American Airlines Partners with Citi, Phasing Out Barclays Cards

American Airlines has announced a significant shift in its credit card partnerships, revealing that it will transition its AAdvantage® cobranded credit card portfolio exclusively to Citi by 2026. This change means that applications for the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® have been discontinued, and the Barclays Aviator portfolio will eventually be phased out.

A spokesperson for American Airlines expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We are proud to build on our 38-year card partnership with Citi by naming them as our exclusive issuer for our AAdvantage® cobranded credit card portfolio in the U.S. beginning in 2026.” This move marks the end of the airline’s collaboration with Barclays, which previously offered several cards under the AAdvantage Aviator brand.

Currently, the only card available to new applicants from the Aviator portfolio was the AAdvantage Aviator Red, which is no longer accepting new applications. American Airlines has confirmed that the full transition to Citi will take place in 2026, with further details expected to be communicated to AAdvantage Aviator cardmembers in the coming months.

The transition to Citi is bittersweet for many frequent flyers who have relied on the Aviator cards to enhance their elite status within the AAdvantage program. One such cardholder shared their experience, noting that the AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® has been instrumental in earning Loyalty Points. This particular card allowed users to accumulate up to 15,000 Loyalty Points based on qualifying spending each year, which is crucial for achieving top-tier AAdvantage Executive Platinum status.

With the impending shift to Citi, many cardholders are left wondering what new options will be available. The current AAdvantage Aviator cardholders are eager to learn how Citi’s offerings will compare and whether they will provide similar benefits for earning Loyalty Points and achieving elite status.

As American Airlines prepares for this transition, it’s essential to stay informed about the best credit card offers available, particularly within Citi’s extensive portfolio of American Airlines credit cards. The Points Guy provides valuable insights and comparisons to help consumers navigate their options and choose the right card to suit their travel needs.

Credit cards can significantly impact your travel experiences by allowing you to leverage everyday spending for rewards that can lead to cash back or unforgettable trips. By understanding the changes in credit card partnerships, travelers can make informed decisions that align with their travel goals.

As American Airlines phases out its relationship with Barclays, it invites current AAdvantage Aviator cardholders to keep an eye out for updates regarding the transition and the exciting new opportunities that will arise with Citi as their exclusive credit card partner.