Ready to take your American Airlines travel experience to the next level? Perhaps you've been a loyal American Airlines credit card holder for a while, and your travel habits have evolved. Maybe you're flying more often, or perhaps you're looking for enhanced benefits like lounge access or more free checked bags. Whatever your reason, upgrading your American Airlines credit card can unlock a host of new perks and elevate your journey.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your American Airlines credit card, providing a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding What an "Upgrade" Means for Your Credit Card
Before we dive into the steps, it's important to clarify what "upgrading" a credit card typically entails. In the world of credit cards, an upgrade is often referred to as a "product change." This means you're not closing your existing account and opening a brand new one. Instead, your current account is transformed into a different card product offered by the same issuer (either Citi or Barclays for American Airlines co-branded cards).
Why is this important?
Maintains Credit History: A product change generally doesn't involve a new credit application or a "hard inquiry" on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. More importantly, it preserves the length of your credit history with that account, a significant factor in your credit score.
No New Account Opening: You avoid the hassle of setting up a completely new account, updating payment information for subscriptions, and transferring balances.
Seamless Transition (Mostly): While your card number might change, the underlying account relationship with the issuer remains.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
No New Sign-Up Bonus: The biggest drawback of a product change is that you typically won't be eligible for the lucrative welcome bonus associated with applying for a new card. If a sign-up bonus on a higher-tier card is a major motivator, applying for a new card entirely might be a better option (after careful consideration of credit implications).
Eligibility Requirements: You still need to meet the eligibility criteria for the new card, even without a hard credit check. This includes things like good payment history on your current card.
Minimum Account Age: Many issuers require your account to be open for a minimum period, often 12 months, before you can request a product change.
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| How To Upgrade American Airlines Credit Card |
Step 1: Discover Your Desired Destination – Which Card is Right for You?
The first and most crucial step in upgrading your American Airlines credit card is to identify which higher-tier card best suits your evolving travel needs and spending habits. Don't just upgrade for the sake of it! Take a moment to analyze your current American Airlines credit card and consider what benefits you're currently missing or what you'd like to gain.
Ask yourself:
How often do I fly American Airlines?
Do I frequently check bags?
Is airport lounge access important to me?
Am I looking to earn more miles on specific spending categories (e.g., dining, gas)?
What's my budget for an annual fee?
American Airlines co-branded credit cards are primarily issued by Citi and Barclays. Each issuer offers different tiers of cards with varying benefits and annual fees.
Sub-heading: Popular American Airlines Credit Card Options for Upgrade
Here's a general overview of some common American Airlines credit cards and what they offer. Keep in mind that specific card offerings and benefits can change, so always check the issuer's website for the most up-to-date information.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Cards:
Citi® / AAdvantage® MileUp® Card: (Often a downgrade option, but good to know its baseline)
Annual Fee: $0
Benefits: Basic mileage earning on American Airlines purchases and groceries. No checked bag benefit or preferred boarding.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: (A popular upgrade target from the MileUp)
Annual Fee: Typically around $99
Benefits: Enhanced mileage earning (e.g., 2X miles on AA purchases, restaurants, and gas stations), first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on domestic itineraries, preferred boarding, 25% inflight savings on food and beverages. May offer an Anniversary Companion Certificate after meeting spending requirements.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: (The premium option for lounge access)
Annual Fee: Higher, typically around $595
Benefits: Admirals Club® lounge membership, first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 companions, enhanced mileage earning (e.g., 4X miles on AA purchases), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. This is for the frequent American Airlines flyer who values lounge access above all else.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Cards (Issued by Barclays):
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: (Similar to the Platinum Select from Citi)
Annual Fee: Typically around $99
Benefits: First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on domestic itineraries, preferred boarding, 25% inflight savings on food and beverages, may include a complimentary inflight Wi-Fi credit. Often has a unique sign-up bonus structure (e.g., earn miles after first purchase and annual fee payment).
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite Mastercard®: (Higher tier from Barclays, may require an existing Aviator relationship)
Annual Fee: Typically around $199
Benefits: Even more enhanced mileage earning, potentially a second checked bag free, more comprehensive travel benefits, and potentially a companion certificate after meeting higher spending thresholds. (Note: This card is often not directly available for application and may be an upgrade path from the Aviator Red or other Barclays products).
Action Point: Visit the American Airlines credit card website (or the specific issuer's site for your current card, e.g., Citi or Barclays) and compare the benefits of the different cards. Make a list of the features that are most appealing to you.
Step 2: Assess Your Eligibility & Current Account Status
Once you have a target card in mind, you need to determine if you're a good candidate for an upgrade.
Sub-heading: Key Eligibility Factors
Account in Good Standing: This is paramount. Your current American Airlines credit card account must be in good standing, meaning you're making payments on time and not carrying a significantly past-due balance.
Account Age: As mentioned, most issuers require your credit card account to have been open for a minimum period, typically 12 months or more, before they will consider a product change. This prevents people from signing up for a card, getting a bonus, and then immediately downgrading or upgrading.
Creditworthiness: While a hard credit check is usually avoided for a product change, the issuer will still review your internal credit profile and payment history with them. They want to ensure you can handle the potentially higher credit limit or annual fee of the upgraded card.
No Recent Product Changes: If you've recently upgraded or downgraded your card, the issuer might have a waiting period before allowing another product change.
Action Point: Log in to your online credit card account or check your recent statements to confirm your account status and how long your account has been open. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to proceed to the next step and contact the issuer directly.
Step 3: Making the Call – Contacting Your Card Issuer
This is where the rubber meets the road! The most common and effective way to upgrade your American Airlines credit card is by calling the customer service number on the back of your current card.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During the Call
Prepare Your Information: Before you call, have your credit card number, account details, and the name of the American Airlines card you wish to upgrade to readily available.
