage of its premier travel benefits and comprehensive travel protections. It's designed for those who fly United several times a year and want a faster path to elite status.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is geared towards more casual American Airlines flyers who want to earn miles and enjoy some elite-like perks without the commitment of a premium card.

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Redemption

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United Quest: Points are redeemed through the United MileagePlus program, primarily for award flights on United and its network of Star Alliance partners. Miles can also be used for other travel purchases, including seat upgrades and hotel stays.

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Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Miles are redeemed via the American Airlines AAdvantage® program for flights on American and its oneworld® alliance partners. Redemptions can also be applied toward upgrades, car rentals, hotels, and other travel-related experiences.

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Travel Perks

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• Annual Fee:Both cards come with an annual fee. The United Quest card’s fee is higher, which is justified by its more extensive travel credits and benefits.
• Foreign Transaction Fees:Travelers can use both cards abroad without worry, as neither charges foreign transaction fees.
• Checked Baggage Allowance:The United Quest card provides the first and second checked bags free for the cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation. The AAdvantage Platinum Select offers the first checked bag free on domestic itineraries for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation.
• Airline Credits & Discounts:A key feature of the United Quest card is its annual United purchase credit. The AAdvantage Platinum Select, on the other hand, offers a discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases.
• Expedited Security Screening:The United Quest card offers a statement credit for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee every few years. The AAdvantage Platinum Select does not include this benefit.
• Boarding Privileges:Cardholders get an elevated boarding experience with both cards. The United Quest offers Priority Boarding, while the AAdvantage Platinum Select provides preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
• Lounge Access:Neither card offers complimentary access to airport lounges like the United Club or Admirals Club, a perk typically found on higher-tier premium travel cards.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the best choice, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

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• The platform's 'Test Drive' feature lets you simulate potential earnings from different cards using your actual spending data before you apply.
• Receive personalized card recommendations tailored to your spending history to maximize your rewards.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months of signing up.
• Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points by shopping at partner stores through Kudos Boost.

Who Should Choose the United Quest?

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The United Quest℠ Card is tailor-made for frequent United Airlines flyers who travel with the airline several times per year. These travelers can easily maximize value from benefits like the annual United purchase credit and waivers for up to two free checked bags. It's also a strong choice for MileagePlus members aiming to earn Premier status faster through card spending and those who want to earn bonus miles on travel and dining purchases.

Who Should Choose the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®?

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The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent choice for casual American Airlines flyers who want to enjoy some elite-like benefits without the cost of a premium card. Cardholders can earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases, particularly at restaurants and gas stations, while also receiving perks like a free checked bag on domestic itineraries. It's also a solid option for those aiming to earn Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage elite status or for travelers who want to diversify their rewards portfolio, as detailed in a full card review.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, you've weighed the United Quest vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select comparison and decided neither is your perfect co-pilot. Fortunately, the world of travel rewards cards is vast, and we've picked a few other top contenders that might be a better fit.

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_{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.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most premium travel cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Review bonus eligibility rules - Issuers often have restrictions on earning a welcome offer if you have or previously had the card.
• Assess your travel habits - Ensure a card’s airline or hotel partner aligns with your actual travel patterns to maximize value.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application - Plan to apply before a large purchase to help meet any minimum spending requirements.
• Understand issuer restrictions - Issuers may have rules that affect bonus eligibility, such as Citi's 48-month waiting period for some cards.
• Compare core benefits - Look past the welcome offer to evaluate key perks, as some cards may lack benefits like travel protections.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card helps more with earning airline elite status?

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The United Quest℠ Card offers a direct path to status by allowing you to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) based on your card spending. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® does not offer a similar benefit for earning AAdvantage status through card spend.

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Do both cards offer free checked bags?

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Yes, both cards include a free checked bag benefit, but the specifics differ. The United Quest℠ Card provides the first and second checked bags free for you and one companion, while the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® card offers the first checked bag free for you and up to four companions on domestic itineraries.

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Are there any annual travel credits available with these cards?

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The United Quest℠ Card comes with valuable travel credits, including an annual United purchase credit that can significantly offset its annual fee. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® card does not offer annual statement credits for travel purchases.

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