Running a business often means traveling—whether it’s meeting clients, attending conferences, or expanding into new markets. For business owners who fly with American Airlines, the right credit card can make every trip more rewarding. With perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles on business expenses, the best business credit card for American Airlines can save money and unlock premium travel benefits.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top American Airlines business credit card options, compare features, highlight eligibility requirements, and explain whether they’re worth it for frequent flyers and business owners.
Why Choose an American Airlines Business Credit Card?
Before diving into specific cards, it helps to understand why an AA-branded business card might be right for you:
- Earn AAdvantage® miles faster: Business expenses like office supplies, advertising, or shipping can rack up miles quickly.
- Travel perks: Free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access add comfort and save money.
- Employee cards: Many business credit cards allow free employee cards, so your staff’s spending also earns rewards.
- Expense management: Business tools like spending reports and integration with accounting software help streamline bookkeeping.
If you or your employees fly American Airlines often, the right card can deliver serious value.
The Best Business Credit Card for American Airlines
1. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
This is the most popular American Airlines business credit card and the go-to choice for many small to mid-size business owners.
Key Features:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn a large AAdvantage® miles bonus after meeting minimum spend requirements (offer varies).
- Earning Rates:
- 2X miles on American Airlines purchases
- 2X miles at telecommunications, cable, satellite providers
- 2X miles on gas stations and car rentals
- 1X on all other purchases
- Travel Benefits:
- Free checked bag for you and up to 4 companions
- Preferred boarding on AA flights
- 25% savings on in-flight purchases (Wi-Fi, food, beverages)
- Annual Fee: $99 (waived for the first year)
Best For: Small business owners who fly American Airlines a few times per year and want solid travel perks without a huge annual fee.
2. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (Business Alternative via Personal Card)
Technically, American Airlines only has one true co-branded business card—the CitiBusiness® Platinum Select®. However, many business owners opt for the Executive World Elite Mastercard® (personal card) alongside their business setup for Admirals Club® lounge access.
Key Features:
- Admirals Club® Membership (valued at $650+)
- 2X miles on American Airlines purchases
- Priority check-in, airport security, and boarding
- First checked bag free
- Annual Fee: $595
Best For: Business travelers who value airport lounge access and premium perks.
3. Alternative Business Cards for AA Flyers
If you want flexibility beyond AA-branded cards, consider these:
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- Access to Amex Centurion Lounges + Priority Pass
- Points transfer to partner airlines (including AA via OneWorld® partners)
- Annual Fee: $695
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- 3X points on travel, shipping, advertising, and internet/phone
- Points transfer to airlines through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Annual Fee: $95
Why Consider Alternatives?
If your business spends heavily on categories beyond travel or you want flexibility across multiple airlines, these cards may provide better long-term rewards than a co-branded AA card.
Eligibility & Application Tips
To qualify for a business credit card:
- You don’t need a large corporation—sole proprietors, freelancers, and side hustlers can apply.
- Be prepared to provide your EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN (if sole proprietor).
- Banks consider personal credit score, revenue, and business type.
Pro Tip: If you want a better chance of approval, keep your credit utilization low and apply when your business shows steady income.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your American Airlines Business Credit Card
- Add Employee Cards – Earn more miles when your staff books travel or pays for business expenses.
- Use for Business Categories – Gas, telecom, shipping, and ads can rack up rewards quickly.
- Book Directly with AA – Most bonus miles only apply to purchases made through American Airlines.
- Leverage Loyalty – Pair your card with AAdvantage® elite status for maximum upgrades and perks.
- Watch Annual Fees – Make sure the benefits you use outweigh the yearly cost.
FAQs About American Airlines Business Credit Cards
1. Does American Airlines have a business credit card?
Yes. The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is the primary co-branded business card for AA.
2. Can a small business or freelancer qualify for an AA business card?
Yes. Even freelancers, sole proprietors, and side hustlers can apply using their SSN.
3. Is lounge access included with the American Airlines business card?
Not with the Platinum Select®. For Admirals Club® access, consider the Citi® AAdvantage® Executive (personal) card or Amex Business Platinum.
4. Do employee cards earn miles too?
Yes, authorized employee cards earn AAdvantage® miles at the same rate as the main account.
5. Which is better for AA travel: AA co-branded or Amex Business Platinum?
- If you fly AA often and want perks like free bags → go with CitiBusiness® Platinum Select®.
- If you value premium lounges and flexibility → Amex Business Platinum is stronger.
6. Does the annual fee pay for itself?
For frequent travelers, yes. Two round trips with a free checked bag often cover the $99 annual fee.
Read Also- Best Credit Card for Groceries
Final Thoughts
The best business credit card for American Airlines ultimately depends on how often you fly and what perks you value most.
- If you’re a frequent AA traveler who wants free bags, priority boarding, and easy rewards → choose the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®.
- If you need premium perks like lounge access → consider pairing it with the Citi® AAdvantage® Executive or the Amex Business Platinum.
- If your business needs flexibility across multiple airlines → Chase Ink Business Preferred® is a solid alternative.
For business owners who regularly fly with American Airlines, the right card isn’t just a payment method—it’s a travel strategy that saves money, earns rewards, and makes every trip more comfortable.
Emma Rose is a U.S.-based personal finance writer and a regular contributor at Cardix.us. She focuses on topics like credit cards, credit scores, and everyday money management. Emma’s writing makes complex financial concepts simple and practical, helping readers make smarter credit and spending decisions with confidence.