Dial the Number: Call the customer service number. You'll likely go through an automated menu. Listen carefully for options related to "account services," "card changes," or "product changes." If you're unsure, choose the option to speak with a customer service representative.
State Your Intent Clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you are interested in a "product change" or "upgrading your card" to a specific American Airlines credit card (e.g., "I'd like to see if I'm eligible to upgrade my Citi / AAdvantage MileUp Card to the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard").
Be polite and articulate. A positive demeanor can sometimes go a long way.
Be Prepared for Questions: The representative will likely ask you some questions to verify your identity and understand your reasons for wanting the upgrade. They may also review your account history.
Discuss Eligibility and Benefits: The representative will check your eligibility. If you are eligible, they will explain the annual fee, benefits, and any terms associated with the new card. Pay close attention to the annual fee and any changes to your interest rate (APR), although APR typically remains similar for product changes within the same card family.
Confirm the Product Change: If you decide to proceed, the representative will initiate the product change. They should confirm the effective date of the change and when you can expect your new card to arrive.
Ask About Card Number Changes: Crucially, ask if your card number will change. In most product change scenarios, especially with different card products, it's common for the card number to change. If it does, you'll need to update any recurring payments or subscriptions tied to your old card.
Note Down Details: It's always a good idea to note down the representative's name, the date and time of your call, and a brief summary of what was discussed. This can be helpful if any issues arise later.
Sub-heading: What if You're Not Eligible?
If the representative informs you that you're not eligible for an upgrade at this time, don't be discouraged. Ask them:
Why aren't I eligible? (e.g., account too new, not enough spending, etc.)
What steps can I take to become eligible in the future?
Is there a specific timeframe I should wait before trying again?
Sometimes, they may suggest a different card that you are eligible for, or they might offer to review your account again after a few months.
Step 4: Activating Your New Card and Maximizing Benefits
Congratulations! You've successfully upgraded your American Airlines credit card. Now it's time to put that new card to work and maximize its benefits.
Sub-heading: Key Post-Upgrade Actions
Activate Your New Card: Once your new card arrives in the mail, activate it immediately according to the instructions provided.
Update Recurring Payments: If your card number changed, update all your recurring payments and subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, utility bills, online shopping accounts) with your new card information. This is a crucial step to avoid missed payments and potential service interruptions.
Familiarize Yourself with New Benefits: Take the time to read through the benefits guide that comes with your new card. Understand the new mileage earning rates, travel perks (like free checked bags or lounge access), and any other features.
Set Up Online Account Access (if new): If you're switching between Citi and Barclays (less common for product changes, but possible in some scenarios), you might need to set up a new online account. Otherwise, your existing online login should simply reflect your new card.
Utilize Your Perks:
Free Checked Bags: Remember to leverage your free checked bag benefit for yourself and your companions when flying American Airlines. This can save you a significant amount over the year.
Preferred Boarding: Enjoy the convenience of preferred boarding, giving you earlier access to overhead bin space.
Lounge Access: If you upgraded to a card with lounge access (like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®), make sure to understand the Admirals Club® access rules and enjoy the pre-flight amenities.
Bonus Categories: Pay attention to any new bonus earning categories (e.g., 2X miles on dining or gas) and use your card for those purchases to accelerate your mileage accumulation.
Companion Certificates/Credits: If your new card offers an anniversary companion certificate or other credits (like inflight Wi-Fi credits), understand how to earn and redeem them.
Action Point: Keep your old card safe until you've activated the new one and updated all your payment information. Then, shred your old card securely.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How To Edition
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
How to check my American Airlines credit card eligibility for an upgrade?
The best way to check your eligibility for an upgrade is to call the customer service number on the back of your current American Airlines credit card and speak to a representative about a "product change."
How to find out which American Airlines credit cards are available for upgrade?
You can visit the websites of American Airlines' credit card partners, Citi and Barclays, to see their current American Airlines co-branded card offerings. Then, call your current card issuer to inquire about product change options within their portfolio.
How to avoid a hard credit inquiry when upgrading my American Airlines credit card?
By requesting a "product change" with your existing card issuer, you generally avoid a hard credit inquiry, as you are not applying for new credit but rather changing the terms of your existing account.
How to know if upgrading my American Airlines credit card is worth the annual fee?
Evaluate the benefits of the higher-tier card (e.g., free checked bags, lounge access, bonus earning categories) and estimate how much value you'll get from them annually. Compare this value to the new annual fee to determine if it's worthwhile for your travel habits.
How to update my recurring payments after upgrading my American Airlines credit card?
If your new card has a different number (which is common after a product change), you'll need to manually log in to each merchant's website or app where your old card was stored and update the payment information.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
How to redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles earned from my upgraded credit card?
You can redeem AAdvantage miles for flights on American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, as well as for hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel products through the American Airlines AAdvantage program website.
How to ensure my American Airlines credit card upgrade processes smoothly?
Ensure your current account is in good standing, clearly communicate your request for a product change to the customer service representative, and confirm all details of the new card before agreeing to the change.
How to know if my American Airlines credit card offers lounge access?
Only the premium American Airlines credit cards, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, typically offer Admirals Club® lounge access as a primary benefit. Check the specific card's benefits guide or the issuer's website.
How to compare American Airlines credit cards before upgrading?
Visit the official websites of Citi and Barclays (the issuers of American Airlines credit cards) and carefully compare the annual fees, mileage earning rates, travel benefits (like baggage allowances, boarding priority), and any other perks of their AAdvantage card portfolios.
How to handle an American Airlines credit card upgrade rejection?
If your upgrade request is denied, politely ask the representative for the specific reason (e.g., account age, credit history, recent activity) and what steps you can take to become eligible in the future. You may need to improve your credit standing or wait a certain period before reapplying.
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