The Citi AAdvantage fee increase is real. American Airlines and Citi are raising the annual fee on two co-branded cards from $99 to $150, starting on 24 January 2027. In return, you get a long list of new perks, and whether the higher price is worth it depends almost entirely on how much you fly American.
Key takeaways
- The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select and Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercards go from $99 to $150 a year.
- The new fee and the new benefits both start for existing cardmembers on 24 January 2027.
- New perks include a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, up to $100 a year in inflight credits, Walmart+ on the Platinum Select, and more ways to earn 2X and 3X miles.
- New accounts still pay no annual fee for the first 12 months.
- This is the first fee rise on these cards since 2018, when the fee went from $95 to $99.
What exactly did American Airlines and Citi announce?
On 27 October 2026, American Airlines published a refresh of its two mid-tier Citi cards. American pitches the Platinum Select at occasional travellers and the Business card at small business owners.
CNBC first reported that this is the first annual fee hike on these rewards cards since 2018. Back then, the fee rose by just $4, from $95 to $99. This time it rises by $51, or about 52%.
“We’re continuing to evolve the Citi / AAdvantage portfolio to better reflect how our members live.”
Scott Long, SVP of AAdvantage, American Airlines
What new perks come with the $150 fee?
The new perks are mostly credits and earning boosts. Here is how the Platinum Select changes, based on American’s announcement.
| Feature | Before 24 Jan 2027 | From 24 Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $150 |
| AA flight discount (after $20,000 spend and renewal) | $125 | $150 |
| Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit | None | Up to $120 every 4 years |
| Inflight purchase credits | None | Up to $100 a year |
| Walmart+ membership | None | Included (valued at $98) |
| 3X miles | None | AAdvantage Hotels and Cars bookings |
| 2X miles | AA purchases, restaurants, gas | Adds EV charging, select streaming, rides and rail |
| Travel protections | Limited | Trip delay, cancellation, car rental, lost baggage |
Some perks you already have stay the same: a free first checked bag on domestic American itineraries for you and up to four companions, preferred boarding, up to $180 a year on Turo rentals, and no foreign transaction fees. The Platinum Select also adds 50% off an annual FOX One subscription.
What changes on the Citi AAdvantage Business card?
The Business card gets the same $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and the same up to $100 in inflight credits. It also gets 3X miles on AAdvantage Hotels and Cars bookings, plus 2X miles in one category you choose: US shipping, office supply stores or US advertising.
The $99 Companion Certificate stays. You earn it after $30,000 in purchases in a cardmembership year and renewal. New extras include 25% off a Melio business payments plan and stronger travel protections.
Is the Citi AAdvantage card still worth it at $150?
Do the maths for your own habits, not the headline value. Card perks work like a gym membership: you only get the value if you actually show up.
Take a couple who fly American round trip twice a year. Two people checking one bag each way, on four flights, can easily save more than $150 in bag fees alone. Add Walmart+, if you would have paid for it anyway, and the higher fee pays for itself.
Now take someone who flies once a year and already has TSA PreCheck. The bag fee saving covers part of the fee, but the inflight credit and the $120 credit add almost nothing. For that person, the $51 rise is a straight cost.
My opinion: this is the familiar trick of raising the fee and filling the gap with credits that sound good but are hard to use in full. We covered how banks are tightening these schemes in 3 loopholes banks are closing on premium card perks.
Who gets hit, and when?
- Existing cardmembers: new benefits from 24 January 2027. The $150 fee applies under the new terms from that date, so check when your own renewal falls.
- New applicants: no annual fee for the first 12 months on both cards.
- Heavy spenders: the bigger flight discount and the Loyalty Points you already earn (1 per eligible mile on the Platinum Select) matter more than the fee.
What happens next
Look out for a formal change-in-terms notice from Citi before 24 January 2027. Read it closely: that notice, not the press release, sets out exactly when your account first bills $150.
Before your next renewal, you have three options. You can keep the card, ask Citi about a product change to a different card, or cancel. If you cancel, find out first what happens to your miles and how closing the card could affect your credit history. Our guide to auditing a year of statements is a good way to work out what you really spend in each category.
FAQ
When does the Citi AAdvantage fee increase take effect?
The fee goes from $99 to $150 on 24 January 2027, the same day existing cardmembers get the new benefits.
Which cards are affected?
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard.
Do new cardholders pay $150 right away?
No. The annual fee on new accounts is waived for the first 12 months on both cards.
Next step: count how many American flights and checked bags you had in the past 12 months, then compare the saving with $150 before your renewal date.
This article is for information only and is not investment advice.
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