American Airlines is raising the annual fees on two Citi AAdvantage credit cards, while adding benefits including hotel rewards, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and money off in-flight purchases.
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard will cost $150 a year, up from $99. It is the first increase on the card since 2018, when the fee rose from $95 to $99, according to an airline spokeswoman.
The annual fee for the Citi AAdvantage Business Mastercard will also rise, taking its cost to $150 a year. The new charges will take effect on January 24.
Among the benefits being introduced are three times the usual AAdvantage miles on hotels booked through American Airlines’ portal. Cardholders will also be eligible for up to $120 towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years.
The cards will additionally offer a $100 annual statement credit for in-flight purchases, including food.
Airlines and their banking partners have been increasing fees on rewards cards, which generate revenue for carriers when banks buy miles to distribute to customers. American’s decision follows similar increases by rivals including United Airlines.
American Express raised the annual fee on its Platinum card last year from $695 to $895. JPMorgan Chase also increased the fee on its competing Sapphire Reserve card, from $550 to $795.
