What's happened
American Airlines and Citi will raise annual fees on two AAdvantage cards to $150 in 2027, starting with Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard. The fee jump, from $99, begins Jan. 24, 2027, with a 12‑month waiver for new cardholders. Perks include travel credits, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, and expanded mileage earnings, among others. The move follows similar fee increases by rivals and aligns with a broader push by airlines to monetize rewards programs.
What's behind the headline?
Brief
- The move signals a broader industry trend of higher annual fees on airline-branded rewards cards as carriers monetize miles and expand perks.
- Cardholders will receive enhanced mileage accrual on hotels and EV charging, plus credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and inflight purchases.
- The timing positions these changes ahead of continued inflation-driven travel demand and could affect consumer decison-making for travel budgets.
What this means for readers
- If you hold the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select or Business Mastercard, your renewal could bring a higher annual cost but with expanded perks. Monitor renewal dates and compare benefits against other issuers.
- New perks aim to keep you engaged with Citi/AAdvantage while managing rising travel costs.
How we got here
The fee hike is the first major update to these Citi/AAdvantage cards since 2018. American Airlines and Citi describe the change as a refresh, adding travel benefits and credits to justify higher annual costs. The policy applies to existing cardholders at renewal.
Our analysis
New York Post reports a 52% increase in annual fees for two Citi/AAdvantage cards, citing new travel benefits and credits; CNBC corroborates the fee increase to $150 and notes related industry trends; AP News notes AmEx and other issuers have also raised fees, underscoring a broader market pattern.
Go deeper
- Will your card renewal with Citi/AAdvantage change your travel budget this year?
- Are you considering downgrading or switching cards to dodge higher fees?
- What new perks would make the cost worthwhile for you?
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American Express - Financial services company
The American Express Company, also known as Amex, is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered at 200 Vesey Street in New York City.
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American Airlines - Airline
American Airlines, Inc. is a major American airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It is the world's largest airline when measured by fleet size, scheduled passengers carried, and revenue passenger mile.