The Short Version

American Airlines calls Citi "the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage co-branded card portfolio in the U.S." American's card page lists the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, the Citi AAdvantage Globe, the Citi AAdvantage Executive, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp and the Citi AAdvantage Business. Barclays' current card list shows no AAdvantage card. If you came here to apply for the Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red, it isn't a card you can apply for today.

If you already carry an Aviator Red, contact Barclays with any questions about your account.

The Closest Replacement: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select fills the same entry-level slot in American's lineup. From Citi's and American's card pages:

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99.
  • Earning: 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases, at restaurants (including takeout) and at gas stations.
  • Free first checked bag: For you and up to 4 companions on the same reservation, on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
  • Preferred boarding: For you and up to 4 companions on the same reservation.
  • Welcome offer on October 1, 2026: 80,000 bonus miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months, per American's card page. Offers change, so check the application page before you apply.

Our Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select review covers how the card's bag benefit and earning stack up.

The Other Citi AAdvantage Cards

American's card page lists these alongside the Platinum Select on October 1, 2026:

  • Citi AAdvantage Globe: $350 annual fee; 60,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
  • Citi AAdvantage Executive: $695 annual fee; 125,000 bonus miles after $15,000 in purchases within the first 5 months.
  • American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp: no annual fee; a $100 statement credit plus 15,000 bonus miles after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months.
  • Citi AAdvantage Business: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99; 65,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months.

Bottom Line

The Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red isn't on American's or Barclays' card lists today. For an entry-level American Airlines card with a free first checked bag and preferred boarding, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is the card to compare.

Updated October 1, 2026: Rewrote this review. American names Citi the exclusive issuer of its U.S. co-branded cards, and Barclays' card list shows no AAdvantage card, so the article now covers the Citi cards to consider instead.

Sources

  1. American Airlines newsroom: American and Citi expand their partnership (Citi the exclusive AAdvantage card issuer) (read 2026-10-01)
  2. American Airlines: Citi / AAdvantage credit cards (read 2026-10-01)
  3. Barclays: Credit cards (read 2026-10-01)
  4. Citi: AAdvantage Platinum Select card page (read 2026-09-30)

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