If you’re seeking a credit card that doesn’t count against 5/24 and offers incredibly valuable rewards, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is an excellent option to consider. American Airlines miles are highly coveted in the award travel world, known for their versatility and value. With no annual fee for the first year and a limited-time bonus of 75,000 American Airlines miles, this card is an easy choice for anyone looking to boost their miles balance.

Generous Welcome Bonus

One of the first things that sets this card apart is its lucrative welcome bonus. For a limited time, you’ll earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in 5 months of account opening. This card is perfect for low spenders as that works out to just $1,000 a month.

No Annual Fee for your first year

The card has a $99 annual fee, but it’s waived for the first year. Between savings on checked baggage fees, in-flight discounts, and other perks, the card can quickly pay for itself if you fly American Airlines a few times a year. Plus, the 75,000 miles you earn as a welcome bonus are essentially free!

Why American Airlines AAdvantage® Miles Are So Valuable even if you don’t fly American

One of the biggest benefits of the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is the ability to earn American Airlines AAdvantage® miles, which are some of the most versatile and valuable airline miles available. Here’s why these miles stand out:

• Incredible Low-Cost Redemptions: With dynamic pricing, you can book one-way flights starting as low as 5,000 miles, making them ideal for short domestic trips or quick getaways.

• Perfect for Europe: AAdvantage® miles are fantastic for booking flights to Europe, where you’ll often pay very low taxes and fees compared to other programs.

• Amazing Partner Redemptions: Use your miles to unlock premium experiences, such as:

  • Flying Japan Airlines in economy, business, or first class.

  • Enjoying the luxury of Qatar Airways Qsuites.

  • Experiencing the comfort of Etihad Airways business and first-class seats.

• Plenty of Award Seats for Families: AAdvantage® offers excellent award availability, making it easier for families to book flights together.

• Beginner-Friendly: Redeeming these miles is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those new to award travel.

Whether you’re planning a short trip or a bucket-list vacation, AAdvantage® miles provide exceptional value and open the door to memorable travel experiences.

Accelerated Earnings on Business Spending

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® card rewards you for everyday business expenses with:

• 2x miles per $1 spent on purchases in categories like telecommunications, cable and satellite services, gas stations, car rentals, and American Airlines purchases.

• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel Perks

This card comes with travel benefits that you’ll actually find useful:

1. First Checked Bag Free: Save on baggage fees for yourself and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation.

2. Preferred Boarding: Enjoy earlier boarding to secure overhead bin space and settle in comfortably before the flight fills up.

3. 25% Discount on In-Flight Purchases: Save money on snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi when you pay with your CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® card.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For business owners who travel internationally or make purchases from overseas vendors, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® card eliminates foreign transaction fees. This means you can save money on every transaction made outside the U.S.

Final Thoughts

With a generous welcome bonus, no annual fee in the first year, free checked bags, and no foreign transaction fees, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is an easy choice for everyone.

Remember that most people can apply for business cards without a formal business structure. Any side hustle that is earning any amount of money can qualify you for a business card. You’ll simply apply with your name as the business name and your SSN rather than an EIN.

If you’re ready to apply, check out my best offers page.

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.